Ardsley
Fiesta Mexico Restaurant—468 Ashford Ave, Ardsley (914) 478-4672; fiestamexicoardsley.com. Try authentic Mexican fare along with a medley of Tex-Mex offerings. Grilled pork chops in a tomatillo sauce, enchiladas poblanas, tacos al carbón, and fajitas with grilled marinated shrimp are popular dishes. Lunch and dinner are served every day. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$ Mexican
Armonk
Beehive Restaurant—30 Old Rte 22, Armonk (914) 765-0688; beehive-restaurant.com. Set in a modern country house with an open kitchen, this restaurant offers comfort fare along with Greek and Continental specialties. Braised short ribs, moussaka, four varieties of Belgian-style mussels, and blackened mahi mahi tostada are entrées to try. Outdoor seating available. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brunch on Sun. $$$ Continental
Gavi Restaurant—15 Old Rte 22, Armonk (914) 273-6900; gavirestaurant.com. This casual Italian eatery off Armonk’s main thoroughfare serves linguine with shrimp and crabmeat, veal scaloppini, and baby lamb chops with garlic sauce served with mashed potatoes and artichoke. An international wine list, with most bottles costing between $30 and $150, is available. Open for lunch and dinner every day. Reservations suggested. $$$ Italian
Marc Charles Steakhouse—La Quinta Hotel 94 Business Park Dr, Armonk (914) 273-2700; marc
charlessteakhouse.com. This 7,000-square-foot steakhouse’s offerings include a 16-ounce New York strip, everything-encrusted salmon, a 22-oz porterhouse pork chop, and broiled lobster tails. Open for dinner only Mon to Sat. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Steakhouse
Moderne Barn—430 Bedford Rd, Armonk (914) 730-0001; modernebarn.com. The Livanos Restaurant Group’s (City Limits Diners, Molyvos, Abboccato) hometown eatery is a New American restaurant with Mediterranean touches served in a chic, modern setting. Executive Chef Ethan Kostbar, formerly of Dressing Room in Westport, Connecticut, uses natural, locally grown ingredients to create such dishes as black peppercorn seared tuna, mint pappardelle in a braised lamb-shoulder ragu, and lobster cobb salad. Private dining available. Open every day for dinner. Lunch and late-night bar dining planned. $$$ New American ★★★ (12/2010)
Opus 465—465 Main St, Armonk (914) 273-4676; opus465.com. Nestled in the heart of Armonk, Opus 465 features electic Continential cuisine and casually elegant decor. Live music Wed through Sat, patio dining during the summer, and Sun brunch. Open every day for lunch and dinner; special late-night menu Wednesdays 10 pm until 12 am. Reservations suggested. $$$ Continental
Restaurant North—386 Main St, Armonk 914-273-8686; restaurantnorth.com. The seasonal menu by Chef Eric Gabrynowicz, a James Beard Awards nominee, changes daily at this farm-to-table eatery. Menu selections have included pan-roasted Chatham cod, orecchiette with lamb Bolognese, and scallops with fennel soubise. Stephen Mancini, previously wine director at Union Square Café, is co-owner. Open for lunch Tues to Fri, dinner Tues to Sun, and brunch Sat and Sun. $$$ New American ★★★ (11/2010)
Banksville
La Crémaillère—46 Bedford-Banksville Rd, Banksville (914) 234-9647; frenchcountryrestaurant.com. The regular dinner menu at this picturesque French stalwart features sautéed sea scallops, rack of American lamb, and mussel soup with saffron. Wonderful soufflés for dessert. A spring and summer three-course, prix-fixe lunch menu ($29) is offered from 12 to 2:30 pm Thurs to Sat and 1 to 3 pm Sun. Lunch is served Thurs to Sun and dinner Tues to Sun. Reservations advisable. $$$$ French ★★ 1/2 (07/2007)
Bedford
Bedford Post—954 Old Post Rd, Rte 121, Bedford Village (914) 234-7800. Jeremy McMillan, formerly chef de cuisine at A Voce Columbus in Manhattan, is the chef overseeing the farmhouse cuisine at this Richard Gere-owned, 110-seat formal restaurant (The Farmhouse) and 50-seat bakery/café (The Barn). Primarily serving seasonal foods from small family farms, expect entrées such as a trio of Berkshire pork, wild striped bass saltimbocca, and hand-rolled garganelli. The Farmhouse is open Wed to Sun for dinner; The Barn is open Mon and Tues for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Wed to Fri for breakfast and lunch, and Sat and Sun for brunch. The bakery is open every day. Reservations required for The Farmhouse. $$$$ New American ★★★ (11/2011)
Ristorante Lucia—454 Old Post Rd, Bedford (914) 234-7600; ristorantelucia.com. A Tuscan-inspired farmhouse is the setting for this restaurant serving Italian comfort food. Entrées offered include salmon limoncello, stuffed lobster tail, Parmesan-crusted chicken, and homemade gnocchi Bolognese. A selection of gourmet pizzas are also available. Outdoor seating is available. Open for lunch and dinner daily. $$$ Italian
Briarcliff Manor
Flames Steak House—533 N State Rd, Briarcliff Manor (914) 923-3100. This steakhouse serves up old favorites like dry-aged porterhouse steaks and Nova Scotia lobster. Dine in the wine cellar or in the private dining room. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$ Steakhouse 
NEW: Hudson—25 Studio Hill Rd, Briarcliff Manor (914) 502-0080; haymount-house-hudson.com. Scott Riesenberger, most recently at Corton in TriBeCa, is the executive chef at this farm-to-table venture set in the Southern Colonial mansion Haymount House. The New American restaurant offers a seasonal menu with such main dishes as confit of wild salmon with Swiss chard and black truffle vinaigrette; white-feathered organic poularde; and maple-glazed Berkshire pork belly. A bar menu is also available with burgers and sandwiches ($7-$17). Hudson is open for dinner Tues to Sat and brunch and dinner on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$$ New American
Bronxville
Eliá Taverna—502 New Rochelle Rd, Bronxville (914) 663-4976; eliataverna.com. Rui Cunha, formerly owner of Oporto in Hartsdale, is behind this 60-seat Greek eatery. Dishes to try include falafel, swordfish steak with olive oil and lemon, spanakopita, and a sampling of the approximately 20 hot/cold meze (the grilled halloumi—semi-soft cheese—is a winner). Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted except Fri and Sat evenings. $$ Greek
Haiku Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar—56 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville (914) 337-5601; 1 Cross River Shopping, Cross River (914) 763-9120; 265 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 381-3200; 717 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale (914) 722-4200; 149 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 644-8887. This quintet of pan-Asian restaurants offer, among many other dishes, sesame chicken, calamari salad, Sichuan crispy shredded dried beef, Malaysian red curry, and pad thai. Open every day for lunch and dinner $$ Pan-Asian
Il Bacio Trattoria—1 Park Pl, Bronxville (914) 337-4100; ilbaciotrattoria.com. Popular for its pasta (the homemade gnocchi and lasagna are standouts) and gelato, this traditional Italian restaurant also serves a wide variety of chicken, veal, and fish dishes as well as gourmet pizzas. Menu samplings: chicken scarpariello with sausage in a rosemary-garlic sauce, calamari marinara, gnocchi Bolognese, avocado pizza, and homemade manicotti. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Italian
Park 143 Bistro—143 Parkway Rd, Bronxville (914) 337-5100; park143.com. Derek Townsend, formerly sous chef at Manhattan’s 10 Downing Street Food & Wine, is the executive chef at this 65-seat American bistro. On the menu: made-to-order savory crêpes (sweet shrimp in pesto and mango-cucumber salsa; wild mushrooms in crème fraîche) and fresh pastas (cappellini with duck confit and quail eggs). Cocktails with ingredients ranging from chipotle syrup to fresh dill are offered. Open weekdays for lunch, every day for dinner, and brunch on weekends. $$ American Bistro
Scalini Osteria—65 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville (914) 337-4935; scaliniosteria.com. Braised lamb shank served with rosemary risotto, homemade ravioli, grilled Alaskan salmon, and spice-crusted Black Angus tagliata are the dishes to try at this Tuscan eatery owned by native Italian Angelo Di Rosa. Guests can choose to dine in either the main dining room, front patio, or secluded stone courtyard. The regional Italian wine list consists of mostly small producers. Open for lunch and dinner Mon through Sat with brunch and dinner on Sunday. $$$ Italian ★★1/2 (12/2011)
Chappaqua
Crabtree’s Kittle House—11 Kittle Rd (off Rte 117), Chappaqua (914) 666-8044; kittlehouse.com. Executive Chef Marc Lippman, formerly of Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas and Wild Blue at Windows on the World, NYC, creates new American specialties such as big eye tuna wrapped in applewood smoked bacon; Berkshire pork chop, Okinawa potato purée, glazed cipollinis and young carrots, blood orange reduction; warm Valrhona chocolate “gift.” The Grand Award-winning wine cellar houses 60,000 bottles. Go for dinner, breakfast, lunch on weekdays, or Sun brunch, but call ahead to reserve a spot. $$$$ New American ★★★ (11/2009)
Le Jardin du Roi—95 King St, Chappaqua (914) 238-1368; LeJardinChappaqua.com. A casual spot serving French toast, croque madame, steak au poivre, and shrimp flambé. Open every day 8 am to midnight, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; brunch on Sun. Alfresco dining available. Reservations recommended. $$$ French Bistro
Cortlandt Manor
Little Sorrento—3565 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor (914) 736-6767; littlesorrento.com. Penne portobella, steak pizziola, and veal capriccosa are on the menu at this family-friendly eatery. Serving lunch and dinner every day. Local delivery available. Reservations recommended for holidays only. Visa, MasterCard, and AmEx only. $$ Italian
Cross River
Bacio Trattoria—12 North Salem Rd, Cross River (914)763-2233; baciotrattoria.4t.com. The owners of Katonah’s Blue Dolphin and Somers’s Le Fontane run this intimate Italian eatery. Entrées include seafood risotto, lamb shank, and grilled trout. During the warmer months, dine outside on the patio. Closed Mon. $$ Italian
Croton Falls
Croton Creek Steakhouse and Wine Bar—4 W Cross St, Croton Falls (914) 276-0437; croton
creek.com. This modern American steakhouse serves—what else—steaks, aged prime steaks, and also other meats, including free-range chicken and olive-crusted lamb chops. Open Mon to Fri for lunch and dinner; Sat and Sun dinner and à la carte brunch; a late-night menu is offered until 1 am Fri and Sat. Live piano in the lounge Thurs through Sat. Have dinner outside on the 20-seat fountain patio. A three-course prix-fixe dinner ($30) is offered Mon through Thurs from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. Reservations suggested. $$$$ Steakhouse ★★★ (08/2007)
Croton-on-Hudson
Ocean House—49 N Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson (914) 271-0702. Self-taught chef Brian Galvin presents New England-style seashore dishes including grilled wild salmon, Arctic char, and fried clams. Reservations not accepted for regular dinner except for five-plus course dinner one Sun a month. Closed Mon. $$$ Seafood
