theLoop’s restaurant roundup
AJ’s Burgers and America’s Favorite Foods We recently discovered this fun family restaurant in New Rochelle. Great classic American fare and wraps…with an average check of under $10. they’ll bring dough to the table for kiddies to make their own weirdly shaped bread. 542 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 914.235.3009. (no on/off license)
Applebee’s What a drag we have to put this so close to the top alphabetically. Local location of national “casual sit-down” chain. You could go there, but given the other area options, why? Though for Weight Watchers die-hards, there is a special menu. 640 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. 914.381.1017.
Anna Maria’s This Italian gem recently celebrated 2 years. Hopefully owner Anna Maria Santorelli’s hot connection to Rudy Giuliani (she was executive chef at Gracie Mansion from Dinkins to Bloomberg) will keep her in business even longer. 18 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.0555.
Aqui es Santa Fe Multi-colored chalk on blackboard menus in this Colombian eatery were up on the wall behind Jasmine, our informative and friendly hostess who patiently answered all of our gustatory questions. We were treated to light and crispy tortillas wraps with equally fresh and carefully chopped salsa. Our lunch entrees in this small but high ceilinged box of a place were mostly salads with chicken, all vegetarian, and steak tips for the three of us with a potato soup of the day. The interior is a visual complement to the food, simple and bright. And unnameable frothy fruit drinks that I can’t wait to try again. All for under $10 bucks each! We left with a grinning wave from the chef in the back. Try it!
32 Broad Street, Portchester, across from the train station. —Big D
Augies Big plates; family style Italian. Lots of regulars. 2417 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914.834.3800.
Auray Gourmet Pricey cheeses and crepes with a seating area. 144 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.2274.
The Barnacle BBQ The Barnacle is an unpretentious, comfortable casual spot with really good food and an owner who tries his hardest to please. TV screens for sports. Menus on their website . 181 E Boston Post Road Mamaroneck NY 10543 914.777.6610
Bar Vivace
Cafe Mozart A good local coffeehouse, though hardly the institution of its sister location on the Upper West Side. Friendly, relaxed, with outdoor seating. Occasional live music, or just bring your own. 308 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck. 914.698.4166.
Cafe Rio The lastest incarnation of the old Frank’s Place, now with a Latin flavor. 599 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. 914.835.7746.
Chat 19 Good cocktails, reliable food. Same family owns Lusardi’s. Getting very bridge and tunnel on weekend nights, and can get 4 deep at the bar. Come to think of it, you do have to cross a bridge to get here… 19 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.8871.
Cholo’s Kitchen– We love this cozy, colorful authentic eatery. LOOP reader Catherine says, “Off Main Street on Lawton. Amazing Peruvian food- very unusual. Great fish and fried yucca. Nice, homey atmosphere. This is a gem.” Two partners, one Peruvian, one American serve giant portions of food that those in the know say is as good as that back home. Fab decor. 4 Lawton Street, New Rochelle http://www.choloskitchen.com/
Churrascaria Copacabana – Come get your carnivore on at this Brazilian rodizio restaurant on Main Street in Port Chester. With ten-plus types of meat, there’s something for everyone. Start with the tasty treats at the salad bar then flip your card for the meat parade – carved at your table and served from giant skewers. The kids will have a blast! Good for large groups as well. A bit pricey but it is all-you-can-eat. 29 N. Main Street, Port Chester (914) 939-6894 –Petra Pasquina
nbsp; read and post reviews
Encore Mais oui! Cozy French bistro. A trip to Provence. Bring lots of euros. 22 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.8600.
Enzo’s Very good traditional Italian food. Lighting and décor could be better.
