Yonkers is seeing a renaissance of food spots with nine new eateries in the works or slated to open in the next few months.
Some of the biggest changes are happening along the waterfront where decades-old restaurants are being replaced with newcomers. The trend started last October whenSea Fire Grill replaced what for 16 years had been X2O Xaviars on the Hudson. And now, for the first time in almost as many years, the three eateries that had long been Dolphin and then Pier One Steakhouse, along with TaqueRio and Urge Burger are being turned into three new "Mama" concepts: a Mamasushi experience, a Mama Juana Cafe and a Mama Burger, the latter of which is a new concept for the group.
Mayor Mike Spano attributes the recent changes to a combination
of factors starting with Yonkers' many new developments. With those, come more first-floor retail space, which means more room for restaurants. At the same time, those developments are bringing more residents and activity to the area.
"Over the past 16 years, we've worked to create places where people can gather, enjoy great restaurants, support local businesses and spend time with family and friends," he said. "Yonkers has always been a city of many cultures, and today our waterfront and downtown reflect that better than ever.
"Along with our parks, concerts, festivals and ongoing development along the waterfront, the variety of dining and entertainment options continues to grow, giving residents and visitors more reasons to experience everything Yonkers has to offer. It's exciting to see that progress continue, and we're looking forward to what's next."
That sentiment expands beyond downtown into other areas, primarily along Central Park Avenue where Noya Restaurant(another Bronx transplant) opened in May, and 7th Street Burger is opening later this fall. In food store news, Trader Joe's announced plans to open at 2482 Central Park Avenue while Lidl, which is just a few doors down, opened last October.
Plus, new dining additions are planned for Ridge Hill. Here's what to look forward to.
Teriyaki Madness
The chain, which opened its first Westchester location in New Rochelle earlier this year, is opening later this September in downtown Yonkers. The Denver-based franchise, which has more than 200 eateries across 40 states, is known for featuring customizable, protein-packed dishes such as marinated chicken, steak, salmon, tofu and fresh veggies over rice or Yakisoba noodles, complemented by signature sauces and sides like eggrolls and edamame. 34 Main St. teriyakimadness.com.
Mama Juana Cafe
This eatery, which started in the Bronx and is known for its traditional Dominican and Latin-infused dishes, innovative sushi rolls and inventive cocktails, will open in the former Pier One Steakhouse space sometime in late September/early October. Keep in mind this concept is slightly different than Mamajuana Cafe Prime, which has a location in Hartsdale. Though similar in menu and vibe, they have different food options and owners. 1 Van Der Donck St., mamajuanacafebronx.com.
Mamasushi Restaurant
Traditional sushi and sushi aplatanao, a fusion of classic Japanese rolls, Caribbean flavors and cooked ingredients, are among the highlights at Mamasushi, which is taking over the former TaqueRio space. For a taste of what's to come, check out their Bronx menu. 1 Van Der Donck St., mamasushi.com
Mama Burger
Expect a Dominican twist on handcrafted burgers when Mama Burger, a new concept from Victor Sanchez, owner of Mama Juana Cafe and Mamasushi, opens later in September/early October. The fast food spot will also feature the Dominican Republic's popular street food burger known as a chimi. 1 Van Der Donck St.
7th Street Burger
Smashed burgers and crispy fries are the focus at this fast-growing chain that is opening its first Westchester location in Yonkers in mid-September. The company, which is 34 spots strong, is expanding rapidly and chose Westchester for both its proximity to New York City and the fact that many commuters and residents are already familiar with the brand. 2270 Central Park Ave., 7thstreetburger.com.
Olga's Pisco and Mezcal Bar
Robert Rosario, who ownsGuapo Mexican and Cuban Restaurant on Warburton Avenue, is opening a new eatery in December focused on Peruvian cuisine with Mexican touches. His vision, he said, is to offer a gastronomic concept celebrating and connecting two of Latin America’s most renowned culinary cultures. The experience will be complemented by a signature cocktail bar specializing in a fusion of Peruvian pisco and Mexican mezcal.
Rosario said he wanted to open another location downtown because, after a decade operating Guapo, he wanted to enhance the Yonkers downtown waterfront with a new concept. 1 Pier Pointe St.
Coffee Shop
John Racanelli of First Generation Hospitality L.L.C. is behind this new venture with an undetermined opening date. The company also owns Pizza & Brewin Scarsdale, and Public Pizza Italian Restaurant & Barand Casa Fuego in Yonkers (Ridge Hill). No word yet on what kind of food to expect though the signage on the door reads "breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails." 28 Wells Ave.
Toastique
Toastique, which first burst onto the Westchester market with its 2024 New Rochelle location, is opening a second spot under the same father/son franchise ownership of Michael and James Simone sometime later this year. This one will be a 1,200-square food space next to the Archer Avenue garage entrance. The focus, as the name implies, is on artfully crafted toasts along with açaí and smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, hand-crafted coffee, wellness shots and grab-and-go items. This mark's the brand's fourth New York location since being founded in 2018 in Washington, D.C. One Ridge Blvd., toastique.com.
Doughnuttery
Westchester locals and longtime friends Ian Silva and Jonel Gonzalez will open their first location of New York City-based Doughnuttery later this year in a 500-square-foot space next to L.A. Fitness. Founded in 2012, the brand specializes in fresh, hot miniature doughnuts made using proprietary sugar blends and high-quality, local and exotic ingredients. Known for its unique flavor combinations, specialty dipping sauces and innovative cooking methods, Doughnuttery has gained popularity over the years, growing to include locations across the U.S. and South America. The Ridge Hill shop marks the brand’s first standalone New York franchise location. 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., ridgehill.com/dinings/doughnuttery.
Know of an opening or closing?
Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com with details of openings or closings near you (as inevitably I miss some). And, if you want more intel on Lower Hudson Valley dining and entertainment, sign up for my free weekly newsletter, which often includes behind-the-scenes info I don't always share in my stories at profile.lohud.com/newsletters/manage.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Yonkers dining options expanding as 9 new eateries set to join scene