Ümami Café—325 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson (914) 271-5555; umamicafe.com. This sister restaurant of revered Peter Pratt’s Inn specializes in “global cuisine.” On the menu: Thai curry, truffled macaroni and cheese, and hanger steak. Dinner only seven days; no reservations. Seasonal outdoor deck available for dining alfresco. $$ Eclectic ♦ ♦ ♦ (06/2009)
Dobbs Ferry
Cedar Street Grill—23 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry 914-674-0706; cedarstreetgrillny.com. Matt Kay, formerly executive chef at Blue in White Plains, is co-owner of this 68-seat restaurant serving comfort food with an emphasis on Southern American dishes. Entrées to try include southern fried chicken with house gravy; pan-seared salmon, baby back ribs, and a cheddar burger with applewood-smoked bacon and caramelized onions. Live soft rock and country music weekly. Reservations are recommended. $$$ Traditional American/Southern
The Cookery—39 Chestnut Ave, Dobbs Ferry (914) 305-2336; thecookeryrestaurant.com. This progressive Italian restaurant serves some of the best pasta in the county, including radiatore with lamb Bolognese, plus other stellar dishes, e.g., creamy polenta with smoked lamb sausage and white lasagna. Most of the meat, fish, and produce is locally sourced. Open for lunch Tues to Fri; dinner Tues to Sun; brunch Sun only. Reservations taken on weekends for parties of five or more only. $$ Italian ★★★★ (09/2009) 
Sushi Mike’s—146 Main St, Dobbs Ferry (914) 591-0054. Popular for its special sushi rolls (the “Out of Control” is a favorite), this neighborhood Japanese restaurant is often packed. In addition to the sushi and sashimi specials and maki rolls, hot entrées are offered. A jazz vocalist entertains every Monday evening. Open for lunch and dinner Mon to Sat; dinner only on Sun. Reservations suggested. $$$ Japanese
Eastchester
UPDATE: Burrata WOOD FIRED PIZZA—425 White Plains Rd, Eastchester (914) 337-3700; burratapizza.com. A $10 lunch prix fixe (a soup or salad and pizza) is now available at this upscale pizzeria offering wood-fired, 12-inch personal pies baked in a gold-mosaic Stefano Ferrara Napoli oven. Among the pizzas: burrata with fresh garlic and wild mushrooms, Gruyère and pancetta with cognac onions, and spicy sopressata with fresh mozzarella. Italian wines and beers are offered. Open every day for dinner and on weekdays for lunch. $$ Pizza
Piper’s Kilt—433 White Plains Rd, Eastchester (914) 779-5772. This homey pub serves traditional American favorites such as steak sandwiches with grilled onions, Buffalo wings, shrimp baskets, and arguably Westchester’s best burger—the “Eastchester Burger” with bacon, cheese, onion rings, French fries, lettuce, tomato, and a side of chili. Ten beers on tap and daily lunch and dinner specials. Brunch Sat and Sun. $ Traditional American
Polpettina—102 Fisher Ave, Eastchester (914) 961-0061; polpettina.com. Michael Abruzese, chef/owner of this 45-seat, budget-friendly Italian restaurant, buys his ingredients from local farmers and fishermen and offers only antibiotic- and hormone-free meats. On his menu: meatballs made with beef, chicken, or pork; pizza; sandwiches such as mortadella with creamy Dijon, escarole, and fontina on brioche; and six varieties of fries (e.g., bacon and egg, truffle Parmesan). Polpettina also offers 64 oz growlers (refillable bottle, take-home draft beer), three on-tap craft beers, and 18 bottles/cans. Open Tues to Sat for lunch and dinner; Sun for brunch, lunch, and dinner. $$ Italian ♦ ♦ ♦ (10/2011)
Elmsford
A’Mangiare—121 E Main St, Elmsford (914) 345-3200; amangiare.com. This Southern Italian trattoria and pizzeria features a full-service dining room, private party room, patio, bar/lounge, catering services, and all-day local delivery. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Other locations in Pleasantville, Bronxville, and Riverdale. Reservations requested. $$ Southern Italian
Antun’s of Westchester—35 Valley Rd, Elmsford (914) 592-5260; antunsofwestchester.com. Catering hall open to the public for an all-you-can-eat Champagne Sun brunch ($23.95). Reservations recommended. $$$ Continental
Malabar Hill—145 E Main St, Elmsford (914) 347-7890; fineindiandining.com. Named for a hill overlooking Mumbai, this Indian eatery offers masala dosai, samWosas, tikka masala, palak paneer, and lamb bhuna seven days. $$ Indian
Pete’s Saloon—8 W Main St, Elmsford (914) 592-9849; petessaloon.com. American style pub serving burgers, steaks and ribs, as well as fish, wraps and French onion soup. Psychic readings Tues at 5 pm; live jazz Tues at 9:30 pm; karaoke on Thurs; live rock and folk music Fri and Sat. A late-night menu is offered 10:30 to midnight. Open everyday for lunch and dinner. $$$ Traditional American
Greenburgh
Cabin Restaurant—1172 Knollwood Rd, White Plains (914) 592-6682; cabinrestaurantny.com. Informal dining in a 1937 renovated “cabin.” Grilled sirloin tips, maple-glazed pork tenderloin, Maryland lump crab cakes, and pizza are favorites. Lunch and dinner served every day. Country breakfast on Sun. Sister restaurants include Striped Bass in Tarrytown and Greenwich Lobster House. $$ Traditional American
Hartsdale
Caffé Azzurri—20 N Central Ave, Hartsdale (914) 358-5248; caffeazzurri.com. This 70-seat Italian restaurant, headed by Chef Sergio Arias, serves up entrées such as seared yellowfin tuna and slow-cooked boneless beef short rib. Desserts, except gelatos, are made on the premises. An international wine list has bottles ranging from $30 to about $250. Open for lunch Wed to Fri, every day for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Italian
Frankie & Fanucci’s Wood Oven Pizzeria—202 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale (914) 725-8400; 301 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 630-4360; fandfpizza.com. Frankie & Fanucci’s offers customers thin-crust pizza cooked in an 800-degree wood-fired oven. Choose from one of the 12 toppings (from pepperoni to roasted peppers) or order one of their favorites (spicy sausage and onion; di Parma; meatball, sausage, and pepperoni; white clam; and zucchini, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted peppers). Also offered are hot-pressed panini such as the Italian tuna with tomatoes, capers, red onion, and mixed greens. $ Italian
Masala Kraft Café—206 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale (914) 722-4300; masalakraftcafe.com This counter-service vegetarian eatery serves home-cooked Indian dishes, including spicy potato dumplings and crispy lentil patties. Look for the $8 daily specials (among them: vegetable biryani, paneer makhani). Try the date milkshake. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $ Indian ♦ ♦ ♦ (01/2010)
Hastings-on-Hudson
Buffet de la Gare—155 Southside Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 478-1671; buffetdelagareny.com. This charming bistro serves such classic French fare as escargot, lobster and asparagus in a puff pastry; seafood in a spicy lobster broth; cassoulet; coq au vin; nage de fruits de mer; crêpes suzette; and, of course, profiteroles and classic tarte Tatin (a must!). Open for lunch Thur and Fri; dinner Tues to Sun. Reservations suggested. $$$ French Bistro ★★★★ (02/2009)
COMFORT—583 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 231-7711; comfortrestaurant.net. Comfort Lounge, which closed in late November 2010, has re-opened. Michael Ballew (former sous chef) is executive chef. The revamped menu includes more vegetarian options such as crispy tofu with a scallion-sesame sauce. Outdoor seating is available. Open Monday to Saturday for dinner only. $$
American
Taiim Falafel Shack—598 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 478-0006;tafalafelshack.com. This tiny (three tables and a small counter) Israeli eatery offers a menu glossary for patrons who don’t know their shawarma from their baba ghanouj. Most dishes are homemade—try the hummus, chicken or lamb shawarma, stuffed grape leaves, and, of course, falafel. Cash only. Open Tues and Wed 11:30 am to 8:30 pm and Thurs to Sat 11:30 am to 9 pm. $ Israeli ♦ ♦ ♦ (01/2012)
Hawthorne
Tramonto Restaurant—27 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne 914-347-8220; tramontos.com Antipasti platters and brick-oven pizzas are popular starters at this regional Italian restaurant close to the Hawthorne movie complex. Entrées include fresh spinach fettuccine with king crab and hot sausage, homemade gnocchi, sea scallops with sweet corn risotto, and veal Romana. Open Mon to Fri for lunch and dinner; Sat and Sun, dinner only. Reservations suggested. $$$ Italian
Irvington
Chutney Masala—4 W Main St, Irvington (914) 591-5500; chutneymasalabistro.com. Chef Navjot Arora offers an under-$10 small-plates menu (crispy okra slivers, onion fritters, lamb kebab) at this modern Indian bi-level bistro, named “Best New Indian Restaurant 2009” by this magazine. Popular dinner entrées: tandoori shrimp in a pomegranate-and-yogurt marinade, baby eggplant in a sweet/sour sesame-peanut sauce, and lamb curry. A two-course lunch prix fixe ($14.95) is offered Mon to Fri. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. $$$ Indian ★★★ (09/2008)
Il Sorriso—5 N Buckhout St, Irvington (914) 591-2525; ilsorriso.com. Traditional Italian fare served in a charming Colonial house with river views. Lamb osso bucco, grilled jumbo shrimp, and veal scaloppini with artichokes are favorite dishes. Jazz on Thurs. Open Tues through Sun for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$ Italian
Mima Vinoteca Kitchen and Wine Bar—63 Main St, Irvington (914) 591-1300; mimarestaurant.com. The owners of Zuppa in Yonkers run this trattoria serving Italian “home-cooking.” Spaghetti carbonara, braised short ribs, and eggplant polpetti are some of the main dishes. Open for lunch Tues to Fri and dinner Tues to Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Regional Italian ★★ (08/2008)
NEW: MP TAVERNA—1 Bridge St, Irvington (914) 231-7854; michaelpsilakis.com/mp-taverna. This is multiple-award-winning Chef Michael Psilakis’s first restaurant in Westchester County. The menu proffers modern takes on traditional Greek tavern cuisine. Entrées include Greek paella, lamb shank with orzo and root vegetables, and a roasted lemon chicken paired with dill and garlic fingerling potatoes. An extensive list of craft beers and well-priced international wines also are available. Open Mon to Fri for lunch, Mon to Sat for dinner, and Sat and Sun for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$$ Greek
Red Hat on the River—1 Bridge St, Irvington (914) 591-5888; redhatbistro.com. There are stunning Hudson River views to be enjoyed at this stylish bistro. Menu selections include steak frites, steamed mussels, and frisée aux lardons. Don’t skip the toffee-and-amaretto bread pudding. Live jazz on Wed nights. Reservations recommended. Open for lunch weekdays; dinner every day; brunch on Sun. $$$ French Bistro ★★ (03/2008)
Katonah
Peppino’s Ristorante—116 Katonah Ave, Katonah (914) 232-3212; peppinosristorante.com. Lots of regulars come to this family-owned (since 1991) restaurant, located in a converted train station, to sit at candlelit tables and dine on veal Sorrentino, eggplant parmigiana, tilapia marechiare, and any of more than 12 pasta dishes. The predominantly Italian wine list has bottles that mostly range from $35 to $65. Outdoor dining is available in warmer temps. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$ Northern Italian
