Fall 2024 Westchester restaurant preview: 10 new eateries have opened; 23 coming soon (2024)

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Jeanne MuchnickRockland/Westchester Journal News

Fall 2024 Westchester restaurant preview: 10 new eateries have opened; 23 coming soon (3)

Fall 2024 Westchester restaurant preview: 10 new eateries have opened; 23 coming soon (4)

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September is always a time of new beginnings and in the food world, that means restaurant openings. Ten have recently opened in Westchester, offering everything from Korean hot pot to Florentine cuisine to non-GMO wings to kosher bar snacks and — naturally — more pizza and coffee.

Salivating already? Read on to see what's new in your neighborhood. Please continue to the end for news about what's coming soon: close to two dozen spots ranging from a cereal bar to a slightly chaotic Mexican cocktail lounge to two more Wonder's, the return of a Latin fusion restaurant and the opening of the first Dave's Hot Chicken in Westchester.

Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar, Yonkers

Stefano Katsikoumbas, one of the partners behind Cantina in White Plains, said they opened their second location because they love Yonkers and believe in the revitalization at Ridge Hill. Open since Sept. 10, their festive new spot is complete with colorful upside-down umbrellas, a lit-up bicycle, a colorful mural and a huge "Hecho en Ridge Hill" sign. It features a similar menu of classics influenced by Mexican, Caribbean, and Tex-Mex flavors, along with colorful frozen and on-the-rocks drinks. Menu items include mango jerk chicken, Tijuana steak, tacos, empanadas and homemade churros with family-style rotisserie chicken, Mexican fried fondido, nacho fries and a double cheeseburger coming soon. 242 Market Street (near Casa Fuego at Ridge Hill), 914-709-8226, ridgehill.com/dinings/cantina.

More: Focaccia, espresso are Jeanne Muchnick's 'Best Thing I Ate This Week' in Westchester

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Scarsdale

Pick your broth, your protein, noodles, veggies and more at this new interactive all-you-can-eat dining experience, where, similar to fondue, you cook in a pot that's placed on your table. Opening at noon Sept. 25 this vibrant restaurant, with a swanky nightclub vibe and colorful Instagram charm, merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors. This is the first Westchester location for the franchise, which has multiple spots throughout the country. 825 Central Park Ave. (Greenville Shopping Center near Pizza & Brew), 914-810-0929, thekpot.com/location/scarsdale-central-park-ave/

Basilico Restaurant, Pelham

Florentine cuisine meets American flavors at Basilico, where Macelleria Italian Steakhouse had been. Open since Sept. 19, the Italian restaurant is owned by longtime restaurateurs Jetmir Arifaj and Nick Demaliaj with Chef Leonardo Pavia (most recently at Da Andrea in NYC) heading the kitchen. Expect a prix fixe lunch special (two courses for $30; $45 for three courses) in addition to an a la carte menu, weekend brunch and dinner. Sample menu items include New York Strip Loin, Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Piccata and Zuppa di Pesce as well as cocktails such as a Limoncello Spritz, a Basilico Smash (with gin and basil, the restaurant's namesake) and a Blood Orange Martini. 142 Fifth Ave., 914-740-5900

House of Wings, Mount Vernon

It's a family affair at this wing spot where four Brooklyn-based brothers have focused their mostly takeout eatery on fresh, never frozen, non-gmo and antibiotic-free wings. Wings are available boneless or bone-in with an option of more than 16 sauces including Korean BBQ, Thai Chili, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Buffalo and Mango Habanero.

The 12-stool spot, open since Aug. 31, also offers smashburgers and cereal-infused milkshakes in addition to chicken sandwiches, Texas Toast grilled cheese melts and loaded waffle bowls. The owners, one of whom is a NYC special education teacher, also have locations (some of them franchised) in Brooklyn and Staten Island. This is their first Westchester place and the first one solely run by family. 691 E Lincoln Ave., 914-840-9080, houseofwingsnyc.com

The North End Grill, New Rochelle

What had been the North End Tavern is now a lunch-and-dinner kosher sports bar that's dairy and nut-free. Open as of Sept. 24 for take-out only (dine-in to be offered later in the month), customers can expect the same ambiance as what existed before but with a completely new menu focused on bar food, healthy eats and meat dishes. All items are scratch-made. You can also create your own sandwiches and salads. Other choices include tacos, soups, burgers, grilled meats and chicken wings, with more than 20 sauces. The owners are encouraging feedback from the community and plan to tweak the menu according to customer needs. Liquor license to come. Stay tuned to their social media for updates. 1301 North Ave., 914-633-3224.

