Summer openings: 17 new Westchester restaurants with 8 more coming
It's hot out there — and it's not simply the weather. Just as there has been a surge of Westchester restaurant closings (i.e. North End Tavern in New Rochelle; Saltaire in Port Chester, Francesco's in White Plains, Fortina in Yonkers), there have also been openings. Seventeen of them. Everything from ramen to Latin American fare.
In the mood for French pastries carefully crafted into a work of art? Arom? in Hastings-on-Hudson has that plus more. Prefer a spicy bowl of ramen? Ramen Musashi now has a second location in Ardsley. Or how about an agave cocktail? The staff at El Primo in White Plains is ready to pour you a drink.
There's also more bagels in Mamaroneck, burgers in New Rochelle, elevated American cuisine in Bedford, and two well-known chains in Yorktown Heights and Yonkers. Not to mention the new superapp delivery service/food hall Wonder, which offers 15-plus restaurants for delivery under one roof (and is soon opening two more).
And, as usual, there's lots to look forward to including the ever popular Shake Shack, Tous Les Jours and a White Plains favorite that's opening a second location in Yonkers. Read to the end for details.
Mumbai Katta, Port Chester
A heartfelt tribute to Mumbai street food is the focus at this new fast casual spot, open since July 1. Chef/Owner Anita Tibile-Gawade left a long career in the travel idustry to pursue her passion for cooking the kind of food she grew up eating.
Using her grandmother's recipes as inspiration, along with adding modern touches, her 40-seat restaurant, which she owns with her husband Jayant Gawde, emphasizes traditional methods passed down through generations. Among the menu items: Ragada Patties, Chicken Kheema Pav, Samosas, Paneer Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken. Bharat Patel of Tandoori Taste of India, a few doors down, has been her mentor. 227 Westchester Ave. 516-953-3265.
Ramen Musashi, Ardsley
If you've enjoyed the food at eight-year-old Ramen Musashi in Scarsdale, you'll be familiar with the menu at the restaurant's new Ardsley location. Open since July 5, it features plenty of 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 16-seat eatery also features a miniature version of “Fuji Mart” selling Japanese candies, toys, and groceries. 800 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 2, 914-874-8831, hirohitofoods.wordpress.com/ramen-musashi.
More: Rebranded White Plains restaurant opens with focus on 'robust' agave cocktails
Sushi Ume & Hibachi, Tuckahoe
Sushi fan? Open since May 1, this 48-seat restaurant is garnering lots of buzz among foodies. Chef/Owner Michael Jiand, who worked at two Michelin-starred sushi spots in Manhattan, offers traditional and unexpected Japanese dishes such as Nodoguro uni rice, sake steam Kinki, hairy crab, and homemade edamame Yamato. There are two rounds of omakase at the bar, one at 5 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m. (but make a reservation!) There's also teriyaki, tempura, ramen and hibachi. 28 Columbus Ave., 914-961-1888, sushiumetuckahoe.com.
The Wooden Spoon, New Rochelle
It didn't take long for this nine-year-old stalwart to move from its old spot on Division Street to the Wykagyl Shopping Center. Diners can expect the same burgers and sandwiches in the similarly welcoming space but with easier (free!) parking. There have been a few (very slight) menu modifications. While there are still fries (regular and sweet potato) offered as sides, they no longer come with your sandwich order; instead, there are tater tots, housemade chips and potato wedges. The 35-seat restaurant has been open since July 5. 1282 North Ave., 914-278-9432, woodenspoonnewro.com.
Copperhead Club, Peekskill
Six friends have created a mashup of all the things they love with their newly opened (as of July 11) spot. That means a dive bar chic feel with a wide mix of craft and domestic beers, signature cocktails and a menu of tavern staples (think wings, burgers, and sandwiches). The chef is Zach Moore who previously worked at Harper's on Main in Dobbs Ferry. Other owners include Kacie Wilson, Rocco Fultz, Carolyn Mosher and Rob and Meg Blatt. The membership moniker in their name means you don't have to be a member to come and eat/drink but if you join, you'll get discounts on meals and merch, exclusive merch, first crack at special ticketed events, and more. Membership is limited and available annually. 137 N Water St., 914-734-4192, copperhead.club.