Larchmont
Anna Maria’s Restaurant—18 Chatsworth Ave, Larchmont (914) 833-0555; annamariasrestaurant.com. Authentic Italian cuisine from Owner/Executive Chef Anna Maria Santorelli using her mother’s recipes including signature dish linguini with crab, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. Also on the menu: orecchiette with eggplant, ricotta, and mushrooms; veal melanzana with mozzarella and tomatoes; and eggplant parmigiana. Outdoor seating is available. Open Tues for dinner only; Wed to Sun for lunch and dinner; brunch served on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Italian
Auray Gourmet—144 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont 914-833-2274; auraygourmet.com. Crêpes, panini, quiches, homemade soups, omelets, cheeses and charcuterie, and gourmet desserts are the offerings at this Wi-Fi-friendly, French-centric bistro. Private wine and cheese classes frequently offered. Open Tues to Sat for breakfast (served all day) and lunch; Sun for brunch. $$ French Bistro
Encore Bistro Français—22 Chatsworth Ave, Larchmont (914) 833-1661; encore-bistro.com. Enjoy savory French cuisine in a charming bistro setting, including homemade paté, escargot, breast of duck and sweetbread. Sidewalk dining available. Closed for Sun lunch. Reservations suggested on the weekend. $$$ French
NEW: La Villetta Ristorante—7 Madison Ave, Larchmont (914) 833-9416; lavilletta.us. This Northern Italian restaurant with an earth-toned Tuscan décor serves dishes such as rigatoni La Villetta, chicken martini, and veal chop padana. Also offered is a four-course prix-fixe lunch menu for $18.95. Open Mon to Sat for lunch and dinner and Sun for private parties. Reservations requested. $$$ Northern Italian
Lusardi’s—1885 Palmer Ave, Larchmont (914) 834-5555. Upscale Northern Italian restaurant with Mediterranean accents. Veal martini, rollatini montanara, and fegatini di pollo (chicken liver) are the standout dishes. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations a must for weekends. $$$ Northern Italian
Plates—121 Myrtle Blvd, Larchmont (914) 834-1244; platesonthepark.com. Chef Matthew Karp ‘s menu is New American cuisine accented with Italian, French, and Asian influences. For lunch: salads, flatbreads, pastas, sandwiches, burgers. On the dinner menu: Pennsylvania farm chicken, hand-rolled pasta plate appetizers, and a variety of barbecue such as the house smoked Berkshire ribs. A commuter special (half price apps and cocktail specials 5 pm to 7 pm) is also offered. Lunch is served Tues to Fri and dinner Tues through Sun. $$$$ New American
Vintage 1891 Wine Lounge—2098 Boston Post Rd, Larchmont (914) 834-9463; vintage1891.com. At this stylish wine bar complete with fireplace lounge and dine-in private wine cellar, Chef Jesus Canela heads the kitchen offering Arctic char, grilled lamb chops, sautéed sea scallops, and skirt steak with romesco sauce. More than 1,000 wine selections are offered, including 25 wines by-the-glass. Open Mon to Fri for lunch and Mon to Sat for dinner (until 1 am Fri and Sat). $$$ New American
Mamaroneck
Club Car Restaurant-Lounge—One Station Plz, Mamaroneck (914) 777-9300; clubcarny.com. Brian MacMenamin, formerly of Post Road Ale House in New Rochelle, is the executive chef of this new hopping restaurant housed in the brilliantly renovated Mamaroneck train depot. Dishes to try include Tuscan-grilled filet mignon and shrimp; gnocchi with lamb sausage; roasted duck with wild mushroom risotto; and Arctic sea bass. A tavern menu with dishes under $20 (stone-oven pizzas, sliders, nightly specials) also is offered. There’s a late-night lounge with fireplace and live music. Open every day for lunch and dinner, brunch on Sun. $$$$ New American
HASH-O-NASH—441 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 630-7310. This is a Middle Eastern country kitchen with an eclectic menu serving a hodgepodge of ethnic and international dishes, including Jewish, Greek, Moroccan, and Jordanian. Among the entrées: moussaka, chicken schnitzel, kebabs, and falafel. Live bands and belly dancing performances are planned for later in the year. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Middle Eastern
Il Castello—576 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 777-2200; ilcastellomenu.com. Expect homemade pastas and table presentations at this Italian restaurant, which opened in the space that once housed Il Teatro. On the menu: bronzino, veal Siciliano, pappardelle Bolognese, chicken Calabrese, and shrimp scampi. A prix-fixe $20.95 lunch is offered. Open Tues to Sun for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$ Mediterranean/Italian
Le Provençal Bistro—436 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 777-2324; provencalbistro.com. Owners Mieke and Derrick Dikkers run this casual neighborhood French bistro serving wild mushroom soup, escargots, foie gras, pepper steak, rack of lamb, lobster salad, striped bass, and sea scallops. Unlimited three-course mussels meal for $24 on Thurs and $29.95 two-course dinner Sun to Wed. Daily lunch combo for $16.95. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sun. $$$ French Bistro
NEMEA GREEK TAVERNA—599 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck (914) 698-6600; nemeataverna.com. Modern interpretations of Greek classics are prepared by Chef Sterling Smith at this stylish eatery. Seasonal vegetarian dishes and fresh fish are offered. On the menu: lavraki (grilled whole sea bass), lamb souvlaki, salmon over spanakorizo (rice-spinach pilaf), and grilled octopus. Outdoor seating is available. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Greek ★★★ (06/2012)
Piri-Q—360 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck 914-341-1443; piriqrestaurantgrill.com. Chef Rui Correia, known for his Portuguese fare at the now-shuttered Oporto in Hartsdale, is the proprietor of this new restaurant serving Portuguese dishes. Among them: charcoal flame-grilled meats with piri-piri (a fiery red-pepper sauce). Also on the menu: grilled salmon with zucchini, chickpeas, and feta; and pan-seared butterflied steak topped with a fried egg and garlic sauce. Dine outside on the cozy patio hidden in back. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$$ Portuguese ★★★ (05/2012)
Rosa’s La Scarbitta Ristorante—215 Halstead Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 777-1667. Chef/Owner Rosa Merenda greets patrons warmly at this cozy Italian restaurant. The menu includes homemade cuisine such as ricotta gnocchi with Bolognese or marinara sauce; eggplant Parmigiana, swordfish with capers, olives, and cherry tomatoes; and osso buco. Lunch Fri to Sun and dinner Tues to Sun. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$$ Italian ★1/2 (03/2012)
Toyo Sushi—253 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 777-8696. Stylish Japanese eatery headed by Tokyo-trained chefs Kenji and Katuya. Creative offerings include chicken Negimaki and pepper-seared ahi tuna, and toyo roll. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$ Japanese ★★★ (10/2006)
Turkish Meze—409 Mount Pleasant Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 777-3042; turkishmeze.com. Offering more than just meze (appetizers), this eatery features stuffed chicken, lamb shank, grilled branzini, cold appetizer plates, Jerusalem salad and falafel. Order the excellent baklava for dessert. Lunch special: appetizer and entrée for $9.95. Open every day. $$ Mediterranean/Turkish (04/2009)
Zitoune—1127 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck (914) 835-8350; zitounerestaurant.com. Dinner dishes at the Moroccan eatery include braised lamb shank in a saffron, ginger, and honey sauce; beef short ribs cooked with lemon confit; and marinated red snapper. A tapas menu is offered Thurs evenings along with live music, and a belly dancer performs Fri and Sat at 9 pm. Open every day for lunch and dinner, plus brunch on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Moroccan ★★★ (03/2007)
Millwood
Spaccarelli’s Ristorante—238 Saw Mill River Rd, Millwood (914) 941-0105; spaccarellirestaurant.com. This 80-seat Italian eatery specializes in the cuisine of the Abruzzese region. Try the chitarra al funghi, osso buco, and venison con polenta. Visa and MasterCard only. Closed Mon. $$$ Italian
Mohegan Lake
NEW: AUGIE’S PRIME CUT—3436 Lexington Ave, Mohegan Lake (914) 743-1357; augiesprimecut.com. This 135-seat steakhouse and bar serves various cuts of dry-aged steaks such as porterhouse and prime rib, along with a selection of seafood entrées. It also features a wine and martini list, with cocktails such as the cucumber martini and the chocolate pretzel. Enjoy live music on Thurs. Open for lunch Tue to Sat, dinner Mon to Sun, and brunch on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Steakhouse
Mount Kisco
Café of Love—38 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 242-1002. Leslie Lampert, owner of gourmet shop Ladle of Love, owns this 55-seat restaurant. Entrées include tuna tartare, raclette, mussels, Chatham cod, steak frites, homemade agnolotti, and cote de chon (roasted pig). Open Tues through Sun for lunch and dinner. Reservations strongly recommended. $$$$ French-American ★★ 1/2 (04/2009)
F.A.B.—222 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 864-1661; fabbistro.com. Chef Felipe Milanes, formerly executive chef at nearby Café of Love, heads the kitchen at this bistro, serving American and French fare. Dishes to try: pan-roasted salmon; grilled Berkshire pork loin, and surf ’n turf pappardelle. F.A.B. is open Mon to Fri for breakfast, Mon to Sat for lunch (homemade crêpes!), and every day for dinner; brunch on Sun. Reservations suggested. $$$ American/French Bistro ★★ (03/2010)
Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine—37 S Moger Ave, Mount Kisco (914) 864-1343; lalibelamounkisco.com. Ethiopian native Selamawit Tesfaye has opened the first Ethiopian restaurant in the county, offering dishes such as doro wat (slowly cooked, spiced chicken legs); kitfo (beef sautéed with garlic, ginger, hot peppers, and spiced butter); and gomen (shredded collard greens with onion, garlic, ginger, and olive oil). All dishes are served over sourdough flatbread (injera). Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Ethiopian ★★ 1/2 (10/2010)
Lexington Square Café—510 Lexington Ave, Mount Kisco (914) 244-3663; lexingtonsquarecafe.com. Casual New American eatery offering lots of seafood, an outdoor patio, and dishes such as braised fish-of-the-day in a green Thai curry, fresh oysters daily, and simply grilled steaks and seafood. Elaborate birthday cakes (e.g., in the shape of a princess) are available. A sweeping staircase leads to a 60-seat private party room popular for showers and christenings. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$$ New American
Little Kabab Station—31 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 242-7000; littlekebabstation.com. This Wi-Fi-friendly café serves Indian street food such as Bombay frankie rolls (spiced lamb, chicken tikka, or paneer); kabab platters; and vindaloo, madras, vegan, korma, and saag curries. Clay-oven breads are baked daily. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Indian ♦ ♦ ♦ 1/2 (03/2012)