451 Mamaroneck Aveeck Avenue, Mamaroneck. 914.698-2911
Espana Good tapas, both cold and warm. Attentive service. This pretty space with a warm but small front bar has been a revolving door of restaurant ventures. Opened in November, 2007, this one looks like it’s staying. 147 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.1331
Esy’s Cafe Variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. Some café seating. Big with the high school set. 1202 W. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck 914.834-4540
Fratelli Ristorante –Their traditional Italian food is wonderful – it’s not cheap but worth the prices. Appetizers are $7-$11, pasta $14-$23, entrees $18-$28. Somewhat nondescript décor but friendly service. Don’t be put off by the strip mall. 237 Main Street, New Rochelle 914.633.1990.http://www.fratellinewrochelle.com/
Ginban- 421 Mamaroneck Ave Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 777-8889
Globe Extending the long bar in the front was a good move because Globe is about the wine. Look out for weekday 1/2 price bottle specials. reliable food. Back room singles scene on the weekends with large screen sports TV. 1879 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833-8600
Goldenrod– 55 E. Main Street, New Rochelle. 914-235-6688
Gnarly Vine Wine Bar A real find. Look for the wood shingles. Open Monday through Saturday 5pm until.. Wines from around the worldand small plate food items such as Tuna Tartar, Shrimp Ceviche, oysters, clams, assorted artisinal cheese plates, cured meats, salads, quesadillas… DJ on Saturday nights. www.thegnarlyvin
e.com 914.355.2541
Gusano Loco — Authentic Mexican. (By Equinox & Zitoune) Chef is known for his mole sauce. Fabulous margaritas, too. —Boo don’t miss: Some pretty strong fish
Harry’s Burritos Offshoot of locations in Manhattan. The margaritas are much better than the food. Plenty of options for vegetarians. Love the chili pepper string lights. 94 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont . 914.833.2222.
Hubba :There are no words to describe HUBBA in Port Chester. The ONLY place to go in Westchester for the ultimate late night indulgence. Be sure to order your Hubba Water, ‘cuz that chili is HOT! 24 North Main St. Port Chester. –Jesse M
Hunan Larchmont Basic Chinese. We prefer Ray’s, just a few doors down, but Hunan delivers. 1961 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.0400.
Il Theatro A safe bet and good value if you are looking for above average Italian food in a nice restaurant that doesn’t try too hard. Step right off the train. Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck. 914-777-2200
Joe’s Pizza It’s good and they deliver! 260 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck. 914. 698-2829
La Piccola Casa A good place to bring your grandmother. Very good Italian food. Quiet, small, traditional. 1422 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. 914.777.3766.
Larchmont Diner Not bad. 2399 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914.833.2062
Larchmont Tavern Local bar with a long tradition. Recent change of ownership; much better food. Still crazy after all these years. 104 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont.914.834.9821.
La Herradura –Excellent value for very good quality food, although drinks can be pricey. Fast, friendly service. Wild West décor. Quiet weeknights, with relaxing background music, except Thursday nights, when they have a live mariachi band. Try the steak “Presidente” with brandy sauce. Appetizers $4-$10, entrees $8-$17, kids menu. 563 Main Street, New Rochelle 914.235-2055
La Reserva Old school Italian. Look for Joe Torre. 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914.834.5584.
La Sala When you can’t get to Brookyn. Traditional, white tablecloth Italian. Good food, not outstanding. Excellent service. Crooning singer on weekends. 2047 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914.833.7900.
La Villetta This Italian mainstay has a loyal following. 7 Madison Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.9416.
Le Provencal Do the mussels. Very good French cuisine. Nice authentic almosphere. 436 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck 914.777-2324 leprovencal
Leonardos Part pizzeria, part deli, it’s alll good. 2133 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont.914.833-2400.
; read and post review
Los Gemelos Restaurant and Tortilleria:: For an authentic taco made with a freshly baked tortilla or a delicious chicken mole, head to the no-frills Los Gemelos in Portchester. After dinner, check out the selection of huge amazing ice pops at Paleteria Fernandez. 167 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY (914) 934-0372 – Petra P
Lum Yen 100 W Boston Post Rd Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 698-6881
Lusardi’s Great service, nice rooms. Park across the street at the bank. Request a table near the fireplace in winter. 1885 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.834.5555.
Mamaroneck Diner Fast service. Super kid friendly. Extensive menu. Especially good soups and salads. They deliver. 405 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. 914. onenumber=”$6698$$$”>698-3564.
Mauro’s Looking to go far afield? We just discovered this diamond in the rough in Ossining. Go ahead. Drive up the river. Mauro’s 199 Main Street Ossining 914. 941-2662 www.maurosrestaurant.com
Mo’s New York Grill- Owned by Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees. Quality of appetizers was mixed, with great French onion soup and a very good crab cake, but mediocre mushroom ravioli. Yankee memorabilia everywhere. If you go on a Tuesday, have the $20 ribeye special. 14 Memorial Highway (between Main and Huguenot Streets), New Rochelle 914.632-1442 www.mosnewyorkgrill.com
Nautilus Diner Good basic diner. 1240 W. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck. 914.833-1320.
