We've already seen 14 new Westchester, Rockland restaurants in 2024. Here's the rundown
If the surge of restaurant openings is any indication of how the year will go, 2024 is going to be busy. In a short period of time, 14 new spots have opened, from a jungle-themed coffeehouse in Yonkers to a Mediterranean market in Armonk to a supper club in New City.
At the same time there have been three closures: Meso Mediterranan in Rye after three years, Dog Haus in Mohegan Lake after two and Oscar's in Blauvelt after 12 years. The owners of Oscars and Meso cited multiple factors, with the lingering effects of the pandemic, rent issues and the rising cost of supplies among them. For Dog Haus, the owners said there simply wasn't enough demand.
So, what will 2024 bring? The only thing I know for sure — as mentioned in my 2023 wrap-up — is that coffee shops (at least in Westchester) will continue to lead the way. Two new cafes recently opened in Yonkers and more are in the works. What follows are places that opened so far this year as well as a few that opened in the tail end of 2023. Know of a spot we missed? Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
Westchester
Sheza Coffee House, Yonkers
This is the second coffee house for Owner Sheza Waseem, who also owns a place in the Bronx. That one, open since May 2022, has a floral theme; this one, which opened Jan. 5, is all about the jungle. And what a jungle it is. Colorful murals cover the walls, including one of Waseem with her sister and their two Bengal cats; another is of a tiger. There's also a large tree in the center of the space with lots of green moss and branches and even a yellow bird, as well as a pink neon sign that reads "Sheza Coffee House." That's in additon to a vibrant flower-filled wall with another sign that reads "#LoveAtFirstSip." The whole cafe, aside from being Instagram catnip, feels like you've walked into a gorgeous imaginative painting. The decor alone, with its lush maroon velvet banquettes and yellow chairs, is inviting enough. Then there's the coffee. Diners can expect the usual medley of hot and iced beverages (including tea) but Sheza is already gaining a following for its Pakistani whipped coffee made with cardamom and cinnamon. You'll also find a large variety of baked goods, including croissants, muffins, cake pops and tarts. 1 S. Alexander St., 914-483-4700, shezacoffeehouse.com
More: lohud's Jeanne Muchnick reflects on the year in food and looks ahead to 2024
Holy Cow, Mount Vernon
A new burger franchise with a host of gluten-free and vegan options has opened its first Westchester location. Open since Jan. 8, the fast-casual spot, which has roots on the Lower East Side, prides itself on its ethically sourced, hand-rolled buns, softserve milkshakes (with Van Leeuwen ice cream) and its Impossible Burger. They also have lots of vegan items. But it's the burger, sliders and "Holy Chicken," with either a fried or grilled chicken breast, that win rave reviews. 520 Gramatan Ave., 914-371-1765, holycow.nyc
Susuru Ramen, Tarrytown
John Lin, who owns Osaka, also in Tarrytown, along with two nail salons in town, opened this new ramen spot, where Mr. Nick's Brick Oven Pizza had been, on Dec. 6. The 22-seat spot offers a variety of ramen dishes (think chicken, beef, vegetable, shrimp) along with appetizers like roasted duck buns, pork gyoza, soup dumplings and edamame. 21A N Broadway, 914- 418-5688, susururamentarrytown.com
Badass Bagels, Armonk
Connecticut resident Jennifer Balin, who some foodies may know from her longtime restaurant Sugar and Olives in Westport, Connecticut, is behind this new shop. It's so new, open since Jan. 6, there's very little signage outside (so far). Balin, who grew up in Larchmont, specializes in 100% wild yeast sourdough bagels, all of which are rolled by hand. Each bagel — and there are 10 varieties — go through both a warm and cool proofing process that takes over four days before they are kettle boiled and oven baked. There's also no commercial yeast; all flour is made from locally grown and milled wheat. Flavors include everything, plain, smoked sea salt, black sesame, golden sesame, Himalayan blue poppy, pumpernickel caraway everything, cinnamon raisin, whole wheat and whole wheat everything. She also offers gluten-free though it's best to order them ahead to ensure they're in the store (Badass has its own app, which is highly recommended for pre-ordering.) Balin's venture, which she calls "farm to bagel," started during the pandemic (yes, she was part of the sourdough craze) and took off to the extent that it's now led to two shops: One in Norwalk and this Armonk one, which is decorated with vintage furniture to resemble more of a living room than traditional bagel shop.