NEW: MTK TAVERN—30 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 218-3334; mtktavern.com. This small-plates-only tavern offers dishes such as scallop ceviche, grilled hanger steak, a black-bean burger, and smoked pork sliders to pair with more than 100 spirits (including special whiskeys and tequilas) plus microbrews and small-vineyard wines. Live music (from blues, rock, and folk to jazz and country) is offered Wed to Sat evenings. Open for dinner Mon to Sun. Visa, MasterCard, and AmEx only. $ Pub
Myong Gourmet—487 Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 241-6333; plgourmet.com. Chef/Owner Myong Feiner offers sit-down dinners at her eponymous restaurant-café featuring “progressive world” cuisine. Puffed wonton mushroom ravioli, lamb shank osso buco, black Asian noodles, and a day boat diver scallop tower are among the dishes offered. Lunch and dinner Tues through Sun; weekend brunch service planned. $$$ Eclectic
Village Social Kitchen & Bar—251 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 864-1255; villagesocialkb.com. Wood-fired pizzas with trendy toppings (wild boar sausage, sunnyside-up eggs), pastas like orecchiette mac n’ cheese, and entrées such as St. Louis ribs with molasses pork and beans are offered at this spacious eatery run by Joe Bueti (who had owned Pleasantville’s Strega). A spirited bar crowd can be found enjoying numerous craft beers; a short wine list ($30 to $375) and as many as dozen wines-by-the-glass are offered. Street-side dining is available in warmer weather. Lunch Tues through Sat; dinner Tues through Sun. Reservations accepted only for six or more. $$$ New American
Mount Vernon
The Bayou—580 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon (914) 668-2634; bayourestaurantny.com. Popular entrées at this down-home New Orleans-style restaurant include jazzy jumpin’ jambalaya, gator-sausage casserole, grilled peppered catfish, Bourbon Street barbecued ribs, and crawfish étouffée. Live blues, zydeco, or rock music Thur through Sat; lunch and dinner every day; Sun brunch. Reservations taken for six or more only. $$ Southern/Cajun/Creole
Johnny’s Pizzeria—30 W Lincoln Ave, Mount Vernon (914) 668-1957. Open since 1942, Johnny’s is one of Westchester’s oldest pizzerias. Its pizza philosophy is old-school: ultra-thin-crust pizza served by the pie only. Though the pizza is the real star, traditional Italian menu items (eggplant Parmesan, baked ziti, ravioli) also are available. Open Tues to Sat for lunch and dinner. $ Pizza
Ristorante Buona Sera—546 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon (914) 665-9800; ristorantebunasera.com. This taste of Tuscany in the Fleetwood section of Mount Vernon offers such dishes as chicken reggiano, homemade pasta purses, veal buona sera, and Chilean sea bass marechiare. Also offered are more than 20 $9.95 lunch entrées plus dinner specials. Party room available for 50. Open Tues to Sun for lunch and dinner. $$$ Italian
New Rochelle
Alvin & Friends—49 Lawton St, New Rochelle (914) 654-6549; alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com. This contemporary Southern and Caribbean eatery features entrées such as jerk shrimp, cornmeal-fried oysters, spice-rubbed catfish, an apple cider pork chop, and the 2011 Best of Westchester–winning crispy fried chicken. Besides the main dining room, a lounge with a 20-seat bar is available. Dessert to try: bittersweet chocolate cake. Open Wed through Sun for dinner plus brunch on Sun. $$$ Southern/Caribbean ★★1/2 (01/2012)
NEW: BLACKBOARD PIZZA SHOP—628 North Ave, New Rochelle (914) 654-8400; blackboardpizzashop.com. Grilled pizzas, panini, brown-butter shrimp pesto spaghetti, and a shrimp-and-pear wrap are some of the items cooked up by owner and French Culinary Institute (now The International Culinary Center) alum Chef Vincent Gentile. Grab one of 30 floor or counter seats and order from the blackboard menu, offering a daily-changing selection of Italian-American dishes. Open for lunch and dinner Mon to Sun. Reservations are not necessary. $$ Italian
Cholo’s Kitchen—4 Lawton St, New Rochelle 914-235-0094; choloskitchen.com. This cheerily decorated café in downtown New Rochelle features the cuisine of Northern Peru, with an emphasis on potato dishes and ceviches. Homemade chunky soups, chicken-fried rice, grilled shrimp and pineapple, and a variety of grilled meats are on the meu. Wash it down with a chicha morada (a sweet drink made from purple corn and pineapple) or a fresh fruit smoothie. Open for lunch and dinner Mon through Sat. $$ Peruvian
Don Coqui—115 Cedar St, New Rochelle (914) 637-3737; doncoqui.com. Jimmy Rodriguez’s (Manhattan’s Sofrito, Jimmy’s Bronx Café) upscale and lively Puerto Rican restaurant offers dishes such as seafood stew, plantain-crusted red snapper, braised oxtail, and slow-roasted pork with pigeon-pea rice. A cooking school is on premises and live music is offered on weekends. Open every day for dinner. Reservations suggested. $$$ Puerto Rican
NEW: THE GNARLY VINE—501 Main St, New Rochelle (914) 355-2541; thegnarlyvine.com. With both table and bar seating, this quaint wine bar features small menu items to accompany the selections available from its on-site wine cellar. Chef William Leon’s menu includes tuna tartare, shrimp ceviche, sirloin burgers, and burrata and beet salad. Enjoy live music on Sat evenings and open mic Mon. Open for dinner Mon to Sat. Reservations recommended. $$ Wine Bar
Ionian Grill & Café—601 North Ave, New Rochelle (914) 365-1522; ioniangrillandcafe.com. This moderately-priced casual Hellenic café serves a large selection of hot and cold meze plus kebabs and traditional dishes such as spanakopita and pastitsio. End your meal with one of the 10 classic homemade Greek desserts offered. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$ Greek
NEW: NoMa Social—1 Radisson Pl, New Rochelle (914) 576-4141; nomasocial.com. Chef Bill Rosenberg, formerly of F.I.S.H. and Barcelona, is serving a menu of mostly small plates at the 125-seat NoMa Social in the Radisson Hotel. On the dinner menu, entrées include wood-fired pizzas, paella Valenciana, and chicken scarpariello. The restaurant also features an extensive wine and beer menu, plus a bar menu. Open for lunch weekdays and dinner every day. Reservations required. $$$ Tapas
North Salem
Purdys Farmer & The Fish—Rte 22 and Rte 116, North Salem (914) 617-8380. Dine on wild striped bass, North Carolina swordfish, lobster rolls, and tuna burgers at this seafood restaurant located in the 1775 landmark Joseph Purdy house (formerly home to John Michael’s and, before that, Purdys Homestead). The executive chef is Michael Kaphan, formerly of Strata in Manhattan, and the owner is Ed Taylor of fish wholesale business Down East Seafood at the Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx, and Fish, a restaurant in Greenwich Village. Purdys Farmer & The Fish is open seven nights a week and baked goods/coffee in the morning as well as weekend brunch are planned. $$$ Seafood
Vox—721 Titicus Rd, North Salem (914) 669-5450; voxnorthsalem.com. Eric Ulbrich, formerly at Park Café in Greenwich, CT, is chef and offers selections such as foie gras, oysters, burgers, and fried calamari. The 45-seat patio features a bar. Closed Mon and Tues. Dinner only Wed to Sat; opened Sun from 1 to 8:30 pm. $$$ Eclectic ★★ 1/2 (02/2012)
Ossining
Karma Lounge Martini Bar & Grille—175 Main St, Ossining (914) 488-5999; karmaloungeofwestchester.com. This lounge and restaurant in the heart of Ossining’s downtown is headed by Chef Michael DeBride, formerly at The Glass House Tavern in Manhattan and Zuppa in Yonkers. He has created a menu of small plates, e.g., pan-roasted sea scallops and apple and ricotta ravioli, plus daily dinner specials. A hedge-lined patio is open in warmer months. Lunch Tues to Fri; dinner Tues to Sun; brunch on Sun. $$ New American
Peekskill
12 Grapes—12 N Division St, Peekskill 914-737-6624; 12grapes.com. This SoHo-inspired restaurant and wine bar located one block from the Paramount Center for the Arts offers such dishes as miso-glazed butterfish with soba noodles; New York strip steak with blue cheese and caramelized onion sauce; and mushroom ravioli in a truffle-cream sauce. Look for wallet-friendly weekday specials like a Wed $10 Burger Menu and Thurs $18 Two-Course Steak Dinner. An award-winning wine list includes 12 reds and 12 whites by the glass. The restaurant offers live music Wed through Sun and including rock, blues and R&B, soul, swing and singer/songwriter. Open for dinner Tues through Sun and brunch on Sat and Sun. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends. $$$ New American
The Peekskill Brewery Restaurant and Bar —55 Hudson Ave, Peekskill (914) 734-2337; the peekskillbrewery.com. This brewpub features craft-brewed beers and dishes using seasonal, local ingredients. Among the popular entrées: lamb shepherd’s pie, cider-braised pork shank, seared salmon with preserved lemon; and buttermilk fried chicken with grits. Brewery bar is open every day for lunch and dinner; restaurant is open every day for dinner only. $$ (bar menu) $$$ (restaurant menu) Traditional American
Zephs’—638 Central Ave, Peekskill (914) 736-2159. Surrounded by an herb garden and lovely flowers, this comfortably rustic eatery offers a twist on classic American cuisine. The menu is seasonal and may include special dishes such as lamb manti and Vietnamese shrimp wrapped in a sweet-potato fritter. One dish sure to be on the menu year-round: duck confit. Open for dinner Wed through Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ American ★★★ 1/2 (06/2009)
Pelham
Bistro Rollin—142 Fifth Ave, Pelham (914) 633-0780; bistrorollin.com. Mamaroneck resident Manny Lozano, previously sous chef at L’Absinthe in Manhattan, is the executive chef at this French bistro serving steak frites, Mediterranean sea bass, oven-roasted cod, and braised veal with risotto, peas, and pancetta. For dessert: raspberry Napoleon or dark-chocolate Marquise. Outdoor seating available. Open Tues through Sun for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$$ French Bistro ★★★ (12/2009)
La Fontanella—115 Wolfs Ln, Pelham (914) 738-3008; fontanella-pelham.com. Specializing in classic Italian-Adriatic cuisine including homemade pastas, Adriatic fish and excellent cold seafood salads. Closed for lunch on Sat. Dinner served all day Sun. Reservations suggested. $$$ Italian-Adriatic
Pleasantville
Batonnage Wine Bar Café—10 Marble Ave, Pleasantville (914) 769-4040; batonnagewinebar.com. Panini, artisan cheeses, gourmet pizza, and salads are paired with international wines (from both small and large producers), aperitifs, imported beers, and cocktails at this wine lounge with comfy sofas. Piano and guitar Thurs and Fri evenings. Open Mon to Sat 4 pm to 1 am. $$ Wine Bar
HAVEN—472 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville (914) 747-4646; tastethemagic.com. Creative twists appear on classic American dishes at this downtown Pleasantville eatery. Entrées include toasted coconut almond risotto, shaved fennel and apple salad, five-spiced tiger shrimp with chorizo-cornbread stuffing; and pan-roasted duck breast with a seasonal demi-glaze. Reservations recommended. Open Tues to Fri for lunch and dinner; Sat and Sun for dinner only. $$ New American