Nicky’s Pizza Good reliable pizza. Nicky’s is to Murray kids what Villa Maria is to Chatsworth. Get a slice and try the garlic knots. 144 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.834.3232.
Paleteria Fernandez This gem for those in the know may have the best ice cream anywhere, but it’s not like any you’ve seen before. Authentic Mexican pops are milk or water based with flavors like mango, avocado and caramel. then they can dip them in chocolate, coconut, etc…. 33 North Main Street, Port Chester, NY
Palmers Crossing. 1957 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.3505.
Pascal’s Traditional French food expertly done in a soothing atmosphere. Good prix fixe menu. 141 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.834-6688.
Patrias Very good tapas and try the white wine sangria. Reservations recommended weekends. 35 North Main Street, Port Chester.(914) 937-0177
“font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif”>
Plates Good food and wines. Pricey. 121 Myrtle Boulevard, Larchmont. 914.834.1244. platesonthepark.com
Rangoli Indian Cuisine– This family-owned Indian restaurant is located right in the heart of New Rochelle. Lovely ambiance, pleasant service and delicious food make this a great discovery for those who really care about Indian food and like their food spicy. Recently relocated from Pelham, it’s been rated “Excellent” and “Best in Westchester” for six consecutive years, offering “fabulous warm service and flat out good fare.” They have many seafood, tandoori, and traditional curry entrees. –Holly Rosen
Rani Mahal -327 Mamaroneck Ave Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 835-9066
Ray’s Good Chinese food. All natural. If only they delivered. Try a “bird’s nest,” crunchy noodles, for the kids. 1995 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.2551.
Red Lotus Great Thai food. An oasis in a strip mall. And they will deliver. 227 Main Street (Boston Post Road) New Rochelle. 914. 576.0444
Matsumoto Great Sushi. Beautiful space. 158 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont . 914.834.2833.
Roasted Peppers see loop review 320 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Sardegna 154 Larchmont Ave Larchmont, NY 10538 (914) 833-3399 www.sardegnany.com
Sherwood’s Classic Larchmont pub. Very good bar-b-que, burgers and large salads. If you are a fan of wings or ribs, you have to try them here. 10-cent wings at the bar Monday nights. Two crowds for dinner: one early with kids (6-8pm) and a later night crowd (after 10pm). 2136 Boston Post Road, Larchmont.
Smokehouse Chili – Okay- talkin’ comfort food-summer outdoor dining- open ’til 3 am- okay, I won’t be there at 3 am – but somebody must be! Great nuclear meaty chili, grilled hot dogs, burgers of all sizes and toppings, baby back ribs- and they deliver! 606 North Avenue www.smokehousechili.com Melissa Doneghy
Spadaro– The secret is out. It’s all family here, straight from Rome. No menu, you eat what they’re making. No freezer, it’s all fresh. Rina and Rosa (who are sisters) rock. MOLTO BENE!!! With apologies to those who thought we’d never tell. Reservations recommended on Saturday night. 211 E. Main St., New Rochelle. 914-235-4595.
Stan’Z Cafe A-List mommy crowd. Excellent sandwiches and salads. Breakfast and lunch only. Can get packed on weekends.26 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833.9760.
Tarry Lodge – All of the traditional Italian flavors make an appearance on the menu, along with more experimental and contemporary (but equally tasty) combinations. The décor and the extensive wine list make it a great place for a date or a special occasion. In addition to the dinner menu, there is a take-out pizza menu with a mouthwatering selection of gourmet brick-oven pizzas that are well priced and definitely worth a second visit. 18 Mill St. Port Chester, NY 10573 914.939.3111 www.tarrylodge.com Julia Sobel
Tequila Sunrise The best guacamole anywhere. And those margaritas….Nice sidewalk tables in good weather. 145 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont. 914.834.637. tequilasunrise
Tollgate Steakhouse Basic steakhouse menu. Quiet atmosphere, masculine decor. Brusque but friendly service. Tiny bar. Not a lot of options for non-meat eaters, but, if you want steak, it’s either here or Frankie & Johnnie’s in Rye. Valet parking. 974 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914.381-7233. tollgatesteakhouse
Toyo Sushi One of best sushis the area (though see objections, below). Rivals almost anything in Manhattan. (Though people like Koo in Rye.) Casual, friendly, pretty fast service. Great for a weeknight. Good value. They do a lot of take out business, and they deliver. The acoustics are awful, but no one will care if your kids are noisy. 253 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck. 914.777-8696. toyosushi
Trevi Ristorante New, fine dining Italian restaurant. Fresh fish, pasta and thin crust brick oven pizzas! You’ll want to go back again and again to try something new each time! Reservations recommended on weekends. Not your typical Italian fare. They even have a private room for parties. 11 Taylor Square West Harrison, NY 914.949.5810 www.treviofharrison.com
Turkish Meze 409 Mount Pleasant Avenue Mamaroneck 914.777.3042
Turquoise Very good Middle Eastern food. Sister to Turkish Meze in Mamaroneck. Take-out too. And the only place in town to get a glass of retsina. 1895 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.834.9888.
