Harrison is redefining its restaurant scene as apartments draw newcomers

Harrison is fast becoming a restaurant town.

Yes, it's long had its share of "oldies but goodies" — among them T-N-T Luncheonette, in business for 31 years, 92-year-old Gus's Franklin Park Restaurant, Emilio Ristorante, a local landmark since 1979, and Trattoria Vivolo, a former diner turned Italian restaurant that's been operating 22 years. But Harrison has often been overshadowed by its restaurant-heavy (and often glitzier) next-door neighbor, Rye. Now, though, like a child who suddenly grows four inches overnight, the town is standing out on its own.

Within the past year and a half, six newcomers offering everything from gourmet coffee to ceviche to gluten-free goodies have transformed the dining scene, adding a new energy and expanding Harrison's palate of offerings.

Plus more are opening soon.

Fabian Marquez of Latusion Food Truck is among those who've been attracted by Harrison's diverse and close knit community. His Peruvian eatery, an offshoot of his popular food truck (and his first brick and mortar spot), opened last December. Marquez had frequently been a vendor at local concerts and events, which made him see the town with new eyes.

"I’m born and raised in Port Chester but I felt there were too many Peruvian restaurants there, so coming to another town close by was a smart move," he said. "Plus, we felt the love."

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Location and familiarity worked, too, for Charlotte and Carrie Denoyer who opened Café Deux in March. The sisters, who grew up in New York City, spent many of their summers in the area. "In our search for a place, we wanted something where we felt like we could be part of the community," said Charlotte. "Harrison felt very personal and comfortable and we're really excited about all the opportunities happening here."

For anyone who hadn't driven by in a while, and is now wondering where the entrance to the Metro North train station went, it's clear things are changing fast thanks to an influx of new apartment buildings — including the Avalon development in front of the train station.

"From the time we signed our lease three years ago to now, Harrison has changed a lot," said Michael Madden, who plans to open Vesta Kitchen later this summer. (He currently owns Vintage 1821, which is closing the end of July in Larchmont, and Vela Kitchen in Pleasantville.)

"We were always excited about Harrison as many of our guests that come to Larchmont are from here, but now, when we see all the new development here, it makes us even more excited to be part of the Harrison scene," Madden said.

Here's a rundown of what's recently opened (in order of when they opened), plus what to watch out for.

Table 13 Pizzeria

Open since: MayVibe: What had long been Realdo's Pizzeria is now a newly revamped pizzeria owned by local resident Rob DelliPaoli. Though pizza is front and center, the eatery, with plenty of indoor seats (and a few outdoor) features items not normally found on a pizza menu such as a rib-eye cheeseburger, shrimp mac and cheese and roasted beets. Go: 125 Halstead Ave., 914-698-1313, table13harrison.com

Café Deux

Open since: March Vibe: This all-day French-American cafe, with the mantra, "from coffee to cocktails," features a variety of French-inspired dishes — think escargots, Steak Frites and Tuna Nicoise — along with Rishi (loose) teas and Australian style coffee. There are also a host of inventive mocktails and cocktails such as the color changing "Purple Rain" and the refreshing "Berry Smash." In addition to a creative brunch with Custard French Toast, Croque Madame and a bacon, egg and cheese croissant, you'll find chocolates from the owner's chocolate company Cupped Desserts. Go: 307 Halstead Ave., 914-920-4110, cafedeuxny.com

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Tako Mexican

Open since: FebruaryVibe: Don't be fooled by the Don Chuy's Tacos sign: This fast casual spot is a second outpost (the first is in Yonkers) of Tako Mexican, owned by Jeevan Pullan, the man behind VEGA Mexican Cuisine and NH 44 Indian in Hartsdale. On the menu: A nice variety of Mexican street food classics such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, street corn and churros. Diners can expect counter seating and a smattering of tables. Pullan became a Harrison fan because of Harrison's community feel and central position. "I looked all over the county and felt Harrison was a good fit for my concept," he said. "I have nothing but good things to say about the people who live here." Go: 261 Halstead Ave., 914-315-6123, takomexican.com

The Pureganic Cafe

Open since: December 2022 Vibe: This is a combo health-oriented gourmet store meets light-filled eatery where everything is vegan, gluten-free and kosher. Large display cases filled with veggies and other dishes line the front while salads and other pre-made items can be found in refrigerated cases to the left. There are also a host of baked goods including a killer apple pie, pecan tart and various cheesecakes. Owner Moshira Soliman had been in Rye for 7 1/2 years but moved to her new space for its larger location with better parking (the cafe has its own lot). She was also drawn to the changes going on in the town. "There are a lot of millenials moving here," she said. "It's very up and coming."Go: 305 Halstead Ave., 914-967-2332, pureganic-cafe.com

Latusion

Open since: December 2022Vibe: Marquez has taken the vibe of his food truck and brought it to his first brick and mortar store. That means colorful murals and lots of greenery, evoking Lyon Park in Port Chester where he used to be parked. There are a few stool seats by the window; otherwise this place, with an open kitchen, is mostly takeout. Among the most popular entrees: empanadas, fusion wings, signature sauces and famous Lomo fries, a beef stir fry with onion, tomato and cilantro served over crispy fries and drizzled with sauces. And coming soon: Peruvian ceviche and fresh juices.Go: 223 Harrison Ave., 914-315-6060, latusionfoodtruck.com

Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co.

Open since: April 2022Vibe: Community is front and center at this people-focused cafe, designed for lounging and hanging out. Owned by Harrison residents (and husband and wife) Ali and Mike Nazzaro, it revolves around the motto "Sip Local. Be Social" with karoake nights, open-mic nights, astrology readings, pop-ups and more. There's also wine and beer on select nights as well as one of the best outdoor patios around. Plus, there's great (fair trade certified) coffee and tea. "Harrison is our town," said Ali Nazzaro. "We're raising our kids here and making friends that feel like family. We thought the one thing that was missing was a coffee shop, a place where people could go and vacate their life for a few minutes. So we built it."Go: 6 Purdy St., 914-488-6848, thelaughinghorsecoffee.com

Coming Soon

Patsy's Pizzeria

Patsy's already has a location in New Rochelle but soon — think late summer/early fall — the Italian restaurant should open at 7 Purdy Street. Adem Brija, vice president of Patsy's Pizzeria franchise, said this location will feature an extensive wine list, a large bar and a private party/banquet room. The space is currently being updated and modernized while keeping the rustic charm of the existing structure, which has been home to many restaurants over the years. Brija said the franchise owners were drawn to the space as it's near the train and offered a great opportunity in a "great town." "Everyone I know that lives here loves it," he said. 7 Purdy St.

Vesta Kitchen

For years. Madden, a longtime restaurateur, thought about opening in Harrison. And, had the pandemic not swept in when it did, his restaurant may have opened sooner. Now, however, he finds the timing — with a late summer/early fall scheduled opening — almost perfect as his Larchmont restaurant lost its lease and many of his clientele are from the Harrison area. "We had a lot of feedback about opening in Harrison and are excited to be here," he said. 60 Halstead Ave.

Got a food tip?

Know of another town that should be featured? Or more new restaurants opening soon? Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com with ideas.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Harrison NY redefines restaurant scene amid new apartment dwellers