UPDATE: Iron Horse Grill—20 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville (914) 741-0717; ironhorsegrill.com. Outdoor seating is now available at this intimate 60-seat restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Philip and Catherine McGrath. On the menu: fennel- and olive-crusted swordfish, coriander-crusted rack of lamb, and prosciutto-wrapped organic chicken breast. Open Tues to Sat; available for private functions at other times. Reservations are always suggested at this dinner-only establishment. $$$$ Contemporary American
Mediterraneo Ristorante & Caffe—75 Cooley St, Pleasantville (914) 773-1020; mediterraneny.com. This quiet Italian eatery offers traditional Italian cuisine in an intimate setting complete with Roman columns. Popular dishes include portobello roccia, spinach fettuccine with crabmeat, and cioppino over linguine. Closed Mon. Lunch Tues to Fri and dinner Tues to Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Italian
Pocantico Hills
Blue Hill at Stone Barns—630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills (914) 366-9600; bluehillfarm.com. Blue Hill New York’s Michael Gallina is chef de cuisine at this farm-to-table restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated dairy barn on the Rockefeller State Park preserve. The highly touted New American restaurant’s kitchen is headed by Dan Barber, named the nation’s best chef by the Beard Foundation in 2009. The menu changes often depending on what products are available from the surrounding farms. Open Wed through Sun. Reservations required. $$$$ New American
Port Chester
Alba’s Restaurant—400 N Main St, Port Chester (914) 937-2236; albasrestaurant.com. Northern Italian cuisine featuring cold antipasto, whole branzino, Caesar salad prepared tableside, escargot with polenta; gnocchi alla Alba, and snapper brodeto. Open Mon to Fri for lunch and dinner; Sat dinner only. $$$ Northern Italian
Nessa—325 N Main St, Port Chester (914) 939-0119; nessarestaurant.com. Look for the new bocci court behind this enoteca. The restaurant serves small-plates as well as full plated meals such as fusilli with spicy sausage; salmon with escarole and white beans; and chicken “cooked under a brick” with spinach and Diablo sauce. BYOW on Mon. Reservations suggested. Open every day for dinner; brunch on Sun. $$$ Italian ★★★ (10/2007)
Pasquale Ristorante II—2 Putnam Ave, Port Chester (914) 934-7770; pasqualeristorante.com. Italian cuisine “just like Grandma used to make” in a casual setting. Open for lunch and dinner; closed Mon. Reservations suggested. $$$ Italian
Sonora—179 Rectory St, Port Chester (914) 933-0200; sonorarestaurant.net. Fans of Chef Rafael Palomino’s Vida restaurant in Murray Hill love the ceviches, oyster and sweet plantain mofungo, seafood paella, and for dessert, churros (cinnamon and sugar sticks). Outdoor patio in the summer. Open for lunch Wed to Fri; dinner every day; brunch on Sun. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$$ Nuevo Latino
Q Restaurant & Bar—112 N Main St, Port Chester (914) 933-7427; qrestaurantandbar.com. From the owners of venerated The Kneaded Bread, this Southern/Midwestern eatery offers mouthwatering smoky brisket, pulled pork-and-coleslaw sandwiches, Texas no-bean chili, and heaping sides of collard greens and house-cut fries. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Southern
The Willett House—20 Willett Ave, Port Chester (914) 939-7500; thewilletthouse.com. Located in a restored turn-of-the-century granary, The Willett House, a high-quality steakhouse serves aged prime beef and seafood. Several elegant private party and meeting rooms available. Lunch Mon to Sat; dinner every day. $$$$ Steakhouse
Purchase
China White—578 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase (914) 437-9700; 249 Railroad Ave, Greenwich, CT (203) 422-5232; chinawhiteusa.com. Executive Chef Zhou Guang Zan, formerly at Tao in Manhattan, uses fresh and organic ingredients for dishes at these sophisticated noodle bar. Specialties include spicy dragon chicken with red chilies; wok-sautéed prawns; General Tso’s fish in a ginger chile-sauce; and black pepper beef with a pepper-onion stir fry. Take-out available. Open every day for lunch (Mon to Fri only at Greenwich) and dinner. $$$ Chinese
Purdys
The Blazer Pub—Rte 22, Purdys (914) 277-4424. Preppies, bikers, and families alike gather at this no-microwave, no-freezer, no-pretense roadhouse for one of the best burgers in the county—as well as chicken wings, fresh-cut fries, and chicken fingers. Cash only and reservations recommended for six or more. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $ Traditional American
Rye
Aurora—60 Purchase St, Rye (914) 921-2333. Northern Italian cuisine served in a Venetian-inspired dining room. Popular dishes include wood-roasted Chilean sea bass, veal tenderloin, handmade ricotta and veal ravioli and a buttery bread pudding dessert. Open seven nights for dinner and Mon through Sat for lunch. Reservations recommended. $$$ Northern Italian
Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse—77 Purchase St, Rye (914) 925-3900; frankieandjohnnies.com. Upscale steakhouse with a posh bar and lounge area. Specialties include porterhouse steak for two, Chilean sea bass, and lobster ravioli. Closed Mon and for lunch on Sat and Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Steakhouse
La Panetière—530 Milton Rd, Rye (914) 967-8140; lapanetiere.com. Fine French cuisine served in an elegant setting. Signature dishes include lobster, Mediterranean snapper, confit of duck foie gras, rack saddle of lamb, crisp magret of Long Island duckling, and Grand Marnier soufflé. Closed for lunch on Mon and Sat. Lunch on Sun 12-2:30 pm; dinner 5-8 pm. Reservations always advisable. $$$$ French
Morgans Fish House—22 Elm Pl, Rye (914) 921-8190; morgansfishhouse.net. This casual seafood restaurant offers a dinner menu featuring such dishes as Portuguese fisherman’s stew, sautéed Gulf shrimp, and filet mignon with lobster mashed potatoes. Lunch and dinner served Mon to Sat; brunch and dinner on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Seafood (08/2007)
Patisserie Salzburg—77 Purchase St, Rye (914) 921-4458. This European-style café serves sandwiches, soups, breads, salads, and many baked goods such as apple strudel, chocolate ganache cake, and chocolate-covered almond macaroons. Breakfast and lunch are offered every day. Brunch on Sun. $ Viennese
Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro—45 Purchase St, Rye (914) 921-4166. A seafood bistro serving Continental food with a French flair. Popular entrées include pistachio-dusted halibut with goat cheese butter, linguine with jumbo lump crab, and barbecued salmon with a sweet onion compound butter. Come for breakfast (Mon to Sat at 8 am), lunch, and dinner or Sun brunch. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Seafood Bistro
The Rye Grill & Bar—1 Station Plaza, Rye (914) 967-0332; ryegrill.com. This bi-level Rye eatery in the Metro-North parking lot has reopened after an almost two-year renovation. Some entrées to try are pan-seared scallops, grilled cowboy steak, grilled swordfish steak, and farfalle with hot Italian sausage. Open for lunch and dinner Mon to Sat; Sundays brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Traditional American
Watermoon—66 Purchase St, Rye (914) 921-8880; watermooncafe.com. Enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine in this sleek and stylish restaurant. A mélange of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian dishes are featured, including dim sum samplers, sushi, crispy red snapper, Thai crab cakes, and ginger scallion duck. Bottles of wine are half price every Mon. Open every day. Reservations are recommended. $$ Pan-Asian
Whitby Restaurant—330 Boston Post Rd, Rye (914) 777-2053; thewhitbycastle.com. A seasonal menu is served in this 19th-century Gothic castle overlooking the verdant Rye Golf Club. Try the house-made pastas, pan-roasted sea scallops, and grilled sugarcane-skewered jumbo shrimp. Open for lunch and dinner Tues through Sun; jazz duo/trio plays at Sun brunch. Reservations recommended. $$$ New American
Rye Brook
The Atrium at Doral Arrowwood—Anderson Hill Rd, Rye Brook (914) 935-6600. The perfect place for a romantic Saturday evening of Continental dining and dancing. Sun brunch served at 11:15 am and 1:45 pm, accompanied by live music. Open seven days. Reservations required. $$$ Continental
Scarsdale
Eastchester Fish Gourmet—837 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale (914) 725-3450; eastchesterfish.com. Monday is Lobster Night at this casual restaurant serving fresh seafood. Features a raw bar with oysters and clams. Popular dishes include fish n’ chips, Parmesan-crusted cod, grilled pompano, Dover sole, crispy octopus, cavatelli with shrimp, and soufflé for dessert. Thurs night is Raw Bar night. Reservations requested only for parties of five or more. Dinner every day; lunch on Thurs and Fri only. $$$ Seafood ★★★ (09/2007)
Fig & Olive—696 Post Rd, Scarsdale (914) 725-2900; figandolive.com. Executive Chef Pascal Lorange cooks Mediterranean dishes without a smidgen of butter; olive oil reigns here. Signature dishes include penne Mediterraneo, grilled truffle chicken paillard with white truffle olive oil; and shrimp and scallop paella in oregano olive oil. The wine list features bottles from the South of France, Spain, and Italy. Outdoor dining is available. Open for lunch Mon to Fri and dinner every day. Brunch is offered Sat and Sun. $$$ Mediterranean
Kirari SushI—30 Garth Rd, Scarsdale (914) 725-3730; kirarisushi.com. Neighborhood sushi in a serene setting. Sushi selections offered in American (larger) or Japanese (smaller) size portions. Specialty rolls include Venice roll (shrimp tempura, cucumber, radish, and smoked salmon) and Kirari roll (tuna, salmon, yellow tail, and scallion). Nice selection of Japanese box-style lunches for around $10. Open every day. $$ Japanese
Massa’—2 Weaver St, Scarsdale (914) 472-4600; massascarsdale.com. The father-and-son team behind Larchmont’s La Villetta own this restaurant and wine bar serving coastal Italian cuisine. Seafood is hand-picked daily. The menu features such dishes as gnocchi in a basil-pesto sauce, Dover sole with capers and brown butter sauce; and blue fin tuna steak. Approximately 50 wines-by-the-glass are offered. Live piano bar and drink specials Thurs to Sat evenings. Happy hour, with a bar menu, $3 beers, and $5 mixed drinks, takes place weekdays 5 to 7 pm. Open for lunch and dinner everyday. Reservations suggested. $$$ Italian
Sleepy Hollow
Bridge View Tavern—226 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow (914) 332-0078; brigeviewtavern.com. This tavern lives up to its name with views of the Tappan Zee Bridge, Tarrytown Lighthouse, and Hudson River. On the menu: burgers, sandwiches, slow-cooked barbecue items, plus mains such as grilled center-cut pork chops in a fig and port-wine reduction, steak frites, and Atlantic salmon. A selection of craft brews is offered, including 18 on tap. Late-night menu Thurs to Mon, 10 pm to midnight. Open Mon for dinner only and Tues to Sun for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. $$ Traditional American
