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The mouthwatering lineup of Portuguese cuisine around Westchester will have you booking a one-way trip straight to the source.
Aquario Restaurant
141 East Lake St, West Harrison; 914.287.0220
Dreams really do come true — with hard work and determination, of course — and Aquario is no exception to this tale. Owner Manuel Cabral opened this Portuguese and Brazilian establishment in 1993 after years of experience working in Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon and NYC. Aquario offers an authentic Portuguese experience, with national favorites such as caldo verde, a savory soup with collard greens, potatoes, and sliced chouriço, the prized Portuguese smoked sausage that never fails to please. And what is a Portuguese restaurant without its sardines? The sardines are freshly imported from Portugal and broiled alongside succulent roasted peppers. Enjoy this snippet of Portugal overlooking beautiful Silver Lake.
Churrasqueira Ribatejo
39 Spring St, Ossining; 914.941.5928
This family-run Portuguese joint is known for its churrasco-style meats, which are barbecued over an open grill. Here, frango (chicken) takes center stage, and is served with a choice of two sides that satisfies four hungry patrons for $20. If beef is more your speed, nosh on a breakfast/dinner hybrid, bife a portuguesa. The traditional dish features a sautéed steak garnished with a fried egg and paired with Portuguese chips and rice.
Doca’s Restaurant
125 Main St, Ossining; 914.944.9205
Codfish lovers (better known as bacalhu lovers) know Doca is where it’s at. The Ossining eatery does it all; it grills, bakes, boils, and cooks the national fish of Portugal to appease your codfish hopes and dreams. However, it is imperative to chow down on large quantities of bolindo de bacalhu, perfectly fried, crunchy codfish balls, because what isn’t better fried? Treat your Avó (grandmother) to a lovely meal and impress her taste buds as you learn to value the coveted Portuguese catch.
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La Camelia
234 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco; 914.666.2466
Can’t decide what to sink your teeth into? Don’t worry, La Camelia serves up classic Portuguese meals tapas-style, so you can feast on more than one tantalizing dish. Consider the camarão de moçambique, comprised of grilled shrimp prawns, to add some spice to your palate. For a mouthwatering meat bite, go with the heavenly flamed grilled chouriço assado, which will be devoured within seconds of smelling the alluring aroma. The beautiful European country farmhouse delivers a fine dining experience to explore your favorite Iberian flavors.
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Lusiadas Restaurant
6 Gramatan Ave Unit 101, Mt Vernon; 914.664.2131
You can never pay Lusiadas too many visits, as the restaurant offers a list of new delectable specials every day. Come for the especias do dia and stay for the especiais da casa, with Portuguese favorites like frango de churrasco (roasted chicken). Impress your Portuguese friends by indulging in the salty treat of percebes, goose barnacles that are native to the Galician coastline. These steamer-like barnacles are perfect additions to soups and chowders, or can be freshly opened, stripped, and eaten.
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Tres Chaves
44 Orchard St, Yonkers; 914.969.9128
Tres Chaves has been providing Portuguese and Spanish cuisine for more than 30 years, solidifying it as a local gem in the Y-O. Get your fill of the classics: grilled bacalhu, chouriço, and shell steak. Pro tip: The paelha for two is a great date night spread for diners to share conversations, seafood, and flavorful yellow rice.