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Scratch, New Rochelle

This all-American grill, owned by restaurant veterans Gregory Galli, his wife Norka and brother Marcello, opened Sept. 20, serving a variety of lunch and dinner crowd-pleasers. On the menu: steak, fish, burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, plus a wine list of more than 100 vintages including rare ones from the early ‘70s and ‘80s. The large space — the dining room seats 175 with 35 at the bar — also has room for 26 in a private dining space. 30 Division St., 914-278-9650, scratchnr.com.

Honey Pizza, Yonkers

The owners behind Via Forno and Pizza & Brew in Scarsdale, and Public Pizza and Casa Fuego in Yonkers, opened a pizzeria at the Cross County Center Sept. 13 — the first there since 2008. Located on the north side of the mall in the former Cups location (next to Shake Shack), the space features counter service and outdoor seating and specializes in what it calls "Italian street food." Diners can expect over a dozen specialty slices daily, in addition to square slices, Grandma pies and other dishes such as pasta, paninis, calamari, chicken parm wedges, meatballs, fried mozz and more (though no gluten-free pizza). According to General Manger Eric Levine, the goal is to offer full service food served in a quick service surrounding. All ingredients are imported from Italy with Mutti tomatoes and Caputo flour. 8000 Mall Walk, 646-483-0475, crosscountycenter.com/store/Honey-Pizza

Shake Shack, Port Chester

The chain's fourth Westchester location opens Sept. 25 in the Gateway Shopping Center near Whole Foods with indoor and outdoor dining. Other Shake Shack locations include Yonkers, Hartsdale and White Plains, with another set to open at Ridge Hill (in the former PF Chang’s space) in Yonkers sometime next year. 535 Boston Post Road, shakeshack.com

oHHo The Old Firehouse, Bedford

Say hello to a new full concept shop located in the old Bedford volunteer firehouse. This is more than just coffee and pastries (though there are plenty of those); it's also a highly curated shop where you can buy furniture, coffee table books, self-care lotions, oils, CBD gummies and pantry items such as olive oil and marmalade. Open since July 10 (but still in its soft opening phase), ohho also offers salads and pizza from Pizza Girls NY, an artisanal pizza company that relies on a wood-burning oven and seasonal ingredients, many of which come from Rochambeau Farm in Mount Kisco. There's also wine, beer and plenty of couches to lounge on, in addition to lots of indoor and outdoor space. Come cooler weather, there will be blankets for that Copenhagen cozy European vibe. 34 Village Green, 914-810-7686, weareohho.com

Akebono Sushi & Hibachi, Tarrytown

There's a long list of sushi and sashimi items at Akebono where you'll also find a wide variety of noodles, teriyaki, tempura and hibachi. The restaurant, which opened in early August and can accommodate those who are gluten-free, also features all-you-can-eat meals (dine-in only) daily for $34.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids. 53 N. Broadway, 914-366-8818, akebonosushi.com

