Westchester's restaurant scene is blooming: Here's 36 new spots for spring
It's officially spring and in the restaurant world, that means openings. At least in Westchester where already Le Poisson has opened in Bedford as has the long awaited Liebman's Deli in Ardsley. And right behind those are One Pier Steakhouse in Yonkers (where Dolphin Restaurant had been); Club Car Grille in Irvington (formerly the River City Grille space); The Ambleside Pub in Mount Kisco; Peter's Steakhouse in Eastchester (where Westchester Meat Market had been) and five coffee shops (yes more), including one that provides job training and employment for people with disabilities in an inclusive, self-sustaining cafe workplace. (Plus another one coming this summer so stay tuned!)
Other recent additions include spots spanning the gamut from Japanese ice cream to Greek doughnuts to authentic thin crust Italian pizza, small batch ice cream and tacos (yes, more of those too).
Plus 30 more places are opening soon, adding more bagels, burgers, pizza and tapas to the mix — so read to the end to make sure you don't miss any. Know of one not on our list? Email [email protected] with any (and all!) food intel.
Craft Tacos & Tequila, Mohegan Lake
What had been Dog Haus, and operational for two years, has been reimagined as Craft Tacos & Tequila, under the same ownership. Local resident Andrew Hamerling, who also owns Jersey Mike's in Hartsdale, said it was too hard to compete with Applebee's (across the street) when it came to the hot dog concept. The redesigned 80-seat space, which opened March 22, is all about, as its name says, tacos and tequila — 10 different kinds of tacos including vegan and vegetarian ones including innovative ones like the beef barbacoa (beef with cilantro, onion, lime and crema), birria, falafel and Kung Pao chicken.
How are restaurants doing, really?: Westchester, Rockland owners tell all
Diners can expect the same layout, with its popular shuffle board in the back, but now with a series of eye-catching Mexican designs in addition to art from local artists Lisa Quinn and Jason Piken. Along with the new bar, with black and gold accents, are fun sayings such as "When life gets too salty, add a little tequila and lime," and "Tacocat spelled backwards is Tacocat."
The restaurant, which is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, offers a fast casual atmosphere where you can either order at the front counter or via a QR code at your table and is designed to be fun and appeal to everyone. There are also inventive cocktails like the Margarita Morada plum margarita and the Michelada. And Hamerling said they're open to new art from area artists so get in touch if interested. 3137 E Main St., 845-915-4287, crafttacosandtequila.com.
Story continues after gallery.
Lukumadness, North White Plains
If you like your doughnuts fried and drizzled with decadent toppings (think Nutella and/or dulce de leche!) Lukumadness, a boutique cafe specializing in Greek crispy dough puffs known as "loukoumades," is your place. Open since March 9, and owned by father/daughter Momi and Coral Bahat, the new space offers locally roasted Barrie Coffee in addition to a host of pastries, paninis and salads. As for the loukoumades, expect flavors like cinnamon sugar honey; caramel and crushed walnuts; pistachio and "Mount Olympus" with white chocolate, Nutella, crushed almonds and a scoop of ice cream. 850 North Broadway, 347-765 4070, lukumadnessusa.com.
Trio Pizza and Bona Bona, Baldwin Place
The management team from Traditions 118 in Somers is behind this new venture, which opened March 20 in the space long occupied by Grand Central Market. On one side diners can expect thin crust, authentic Italian-style pizza, salads, wedges and "fun stuff" like polenta fries, truffle tots, and arancini and on the other side, Bona Bona ice cream which has been in Port Chester since 2018 (though in existence since 2014) and is known for its torched Italian meringue on top and 24 small batch flavors like frosted animal cracker, Valrhona chocolate, holy cannoli and Italian rainbow cookie. 71 US-6, 914-628-1202, triopizzany.com.
Locals 10538, Larchmont
There are two aspects to this spot, a second floor event space with a bar and outdoor patio (complete with grill!), which opened March 1 and a lower level that's more of a cafe which quietly opened last week. So far, live music is on the agenda upstairs with local bands such as Summerfeet, Platinum Moon and Racket Boys. The cafe, meanwhile, is still evolving with everything from salads, to sliders, BBQ, Asian, Italian, Israeli, Dominican, etc. and about 20 seats. Highly recommended: the super thin Colten chocolate chip cookies and the M80's, cylinder shaped brownies with dark chocolate chips. The spot is run by husband-and-wife Peter and Shani Sherman, the former of which owned BarBacon in Manhattan before it was shuttered due to the pandemic. 2128 Boston Post Road, 914-881-9115.