Finalmente Trattoria—31 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow (914) 909-4787. Donato Deserio, formerly of Il Cortile in Manhattan, heads the kitchen at this 36-seat regional Italian restaurant. Rack of New Zealand lamb, dentice oreganata (red snapper filet in clam stock and garlic), and pappardelle in a wild boar, sauce are among the entrées offered. Try a panino, salad, or antipasti from the late-night bar menu. An all-Italian wine list features biodynamic, natural, and organic selections. A 15-seat back patio opens in warmer weather. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday and Sunday for dinner. $$ Italian ★★ (01/2011)
MOON RIVER GRILL—222 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow (914) 909-5377; moonrivergrill.net. Bob Ronan, previously manager at Striped Bass of Tarrytown and owner of Sideline Tavern in Bedford Hills until 1996, owns this seafood and steak restaurant with a 25-seat deck overlooking the Hudson River. Dishes offered include salmon steak (grilled or blackened), shrimp scampi, fresh Maine lobster, and chicken Francaise. Open every day for lunch and dinner plus brunch Sat and Sun. $$$ Seafood
South Salem
Le Château—Rtes 35 and 123, South Salem (914) 533-6631; lechateauny.com. Gracious dinner-only dining in an English Tudor mansion built by J.P. Morgan in 1907. Creative, classic French cuisine, prepared by Chef André Molle. The restaurant also hosts private parties. Live music on Fri. Cocktails and/or dinner are served in the garden Tues through Thurs during summer months. Closed Mon. Brunch Sun 12 to 3 pm. Jackets and reservations recommended. JP’s Lounge on second floor is casual dining option for burgers and steak frites Tues through Sun (Fri is half price drinks for ladies). $$$ French
Tarrytown
Caravela—53 N Broadway, Tarrytown (914) 631-1863; caravelarestaurant.com. For more than 24 years, this cozy storefront eatery has been serving such fare as paella Valeciana, a hearty mariscada fish stew, and chicken Frexeil. Open for lunch and dinner every day. Call for reservations on the weekend. $$$ Brazilian/Portuguese
Chiboust Bistro & Bakery—14 Main St, Tarrytown (914) 703-6550; chiboust.com. This airy French-Mediterranean bistro and wine bar offers a small plates menu ($6-$8) with dishes such as Moroccan-spiced shrimp, port-poached fig with manchego, and Tunisian-glazed chicken wings. Main courses include a dry-aged Angus strip, grilled fish, and seared Peking duck. Don’t leave without trying the restaurant’s signature “Chiboust” dessert (a heady passion fruit mousse). Dinner Wed through Mon; lunch Fri to Sun. Brunch on Sun. $$$ French/Mediterranean ★★ 1/2 (07/2009)
Equus Restaurant (Castle on the Hudson)—400 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown (914) 631-3646. Chef Chiharu Takei, previously of Sankura Hotel & Spa in Yakushima, Japan, has taken over the kitchen at this American/French restaurant housed in a spectacular royal setting. Four-course, $74 prix-fixe dinner offered in elegantly designed dining rooms or on the terrace during the summer. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sun Champagne brunch and Castle tea Mon to Sun. Reservations necessary. $$$$ American/French
Mint Premium Foods—19 Main St, Tarrytown (914) 703-6511. Previously a gourmet shop, Mint has morphed into a gourmet shop with a sit-down restaurant. The menu changes frequently but, thus far, dishes offered have included moules frites in a French butter saffron broth; niçoise salad topped with caviar and seared foie gras; jambalaya: osso buco with rustic polenta; and duck confit salad with pomegranate reduction. Open from 10 am to 10 pm for lunch and dinner Tues through Sun. $$$ Eclectic
Ruth’s Chris Steak House—Westchester Marriott, 670 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown (914) 631-3311; ruthschris.com. The broiled, wet-aged steaks are served on 500 ËšF plates at this upscale meat-and-potatoes chain. Entrées include stuffed chicken breast, veal chops with hot and sweet peppers; cowboy rib eye, and ahi tuna steak. For dessert, order the caramelized banana-cream pie. Open every day for dinner only. Reservations recommended.
Striped Bass—236 W Main St, Tarrytown (914) 366-4455; stripedbassny.com. Enjoy fresh seafood in this long-standing restaurant overlooking the Hudson. Live music weekends. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations not accepted May through October. Sister restaurants include the Cabin in Greenburgh and Greenwich Lobster House. $$$ Seafood
Tarry Tavern—27 Main St, Tarrytown 914-631-7227; tarrytavern.com. This locavorian restaurant near the Tarrytown Music Hall and housed in the space formerly occupied by Lago di Como serves dishes such as seared branzini with a cauliflower purée, Berkshire pork chop, and Maine scallops. A lower-priced tavern menu is offered with mains between $10 and $17. The wine list has bottles priced from $22 to $30. Sidewalk seating is available. Open for lunch and dinner Tues through Sun. $$$ New American ★★ (08/2011)
Tuckahoe
Angelina’s Ristorante—97 Lake Ave, Tuckahoe (914) 779-7944; angelinasoftuckahoe.com. Enjoy authentic Italian fare from Chef Peter DiNardi at this cozy restaurant. Try tagliatelli with King crab leg meat and shrimp; ricotta- and spinach-stuffed eggplant, or a unique speciality such as Chilean sea bass portofino in a piccata sauce over spinach and topped with rock shrimp. The mostly Italian wine list includes about 700 selections. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended on weekends. $$$ Southern Italian
Bistro Latino—64 Main St, Tuckahoe (914) 961-2233; bistrolatinorestaurant.com. Rafael Palomino, the chef behind Sonora in Port Chester and Greenwich Tavern, now has another restaurant in our region, a Latin American-Spanish hybrid. On the menu: gnocchi with Castilian sauce; herb-roasted half chicken, and lobster, mussels, and clams topped with sofrito. Bistro Latino is open Tues to Fri for lunch and dinner and weekends for brunch and dinner. $$$ Latin American/Spanish (See review page 142.) ★1/2 (07/2012)
NEW: Growlers Beer Bistro—25 Main St, Tuckahoe (914) 793-0608; growlersbeerbistro.com. A turn-of-the-century power station is now a beer bar with 17 taps split between locally (New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania) and distantly brewed selections; 41 bottled beers (from the US and Europe); cask-conditioned ale; and Fentiman’s craft sodas. The menu proffers snacks such as blue-cheese-stuffed prunes wrapped with bacon, mussels sautéed in garlic and white wine, and hot artichoke spread, plus salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie and cheese. Tues is Trivia Night, and on Wed and Sat, there’s live music. Open Tues through Thurs for dinner only; open for lunch Fri through Sun. $$ American
The Olde Stone Mill—2 Scarsdale Rd, Tuckahoe (914) 771-7661; theoldestonemill.com. The owners of Angelina’s in Tuckahoe have taken over this eatery built in 1803 as a cotton mill overlooking the Bronx River. A 14-ounce New York strip steak, grilled pork chop with sweet and hot cherry peppers in a balsamic glaze; and seared halibut are main plates to try. Lunch and dinner Tues through Sun; brunch on Sat and Sun. A patio accomodates about 60 diners in warmer months. Reservations suggested. $$$$ New American
The Tap house—16 Depot Sq, Tuckahoe (914) 337-6941; thetaphouseny.com. Kevin Bertrand, previously of Crabtree’s Kittle House, is executive chef at this gastropub. Dishes to sample include mustard-crusted salmon, Colorado lamb loin with Moroccan spices, and grilled skirt steak with mascarpone polenta. Lunch and dinner Mon through Sat; brunch and dinner on Sun. Reservations suggested. $$$ New American ★★ 1/2 (05/2100)
Valhalla
Mughal Palace—16 Broadway, Valhalla (914) 997-6090; mughalpalace.com. Across from the Valhalla train station is this 60-seat Indian eatery where both savory dishes (coconut milk-simmered beef Muglai, lamb with onions, garlic, and ginger, and chicken masala) and vegetarian selections (boiled eggplant sautéed with onions, sag paneer—Indian cheese in a spinach gravy) are available. Remember to order some naan (flat bread) to mop up the gravy. Open every day. $$ Indian
Valhalla Crossing—2 Cleveland St, Valhalla (914) 682-4076; thevalhallacrossing.com. Enjoy traditional American fare at this pub and restaurant, adjacent to the Valhalla Metro North station, and dine in an antique Presidential train car, an authentic caboose, or the main dining room with a handcrafted oak bar, or (weather permitting) outdoors in a tiki bar. Entrées include Philly cheesesteaks and chicken Madeira. Karaoke on Wed and acoustic pop on Sat. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. $$ Traditional American
West Harrison
Trevi Ristorante—11 Taylor Sq, West Harrison (914) 949-5810; treviofharrison.com. This 80-seat Italian restaurant offers ravioli fritti, gnocchi al pomodoro, pollo scarpariello, and grilled salmon with green-lentil salad. Open for lunch Tues to Thurs and dinner Tues through Sun. Reservations recommended. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard only. $$$ Italian
White Plains
Aberdeen—3 Barker Ave, White Plains (914) 288-0188. A spacious dining room past large fish tanks awaits patrons at this Cantonese eatery located in the Residence Inn by Marriott. Myriad dim sum dishes (chicken and sticky rice in lotus leaves, roast pork buns) and other Cantonese fare (clams with black bean sauce, fish and bean curd casserole) are offered. Dim sum is available at lunch only. Open every day. $$ Cantonese
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza—264 Main St, White Plains (914) 358-9702; anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com. “Italian soul food” like broccoli rabe and sausage, as well as pizzas such as Philly cheesesteak, frittata with peppers and onions, and meatballs and ricotta baked in an 800ºF coal oven are offered at this first New York location of this chainlet. Try the signature oven-roasted chicken wings with caramelized onions for an app. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Italian
Benjamin Steak House—610 W Hartsdale Ave, White Plains (914) 428-6868; benjaminsteakhouse.com. This 200-seat restaurant owned by ex-Peter Luger staffers Chef Arturo McLeod and Benjamin Prelvukaj is a sibling of midtown Manhattan’s Benjamin Steak House. Offerings include dry-aged steaks and chops, Chilean sea bass, grilled yellowfin tuna, and a 4-lb jumbo lobster broiled or steamed. A three-course prix-fixe lunch menu ($24.95) is offered. Open Tues through Fri for lunch; Tues to Sun for dinner; Sun for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$$$ Steakhouse ★★ 1/2 (05/2011)
City Limits Diner—200 Central Ave, White Plains (914) 686-9000; 135 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT (203) 348-7000; citylimitsdiner.com. The diner’s menu offers a broad selection of dishes: Oriental chicken salad, grilled salmon sandwich with asparagus and mushrooms, veal meatloaf with mushroom gravy and homemade desserts and breads. A three-course prix-fixe dinner ($21.95) is offered Mon to Fri starting at 5 pm. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $$ Traditional American
