Check out 10 new restaurants in Westchester, plus 23 more coming soon
This year has seen an explosion of new restaurants, and fall is no different. From gluten-free baked goods to (more!) Italian food to za'atar flagels, Nutella doughnuts and farm to table burgers, we've got 10 new eateries lined up from Yonkers to Peekskill.
And 23 more are coming soon, including five coffee shops, a fine dining spot, a New Orleans-centric restaurant, a food truck turned brick and mortar, and a beloved Italian eatery's second (and more informal) location.
Plus, see what restaurant changed its name and did a menu refresh. Scroll to the bottom for details as there's a lot to report on.
Let's start with the spots that have opened.
Fat Stu's, Harrison
Harrison's restaurant scene continues to explode with the addition of Fat Stu's from Owner (and Harrison native) John Stubenvoll (nickname "Stu"). This is basically a rebrand of what had been the Harrison Ale House, aka Stu's Bar & Grill. Open since Oct. 22 — and still in its soft opening phase (meaning be patient as the owner is still working out some kinks) — the Americana spot, with its retro vibe, old license plates, counter seating and floor made of pennies, specializes in burgers and fries including items for vegetarians such as a mushroom truffle flatbread. There are also chicken fingers and fries with a more expanded menu (including milkshakes) to come down the road. Wine and beer will also, eventually. The 1950s era decor is a big draw at this 30-seat spot, including a Westchester County Airport sign in the back next to a photo of Amelia Earhart (who once lived in Harrison). There's a lot going on in this town so continue to scroll down (as in all the way down) for more eateries opening soon in Harrison, part of an earlier trend story reported on lohud. 323 Halstead Ave., 914-315-6624
Beer Garden, Yonkers
The old Caffe Classico has, as of Sept. 30, been revived into an Irish American eatery. Owned by Alice Bermejo (of Ireland's County Leitrim), it does, as its name says, have an outdoor garden though it's not open at the moment due to permitting issues. Bermejo, who some may know from her days operating The Chipper Truck in the Bronx and The Chipper Truck Cafe in Yonkers, said she left much of the interior the same though she's added a wall of remembrance honoring her recently deceased mother with lots of family photos. Diners can expect dishes such as salads, burgers, sandwiches and entrees such as Shepherd's Pie, Chicken Parm and the Alice's Mom's traditional family dinner of cured Irish bacon, sautéed green cabbage and mashed potatoes. 887 Midland Ave., 914-207-8134
Wildcraft Baking Company, Irvington
Technically this intimate gluten-free spot opened in Sept. 2022 but solely featured coffee. A few weeks ago, it unveiled its baking and cooking items, with more coming soon. Owner Brittany Vellucci, a Culinary Institute of America grad (she met her husband Michael in culinary school), has been selling her baked goods at farmers markets since 2018, so opening a brick and mortar made sense. Customers can find her signature granolas, including an award-winning grain-free, vegetable-based Roots and Seeds option along with berry buckwheat scones, savory biscuits, super seed carrot crumb cakes, vegan chickpea chocolate chip cookies and cauliflower brownies. You'll also find Irving Farm coffee, which this reporter highly recommends as a latte with Mount Mansfield maple syrup. And coming soon: An expanded savory menu including soups and chicken pot pies along with local organic chicken, parsnip apple cakes, Thanksgiving pies, and holiday cookies. 1 Bridge St., 914-806-5083, wildcraftbaking.com
Marcellino's, Yonkers
Brian Onorato has morphed what essentially was a pizzeria — he owned Marcellinos Pizza & Pasta for the past five years at 328 Tuckahoe Road — into a full service, 65-seat restaurant complete with room for private parties and a full cocktail bar. The menu has also greatly expanded with different size pizzas along with meat dishes such as steak and pork chops. The restaurant, in the Royal Regency Hotel, opened in mid-September and has more than doubled its space. 165 Tuckahoe Road, 914-395-0033, marcellinospizzeria.com
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Allegria, West Harrison
Leo Quilli and his business partner Erion Vela, both of whom have each been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years, opened this new Italian spot, where Copper House had been, on Oct. 3. The 100-seat restaurant has plenty of room for private parties and features an Italian menu with wood-fired brick oven pizza, which comes either in a traditional pie or Roman style. Other dishes include red snapper, organic chicken and a host of pastas including rigatoni with oxtail ragu, risotto with asparagus cream and shrimp and Strozzapreti Zucchini Pesto and Ricotta Salata, and hand-rolled pasta, zucchini and pine nuts topped with shaved dry Italian ricotta and zucchini chips. It's dinner only for now, except for lunch on Sundays only, though brunch and lunch will follow down the road. 11 Taylor Square, West Harrison, 914-600-8855, allegriaristorante.com
OMC and Sweet Temptations, White Plains
When Irish natives Daniel Cahill and James Brennan opened The Blind Pig of Westchester, a 1920s-era cocktail bar in White Plains in December 2019, their new spot turned heads, thanks to its dark sultry interior, marble bar, blossomed rose wallpaper and elevated cocktails. Now they've done it again with the Sept. 19th opening of Sweet Temptations and OMC, directly across the street from The Blind Pig. These are essentially two businesses: A seven-day-a-week dessert shop in front with a darkly-lit speakeasy in the back. OMC, which stands for Operation Midnight Climax, has a lot of history and research behind it — with Cahill and Brennan using a real-life, 1950s mind control operation carried out by the CIA for their inspiration. 181 Martine Ave.