Arom?, Hastings-on-Hudson
French pastries in all shapes, sizes and flavors are the hallmark of this new 20-seat space from Vera Gjelaj who trained at L’Ecole New York and previously served as the pastry shop at Manhattan's One if by Land Two if By Sea. (She also owns Chou Chou Salon, the hair salon next door.) The new pastry shop, open since June 27, also features Italian gelato, coffee and French savories. 10 Main St., 914-231-5771, aromepatisserie.com.
Urban Central, Hartsdale
Expect elevated American food from Brian Angarola and Pedro Luis Sosa, veterans of the restaurant business who some may know from Urban Hamlet in Bronxville (the place has a similar feel and menu). Open since June 24, the 55-seat restaurant, where Unico had been, pays homage to Hartsdale with a large black and white photo of the train station. The menu is crowd-pleasing, with everything from steak to grilled octopus to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pasta and fish. 10 N Central Ave., 914-829-5774, urbancentralhartsdale.com.
More: Two bars, shuffleboard and plenty of sabor: Latin fusion restaurant opens in Dobbs Ferry
The Mamaroneck Bagel, Mamaroneck
Open since early June, this new bagel spot is the third that's opened in the Village in the last few months (Bagels by Sofia is one; Brooklyn Bagel is another). The eatery, which has a deli feel and seating inside, features free parking in the back along with an extensive menu featuring paninis, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, empanadas, omelets, pancakes, pastries salads, soups and hot and cold lunch specials. There's also a wide variety of bagels and spreads including gluten-free options. All bagels (minus the gluten-free ones) are made in-house. 723 E. Boston Post Road, 914-630-0088.
Piero's, Harrison
New ownership from experienced restaurateurs have taken over this Italian staple, which had been closed under its previous ownership since May. It reopened June 24 with the same chef and menu along with new additions such as Nonna's meatballs, fish and steak. Lunch has also been added. There have also been some tweaks to the dining room, giving it a slight refresh. 123 Halstead Ave., 914-937-2904.
Coral Seafood, White Plains
Coral Seafood, which some in Northern Westchester may know from Baldwin Place, opened July 10 in White Plains with a similar menu of raw bar items, fresh fish, meats, poultry, salads, and pasta. 19 Court St., 914-600-8232, coralseafoodwhiteplains.com.
Bedford Post Tavern, Bedford
A year after closing, the Bedford Post Tavern is back — and open as of June 7 with a new look, a new chef and, naturally, a new menu. The space, part of an old inn which dates to 1762, still has a casually elegant country vibe (the high ceilings help), but there's now an airier, timeless look highlighted by light woods, abstract artwork and lots of natural colors that resemble the outdoors. The goal, said Guest Experience Manager Sunny Harum, was to create a de?cor that resembled nature. Sam Mason, founder of OddFellows, a small-batch ice cream company which has grown to multiple worldwide locations and a past James Beard nominee, is the chef. The Nyack resident's focus is on local and seasonal ingredients and an "unfussy" menu. 954 Old Post Road, 914-292-9516, bedfordposttavern.com.
Bedford Post Barn, Bedford
The Bedford Post Inn property also features the recently opened (as of June 19) Bedford Post Barn, operated by Dawn and Jason Bowman, local residents who own BreadsNBakes in Pound Ridge.
The 60-seat cafe?, with a casual rustic look, is open for breakfast and lunch with an outdoor dining area set under a canopy of covered greenery and fairy lights that make you feel like you're on vacation. Among the menu items: French toast, pastries, oatmeal, a variety of salads, soup and a burger in addition to a host of drinks including wine, beer, cocktails and coffee.
As with the Tavern, the Barn also features work from local artists, in this case from Jonny Cournoyer whose brushwork features the historic hamlets of Westchester and surrounding landscape. And there's a wood-burning fireplace. 954 Old Post Road, bedfordposttavern.com.
El Primo, White Plains
What had been the 2-year-old Archie Grand on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains is now El Primo, an agave bar with a Latin American focus.
The restaurant, which opened July 1 and translates to "cousin," has the same ownership as before, namely Brazen Fox owners Declan Rainsford and Rory Dolan (who also owns Rory Dolan's in Yonkers), but with the addition of Daniel Cahill, formerly of The Blind Pig of Westchester and OMC in White Plains.