Emma’s Ale House—68 Gedney Way, White Plains (914) 683-3662; emmasalehouse.com. Among the entrées on this pub’s menu: surf and turf burger, salmon, barbecue braised short ribs, and buttermilk-fried chicken. Emma’s is a Certified Green Restaurant. Open every day for lunch and dinner; brunch on Sat and Sun. Mon bottles of wine are half price. Reservations suggested. $$$ Comfort American ♦ ♦ ♦ (05/2009)
Full Moon Asian Thai Restaurant—124 E Post Rd, White Plains (914) 328-7555; fullmoonasianthairestaurant.com. When the moon is full, customers receive a free drink at this Thai restaurant. Signature dishes include wood-grilled tiger prawns, masaman curry, pan-seared red snapper, sautéed jumbo shrimp with rice noodles; and sesame-crusted salmon. Lunch and dinner served Mon to Sat; dinner only on Sun. $$$ Thai
Haiku—149 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 644-8887; 717 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale (914) 722-4200; 56 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville (914) 337-5601; Cross River Plz, Rte 35 and 121, Cross River (914) 763-9120; 265 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 381-3200; haikuwhiteplains.com. With comfy couches surrounding a long bar, the White Plains branch of Haiku, a pan-Asian restaurant, has more of a lounge feel than its sister locations. Dishes offered include pad Thai noodles, sesame chicken, Sichuan dried beef, and Malaysian red curry. Outdoor seating is available in White Plains and Mamaroneck in warmer months. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Pan-Asian
Hudson Grille—165 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains 914-997-2000; hudsongrilleny.com. A spacious, contemporary restaurant located in the center of downtown White Plains. Entrées to try include pan-seared Scottish salmon, duck confit in a five-spice sauce, slow-roasted Berkshire pork chop, and linguini with baby clams. Dine on the rear patio which features a large outdoor bar. Open every day for lunch and dinner; brunch on Sun. $$$ New American
42 The Restaurant—Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, One Renaissance Sq, White Plains (914) 761-4242; 42therestaurant.com. Atop the Ritz-Carlton, there are two restaurants: Bellota, which serves tapas: oysters, cheese plates, and a variety of meat, fish, and vegetable small plates (most dishes are under $20) and Restaurant 42, which offers sophisticated New American fare such as wild Alaskan halibut and Crescent Farm Peking duck three ways. A $42, four-course, market-special menu is also available for dinner. Wine Director Ernani Silva oversees a 3,600-bottle wine cellar. At 42: lunch, Mon to Fri; dinner, Mon to Sat; at Bellota: dinner only Tues to Sat. Reservations recommended. $$$$ New American/Spanish
Legal Sea Foods—White Plains City Center, 5 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 390-9600; legalseafoods.com. Fresh New England seafood favorites from lobster to wood-grilled fish, clam chowder to crab cakes and tuna sashimi to Thai-style fried calamari served at this popular seafood chain. Lunch and dinner served daily. Reservations advisable. $$$ Seafood
Lazy Boy Saloon —154 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 761-0272; lazyboysaloon.com. This casual alehouse is beer heaven. A full menu of burgers, top-notch wings, jumbo salads, thin-crust grilled pizzas, and specialty sandwiches are offered. Live music on Wed and Fri. Open late every day. $ Traditional American
The Melting Pot—30 Mamaroneck Ave, Lower Level, White Plains (914) 993-6358; meltingpot.com. Enjoy a fondue-themed dining experience at this downtown White Plains restaurant. Entrées include twin lobster tails, Cajun-seasoned shrimp, teriyaki-marinated sirloin, as well as cheese and dessert fondues. Dinner only every day. Reservations suggested. $$$$ Fondue
Milonga Wine & Tapas—577 N Broadway, White Plains (914) 358-1444; milongawinetapas.com. Sample Argentinean cuisine prepared by Chef Angelo Magno, formerly with White Plains’s Tango Grill. Empanadas, tilapia ceviche, and roasted duck wrap are among popular tapas; entrées include New Zealand lamb, parrillada (grilled Angus strip steak and flat-iron sausages with yucca); and almond-encrusted tilapia. The wine list is predominantly Argentinean (personal wines welcome with corkage fee). Patio dining is offered during warmer months. Open every day for lunch and dinner; bar open until 2 am Fri and Sat. Reservations recommended. $$$ Latin America
NEW: Mulberry Street Italian Kitchen—189 E Post Rd, White Plains (914) 761-1111; mulberrystreetwp.com. Traditional Italian fare including New York-style brick-oven pizza is on the menu at this spacious restaurant. Entrées include shrimp scampi, penne alla vodka, veal picatta, and pork chop with vinegar peppers. Piano bar on Sat evenings. A banquet room seating 100 is available. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$ Italian
Mulino’s of Westchester—99 Court St, White Plains (914) 761-1818/(800) 854-8919; mulinosny.com. Voted “Best Italian Restaurant” (2007, 2008) and the restaurant with the “Best Service” (2004) by Westchester Magazine readers, Mulino’s serves traditional Northern Italian fare and provides superb service. Fans love the setting, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when there’s live piano music. Dinner only Sat; closed Sun. Reservations recommended for Sat night. $$$$ Italian ★★★ (04/2009)
NEW: Noodle +—245 Main St, White Plains (914) 948-4950; noodleplus.com. Dumplings, noodle soup bowls, stir-fried noodles, and rice bowls are on the menu. Basil noodle, roast duck and shrimp wonton soup, and yellow curry rice bowl are dishes to sample. Most items are less than $13. An $8.95 lunch special (drink, salad, app, and entrée) is available every day but holidays. Noodle + delivers within a five-mile radius. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Thai/Chinese
Porter house—169 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 831-5663; porterhousebar.com. This restaurant serves traditional pub fare using fresh, local ingredients. Favorites include the Porter House burger, a Buffalo chicken wrap, beet salad, and an 18-oz porterhouse steak. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. $$ Traditional American
PRANZI ENOTECA—8 City Ctr, White Plains (914) 328-4000; pranzirestaurant.com. This elegant Italian restaurant, located at the base of Trump Tower, offers entrées that range from traditional Italian pasta dishes and personal pizzas to veal chops and rack of lamb. Carmine Paglia, formerly at Polpo in Greenwich, Connecticut, is the executive chef. Outdoor seating is available. Open every day for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sunday. Reservations recommended for dinner. $$$ Italian
Prophecy—15 S Broadway, White Plains (914) 285-0900; prophecywhiteplains.com. Before it transforms into a chic late night lounge, this downtown spot sporting a contemporary décor serves American cuisine. Menu favorites include filet mignon with crab legs, colossal crab cakes, and housemade desserts and bread. Dinner Tues to Sat; lunch spring and summer only. $$$ Continental
Serafina—199 Main St, White Plains (914) 288-9300; serafinarestaurant.com. This 75-seat Northern Italian restaurant adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, serves more than 20 varieties of thin-crust pizza, plus bucatini with pancett, fettuccine with herb-infused lobster, and grilled swordfish. A 40-seat outdoor patio is open in warmer months. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations for six or more only. $$$ Northern Italian
Sofrito—175 Main St, White Plains (914) 428-5500; sofritowhiteplains.com. The owners of Puerto Rican restaurant Sofrito in Manhattan have opened this sister restaurant. On the menu: savory shredded beef over green plantains; roasted pork with pigeon peas and rice; and red snapper stuffed with seafood. A $45, four-course prix fixe includes a family-style appetizer platter, soup or salad, choice of one of five entrées, and an assorted dessert tray. For dessert, try the empanaditas guyabas (guava-paste-filled dumplings). Open for dinner-only every day (kitchen closes at 4 am Fri and Sat). $$$ Puerto Rican
Sushi Nanase—522 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 285-5351; sushinanase.com. Sushi master Yoshimichi Takeda (Nobu, Masa) and his artful, exacting cuts of pristine fish take center stage at this tiny but superb restaurant. Try the omakase ($85), which includes three appetizers, a broiled fish, sushi, and dessert. Lunch and dinner every day except Wed. $$$$ Japanese ★★★★ (02/2006)
Tre Angelina—478 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 686-0617, treangelina.com.This cozy, white-tablecloth Northern Italian restaurant offers chicken scarpiello, double cut veal chop with sautéed mushrooms, shrimp in garlic basil over fettuccine and filet of sole with toasted almonds. Reservations recommended. Closed Sun (except for private parties). $$$ Northern Italian
Turkish Cuisine Westchester—116 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 683-6111; turkishcuisineny.com. Apo Kilic, formerly co-owner of Turkish Meze in Mamaroneck, has opened this counter-style, bargain Turkish eatery. Chicken gyros, lamb and beef kebabs, and stuffed cabbage are dishes to try. Don’t miss the daily made baklava and rice pudding. Open daily for lunch and dinner (until 3 am Thurs through Sat). Reservations accepted. $ Turkish ♦ ♦ ♦ (03/2009)
Yonkers
Dolphin—1 Van Der Donck St, Yonkers 914-751-8170; dolphinrbl.com. The Rugova family of Yonkers runs this bi-level restaurant where Executive ChefDavid Hubert, formerly of Blackthorn Restaurant in Kenilworth, New Jersey, proffers a menu of seafood, pasta, steaks, and big salads. A 100-seat patio lends views of the Hudson River. The wine list features selections mostly from Italy, France, and California. Open for lunch and dinner every day; a late-night menu is offered Thurs to Sat 11:30 pm to 1 am. $$$ Seafood ★★ (09/2011)
Empire Terrace Restaurant—Yonkers Raceway, 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers (914) 457-2456; yonkersraceway.com. Dine on classic American fare in a room overlooking a half-mile harness track. Fresh seafood, prime rib, steaks and chops, housemade soups, rotisserie chicken, burgers, and sandwiches are popular dishes. Reservations recommended. Open for dinner Mon to Sat. MasterCard, Visa, and AmEx only. $$$ Traditional American
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana—1955 Central Ave, Yonkers (914) 961-8284; pepespizzeria.com.The famously delicious New Haven pizzeria’s first location outside of Connecticut is in Yonkers—lucky us! From the white-tiled coal-oven come haphazardly shaped pies including the signature white clam with thick-chopped top-neck clams, Pecorino Romano, and hunks of roasted garlic. You won’t find any ham-pineapple or duck pizza here—traditional pies only with traditional toppings. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$ Italian
