The nearly century-old Harlem institution Patsy’s Pizzeria will open its first Upstate New York location this August in downtown Ithaca, the company announced. The new site will occupy space inside the Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons at 120 South Aurora Street, marking the brand’s debut in the Finger Lakes region.
Local partnership and modernized concept
The Ithaca restaurant is the result of a strategic partnership between Patsy’s and hospitality entrepreneur Premtim Gjonbalic, founder and CEO of Promise Hospitality Group. The collaboration will bring a reimagined ristorante-pizzeria concept to the Commons while maintaining ties to the original East Harlem character that made Patsy’s a New York City landmark.
Founded by Pasquale “Patsy” Lancieri and his wife Carmella in 1933, Patsy’s has been credited by the company with helping shape what many know as classic New York pizza. The brand passed to Frank Brija in 1991 after he worked with the Lancieri family for many years.
Menu and offerings
The menu for the Ithaca location will reflect both Patsy’s traditional coal-oven roots and the expanded ristorante offerings promoted by its new ownership. Patrons can expect near-century-old pizza classics alongside broader Italian dishes and a beverage program.
- Classic pies: Classic New York, Margherita, Vodka Pie, Sausage & Peppers, Pepperoni, Meatball
- Signature pies: Spicy ‘Nduja, White Truffle
- Ristorante dishes: Supplì (mozzarella-stuffed), Pacchieri Cacciatore, Steak Pizzaiolo, Candele alla Genovese, Linguine Vongole, Whole Butterflied Branzino
- Brunch menu: antipasti, salads, griddle classics, pasta and sandwiches including egg stracciatella, chicken parmesan and pepperoni spicy vodka meatball
- Beverages: cocktails with Italian liqueurs and Italian sodas by Beladin
What this means for Ithaca
The arrival of an established New York City brand on the Ithaca Commons adds to the downtown’s mix of national and independent dining options and may contribute to the city’s appeal to visitors and students. The location inside the Ithaca Marriott Downtown situates the restaurant at the heart of the pedestrian Commons, a central gathering place for events, tourism and everyday commerce.
Promise Hospitality’s expansion of the Patsy’s concept into “several markets throughout the country,” as described in the company announcement, frames the Ithaca opening as part of a broader growth strategy for the updated brand. For Ithaca, the opening could mean new jobs in front- and back-of-house hospitality and additional foot traffic for nearby retailers and services.
Historic ties to city culture
Patsy’s longstanding connections to New York cultural history remain part of the restaurant’s identity. The pizzeria has been linked to Hollywood lore — the company notes that the cast and crew of The Godfather used the restaurant for table readings and dinners prior to principal photography — and the brand’s celebrity associations extend to stories involving Frank Sinatra.
Practical information
The company confirmed the Ithaca location will open in August 2026. It will be located at:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons, 120 South Aurora Street |
| Opening month | August 2026 |
| Partner | Promise Hospitality Group |
The company also highlighted that the reimagined Patsy’s concept will emphasize both the pizzeria’s coal-oven heritage and an expanded menu of Italian dishes, desserts and cocktails. Further operational details — including exact opening date, hours, employment opportunities and reservation policies — were not specified in the announcement.
Looking ahead
For Ithaca residents and visitors, the opening will add a storied New York City name to the Commons dining scene. Those interested in the new Patsy’s menu and services should watch the restaurant’s and Promise Hospitality’s public channels for final opening details and job postings as the August timeframe approaches.
This article is based on the company’s announcement of the Ithaca location and details released by Patsy’s and Promise Hospitality Group.
