Before Yelp and social media were the standard-bearers of crowd-sourced restaurant reviews, there was Zagat. For nearly 30 years, the maroon guides could make or break a restaurant with their 30-point rating system for food, service, and décor.
Since its sale to Google in 2008, and the subsequent decision to stop print publication and change to a five-star rating system, the guide’s influence has waned in recent years. (Don’t worry NYC foodies, Zagat is poised to regain some of its prestige with the return of its print guide for the metropolis in 2020.)
Still, we were curious to see who’s at the top of the Westchester rankings on Zagat’s online listings. Here are the seven restaurants that scored 4.5 or higher for food — because isn’t that the most important?
Sushi Nanase
522 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains
914.285.5351
Food: 4.8
Décor: 3.7
Service: 3.7
What Zagat Says: “‘Always call for a reservation’ before heading to this White Plains Japanese where ‘unsurpassed sushi’ is crafted from ‘perfect, fresh fish’ by ‘hardworking’ chef Yoshimichi Takeda; the traditional confines are ‘tiny’ and the equally ‘small’ menu is ‘pricey,’ but supporters vow that one bite of the ‘sublime,’ ‘artfully presented’ fare will leave you ‘transported.’”
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Blue Hill at Stone Barns
630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills
914.366.9600
Food: 4.6
Décor: 4.6
Service: 4.5
What Zagat Says: “This ‘premier’ Pocantico Hills New American ‘encapsulates the best of farm-to-table’ dining via Dan Barber’s ‘inspired’ prix-fixe and tasting menus crafted with ‘the ultimate-in-fresh ingredients’ harvested from the ‘spectacular,’ bucolic grounds; ‘simple elegance’ abounds inside the ‘beautiful farmhouse’ where ‘service is orchestrated like a ballet,’ and though it’s ‘not for the faint of wallet,’ it’s ‘worth it’ ‘for the grand occasion’ — just ‘reserve well in advance,’ arrive ‘early to walk around,’ and be prepared for a ‘totally original experience’ that lasts three to four hours; P.S. closed Monday and Tuesday; jackets and ties preferred.”
X2O Xaviars on the Hudson
71 Water Grant St, Yonkers
914.965.1111
Food: 4.6
Décor: 4.6
Service: 4.5
What Zagat Says: “‘Always an extraordinary experience,’ this ‘magnificent’ New American boasts a ‘stunning setting’ in a ‘glass-walled box’ on the Yonkers pier (‘even the ladies’ room’ has ‘breathtaking’ Hudson River views) coupled with equally ‘gorgeous,’ ‘exciting’ plates from the ‘unbelievably creative’ chef-owner Peter Kelly, who ‘often makes the rounds at the tables;’ the ‘first-class’ packaging includes ‘meticulous’ service and the ‘prices you’d expect,’ so for a real ‘bargain’ try the prix-fixe lunch and Sunday brunch.”
Ocean House Oyster Bar & Grill
49 N Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
914.271.0702
Food: 4.6
Décor: 3.7
Service: 4.4
What Zagat Says: “‘Superb seafood’ reels in fans to this ‘charming’ Croton ‘favorite’ set inside a ‘tiny’ restored 1920s diner that feels like a ‘cross between a dining car and a trailer,’ where an ‘always-attentive’ crew serves up ‘delicately prepared’ fish and some of the ‘freshest oysters around;’ with already ‘fair prices’ and a BYO policy* to ‘keep the costs down,’ its ‘no-reservations policy’* over the phone is the ‘only drawback, but come in person before 5 p.m. to sign in.’”
*Editors note: As of 2016, Ocean House is no longer BYO but does allow same-day reservations if you call after 4:30 p.m.
Hajime
267 Halstead Ave, Harrison
914.777.1642
Food: 4.5
Décor: 3.2
Service: 3.5
What Zagat Says: “If you like the documentary ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi, you’ll love’ this ‘authentic’ Harrison Japanese serving ‘top-notch traditional sushi’ ‘cut into the perfect size’ from ‘always-fresh’ fish by a ‘friendly chef’ who ‘won’t disappoint’ if you ‘ask for recommendations;’ tabs are modest and the natural wood setting is ‘pleasant’ enough, but the ‘beautiful arrangements’ of ‘excellent’ fin fare are ‘why you go.’”
Auray Gourmet
144 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont
914.833.2274
Food: 4.5
Décor: 4.3
Service: 4.3
What Zagat Says: “‘You’ll always discover something delicious and soul-satisfying,’ say fans of this Larchmont café/gourmet store serving ‘a drink, a snack, or a satisfying meal’ and offering a ‘fantastic selection’ of ‘perfectly ripe’ cheeses, all ‘beautifully displayed’ next to other pricey European treats.”
La Panetière
530 Milton Rd, Rye
914.967.8140
Food: 4.5
Décor: 4.5
Service: 4.5
What Zagat Says: “‘Outstanding, classic French’ plates with an ‘original modern twist’ are presented like ‘works of art’ along with an ‘impressive’ range of wines by a ‘refined’ staff at this ‘dignified’ Rye ‘grande dame;’ the ‘flower-filled,’ Provence-style ‘country-house’ setting makes it feel ‘like a trip to France,’ and even if it’s ‘a bit cher,’ connoisseurs consider it a ‘lovely place to celebrate something;’ P.S. jackets suggested.”
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