Photo by Dave Zucker
Westchester County foodies can ring in the new when these hotly anticipated eateries swing open their doors in the coming months.
We here at Westchester Magazine always look forward to the new year — not with any resolutions, mind you, other than to dig in at the newest restaurants, cafés, and other dining establishments that spring up in our favorite county.
As we look ahead into 2022, here are the top restaurant openings you’ll want to check out.
Augustine’s Salumeria e Pasta Joint
213 Halstead Ave, Mamroneck
What It Is: A local/seasonal ingredient focus will be key at this new Italian restaurant/sandwich shop opening in the former Rosa’s La Scarbitta Ristorante. Led by the husband-and-wife team of Brianne Myers and Chef Marc Taxiera — formerly executive chef at The Russian Tea Room in Manhattan — the new spot is high on our list of coming attractions.
When It’s Opening: Spring 2022
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The Central
300 Railroad Ave, Peekskill
What It Is: The just-opened café is already making a big name for itself with both locals and Peekskill’s daily commuters, but that’s only half the story. Once construction on the back half of the ticket station-turned-eatery is complete, The Central will transform at night into a Mediterranean-inflected restaurant with full bar, utilizing the morning café space as a main dining room. Imagine being able to grab your morning coffee and your dinner/happy hour at the same place!
When It’s Opening: Expected February 2022
District Social – Mount Kisco
333 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco
What It Is: A sister location of the popular Beacon and Carmel adult recreation centers (and the fan-favorite Spins Hudson in Peekskill), this new location resides inside Grand Prix New York, the 6,000-square-foot arcade, bowling hotspot, go-kart center, and ninja warrior course. Expect great drinks and even better food along with live music and even axe throwing.
When It Opens: New Year’s Day from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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Rocco’s Downtown
23 S Division St, Peekskill
What It Is: Just a stone’s throw away, The Hudson Room is currently undergoing renovations to relaunch as Rocco’s Downtown. Hosted next-door to the newly rebranded The Pink Iguana (formerly The Eagle Saloon), Rocco’s will feature family-style Italian led by Fin & Brew’s Chef Mike Anastacio. A chef’s table private dining experience onstage will create an intimate and more upscale atmosphere around the corner from the renowned Paramount Hudson Valley Theatre and the rest of Peekskill’s vibrant downtown scene.
When It’s Opening: February 2022Â
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Vesta Kitchen + Bar
60 Halstead Ave #4101, Harrison
What It Is: The site of the former Delfino’s of Harrison is currently being renovated to make way for Vesta Kitchen, a new project from the team behind Pleasantville’s similarly named New American eatery Vela Kitchen. While details are sparse, we’re eagerly awaiting more of the same level of incredible plates we’ve already seen from Vela.
When It’s Opening: TBD
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Whatever’s Replacing BLT Steak White Plains
The Opus, 3 Renaissance Sqr, White Plains
What It Is: Honestly, we’ve got no idea. We were admittedly a little surprised that the famed steakhouse survived the pandemic rebranding of The Ritz-Carlton New York | Westchester into The Opus Westchester. Now, however, BLT Restaurants has announced that after 14 years and a half-million meals served, the steakhouse’s lease was terminated as of December 26. Though the Opus Lobby Lounge and rooftop dining at Kanopi remain open, it’s unknown what will replace BLT as the flagship in-house restaurant at the luxury hotel.
While We’re at It: After 36 years, La Panetiere in Rye closed this year, as did Tarrytown’s Sunset Cove after 24 years. No word yet on what will replace either. Acuario also closed its Port Chester location to make way for mixed-use housing and retail construction, though a new Port Chester location may still be in the cards.
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