Good eats: Liebman's, old-school Jewish deli from the Bronx, opens in Westchester
Guido's Italian Deli and Cafe, Yonkers
Open since March 20, this new 18-seat cafe is all about Italian classics and American favorites. That means bacon egg and cheese, omelets, sandwiches and salads as well as homemade meatballs, mozzarella, rice balls, chicken parm and more. In honor of their opening, a free small coffee is being offered for the next few weeks with the purchase of breakfast. 1462 Nepperhan Ave., 914-207-1007.
Shea Station, Pelham
Pelham residents Mimi and Scott Humphrey opened a coffee shop March 2 at the Pelham Metro North train station, named — and inspired — by their son, Shea, who has special needs. Mimi Humphrey, who spent years as an executive, felt it was "now or never" when they heard the train cafe spot was open. The couple also thought it could be a good place for Shea to work when he finishes school. Diners can expect an airy, light-filled 19-seat space brimming with art the Humphrey's like (and are selling) along with Coffee Lab Roasters coffee and a host of savory and sweet pastries, many of which are gluten-free and vegan. You'll also find cold pressed juices, overnight oats, and yogurt parfairts. "We're still figuring it out," said Mimi Humphrey, who added that she also hopes, down the line, to employ other adults with cognitive delays. 1 Pelhamwood Ave.
Noble Pies Bakery & Cafe, Rye
After two years in Rye, Noble has moved down the street and around the corner. The new 10-seat spot, which features a range of sweet and savory pies, is directly across the street from a courtyard where you can have a pie picnic (and, yes, they will be offering picnic baskets to take out to the courtyard in the spring/summer). According to Co-Owner Zachary Bonder, they moved because of heating and cooling issues with the previous space that didn't work well with their equipment. 15-17 Purchase St., Suite 4, (go down the alleyway to find), 914-305-3174, noblepies.com.
Mama Mia Dessert Bar, Rye Brook
Say hello to Westchester’s first taiyaki (Japanese ice cream) shop which opened March 19 at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. Dessert lovers can expect a range of flavors such as matcha black sesame and vanilla in addition to mochi (gluten-free) doughnuts in pistachio, guava pineapple and churro versions. The creativity extends to the Japanese corn dogs with unique creations such as "Original Crispy Ramen Hot Dog” and “Hot Cheetos Mozzarella." There's also shaved ice and bubble tea. But it's the ice cream, in fish shaped cones ideal for the Insta, that make this spring opening a "wow." 104 S. Ridge St., 914-305-3536, mamamiadessertbar.com.
Coming soon
One Pier Steakhouse, Yonkers: Jimmy Rugova, who's owned the seafood restaurant Dolphin for 14 years, has rebranded the space into an approachable steakhouse, set to open April 1. Along with a completely new menu (think all kinds of meats), there's been lots of renovations including a new bar, new flooring, new windows and more. It will be open seven days for lunch and dinner. Rugova also owns the recently opened Urge Burger next door along with the seasonally opened outdoor space TaqueRio Taco Bar. 1 Van Der Donck St.
Peter's Steakhouse, Eastchester: A traditional steakhouse, with a capacity for 50, is on target to open sometime in mid to late April where Westchester Meat Market had been. Along with the dining room, the restaurant will also sport a private room which can accommodate 25. 1 Mill Road.
The Ambleside Pub, Mount Kisco: Cheers to a traditional English pub! Drew and Leigh Hodgson, the husband-and-wife owners of The Hamlet British Shop in Mount Kisco, hope to open their new place in early April. 23 E. Main St., 914-733-6008, theamblesidepub.com
COBS Bread, Eastchester: Say hello to bread and pastry heaven with the arrival of this bakery where you'll find an assortment of seasonal hot cross buns (think apple cinnamon and chocolate chip), cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, Danishes, croissants and more. The opening is set for late May. Lower level, DeCicco's Plaza, 777 White Plains Road, cobsbread.com.
