This summer may go down in the history books as one with the most restaurant closings but on the flip side, there were many more openings — as in 29 from June to now. From ice cream to Italian sandwiches,
all-American burgers to countless cups of coffee, Westchester's dining scene continues to surprise, evolve, delight and dazzle.
What follows are some are "in case you missed it" places I've already reported on (e.g., Fat Stu's, Rosie Bella's and Broken Bow Brewery) while others opened days ago. Plus, stay tuned to The Journal News/lohud.com for details on all that's coming later this year (so far, my list stands at 25-plus).
With all this food news, your biggest question should be where are you headed next to grab a bite or drink? Perhaps it will be the county's first non-alcoholic bottle shop? A converted bank with a focus on flowers and Vietnamese coffee? Or the Southern Westchester outpost of pizza made with sourdough? Or barbecue made from a former psychologist? Take your pick from the below options.
Westchester's first non-alcoholic bottle shop
DrySpace Beverage, Dobbs Ferry
Open since July 17, this shop is devoted to non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits and functional beverages. Owners Matt and Molly Ferguson also provide tastings as a way to serve as an educational space. The two, who have backgrounds in HR, compliance, operations and branding, wanted to build something that serves people and saw the growing non-alcoholic market as the perfect fit.
"DrySpace exists because community shouldn't require alcohol to function, and because not drinking should feel normal and social, not like a statement or compromise," Matt said. "We always say that good people deserve good options." 37 Cedar St., dryspacebev.com.
New barbecue in Westchester
MadHouse BBQ, Hartsdale
In what might be the most interesting stories in the Westchester dining world, Romie Mejalli, a psychologist with a thriving private practice, is now smoking meats for his new barbecue place, which opened Aug. 1. Mejalli, who has a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate in clinical psychology, has taken his long-time hobby and turned it into a fast casual business with smoke as the star. He describes his menu as traditional "craft barbecue" done "Texas style with a New York accent."
Diners can expect the classics such as brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs, house-made sausage and house-ground and smoked burgers along with sides like smoked mac n cheese, brisket burnt ends, baked beans, a middle Eastern style rice called "Mommas" and a Jordanian style cucumber salad. The self-taught chef started smoking meats in 2001 after visiting a high school buddy in the Army stationed in Texas. Immediately after that visit, he bought a small bullet smoker from The Home Depot and got to work.
Twenty-five years, over 30 cookbooks (before YouTube) and thousands of hours later, he arrived at his perfect recipe, which he then honed into catering while still working as a therapist. Now, he's loving every second of his career change. "After years as a psychologist helping countless people overcome hardships and achieve their dreams, I finally decided, with the support of my amazing wife, to make the transition to full-time barbecue," he said.
"Nothing makes me happier than family and friends and nothing brings family and friends together like a good well-crafted meal cooked with love." 2 N. Central Ave., 914-615-9495.
Cheers to Westchester bars
The End Tavern, New Rochelle
What had been Prohibitions End has been gutted and rebuilt into The End tavern, which owner Gianni Liporace named for being the end of New Rochelle (it's on the New Ro/Pelham border). Open since Aug. 28, it now has a more upscale, industrial look with a 15-seat bar, high-tops and lounge area complete with an electric fireplace. It also offers a variety of cocktails — in particular, martinis along with high-end whiskeys and bourbons. Expect pre-made sandwiches for now. A more extensive food menu (i.e. burgers, paninis and finger food) is to come. 765 Pelham Road, 914-740-3346.
Broken Bow Brewery, Tuckahoe
Broken Bow, the family-owned brewery that closed for renovations in January, reopened July 29 with a complete refresh. The biggest change is its brand new full-service kitchen called The Forklift, which serves a variety of sharables such as nachos, pretzel bites, fries, sliders and wings. The interior has also been expanded with an indoor taproom, an upgraded patio (now accessible year-round) and new gathering spaces including a pet-friendly area for dogs. 173 Marbledale Road, 914-268-0900, brokenbowbrewery.com.
Hello to hybrid
Piggy's Deli and O2 Café, Bedford Hills
This is a family affair between Jen Pignone and husband Mario Loor (for O2 Café), and the deli, which is run by the couple plus Jen's father, Mike Pignone. The two, which occupy one building with two storefronts that connect inside, opened Aug. 19 and features the best of both worlds: healthy, organic smoothies, sandwiches and salads on one side (with lots of gluten-free and vegan options); Italian-deli sandwiches, cold cuts and hot food on the other. O2 Café had previously been in Cross River for more than five years. 524 & 526 Bedford Road.
