We’ve all been there: sitting in White Plains’ massive County Center, cheering on the Knicks, taking part in a convention or trade show, or just watching a loved one’s graduation ceremony. Perhaps you are remembering your own commencement when suddenly you realize: you are starving.
As luck would have it, being the literal public center of Westchester County has some advantages when it comes to dining choices. Below we’ve broken down a very convenient list for you of all the places you’ll want to grab a bite and maybe even a brew before, during, and after your central county celebrations.
West of the Bronx River
County Center sits just West of the Bronx River, so if you’re coming from this side of the county or plan on grabbing just a quick bite before heading back inside, this is a great starting point.
The City Limits Diner is basically across the street, but don’t let the name fool you: We’ve tried and touted the excellent menu at this “diner” and it’s fully on-par with other full-service sit-down restaurants, and boasts some A-1 bar bites and cocktail specials for the happy hour or late night crowds.
For Italian food, we’d recommend both Buon Amici, and Sapori Restaurant & Bar a little bit farther down on Central Ave. Each offers delicious traditional food, and together cover your bases on price and atmosphere: Sapori skews a little more elegant, while Buon Amici goes for a cozier, more neighborhood vibe.
If you’re just in the mood for pizza or a good wedge, however, you’ve got Nesto’s Pizza & Deli just past the CVS on Tarrytown Rd., and Dante Delicatessen on Central Ave.
For the more adventurous, White Plains’ dining scene is as big a melting pot as the city and county themselves. El Poblano and Mariachi Loco are dynamite Mexican options, while Ruth’s Jamaican Hot and Cold Deli has been a local favorite for years. You’ve also got Kalbi House for Korean, Niko’s Taverna for Greek, and for nearly 50 years now, the venerable Epstein’s of Hartsdale (we know, geography is annoying) if you just need a knish or a nosh.
East of the Bronx River
On the east side of the river you’ll find White Plains proper, and with it another dazzling array of eateries.
On the Italian front, Graziella’s and Serafina are your primary go-tos. Graziella’s has been serving up impeccable dishes in White Plains for more than two decades now, while Serafina is a relative newcomer to Westchester: the international restaurant group opened their Westchester location in 2011 and quickly secured a place in our hearts with their award-winning pizza and sublime bruschetta.
For pizza, Nicky’s Pizzeria by Mistura and Iron Tomato are great options. Nicky’s specializes in gourmet, old-school slices, and even though “Iron Tomato” sounds like something out of a Veggie Tales superhero parody, its brick over pizza is to die for. (It’s also a full deli and catering service, so load up on hot and cold sandwiches, salads, calzones, sushi, pasta, entrées, desserts, and after to pass out be sure to grab some take-out from their breakfast menu.)
Other nearby choices include Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ for those who like their meat DIY, India Café for anyone looking to throw a little more spice into their culinary adventures, and Mitsura Peruvian Fine Cuisine for when you want something from the Central/South American flavor palate a bit more authentic than a plate of greasy nachos at the local bar. (Still delicious, but there’s a time and a place for greasy bar nachos.)
All things said, there are dozens of restaurants within driving distance of County Center, from franchise burger barns to mom-and-pop shops you need to be in the know to know, and unfortunately we just can’t fit every last one of them into this list. So if you think we left one out drop us a line! Write us a comment below or email us at edit@westchestermagazine.com. (Or, you know, keep quiet and keep the good stuff for yourself; we wouldn’t blame you.)