Scratch Bar & Grill, New Rochelle: A new 195-seat American bar and grill will open the end April. Gregory Galli, who owns the place with his wife Norka and brother Marcello, said combined, the three have over 75 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. They named it Scratch because they tore the previous place apart down to the bone and started from the basement up. In addition to the dining room and bar there will also be a private room with a capacity for 30. On the menu: Steak, fish, burgers, sandwiches, salads as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, plus a wine list of more than 100 vintages including rare ones from the early ‘70s and ‘80s. 30 Division St., scratchnr.com.
Taconah Cantina, Goldens Bridge: David and Crystal Chiong, who've long worked in the hospitality sector including owning and operating various restaurants and bars in New York City, are bringing their love for the bustling, colorful street food culture of Mexico City to Westchester. Set to open the end of the month, the two plan to serve a host of tacos and other dishes amidst a fast-casual dining experience. Their 26-seat cantina embraces the playful luchador theme and features Mexican wrestling artwork by local artist Jose Marti. Diners can also expect a full liquor license with a selection of handpicked tequilas and mezcals as well as nut-free and gluten-free menu items. 108 North County Shopping Center, 914-488-6968, taconah.com.
Gordito, Rye: The 75-seat fast casual spot by Chef Rafele Ronca, who owns Rafele Rye next door, should open in early April. On the menu: Latin fusion food influenced by Ronca's travels. Or, as the website proclaims: "A bold new take on tapas." 24 Purchase St., gorditokitchen.com.
Sleepy Coffee, Too, Sleepy Hollow: Look for a mid to end of April opening for this coffee shop, a non-profit with the mission of providing on the job industry level training and employment for people with disabilities in an inclusive, self-sustaining cafe workplace and the motto "Where kindness is served one cup at a time." 110 Beekman Ave., 914-426-7815, sleepycoffeetoo.org.
How Ya Brewing, Tuckahoe: Delays have forced the opening of this cafe back a couple times but plans are now for March 30. 5 Fisher Ave.
Gregory's Coffee, White Plains: This coffee chain, with locations throughout New York and New Jersey, is opening its first Westchester spot at The Westchester sometime in late April in the space formerly occupied by Starbucks (Retail Level 3 in between Venchi and Auntie Anne’s). Customers can expect a range of coffee drinks, teas and smoothies in addition to light bites such as muffins, croissants and hard boiled eggs. 125 Westchester Ave., gregoryscoffee.com.
Don Carvajal Café, Irvington: Héctor Carvajal, who's been roasting coffee for five years in the Bronx and has mainly been at area farmers market, plans to open a cafe inspired by Dominican coffee culture sometime in the next two to three months. That means lots of Dominican coffee from the Dominican Republic, where he's from, in addition to pastries and other goodies. 75 Main St., doncarvajalcafe.com.
Club Car Grille, Irvington: Matt Kay of Rivertowns Hospitality, who owns Hudson Social in Dobbs Ferry, has done a few renovations to what had long been River City Grille. His new American grill with steak, seafood and chops, should open in early April. 6 S. Broadway, 914-591-2033.
Take 3 Wine Bar & Café, Pleasantville: This new spot, on the top floor of The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC), opens April 11 and is open to both the pubic and ticketholders. The focus is on local purveyors set against a backdrop of rotating art exhibits. Diners can expect a range of items including cheese boards, muffins, mac n’ cheese, fine wines, craft beer, coffee, hot chocolate, and juices. Just be aware it's only open Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. 364 Manville Road, 914-773-7663, burnsfilmcenter.org.
Saigon Table, Rye: Lynn Lee, a Greenwich resident who's making her first foray into the restaurant business, is all about recreating the flavors and recipes from her childhood in Saigon. Her new fast casual Vietnamese noodle bar should sometime in April. 12 Purdy Ave.
Nova Pizza, Larchmont: A blend of Italian aperitivo classics alongside a range of pizzas (including gluten-free) will be on the menu at this eatery, set to open before the summer. Owner Luca Morabito, who some may know from his prior place Coffee Luca in Greenwich, Connecticut, said he's renovating the space, what had been Alondra's, to feature a bustling bar in addition to offering outdoor seating. Morabito, it should be noted, also owned a pizzeria in Italy. 18 Chatsworth Ave.