Westchester loves cafes/coffee shops
Jane Foodie Micro Cafe,Port Chester
Remember last April when Katonah resident Jane Carroll was on "Shark Tank" pitching her flash-frozen pre-cooked food — and got a deal with Lori Greiner? Well, now, the entrepreneur, who for a long time lived in Rockland (and a had an eatery in Pearl River), has, as of Sept. 9, opened a new cafe. This one is larger than what she previously had in Yonkers (she also, long ago, had one in Tarrytown), with breakfast, lunch and dinner options (including beer, wine and cider) as well as room for all kinds of classes, including baking and food entrepreneurship.
It also features plenty of loungey seating, designed to feel more like a living room than a traditional restaurant thanks to vintage furniture, artwork and fresh flowers. She's also offering Jane Foodie Café memberships, which include guaranteed seating, complimentary coffee, discounts on food and beverages, and first access to cooking, baking, fresh-flower and entrepreneur classes, special events and other Jane Foodie experiences.
With flash frozen meals a bulk of her business, the new facility, complete with an open kitchen, is now the flagship production home for Jane Foodie’s scratch-cooked foods (meaning they're prepared from scratch and flash frozen for peak freshness). 6 N. Pearl St., 914-497-5050, janefoodie.com.
The Cloudy Bean, Mamaroneck
Father-son duo Joseph Carrasquillo and Joseph Michael Carrasquillo have taken inspiration from island cafés in Puerto Rico for their new place, which is built around gathering, connecting and relaxing. Open since Aug. 31 the new spot, with a focus on single-origin beans from Peru as well as carefully curated blends, also features high-quality Japanese-sourced matcha and baked goods. The space has also been outfitted with cream and brown tiled floors, a clean, minimal countertop, and linen tan limewash paint to evoke that feeling of a warm breeze drifting by. The former tailor shop also features a lounge area with deep green seating, dark wood accents and rugs. 325 Mamaroneck Ave.
il Caffè di Napoli, Hawthorne
A group of friends who missed having a neighborhood coffee shop nearby decided to start their own. Open as of Aug. 23, this Italian-focused spot, where Likha Art Cafe had been, serves a variety of coffee drinks and pastries along with Italian ices and Uncle Louie G's ice cream. It also serves Crema di Caffè topped with whipped cream, served in either a cup or edible cookie shaped like a cup. The venture, which also features Italian beans, is the brainchild of local residents Arielle Poli, Alessandra Gallo and Paula Pagan. 363 Elwood Ave.
Eyes Closed, Dobbs Ferry
Eyes Closed opened Aug. 1 in the space that formerly had been The Boxing Cafe. Carla Sanders is the owner/barista behind the HudCo kiosk who, after six years managing and developing coffee programs for others, is offering classics as well as a rotating seasonal menu that reflect her life experiences and inspiration. Case in point: the EC Egg Cream, a caffeinated spin on the New York classic that back in the day, her dad would whisk up for her as a sweet treat. Along with coffee, she also offers her own baked goods (think Rice Krispies treats or double chocolate brookies).145 Palisade St., 914-462-7442, eyesclosedcoffee.com.
Dahlia's Song, Tarrytown
The long-vacant Washington Irving Trust bank has been given new life thanks to Linh Hoang who, on July 30, opened a hybrid florist, café and event venue. The soaring space, which dates to 1900, preserves many of the building's original architectural details including its marble interiors and more than century-old copper teller and receiving signs. While dahlias are the focus, so, too is Vietnamese coffee (she's from Saigon). There are also pastries, muffins and croissants along with various teas, juices and smoothies. To come: salads and sandwiches along with bánh mìs and summer rolls. Adding to the charm: the piano, which is available for anyone to play. 25 N. Broadway, 914-222-3132, dahliassong.com.
Fifth Coffee, Pelham
July 11 was opening day for this new coffee shop, run by two brothers. In addition to illy coffee, there's premium matcha, handcrafted teas, bagels, pastries, desserts, and gelato. 153 Fifth Ave., 914-733-4955, fifthcoffee.co.
Westchester summer ice cream additions
The Creamery, Cross River
The owners of The Boro Cafe + Market opened an ice cream spot Sept. 5, serving soft-serve and hard-scooped ice cream from Longford's along with specialty sundaes and milkshakes. Customers can expect 20 flavors spanning vegan chocolate to peanut butter blizzard. Candy and frozen desserts are also on the menu. The Creamery is located in the detached building at The Boro. 873 Route 35.
