Kudos
Westchester native Chef Brian Lewis of OKO in Rye was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for “Best Chef in the Northeast” in late January.
In & Out
Felice, renowned for its Tuscan-inspired cuisine, is expanding its presence to Westchester. The esteemed restaurant group, with locations across New York City, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Florida, is set to open in the old Saltaire Oyster Bar space in Port Chester. “After opening in Roslyn with continued success, Westchester County seemed like a natural fit,” said Giulia Guarducci, Communications Director of the SA Hospitality Group, who owns the brand.
Felice, 55 Abendroth Avenue, Port Chester
After a decade in Purchase, Tredici North has closed its doors. Tredici Bronxville is still serving up Italian classics and a new location for the group is in the works. Spencer Pingel and the team at La Casa Bronxville opened up a new sister location—La Casa Purchase—in the old Tredici North space. The restaurant interior received a refresh and diners can expect to see more than a few of their favorite Mexican dishes from the Bronxville location.
La Casa Bronxville, 578 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; 914-997-4113
Mother-and-son owners Olga and Carlos Santos closed Columbian hot spot Aqui Es Santa Fe in Port Chester, but opened a new spot, Nadas, in Harrison in February. This takeout-focused eatery offers a range of gluten-free Hispanic food including their popular rainbow empanadas, arepas, and more; seating is limited.
Nadas, 64 Halstead Avenue, Harrison
Patsy’s Pizzeria, known for its authentic Sicilian coal oven pizza, is expanding to Bronxville, taking over the space where Park 143 Bistro was located. This is the third location in Westchester since the Harrison eatery opened in 2023.
Patsy’s Pizzeria Bronxville, 143 Parkway Road, Bronxville
Those who miss Vintage 1891 Kitchen will be happy to hear Michael Madden, owner of the former Larchmont restaurant and the current Vela Kitchen in Pleasantville, will open Vesta Kitchen in Harrison in March with a similar menu—contemporary American cuisine—and ambiance. The Vintage 1891 Kitchen’s location is set to become MP Taverna’s second location for upscale Greek cuisine (the first is in Irvington) from Chef Michael Psilakis.
Vesta Kitchen, 60 Halstead Avenue, Harrison MP Taverna, 2098 Boston Post Road, Larchmont
Openings
The Taco Project added New Rochelle to its list of locations, offering their fast-casual Mexican cuisine out of the Illustrator Building. The chain also has locations in Tarrytown, Bronxville, Yonkers, Pleasantville, and Stamford, CT.
The Taco Project, 596 North Avenue, New Rochelle
Closings
Yonkers Italian spot Via Veroli closed in early January. Co-owner and chef Salvatore Cucullo can be found at The 808 Bistro in Scarsdale.
Coming Soon
Epsteins Deli is expanding to Northern Westchester. Joining their well-established Hartsdale location, the new deli will bring its signature pastrami, knish, and matzoh ball soup to Somers.
Epsteins Kosher Deli, 325 NY 100, Somers
Mona is set to open in New Rochelle in late May. This marks the first sit-down restaurant for Shirley’s India, known for its exceptional takeout and catering since 1997. Mona will offer a refined menu and a curated cocktail list. A future phase of the project will include an outdoor space with a dedicated food truck, offering a vibrant street food experience.
Mona, 15 Leroy Place, New Rochelle
Chef Ian Vest, renowned for his work at DBGB Kitchen & Bar in Manhattan and Back 40 Kitchen in Greenwich, CT, is bringing Talia to Port Chester. The 120-seat restaurant, named after his daughter, will offer a refined menu featuring Italian and French influences with a focus on seasonal ingredients and an extensive global wine list. Anticipated opening later this year.
Talia, 25 Willett Avenue, Port Chester
Benjamin’s Restaurant Group is taking over the X20 Xaviars on the Hudson location in Yonkers. The Sea Fire Grill is scheduled to open this summer. Executive Chef Arturo McLeod will lead the kitchen with a menu that celebrates contemporary American seafood. In addition to Benjamin Steakhouse in White Plains, the family-owned restaurant group also runs Benjamin Steakhouse, Benjamin Prime, and The Sea Fire Grill in New York City. “The space is truly an iconic location in Westchester and has a lot of history and prestige,” said co-owner Benjamin Sinanaj. “As soon as it was available, we knew that it would be perfect for The Sea Fire Grill. We’re discussing the possibility of redesigning the space to make use of the amazing views.”
The Sea Fire Grill, 71 Water Grant Street, Yonkers
