Found in many (okay, most) Italian restaurants in Westchester, these pillowy Italian dumplings can be made with ricotta or potatoes. The ultimate Italian comfort food, here are five versions that are just as good as grandma’s.
Gnocchi al Pesto Genovese at Lago
97 Lake St, West Harrison; 914.358.9180
Lago brings a lot to the table with cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and an authentic menu. Its melt-in-your-mouth potato gnocchi with pesto Genovese — a dish from Northern Italy’s Liguria region — is made with basil, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. The standout ingredient is the touch of cream, which prevents the dish from being too oily. Pro tip: Add guanciale for a rounder flavor and hint of salt.
Photo courtesy of @MangiaWithMatteo
Gnocchi Bolognese at Gavi
15 Old Rte 22, Armonk; 914.273.6900
You can get gnocchi Bolognese at a lot of restaurants, but are they better than the ones at Gavi? Probably not. Here, the hearty, homemade potato gnocchi are compact, yet still soft on the inside. The Bolognese is made with finely chopped meat, tomatoes, carrots, and a touch of cream (add a fluffy dollop of ricotta for extra richness).
Photo courtesy of @MangiaWithMatteo
Gnocchi with Pancetta and Nduja at La Bocca
8 Church St, White Plains; 914.948.3281
At La Bocca, you have an opportunity to get really creative with your gnocchi dish. The potato gnocchi — they use Ciro, an imported Italian brand — are delicate, airy and smooth. Try them with an off-menu sauce of nduja (a spicy-tangy Calabrian salami spread) and pancetta. If you have room, don’t leave without trying La Bocca’s standout tartufo di Pizzo for dessert.
Photo courtesy of @MangiaWithMatteo
Ricotta Gnocchi at Copper House
11 Taylor Sq, West Harrison; 914.949.5810
The new kid on the block, Copper House has been establishing its presence with Italian-American comfort food served in a modern atmosphere. Ricotta is the base of the restaurant’s gnocchi, which are both larger and lighter than their potato counterparts. Dried overnight so the pillowy pasta holds its shape, they’re served with crushed tomatoes, baby arugula, and milky mozzarella.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi at Scalini Osteria
65 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.337.4935
There’s so much to love about Scalini from its outdoor patio in summer to its seasonal pastas. (Tortelli with pumpkin, brown butter, and sage, we love you.) But of all the dishes on the menu, it’s the sweet potato gnocchi that you don’t want to miss. Paired with walnuts, balsamic, sage, and black kale, their soft texture and rich flavor soothe the soul. If you’re feeling like you haven’t embraced fall enough, this is your chance to try some of the season’s best flavors before they’re gone.
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