Havana Central—238 Market St at Ridge Hill, Yonkers (914) 423-5500; havanacentral.com. This chain restaurant serving Cuban fare has opened in the new city within a city known as Ridge Hill. Pair a signature Mojito or freshly made sangria with a handmade empanada or paella. Look for live Latin music Thurs to Sun from 8 to 11 pm. Havana Central is open every day for lunch and dinner and offers brunch on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Cuban
La Bella Havana—35 Main St, Yonkers 914-920-9777; labellahavana.com. This corner restaurant serves what arguably is the best Cuban sandwich, plus delicious coconut shrimp and skirt steak. For dessert, try the tres leches cake and batata pie. Specialty drinks include a selection of mojitos and sangria. Enjoy live music on Thurs. Open seven days for lunch and dinner plus brunch on Sun. $$$ Cuban ★★ (04/2012)
NEW: La Fonda Poblana/Tacos El Poblano—200 New Main St, Yonkers (914) 476-2509; tacoselpoblano.com. These adjacent restaurants with different settings (Tacos is more modest) offer the same menu of Puebla, Mexican fare, including handmade tortillas, spiced pork tacos, huitlacoche or corn smut quesadillas, beef or chicken enchiladas, and cemitas. Fonda also has a full liquor license (hello margaritas and house-infused pineapple tequila!); Tacos is just beer and soda. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $ Mexican ♦ ♦ ♦ (06/2012)
La Lanterna Restaurant—23 Grey Oaks Ave, Yonkers (914) 476-3060. Serving regional Italian cuisine in a casual setting. La Lanterna offers hearty fare and well-loved dishes including rack of lamb and whole-wheat fettuccine in a chopped tomato-basil sauce. Open Tues through Fri for lunch and Tues through Sun for dinner. $$$ Regional Italian
Lillian Russell Café—Yonkers Raceway, 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers (914) 457-2456; yonkersraceway.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this casual café located at the front of the Empire City Casino. Fresh salads, entrées such as stuffed loin of pork, a carving station, and an array of desserts are among the offerings. Open every day. Reservations for six or more only. MasterCard, Visa, and AmEx only. $$ Traditional American
Nonno’s Trattoria—Yonkers Raceway, 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers (914) 457-2456; yonkersraceway.com. Traditional Italian dishes can be found at this eatery on the second floor of the casino. Choose from a variety of pastas (ravioli, perciatelli, linguini, pappardelle, penne, whole-wheat pastas) and sauces, plus chicken, veal, and steak dishes. Desserts are made in-house. Lunch menu has heroes and individua pizzas. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$ Italian
Texas de Brazil—Ridge Hill Blvd, Yonkers 914-652-9660; texasdebrazil.com. Southern Brazilian dishes along with Texas favorites like pit barbecue items make up the extensive menu at this churrascaria with 24 locations nationwide. Diners pay either $24.99 (light dinner) for a gourmet salad buffet containing more than 60 items, or $46.99 (regular dinner) for salad bar and 15 grilled meats prepared over an open flame and carved tableside. Among the meat selections: Brazilian sausage, chicken breast wrapped in bacon, rack of lamb, and the house specialty picanha (top sirloin). Children under 2 are free, from ages 3 to 5, $5, and children 6 to 12 dine for half price Open every day for dinner. $$$$ Brazilian
valentino’s—132 Bronx River Rd, Yonkers (914) 776-6731. Old-style, Italian restaurant with white tablecloths, huge portions, and a large selection of seafood. Popular dishes include linguini Valentino, osso buco, mussels marinara, steaks and homemade Italian cheesecake. Lunch, noon to 2:30 weekdays. Closed Tues. $$ Italian
X2O Xaviars on the Hudson—71 Water Grant St, Yonkers (914) 965-1111; xaviars.com. Venerated four-star chef Peter Kelly’s fourth restaurant sits on the historic Yonkers Pier offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Separate menu available in the casual Dylan Lounge Tues to Sun; there’s also a sushi bar. Lunch Tues to Fri; dinner Tues to Sun; brunch—one of the best deals in the county—Sun. The Hudson Room on the upper tier can seat 80 for a private party. Reservations highly recommended. $$$$ Contemporary American ★★★★ (11/2007)
Yard House—237 Market St, Ridge Hill Blvd, Yonkers (914) 375-9273; yardhouse.com. This 400-plus seat restaurant features 130 tap handles of craft, imported, and specialty ales and lagers that go well with the more than 100 food offerings. On the food menu: salads, pastas, sandwiches, street tacos, grilled burgers, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks, and ribs. Miso-glazed sea bass, ahi crunchy salad, and a pepper-crusted Gorgonzola burger are among the most popular dishes. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining (until midnight Sun to Thurs and 1 am Fri and Sat). Limited reservations available. $$$ American
Zuppa—59 Main St, Yonkers (914) 376-6500; zupparestaurant.com. Paskual Dedi is the executive chef at this urbane Italian restaurant serving brick-oven pizzas, creative homemade pastas, and top-notch entrées. For dessert, don’t miss the warm bag of zeppole. Live jazz in the lounge every Tues. Lunch three-course prix-fixe ($24) weekdays. Three private rooms are available for parties. Open Mon through Fri for lunch and dinner every day. Reservations recommended for large parties and on weekends. $$$ Italian
Yorktown Heights
Peter Pratt’s Inn—673 Croton Heights Rd, Yorktown Heights (914) 962-4090. This American restaurant, located in a 1780 Colonial home, serves a perpetually changing menu that may include Berkshire pork belly-stuffed clam, seared breast of Rohan duck, and grilled Colorado lamb rack. Once a month, specialty theme dinners, e.g., “All Duck Night” or “Scottish Wild Game Dinner,” are offered. Open Wed to Sun for dinner only. $$$ New American ★★ 1/2 (06/2006)
Piatto Grill—90 Triangle Ctr, Yorktown Heights (914) 248-6200; piattogrill.com. This family-friendly restaurant serves Italian-fusion dishes such as pollo valdostana, penne eclisse, and vitello capriccioso. Gatherings of up to 180 people can be accommodated. An extensive international wine list is offered. Comedy nights take place once a month. Outdoor dining is available. Reservations are recommended. Open for dinner Mon to Sun. $$$ Italian
Thyme—3605 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights (914) 788-8700; thymerestaurant.net. Owner and executive chef Tom Costello, formerly owner of Bao Noodles and the Sunburnt Cow in Manhattan, mans the kitchen at this steak and seafood house. Mains to try include steak frites, roasted salmon, pan-seared sea scallops, and risotto with crab and asparagus. Open Tues to Sun for lunch and dinner; plus, a three-course Sunday brunch for $23.95. $$$$ New American ★★★ 1/2 (02/2011)
Fairfield County
Barcelona Wine Bar and Restaurant—18 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich,CT (203) 983-6400; barcelonawinebar.com. Dine on paella, gambas al ajillo (sautéed shrimp), grilled sirloin, and a variety of hot and cold tapas. Open seven days for dinner and Mon through Fri for lunch. Lively bar crowd. Reservations recommended on the weekends. $$$ European Spanish
Douro—28 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT (203) 869-7622; dourorestarantbar.com. At this 45-seat restaurant, Chef Rui Correia offers a sophisticated take on the cuisine of his native country—Portugal. Favorite dishes include frango (wood-fire-roasted half-chicken on the bone); four varieties of paellas; pan-roasted cod; and char-grilled strip steak over Portuguese-style chips and chourico. Lunch served Mon through Fri; dinner Mon through Sun (closed on Sun July and Aug). Reservations recommended. $$$ Portuguese
NEW: eleven14 KITCHEN—1114 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT (203) 696-8869; eleven14kitchen.com. Chef François Kwaku-Dongo brings New American cuisine to the 120-seat restaurant located in The JHouse boutique hotel. Seasonal menu items include various flatbreads baked in a wood-fired oven, homemade-duck-sausage pizza, and baked cherrystone clams with roasted green-onion aïoli. The restaurant offers open-air dining and bar areas protected from weather by trellises and heaters. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, and brunch is available Sat and Sun from 7:30 to 11 am. Reservations recommended. $$$$ New American
Elm Street Oyster House—11 W Elm St, Greenwich, CT (203) 629-5795; elmstreetoysterhouse.com. A high-energy seafood restaurant serving such specialties as pan-fried oysters, wasabi-crusted tuna, and crab quesadillas. Lunch and dinner every day; brunch on Sun. Accepts lunch reservations only. $$$$ Seafood
Greenwich Tavern—1392 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich, CT (203) 698-9033; palominorestarants.com. Andres Mesa has replaced Sterling Smith, formerly owner/chef of The Sterling Café in New Rochelle, as chef de cuisine at this casaul tavern owned by Moe Gad and Rafael Palomino (also executive chef). Lunch and dinner every day; brunch on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ New American
Nearby
Freelance Café and Wine Bar—506 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY (845) 365-3250; xaviars.com. A cozy, casual eatery serving innovative and wonderfully prepared New American cuisine. Lunch served Tues through Sun; closed Mon. AmEx only. Reservations not accepted. $$$ New American
Lobster Box Restaurant—34 City Island Ave, City Island, New York (718) 885-1952; lobsterboxretaurant.com. In business since the 1940s, this all-things-seafood eatery on the Long Island Sound serves seafood risotto, baked jumbo stuffed shrimp, almond-crusted salmon, and lobster with crabmeat stuffing. Outdoor seating is available. Open every day for lunch and dinner. $$$ Seafood/Continental
Ramiro’s 954—954 Rte 6 Mahopac, NY (845) 621-3333; ramirorestarant.com. The menu at Chef Ramiro Jimenez’s open-kitchen restaurant strikes a balance between modern and traditional Mexican and South American fare. Menu selections include empanadas de picadillo, pork shank, beef short ribs, and salmon with salsa verde. For dessert: classic churros dipped in chocolate. After your meal, climb the spiral staircase and enjoy the art gallery. Lunch served Fri and Sat, dinner served Wed through Sun, and brunch served on Sun. Reservations recommended. $$$ Nuevo Latino
Restaurant X & Bully Boy Bar—117 Rte 303, Congers, NY (845) 268-6555; xaviars.com. A Peter Kelly winner. AmEx only. Closed for lunch on Sat. and closed all day Mon. Brunch on Sun. Reservations suggested. $$$$ New American
The Thayer Hotel—674 Thayer Rd, West Point, NY (845) 446-4731; thethayerhotel.rtrk.com. In the hotel’s regal main dining room, enjoy American cuisine prepared by Chef Peter Calchera. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served every day with brunch instead of lunch on Sun. $$$ American
Xaviars at Piermont—50 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY (845) 359-7007; xaviars.com. George DeMarsico, previously at Peter Kelly’s X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, is head chef at Kelly’s jewel box restaurant known for impeccable service, extraordinary food, and superb prix-fixe dinners. A farm-to-table prix-fixe menu is offered on Sun from 5 pm to 8 pm ($55 for four courses).
AmEx only. Lunch only on Fri and Sun. Jackets and reservations are a must. $$$$ New American