Plus coming soon

  • El Sueño, Peekskill: Restaurant veterans John Sharp, Louie Lanza, and Cheng Ling are behind this Mexican-inspired cocktail lounge and kitchen serving fanciful cocktails and authentic small plates. Diners can expect a vibe that leans towards what the owners call "the divine feminine," meaning it's a bit cute, definitely sexy, super colorful and a bit chaotic. The goal is to open early October. 55 Hudson Avenue (on Railroad Ave. next to Taco Dive Bar), elsuenopeekskill.com
  • Vida, Thornwood: Marc Taxiera and Brianne Myers, the couple behind Augustine's Salumeria in Mamaroneck, are looking at a mid-October opening for their Spanish restaurant, featuring dishes liketapas, Iberico pork, and paella. As with Augustine's, the attention will be on local and seasonal products. 14 Marble Ave. (the old Abis Restaurant spot)
  • Mamajuana Cafe Prime Hartsdale, Hartsdale: This Latin fusion restaurant, which closed this past March (after opening in March 2023), is reopening under new management Oct. 1, with updates to the food and drink menus including the addition of Peruvian dishes. There's also a new wall for selfies with a tropical vibe. 215 E. Hartsdale Ave.
  • Taco Bahama, Tuckahoe: Oct. 9 is the soft opening of this new eatery serving Asian fusion street food. Located where Nutmeg Cafe had been, the restaurant is owned by Luca Lucido-Balestrieri, who owns Buleria Tapas & Wine Bar down the street. 60 Main St.
  • Crema Caffe, Eastchester: Add another coffee shop to the mix (14 new ones opened this year so far). This one, set to open in late October/early November, will have about two dozen seats and will focus on breakfast, light lunch, desserts and, of course, coffee. The space, with an Italian aesthetic, is owned by Paul Russo, one of the owners of Pax Romana in White Plains, and his business partner Dominick Montemurro. 9 Sunnyside Terrace
  • Dave's Hot Chicken, White Plains: Mid-October is the target date for Dave's, which specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. This is the chain's first location in Westchester. 405 Tarrytown Road, daveshotchicken.com
  • COBS Bread, Eastchester: Get your bread fix Sept. 26 when this bakery, serving scratch-baked loaves and other goodies, opens in the lower level of the DeCicco's Plaza. 777 White Plains Road,cobsbread.com.
  • Peekeasy and Peekaboo Creams, Peekskill: Two businesses — one an ice cream shop and one a speakeasy — will open in mid-October. Both are owned by the business partners behind 140 Kitchen and Slaintein Peekskill. 907 South St.
  • Epsteins Deli, Somers: Get ready for pastrami and matzo ball soup, Northern Westchester. Though there's no definite date, signage on Facebook — as well on the restaurant's Hartsdale page — says the kosher deli is "coming soon." 325 NY 100, epsteinsdeli.com
  • Nova PizzaBar, Larchmont: The former Alondra's space has been transformed into an Italian pizza bar, with an opening set for mid-October. 18 Chatsworth Ave., novapizzabar.com
  • Il Sorrento Italian Restaurant, Scarsdale: More Italian options abound at this eatery that should open sometime in October. 706 Central Park Ave.
  • Wonder, Scarsdale and West Harrison. This "new kind of food hall," basically a delivery service offering 20 restaurants under one roof, opens 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 in Scarsdale with the first 100 customers receiving a $15 free meal voucher. Featured restaurants include Bobby Flay Steak, Burger Baby, Chai Pani, Detroit Brick Pizza Co., Streetbird by Marcus Samuelsson, and Tejas Barbecue with delivery available to zip codes 10502, 10523, 10530, 10533, 10583, 10606, 10607, 10706, 10707, 10709, 10710, 10804 (pick-up is also available). Wonder's West Harrison location is scheduled to open later this fall. Larchmont opened July 18. 652-654 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale; 105 Corporate Park Dr., West Harrison, wonder.com
  • Fat Stu's All-American Burger, Port Chester: The 1950s-style dineresque burger spot, which opened last October in Harrison, will open a second location sometime within the month. 32 N. Main St.
  • North River Oyster Bar, Sleepy Hollow: The husband and wife team behind Hudson Prime Steakhouse in Irvington and Divina Cucina Italiana in Hastings-on-Hudson are adding another restaurant to their roster with this oyster bar and seafood restaurant opening sometime in the next two months. 222 Beekman Ave.
  • Cereal Heaven, Mount Vernon: A 20-seat cereal bar featuring 75 different types of cereal along with lots of milk options in addition to ice cream, coffee and breakfast sandwiches, should open in mid-November. 67 Gramatan Ave.
  • Noble Pies, Bronxville: Freshly baked pies are a hallmark at this pie shop, which already has locations in Tarrytown and Rye as well as Beacon and Warwick. November is their target date for Bronxville. 128 Parkway, noblepies.com
  • The Bagel Emporium, Scarsdale: This bagel chain, located in Tarrytown, Armonk, Chappaqua, Port Chester and Yorktown Heights — and acclaimed by TV personality and philanthropist Bethenny Frankel — is opening sometime in November or December in Scarsdale. 16 Chase Road, bagelemporium.com
  • Pizzeria Baci, Ardsley: More pizza is coming to Ardsley — next door to newly opened spot Fiamma. The goal is to open by mid-November. This pizzeria already has a location in Montrose. 471 Ashford Road, pizzeriabaci.com
  • Talia Restaurant, Port Chester: Delays continue to plague this two-story, 120-seat restaurant, where Chef/Owner Ian Vest is planning cuisine featuring influences from Italy and France. The eatery, which should (hopefully) open sometime in November, will also feature a serious wine list. 25 Willett Ave.
  • The Taco Project, New Rochelle: It's still a ways away but this popular eatery, with locations in Tarrytown, Pleasantville, Bronxville, Yonkers, and Stamford, Connecticut, will open in the Illustrator building sometime in December. 596 North Ave., thetacoproject.com
  • 16 Handles, Larchmont: Add Ice cream and frozen yogurt to the Larchmont dining scene when this chain opens sometime before the end of the year. Diners can also expect edible cookie dough, acai bowls, fruit smoothies, milkshakes and ice cream cakes. 144 Larchmont Ave., 16handles.com
  • Antique Garage, Rye: Another one that's a way's away: Chef Utku Cinel, who owns Antique Garage restaurants in Soho and Tribeca, is opening a new addition of his Aegean fusion bistro sometime early in the new year. 100 Purchase St., antiquegaragesoho.com

Got food news?

Know of an opening -- or closing? Email deets to JRMuchnick@gannett.com.

Jeanne Muchnickcovers food and dining. Clickherefor her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram@lohud_foodor via thelohudfood newsletter.

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Fall 2024 Westchester restaurant preview: 10 new eateries have opened; 23 coming soon (2024)

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