What’s not to love about pesto? The green stuff is like magic when it comes to culinary creations. On pastas, it becomes a creamy sauce, while it serves as an ideal base for pizzas and sandwiches. Plus, did we mention the variety of pestos on the market? Sure, you can get the classic green, basil-packed variety. If you’re shopping for it or making it yourself, however, switch things up with herby additions like parsley and mint or go out of the box with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. The sky’s the limit!
94 North Broadway, Tarrytown; 914.631.6606
The sometimes spooky but always delicious Horsefeathers in Tarrytown serves up a sweet seafood appetizer with everyone’s favorite basil-packed condiment. The Stonnington scallops are pan-seared with tartar and pesto and so good you’ll want to buy one of the Horsefeathers hoodies on your way out.
334 UnderHill Ave, Yorktown Heights; 914.302.7900
This is the pesto we didn’t know we needed. Furci’s serves a creamy and delicious burrata with basil pesto. The dish includes roasted red peppers and garlic toast. To top it all off, this family-owned restaurant offers a cozy outdoor patio.
1 Park Pl, Bronxville; 914.337.4100
Expect nothing less than fresh ingredients, fairly priced wine, and flavorful pesto at Il Bacio in Bronxville. The pasta dish here features ricotta-infused cavatelli pasta, Genovese basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and pancetta. The recipe, like much of the menu, is meant to honor traditional Italian cuisine and especially highlight the region of Frosinone.
698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley; 914.693.5400
We’re pasta-tive L’inizio serves the most picturesque and smooth pesto pasta dish this side of the Arno. The pesto campenelle, featuring basil, arugula, and parmesan (with the option to add chicken or shrimp) is made in-house daily and locally sourced, like so much of the menu at this Rivertown gem.
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251 East Main St, Mount Kisco; 914.864.1255
67 Purchase St, Rye; 914.612.4267
Both locations of this lively and welcoming restaurant group serve a vibrant green and delicious pasta dish. The flagship location in Mount Kisco presents pappardelle primavera with pesto, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and snap peas. On the other hand, the Rye destination delivers a spinach and ricotta ravioli with pesto verde, basil, lemon, and topped with fresh parm. Together, and in our opinion, the Village Social Restaurant Group serves as a pesto powerhouse in Westchester.
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97 Lake St, West Harrison; 914.358.9180
Pesto professionals, here’s the deal: When you order Gnocchi Alla “4P” at lunchtime, you have four sauces to choose from and, of course, pesto is an option (along with panna, pomodoro, and parmigiano).
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578 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase; 914.997.4113
The strozzapreti hand-braided pasta from four-time Best of Westchester winner Tredici North is out of this world. The hand-made pasta is served with sauteed shrimp, heirloom grape tomatoes, rocket arugula, feta, and, of course, pesto.
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97 Lake Ave, Tuckahoe; 914.779.7944
At Angelina’s Ristorante of Tuckahoe, each of the four dining rooms has a unique look and atmosphere, and luckily you can dine on the eggplant Genovese in all of them. Stuffed with ricotta and spinach, it’s served in a dreamy pesto cream sauce.
99 Court St, White Plains; 914.761.1818
If you’re a firm believer in the notion that pesto, pasta, and protein comprise the most balanced and most delicious main course, then the braciola di maiale is a go. It features a Berkshire Farm stuffed pork chop with prosciutto di parma, roasted peppers, garlic, gruyere cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all served in a light pesto sauce.
Related: How to Be a Pasta Chef in Westchester County
153 East Main St, Mount Kisco; 914.241.1200
Exit 4 Food Hall puts together the perfect summer veggie pizza for all pizza lovers to relish. The wood-fired veggies are met with a melty mozzarella, nut-less pesto, Parmigiano, fresh basil, and olive oil. Get it while it’s hot!
430 Bedford Rd, Armonk; 914.730.0001
Pizza cravings are more than welcome in Westchester and, if plain and classic is your pizza style, try the basil pesto pizza from Moderne Barn. Although simple, this pizza from the family-owned eatery in Armonk is far from run-of-the-mill. Each sizzling slice has a wonderfully crisp crust and is topped with bold beefsteak tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmigiano Reggiano.
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192 N Highland Ave, Ossining; 914.944.9200
This pizzeria in Ossining serves up the chicken and veggie sandwich of your dreams. And, get a loaf of this, the sandwich is named after the pizzeria itself. The D’italia Focaccia features chicken cutlet, portobello mushrooms, roasted peppers, spinach, pesto mayo, and provolone cheese.
130 Hardscrabble Rd; North Salem; 914.485.1210
Apple cider donuts aren’t the only delicious treats Harvest Moon has to offer. Appreciate the fresh air and landscape views while munching on not one, but two pesto sandwiches on the menu. The grilled veggie panini features zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, pesto mayo, and mozzarella on sourdough. The black bean burger is stacked with lettuce tomato, onion, and sundried tomato pesto on brioche.
Pick up one of these homemade sauces for a quick and delish dinner at home.
1789 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.337.2550
28 Valley Rd, Katonah; 914.401.9045
790 Commerce St, Thornwood; 914.769.8977
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