Mr. Nick's, Tarrytown
A host of permitting and other delays caused the late opening of Mr. Nick's newly expanded restaurant, next door to their old spot. But, as of Oct. 20, the father/son team of Nick and Abi Krasniqi are officially open with an elevated, more sophisticated dining room in the rear of the space complete with a bar and a full liquor license. The front is more casual, designed for taking out and eating in. The menu is similar to what existed at their old spot, at 21 North Broadway, though there are some new entrees like a ribeye steak and pork chop alla Nonna. 19 N. Broadway, 914-366-0666
Better Burger, Peekskill
Open since Sept. 28, this full-service restaurant, with plenty of outdoor dining, offers chargrilled beef burgers featuring a farm-to-table blend. The menu also includes smash chicken burgers and a fried Portobello burger. Everything here can be customized with various toppings, bun options (and yes, there's gluten-free). Diners will also find chicken wings, seasoned shoestring fries and milkshakes, the latter of which can be made boozy. 55 Hudson Ave., 914-788-2867, betterburgerny.com
Horseman Bagels, Sleepy Hollow
The family-owned bagel shop opened Oct. 7, after a fire forced them to close last December. Customers can expect a wide variety of cream cheese and bagels along with their popular za'atar flagel, Nutella doughnuts (with chocolate Carvel crunchies), muffins, sandwiches and chopped cheese. The shop also sells Sleepy Hollow merchandise including t-shirts, postcards, magnets and tote bags. The Faghihi family also owns the adjacent Carvel (hence the decadent crunchies perched atop their doughnuts). 276 North Broadway, 914-373-2788
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Mister Chen Seafood & Bar, Scarsdale
Fans of Mister Chen in Mamaroneck and Mister Chen Express in Scarsdale now have another Mister Chen to love. This one, open since early September, has a more sophisticated look and a full bar along with a peek-a-boo window to watch how the dumplings are made. Among the dishes: Salt & Pepper Flounder, Sweet & Sour Whole Fish with Pine Nuts, and Jumbo Shrimp with Szechuan Chili and Spiced Onions. 96 Garth Road, 914-574-6098, misterchenseafood.com
Not new but a refresh: Augie's Prime Italian, Mohegan Lake
After nearly 15 years in business, there's been a name and menu change to Augie's. The new menu, introduced Oct. 20, boasts Italian classics, homemade pasta, flatbreads and seafood while still maintaining some of their cherished staples. Among the highlights: Antipasti like beer carpaccio, spicy salmon tartare and crispy eggplant tower, veal chop alla parmigiana, Berkshire pork chop Italiano and roasted branzino. 3436 Lexington Ave., 914-743-1357, augiesprimeitalian.com
Coming soon
Crawdaddy's Creole Kitchen, Pleasantville: Early November is when this New Orleans-inspired restaurant will open. It's a partnership between Michael Boulos of The Raconteur Bar & Kitchen in Pleasantville, Veronica Kallas (recent winner of Westchester Magazine's Bartender Shakeoff) and Maria and Anthony Amato of Foley's, also in Pleasantville. On the menu: Jambalaya, crawfish, beignets and craft cocktails. There's also a dark, moody Voodoo Lounge separate from the dining room. 68 Wheeler Ave.
Cravin Jamaican Cuisine, Mount Vernon: Peter Murdock, who owns Cravin Jamaican in Ossining and White Plains, is opening a third location sometime in November. The 18-seat space, with the same fast casual concept and food, is at the former Bar-B-Q Ribhouse space. 529 Gramatan Ave., cravinjc.com
Invito Restaurant, Elmsford: A new modern Mexican restaurant, with a secret speakeasy component, should open in late November/early December. Diners can expect entrees such as Salmon Con Mezcal (seared salmon with smoked ancho chili sauce, roasted zucchini, butternut squash, and tomato); Enchiladas De Pollo (corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken, served with salsa rosa, cream fresca, queso fresco and lettuce) and Pulpo A La Parrilla (grilled Octopus) along with a host of creative cocktails. 210 Saw Mill River Road, 914-909-0191, invitorestaurantny.com.