Even her spreads have a culinary bent and include smoky black garlic, preserved lemon and fried caper, pimento scallion, hot honey pistachio, green goddess and "plain but not boring." The shop also cures its own gravlax, and sells whitefish salad as well as soups. There's also sourdough bourbon chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free brownies, bagel chips, skillet pancake batter, sourdough pizza dough, and coffee beans. 409 Main St., 914-273-0028 or 203-816-0028 (for text and ordering), badassbagels.com
Mon Amour Coffee & Wine, Yonkers
Open since Jan. 2, this new 28-seat spot, from Urbano Estevez, who owns La Bella Havana around the corner, is all about offering a relaxing place to have coffee, good food and wine. The coffee beans are from Joe Coffee and the pastries are baked fresh daily. A glittery chandelier and photo of the Eiffel Tower give the place a Parisian feel. It's also owned by Jeff and Yahaira Garcia, who, along with Estevez, have had the same concept in the Bronx since 2015. 40 Nepperhan St., 914-968-2852, facebook.com/MonAmourCoffeeAndWine
Moderne Barn Gourmet Mediterranean Market, Armonk
The Livanos family, the longtime restaurateurs behind City Limits in White Plains, Moderne Barn in Armonk, and Oceana and Molyvos in New York City, has been quietly working on this passion project, which opened Dec. 29, 2023. As ambassadors of Greek cuisine, their goal has always been to bring delicacies from Greece to New York and especially to the Westchester community where they live. The result is this: a vibrant Mediterranean market in collaboration with longtime friends Peter Malo and John Stavros of Terre Medi Foods, an importer and distributor of Greek products. Customers can expect a variety of Greek pastries, snacks, sandwiches and coffee beverages along with a refrigerator and freezer section filled with freshly prepared foods. 430 Bedford Road, 914-219-5444
Casa Mary Cantina & Grill, North White Plains
After a series of fits and starts, this Spanish influenced restaurant, where Imperial Wok had been, opens Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. (It previously had been opened for private parties only). On the menu: A fusion of flavors from burgers to seafood, chicken wings to meatballs. 736 N Broadway, 914-659-1101
Thaimless Thai, Peekskill
What had been Peekskill Smokehouse has been transformed into a Thai restaurant. It's the same owners but now with a new menu. It's been open since Jan. 10. Customers can expect items like Pad Thai, stir fry, curry and Thai spring rolls from Chef Nikki Lee from Peekskill's RameNesque. 15 N. Division St., 914-402-4288
More: New Rockland supper club promises seasonal cuisine, rotating chefs
Bistro 512, Briarcliff Manor
The owners of Terra Rustica Ristorante Italiano, just up the street, opened this new 140-seat bistro Jan. 8 with plenty of room for private parties. Diners can expect a modern interior and a menu leaning towards Mediterranean-influenced fare such as steak, seafood, pasta, salads, wraps and burgers. There are also a host of decadent desserts, including a birthday cake truffle (cake batter ice cream covered with white chocolate and sprinkles), tres leches and red velvet cake. 550 N .State Road, 914-923-8300, 512bistro.com
Bar 141, Thornwood
John and Joanne Piazza, who were involved with this space before, when it was Gordo's North, opened this Italian American spot in September 2023, giving it more of a NYC vibe with live musical performances, including a jazz brunch. All artists are local, with their jazz brunch featuring professors, music directors and students from SUNY Purchase. The restaurant is named after the route it's on and is tucked away in the corner of a shopping center, giving you plenty of options for free parking. There's also plenty of private party space. 1006 Broadway, 914-579-2610, bar141.com
Cafe 117, Bedford Hills
Jason and Natalie Charles, who some may know from their almost four-year-old food truck Bazodee Street Foods, are opening a deli where Bueti's Deli had been. Cafe 117, which opens Jan. 19 and has limited seating, features a salad bar, fresh juices, hot food buffet and a long list of sandwiches including Caribbean favorites like oxtail and roti. The food truck remains operational. The Charles' own this venture with another married couple, Peter and April Olsen. 526 Bedford Road, 914-233-9669
Rockland
Four Star Cafe, Congers
Open since Dec. 11, 2023, this place is a complete overhaul of what had long been Peppermill South. Diners can expect a trendier vibe along with a modern American menu from Chef/Owner Michael Nicosia Jr. (and family) who many may know from his New City restaurant, Michael's on Main. Along with his siblings they've created a homage that mixes the past with the present, including a signature pizza "The Rhinelander," named after the street they grew up on in the Bronx. Other standouts including the "Mobster Lobster" risotto ball, stuffed clams, aged prime rib eye and a gnocchi bread bowl. There's also a variety of specialty cocktails. 31 Lake Road, 845-268-2047
RH 241, New City
Chef Andrew Michaels, a local resident who's spent nearly two decades catering high end events, has transformed the old Red Hill Coffee House spot into a multi-purpose space where people can host events such as bridal showers, micro-weddings, anniversary celebrations and more. There will also be an educational component that includes cooking classes and paint and sip events. But the primary focus is the start of a Friday and Saturday night Supper Club series, which begins Jan. 19 and features a six-course, highly curated meal emphasizing seasonal ingredients. 241 South Little Tor Road, 845-638-2233, rh241.com
The Dining Room, Blauvelt
Executive Chef Gregory Stott, a semifinalist of Food Network’s TV show "Chopped" — and who guests can see in action through a large glass restaurant-front window — is behind this new eclectic New American style restaurant owned by Paul Bailey, who many know from his other spots, Bailey’s Smokehouse in Blauvelt, Bailey’s New City and Nanuet Restaurant in Nanuet. Bailey said he wanted to open a different, more intimate concept than the other restaurants in his group. The result, which quietly opened Dec. 20, 2023, is a stylish 65-seat spot with a menu that changes two or three times weekly, depending on seasonal availability and what looks best at the market. Scott said his goal is to "give guests the opportunity to dine with us multiple times a week, and expect something different from the last visit. What is consistent though, is the quality of our ingredients and dishes.
Stott, who specializes in New American, Northern Italian and French fine-dining cuisine, honed his culinary prowess at some of the area’s premiere dining establishments, including at Café des Artistes, L’Impero, and Alto, in New York City, and Café Panache in Ramsey, New Jersey. The restaurant offers dinner and brunch only. 135 East Erie St., 845-359-3650, thediningroomny.com
Peach Pit Bowl Shop & Kitchen, New City
Look for the opening of this health-inspired cafe (think acai bowls, smoothies, salads and more), now larger, and in a new location, to open soon (probably next week). That means an expanded menu (so you can eat vegan and/or gluten-free and your friend can have whatever "regular" item he/she wants). There will be breakfast and lunch items in addition to the juice bar they are known for. After their soft opening they'll be doing Mediterranean fusion on Friday and Saturday nights. Check their social media for updates, which will eventually include longer dinner hours. 200 South Main St., 845-708-5312. peachpitbowlshopkitchen.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: New restaurants open in Westchester, Rockland NY, two weeks into 2024
