Corning -- Virtually all the places to eat out in town are on Market Street, which makes it easy to stroll up and down the blocks while shopping and choose one of about a half-dozen restaurants.
Elmira -- The finest restaurant in town, and one of the best in the southeast region, is Pierce's 1894 Restaurant, 228 Oakwood Ave., at West 14th Street (tel. 607/734-2022; www.pierces1894.com). This family-run AAA Four-Diamond restaurant is fairly nondescript from the outside, but the four unique, supper-club-like rooms inside are elegant and understated. The wine list is outstanding, with a nice selection of wines from the Finger Lakes. Service, led by the owner himself, is impeccable. The American and Continental menu features standouts like pan-seared salmon, chateaubriand, and rack of lamb (main courses $12-$26), and the dessert cart overflows with terrific homemade desserts. Pierce's recently added a new bar and casual bistro menu in the lounge. Reservations recommended.
