history

We acknowledge that Tompkins County is located on the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' Nation (generally known as the Cayuga Nation), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' dispossession, and honor the continued connection of Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' people to this land.

Formerly home to the Ithaca Academy, this historic school building (now known as DeWitt Mall) was transformed by architect William Downing into a community of restaurants, stores, offices and apartments. Cafe DeWitt opened in 1973 as a small coffee shop for the residents of the then newly repurposed building.

Over the years the cafe’s menu has expanded to offer breakfast, lunch, and pastry menus that spotlight local ingredients from throughout the Finger Lakes region. Our brunch is a 4-time Best of Ithaca winner, and features weekly rotating specials that reflect the seasons.

Under the new ownership of Ben Roach and Denise O’Leary, it is our mission to continue the legacy of Café DeWitt. We aim to highlight not only the beautiful products of our region, but the people who bring them to fruition, to show how much love and care it takes to bring a delicious and high-quality meal to your plate.