Chatterbox Per La Via, Hawthorne: Look for an opening date of Nov. 20 for this second outpost of Chatterbox, where Chigo Chinese had been. The new location will be fast casual and offer sandwiches, paninis and large pizzas (no slices here), and will feature items from the menu many folks know and love in Pleasantville. Per La Via, FYI, means "for the road" in Italian. 58 Saw Mill River Road, chatterboxpleasantville.com
Sunshine Coffee Roasters, Rye: Mike Contopoulos and John Minotti, who've owned Sunshine Coffee Roasters in Larchmont since 2016, are opening a second spot in late November/early December. The 24-seat location, double the space of what they currently have, will feature freshly brewed coffee drinks along with pour-overs and a French press option. An expanded food menu will feature locally made granola; avocado toast with tomato, feta, and hot pepper; salmon on a bagel; and specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. The emphasis, according to Contopoulos, is on what's fresh and local, with all beans roasted in their 12 kilogram roaster in Larchmont. 12 Purdy Ave., sunshineroaster.com
NP Bar & Grill, Pelham: Brothers Nick and Eddy Doda are opening an American bar and grill in early November where Prime 16 had been in Pelham. Diners can expect burgers, chicken skewers, quesadillas and more, along with 20 draft beers from local breweries at this 75-seat space. Some in town may know the siblings from their nine years owning Marcello's Ristorante down the street. 156 Fifth Ave.
Coral Seafood Restaurant, White Plains: This seafood spot, which has been in Baldwin Place since 2021, is opening a second location where Mint had been. 19 Court St.
How Ya Brewing, Tuckahoe: Add another coffee shop to the list of what's coming soon. This one should open the second week of November. 5 Fisher Ave.
Taco District, Peekskill: Say hello to a new rooftop bar, along with two levels and two bars. Dina and Hever Palacios, who own Peekskill's Iron Vine Tapas Bar And Restaurant, are opening their new restaurant in late November with lots of tacos, quesadillas, citrus salads, and inventive cocktails. 20 N. Division St.
Miles The Prince, North White Plains: Nov. 15 is when this farmhouse focused restaurant, with a brewery downstairs, will open. Diners can expect a seasonally-focused menu. 873 N. Broadway, milestheprince.com
Sleepy Coffee, Too, Sleepy Hollow: Construction delays have pushed back this opening numerous times but the hope now is for sometime in November. The coffee shop, owned by Kim Kaczmarek, a former special education teacher, is a nonprofit business with the goal of providing on-the-job, industry level training and employment for people with disabilities in an inclusive, self-sustaining cafe workplace. 110 Beekman Ave., 914-426-7815, sleepycoffeetoo.org
Talia, Port Chester: Chef Ian Vest, a former executive chef for famed NYC restaurateur Daniel Boulud, is opening his own place — named after his daughter — sometime in the first quarter of 2024. Expect modern cuisine with heavy influences from France and Italy in a refined yet casual setting. 25 Willet Ave.
Blue Heron Coffee, Mount Kisco: Mid-November is the target date for this coffee shop across from the Mount Kisco train station, another spot that has had unforseen delays. 9 Kirby Plaza
Little Coffee Grinder, Mount Kisco: Chef Bonnie Saran, known for her empire of "Littles" (as in Little Drunken Chef in White Plains, Little Kebab Station in Mount Kisco and Little Mumbai Market in Pleasantville), is opening a coffee shop later this year/early next year featuring various coffee drinks, juices, smoothies, bakery items, sandwiches, salads and even a detox cleanse program. The new space, with couch seating, is where Little Spice Bazaar had been. 27 E. Main Street
Poké Motion Station, Harrison: Martin and Daël Casino, who've had a Poké Motion food truck since 2019, are opening a takeout spot (with a few counter seats and possibly a few alfresco seats) by late November/early December. The same poke bowls and lobster rolls that are offered on the truck will be on the menu, but so too will some expanded items like avocado and bean sprouts salad as well as a build your own bowl. There will also be bubble tea. The truck will still be operational and available for private events. 213 Harrison Ave., 914-589-1494, pokemotionfoodtruck.com
X-Golf Scarsdale, Scarsdale: A new golf simulation spot is opening in mid-to-late November featuring a small appetizer-oriented menu of personal pizzas, salads and sandwiches along with a full bar. 870 Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, 914-920-4425, playxgolf.com
Ambleside, Mount Kisco: Delays have forced the opening of this traditional British pub to be moved to December. It's owned by Leigh and Drew Hodgson, who own the British store The Hamlet down the street. 23 E. Main St.
Barrroom, Harrison. Add another Harrison spot to your list for a mid-December opening. Barroom, where the long-closed Craftsman Ale House had been, will feature seasonal craft cocktails and small plates and will offer karaoke, live music and game nights. 235 Harrison Ave.
LEMAK Malaysian Eatery, Scarsdale: Jeevan Pullan, who, along with his brother Roshan Balan, owns Vega Mexican Cuisine and NH 44 Indian in Hartsdale, as well as TAKO Mexican Street Food in Yonkers and Harrison and Jaipore Xpress in Briarcliff Manor, now has his eye on Malaysian food (think noodles and curries) with a focus on takeout. His eatery, which will also have a few seats for dining in, should open at the end of November or early December. 62 Garth Road
Signage is also up for Omni Caffe in Scarsdale; Marigold Indian Restaurant in Eastchester; Ganso Ramen & Sushi in Sleepy Hollow; and Susuru in Tarrytown. So continue to follow lohud (and Jeanne Muchnick Instagram!) for details. If you've got a food tip, send to JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Ten new restaurants in Westchester NY with 23 more opening soon