Pinky's Ice Cream Shack, Cortlandt Manor
After beginning as a pop-up, Pinky's is now an ice cream stand. Open since Aug. 9, it features 12 flavors, with the majority changing monthly and adapting to the seasons. Each flavor is made with local ingredients as much as possible with dairy sourced from Kingston-based Hudson Valley Fresh. Among the choices: vanilla, chocolate, brown butter pecan, Shio strawberry, Rainbow Cookie and Toasted Marshmallow. The business is the brainchild of Matt Mancuso, a Culinary Institute of America trained chef who approaches ice cream much like he would a restaurant meal, meaning flavor profiles are thoughtfully curated. 3535 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, pinkysicecream.com.
Gelateria Sorella, Bronxville
Open since June 25, this gelateria comes from Misha Mariani and Priscilla Scaff-Mariani, a husband-and-wife team with deep roots in New York’s fine-dining scene — think Daniel Boulud’s Épicerie, Gabriel Kreuther and Balthazar Bakery for her; The Marea, Lincoln Ristorante and The William Vale for him. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality ingredients and hospitality-first mindset is evident both in the design of the shop (meant to evoke both the wonder of childhood and the vibe of an Italian café) as well as in the products themselves (gelato is king but there's also sorbet and baked goods including a killer gluten-free chocolate chip cookie and a vegan coffee cake.) 5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, 914-202-7727, gelateriasorella.com.
Sundae BES, Peekskill
"Main character desserts" is how Sundae BES promotes itself with both soft and hard (Gifford's) ice cream. Open since July 1 it offers a varieties of flavors and toppings such as brownie bits, gummy bears, Oreos, sprinkles and more. You'll also find burgers, shakes and sundaes. 55 Hudson Ave.
Sweet news for chocolate lovers
The Chocolate Chalet, Briarcliff Manor
The Chocolate Chalet, which closed last October from its long-time spot at 74 N. State Road in Briarcliff Manor, opened in the former March boutique store in early July. The larger room now has more cabinetry and more options including chocolate cases filled with old favorites like truffles, turtles, jellies, Oreos, pretzels, bon bons, nuts and more. Come fall owner Tori Bracco plans to add more treats and molds. 1207 Pleasantville Road, 914-941-4607, thechocolatechalet.net.
More Italian food including sandwiches and pizza
Baci in the Square, Ardsley
It's all about the sourdough at Baci in the Square, where you'll find an array of pies and slices along with gigantic calzones. The takeout slice shop, open since July 15, is the second location for Chris Weisman, who owns Pizzeria Baci in Montrose, a The Journal News/lohud.com "best pizza" winner in 2025. 471 Ashford Ave., 914-688-5301, baciinthesquare.com.
Apposto, Mamaroneck
Fulvio Salza calls his place a "a neighborhood sandwich shop with Italian roots, serving breakfast, lunch and coffee." But it's more than that. Since opening July 21 it's become a magnet for creative creations made on schiacciata bread, a Tuscan-style focaccia that's "crispy on the outside, soft on the inside." The ingredients are also stars with Salza, who grew up in the restaurant industry, importing most of his products, including meats and cheeses from Italy. Among the choices: a 914 (chicken cutlet, prosciutto, stracciatella, arugula, sundried pepper spread and Balsamic glaze); the Caprese (mozzarella, tomato, basil, pesto, Balsamic glaze), Steak it Easy (flank steak, provolone, arugula, Cipollini onion spread, Italian spicy mayo) and Porchetta About It (porchetta, smoked mozzarella, arugula, roasted potatoes and rosemary aioli). 414 Mamaroneck Ave., 914-315-1977, appostosandwichshop.com.
Rosie Bella’s Italian Kitchen, Dobbs Ferry
Authentic Italian food and a contemporary décor define Rosie Bella's, which opened July 20 in the former Scaramella's space. The main attraction? House made pastas and personal pizzas made with European flours, partially visible from a semi-open kitchen. Other dishes run the gamut from baked clams to meatballs, a super thin pounded pork chop, a spicy chicken vodka parm, and a 14-ounce grilled and sliced New York strip steak served over sautéed mushrooms, onions and potatoes. Diners will also find a separate bar and outdoor area. The new spot is owned by Johnnie Greco, who's owned Louie & Johnnie's in Yonkers for three decades. 1 Southfield Ave. 914-693-6024.