Villa Maria Pizza Reliable convenient pizza joint with plenty of seating. Beer available. (see Nicky’s) 6 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont. 914.834-8134.
Watercolor Cafe Larchmont’s one venue for live hip music, including jazz and folk. Good food and comfortable bar, though the dance studio upstairs can bring an unwelcome percussion section during the day. Reserve for music nights. 2094 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914.834.2213 watercolorcafe
read and post review
Wraps and Things Wrap it up! Deli serving wrap sandwiches. Grab a table and read the paper. Nice light-filled spot. 1936 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont. 914.833-7656.
Zitoune This Moroccan restaurant has an interesting menu and décor, along with a good bar and outdoor seating. The owner is a local who brought a successful restaurant from the City. We don’t know where the belly dancers came from. 1127 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. 914.835.8350 zitoune
Coromandel in New Roc is my fave for Indian in southern Westchester.
Rays in Larchmont best Chinese – really light and healthy.
Looks like Sachi sushi in Larchmont is open again.
Looks like NYC Cafe Mozart is closed. REmodelling? wendy
(Confusion understandable, but it’s Jolo — see joloskitchen.com. Poor Cholo and Jolo, they must always get mixed up!)
editrix i am so sorry- but i hope this helps others who were confused too….
Jolo’s and Cholos are two different places. Jolo’s is a vegan restaurant a little further up North Ave. We love it and our college age son also loves it. Very homey and delicious food.
(I’ve never eaten at Cholos, but hear that’s really good too.)
Jolo’s Kitchen, 412 North Ave., New Rochelle–Vegan food of different types isn’t always easy to find around here, so I was happy to discover this little place today. It has a nice selection of mostly homemade foods, many with an African/Caribbean influence: fake meat dishes, collard greens and other veggies, plantains, rice and beans, and juices. Wholesome, basic but nicely flavored. Plus some homemade desserts, a case of interesting health/ethnic beverages, and a shaker of cayenne pepper.
editrix
I think it’s spelled “Cholos” and we love it, too. Esp the Gauguin inspired decor….(i prob spelled THAT wrong…)
Okay, if you do not know about Meritage Restaurant on Weaver St. in Scarsdale – you should!! It was formerly Il Cygno. The new owners (not so new anymore) are a great young couple. She is the manager and he is the chef. The food is outstanding – always fresh and delicious. This chef knows what he is doing. The pappardelle cinghiale (wild boar) is outrageous. The desserts are fantastic!
Hi,
I just noticed today that 2 new Mexican Restaurants are coming to Mamaroneck Avenue, one next to La Cave Wine store (already showing the name ‘la herradura’) and the other in the former Starbucks location next to Sal’s Pizza. Enjoy and Viva la Fiesta!
The Kneaded Bread in Port Chester. Chocolate brioche.
Finally had the opportunity to eat at La Panetiere in Rye. I’ve thought of it as a special-occasion (read “expensive”) place, but their lunch menu is surprisingly reasonable. The standout dishes: gnocchi ricotta (made with ricotta cheese in it, not on it) with wild mushrooms (including some lovely morels), haricots verts, and pancetta; and a trio of sorbets, most outstandlingly the passionfruit.
All right, this isn’t a restaurant, but Cocoa–the little chocolate store–has transformed their famous hot chocolate into “Belgian Cold Chocolate” for summer, and it’s amazing. Sort of like a drinkable chocolate pudding for grownups. Their new store across the street, Bread and Cocoa, makes a homemade version of Mallomars; the woman behind the counter informed me that the “real” (packaged) Mallomars aren’t sold during the summer because they melt too easily (who knew?).
Try the Water Moon in Rye Purchase St…the best Chinese food around this area!