Baci in the Square, Ardsley: Christopher Weisman who's owned Pizzeria Baci in Montrose for five years, is opening a second location — this one featuring slices — sometime in June. Why Ardsley? Weisman said it was an impulse decision as he grew up (and fell in love with pizza) there. "It's very sentimental for me," he said. "It's gonna be my little lunchtime slice spot. Whole pies as well but different from my Montrose location." 471 Ashford Ave., pizzeriabaci.com.
Ramen Musashi, Ardsley: This is a second location for the ramen spot, which has been in Scarsdale since 2016. Expect a 10 to 16-seat spot opening later this spring featuring Japanese favorites like tonkotsu, miso, and spicy ramen in addition to curry rice, boneless Karaage fried chicken, cold dipping noodles and pork chashu don. The eatery, which will also feature a miniature version of “Fuji Mart” selling Japanese candies, toys, and groceries (like their Scarsdale spot) will also offer vegan miso and vegetarian gyoza dumplings for those who don’t eat meat. 800 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 2, 914-874-8831.
Jill's, Mamaroneck: Opening day is getting closer with a "sometime soon" time frame. Shane Clifford, who opened Jack's in Eastchester in 2020, is behind this new gastropub which will serve a Modern European style menu. 100 W. Boston Post Road.
Boss Burger and Gyro, New Rochelle: This burger and gyro spot has been a long time coming but the end is near, which means a "sometime in April" opening. 211 Main St.
Root2Rise, Larchmont: The popular plant-based cafe in Pleasantville is opening a second location that should be ready by early May. Expect the eatery's popular avocado toast, Mulligatawny soup and mushroom pizza along with lots of grab and go items. 1924 Palmer Ave., root2riseny.com.
Arome Café and Patisserie, Hastings-on-Hudson: Vera Elezovic, a previous co-owner (and baker) at One If By Land, Two If By Sea in New York's Greenwich Village, is opening this 20-seat pastry shop sometime this spring. Elezovic, who also owns Salon Chou Chou next door, wants her place to be similar in vibe to her salon, meaning friendly, welcoming and with a strong sense of community. She's also going for a Parisian vibe featuring plenty of pastries, gelato, French savories, coffee and more. 10 Main St.
Longford's, Armonk: Warmer weather means ice cream and lucky for Northern Westchester residents, Longford's, which has locations in Rye and Larchmont, is opening its third location the end of May. The spot, which will be a little larger than Rye, will carry over 36 flavors in addition to frozen yogurt. 402 Main St., longfordsicecream.com.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Scarsdale: Revolving sushi is coming sometime this spring. 913A Central Park Ave. kurasushi.com.
The Wooden Spoon, New Rochelle: The Wooden Spoon, which has been in downtown New Ro for nine years, is moving to the Wykagly Shopping Center where Mikey Dubb’s Frozen Custard had been. The restaurant, which should have about 40 seats, should open in mid-June and may have some minor changes to its menu. 1282 North Ave., 914- 278-9432, woodenspoonnewro.com.
Barroom, Harrison: A focus on inventive cocktails, food and fun with small plates, karaoke, live music and game nights are on the menu at this new spot, hoping for a later this spring opening. 253 Harrison Ave., barroom.bar.
Dave's Hot Chicken, White Plains: Late summer is the target for this crave-worthy fried chicken spot, the company's first in Westchester. 405 Tarrytown Road, daveshotchicken.com.
Empire Bagels, Dobbs Ferry: End of April/early May is when this bagel shop should open, the company's ninth, with more to come. 270 Cedar St., empire-bagels.com.
The Bagel Emporium, Scarsdale: Get your bagel and schmear fix at this Scarsdale location, the company's sixth in Westchester, set to open sometime this summer. 20 Chase Road, bagelemporium.com.
Jackie B's, Scarsdale: The restaurant is undergoing a renovation, after taking over two adjacent storefronts. Diners can expect a larger bar with more seating in addition to golf simulators when it fully reopens in mid-April. 28 Garth Road, 914-874-5328, jackiebs.com.
Beyond Natural, Larchmont: There's no exact date for this healthy food spot but signage outside and on their Instagram says coming soon so stay tuned. 2 East Ave.
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: Westchester's spring restaurant scene is blooming with 36 new dining spots