Diners can expect a similar layout, but a revised decor and a new menu featuring skirt steak, tuna tostada, ceviche and oysters. 166B Mamaroneck Ave., 914-861-0400.
Wonder, Larchmont
Wonder, a new kind of food hall built around delivery, opens July 18 in Larchmont. West Harrison and Scarsdale will follow later this summer/early fall. This is the first location in Westchester and features curated menus from celebrity chefs like Marcus Samuelsson and Bobby Flay, offering a wide variety of cuisines in one delivery. 1298 Boston Post Road, wonder.com.
1881 Kitchen Table, Port Chester
Harrison residents Jennifer and Udi Livne, avid foodies who wanted to bring something new to the community (softly) opened their global cuisine restaurant July 12. The grand opening is July 18. The new space, with a host of upcycled items, features a wood-fired oven, hand carved salt brick meat aging room, a sleek bar, an espresso bar and a wine room with a semi-private mezzanine. 112 N Main St., 914-640-2814, 1881kitchen.com.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Yorktown Heights
The popular Mexican chain opened its first Yorktown Heights location June 26. It's the first Chipotle restaurant in New York featuring the company's all-new design format that deploys new materials, textures, and artwork to amplify the company's commitment to food. That includes large-scale metal ceiling and new wall finishes. 3200 Crompond Road, chipotle.com.
Jersey Mikes, Yonkers
More food chain news: Yonkers now has a Jersey Mike’s as of June 26 featuring cold and hot subs. 2361B Central Park Ave., 914-540-5002, jerseymikes.com.
Plus coming soon
Shake Shack, Port Chester
It's finally happening. The popular burger chain, with locations in Yonkers, Hartsdale, and White Plains (in The Westchester) is opening its fourth county location at the Gateway Shopping Center in Port Chester (near Whole Foods). The store, with an outdoor patio, should open sometime in mid to late August. 421 Boston Post Road, shakeshack.com
Nova Pizzabar, Larchmont
Early August is the target opening date for this new Italian spot with an emphasis on pizza, small plates and cocktails. 18 Chatsworth Ave., novapizzabar.com.
Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar, Yonkers
This popular White Plains Mexican restaurant is opening its second location in Ridge Hill sometime before summer's end. The space, next to Legoland Discovery Center, is larger than its Mamaroneck Avenue spot and will feature whole rotisserie La Brasa chicken for families in addition to a $9.99 lunch special and other value-driven meals. Catering and events will also be offered. 242 Market St., cantinawhiteplains.com.
Tous Les Jours, White Plains
The French-Asian bakery, with locations in Hartsdale and Bronxville, should open sometime in late July/early August at The Mitchell. Customers can expect a wide range of breads, sweet and savory baked goods in addition to a variety of hot and cold coffees. 131 Mamaroneck Ave., tljus.com.
Scratch Bar & Grill, New Rochelle
This 195-seat American bar and grill, named because it was torn down to the bone (and is starting from scratch), is set to open sometime in late July. It's owned by longtime restaurant and hospitality veterans Gregory Galli, his wife Norka and brother Marcello.
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. There's also a private room with a capacity for 30. 30 Division St.
KPOT, Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Scarsdale
Early August is the target date for this hands-on all-you-can-eat dining experience which merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean barbecue flavors. Expect a full bar and a nightlife-like atmosphere. 825 Central Park Ave., thekpot.com.
Basilico, Pelham
Jetmir Arifaj, who most recently worked at The Russian Tea Room in Manhattan, is bringing classic Italian and American cuisine with a Florentine focus to the former Maziella Steakhouse space. The restaurant, which has been renovated inside, should open by the end of August/early September. Arifaj has been in the restaurant business for 32 years — his family owns a restaurant in Albania — but this is his first in the States. For those curious about the name, "basilico," it means basil in Italian. 142 Fifth Ave.
The Halal Guys, New Rochelle
Fans of The Halal Guys — and their gyros, sandwiches and falafel — will soon have a new place to go. The chain's newest location should open in the next month(ish). 23 Lecount Pl., 646-927-3471, thehalalguys.com.
Got food news?
Know of an opening — or closing? Email details to [email protected].
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: New Westchester NY restaurants heat up this summer
