There are a lot of reasons a restaurant becomes one of the best around, and Cortese checks off all those boxes. The most important thing for any restaurant is of course the food. I have lost count of how many pizzas and sit down meals I've enjoyed at Cortese and the fact is: not ONCE have I ever been disappointed in the quality. If I had to nit-pick anything it would be that every once in awhile the bread they deliver to go with the meal isn't as warm or soft as I'd like it to be. But if that's the worst thing I could say, that says it all. The service is almost always spot-on. They're there when you need them and don't hover unnecessarily. The prices are - in my opinion - reasonable. They've certainly gone UP in the last couple of years, as they have everywhere else, but you still get a lot of bang for your buck there. And if you fancy just grabbing a seat at the bar and chatting with Glen and chewing on some magnificent pizza or Toscana bread and a salad with the house and crumbly Bleu, that's one of life's simple joys.

Love Cortese Restaurant. The food is excellent. The staff is professional and attentive. Whenever we get back to the Triple Cities we make sure to have at least one meal there. Choice of locations (bar, table, booth) to sit. Excellent Old Fashion.

Been going here since I was 4 years old and 61 now! Always have had excellent food and service! As a vegetarian I even get great food! I love love your home made salad dressing! When my kids come into town we have to visit!

A year is up and we are back at Cortese. Our server was the best. She also had a party of 14 and a party of 8 in addition to us but kept up without a beat. The food is still as good as it was when I was growing up. I had the Veal Angelina with homemade Gnocci and my son had Veal Parmigiana. Cooked perfectly. Always friendly staff, not too noisy great place to go.

Great food, service and owner... best pizza in the area... you can go with steak/seafood or a pasta dish... large varied menus... a must go in Binghamton.

I was in Binghamton last weekend and was feeling like pizza. Cortese was the immediate choice. Fresh dough, quality toppings and cheese. It's a no brainer. Cortese restaurant is a unique place to eat. The pizza isn't round but rectangular. The pepperoni is under the mozzarella cheese. Everything is fresh. The sauce is unique to the restaurant. A little tomatoey and a little garlicky. Definitely a place to try if you have never been. The vibe inside is friendly and welcoming. Visiting the Southern Tier of NY? definitely worth a visit.