Burgers remain popular
Fat Stu's All American Burger, Mamaroneck
Say hello to a third Fat Stu's, a dineresque spot that's an ode to Americana and comfort foods like burgers, fries and shakes. John Stubenvoll, who also owns Fat Stu's in Harrison and Port Chester, opened his new place Aug. 9. It's his largest — almost three times the size of the others — but with the same nostalgic décor and menu. 157 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, 914-315-1524, fatstus.com.
Chains and franchises enter the chat
Maman, Rye
Maman's first foray into the county includes this Rye cafe, which opened July 23. Like its other locations, diners can expect an assortment of coffee and teas, house made pastries, and made-to-order savory items including salads, wraps, sandwiches, soups and more. Aside from its food menu, the all-day eatery is known for its aesthetic, which features blue and white signature china, vintage furnishings, wooden farm tables and decorative details including custom toile-printed espresso machines and floral installations by Floratorium. 64 Purchase St., mamannyc.com.
The Salad House, Greenburgh
Fresh, made-to-order customizable salad creations are the focus of this health-conscious spot which opened July 19 in the Crossroads Shopping Center. The fast casual eatery, with multiple locations in New Jersey, also features sandwiches, wraps, soups, appetizers and smoothies. 439 Tarrytown Road, thesaladhouse.com.
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, White Plains
This restaurant chain, with locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Georgia, Illinois and Delaware, prides itself on using fresh ingredients and centuries-old culinary techniques. Open since July 3, its dishes include a variety of soup and pan-fried dumplings. There's also a wide assortment of stir-fries, noodles and cold dishes such as savory pressed tofu with Chinese celery, chicken in wine sauce and fried pork chops. The restaurant, which specializes in Southern Chinese cuisine and Chinese comfort food, has been a consistent presence on the Michelin Guide recommendation list. 27 Mamaroneck Ave., nanxiangxiaolongbao.com.
Ugly Dumpling, Scarsdale
Sophisticated authentic Chinese dining is the motto at this fast-growing company, which has locations across Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New York and New Jersey. Open since July 12, it features a wide variety of soup dumplings, pan-fried dumplings, barbecue pork buns, chicken and broccoli, shrimp noodles and beef with mushrooms. 999 Central Park Ave., uglydumplingsmenu.com.
Rocco's Italian Sausages & Cheese Steaks, New Rochelle
The grand opening for this sandwich shop was Aug. 24 though it officially opened June 13. Among the options: breakfast sandwiches, classic cheese steaks, signature Italian sausage sandwiches, and fan-favorite "Rocco's Special," which combines the two. For lighter options, there's also grilled chicken and vegetarian varieties. 55 Weyman Ave., 914-400-3954, roccositaliansausages.com.
Wonder, Yorktown Heights
Everything from poke to pasta is offered at this takeout spot where 15-plus restaurants serve a host of dishes. This is the fifth Wonder in Westchester (existing locations are in Scarsdale, Larchmont, Harrison and Pleasantville.) It soft opened July 6 with a grand opening July 9. 370 Underhill Ave., 855-818-5755, wonder.com.
Sushi in Scarsdale
Nomi Sushi, Scarsdale
Chef/owner Doug Nguyen, who ownsSabi Sushi in Piermont and was the founding owner of Wasabi in Nyack, has crossed the river to Westchester with the opening of his new omakase-forward spot. Open since Aug. 18, he has an ever-changing menu that relies on the seasons and whatever fish is available at the market (he sources fish from all over including Japan, Spain and Norway). The 27-seat eatery also features high-end Japanese gin, sake, vodka and whisky. 30 Garth Road, 845-756-7072, nomisushiscarsdale.com.
Thai in Harrison
Erawan Royal Thai, Harrison
The rich tastes of Thailand, including Pad Thai, green curry, som tam and mango sticky rice, can be found at this cozy spot, which opened July 16. 295 Halstead Ave., erawanroyalthai.com.
Tacos (and more) in White Plains
Drunken Taco Bar, White Plains
Open since July 17, this new eatery features a modern Mexican menu and a vibe that blends Miami energy with New York style. Despite the "taco" in its name, diners can expect an assortment of small and large plates including fusion items you don't often find in a Mexican restaurant, such as pork osso buco, a pulled pork burger and Maduro lasagna with light pomodoro sauce, sweet plantains and melted mozzarella cheese. Other items include rice bowls, soups, salads, quesadillas, wraps, wings, fried calamari and empanadas along with a variety of innovative cocktails. 91 Mamaroneck Ave., 914-358-5918, drunkentacowp.com.
Got food news?
Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com with details of restaurant openings or closings near you. 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: Nearly 30 new food options defined Westchester's summer 2026
