John’s Westchester Picks
Lifelong foodie and former editor-in-chief of Westchester Magazine, John Bruno Turiano assigned and wrote hundreds of food and dining articles during his 20-plus year career at the lifestyle publication. He also has a on-again, off-again side-hustle, Funky Unkey Pies. If you get on his good side, you may get a pie for your birthday.
Why these are the best restaurants in John’s Westchester Picks
John’s Westchester Picks is home to a diverse food scene ranging from traditional local fare to modern cafes and global cuisines. This guide highlights some of the most popular and highly rated restaurants in the area, curated by John Turiano.
Whether you are looking for authentic local food, casual dining, or special-occasion spots, these restaurants represent top choices that locals and visitors recommend.
Restaurants in this guide
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The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges
Farm chic and always buzzing, this circa 1833 residence- turned-New American restaurant by the titular chef beckons with innovative small plates, pizzas, salads and entrees often culled from Hudson Valley and New England farms.
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Purdy's Farmer & the Fish
Purdy's Farmer & the Fish--Set in the 1776 Joseph Purdy homestead, this sustainably sourced seafooder with veggies grown onsite charms with picturesque porch seating, three original fireplaces, a farm market, and Americana galore.
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Cenadou
Cenadou Bistrot--North Salem's modern set French by Chef Andrea Calstier and Elena Oliver offers expertly plated French fare singing with seasonal refinement and culinary confidence. The couple also own the Michelin-starred (and memorable) La Bastide down the stairs from Cenadou.
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Vida
A sultry, two-story Spanish-fusion setting radiates romance and Chef Marc Taxiera's daring riffs on tapas, paella and parilla spark intimate conversation and shared delight.
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The Raconteur Bar & Kitchen
A city-chic bar sporting a cozy, story-rich ambiance and artfully crafted small plates and cocktails set the stage for intimate conversation and elevated connection.
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Red Hat on the River
This repurposed industrial New American offers sweeping Hudson River views, a glowing sunset backdrop, and a stylish, glass- and brick-wrapped bistro setting.
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Harvest on Hudson
Nestled in a restored Tuscan-style Riverside farmhouse, there's soaring ceiling heights, a cozy stone fireplace, lush garden patios, and vistas of the Hudson River and the Palisades. The Italian-eclectic menu includes dishes ibuilt around garden-grown produce.
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Kanopi The Restaurant
Perched atop the 42nd floor of The Opus, Westchester, diners are treated to 360-degree panoramas of the Hudson Valley, Long Island Sound, and the Manhattan skyline framed by floor-to-celing windows. Chef Anthony Goncalves' striking plating showcases Hudson Valley cuisine with a Portuguese flair.
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Red Horse by David Burke – White Plains
This celeb chef sets the standard for steak lovers, showcasing Himalayan-salt-aged cuts such as the flawless filet mignon and porterhouse for two. Sophisticated Asian-accented sides and a boffo dessert menu round out the experience in the sleek, art-filled modern setting.
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Benjamin Steakhouse
Executives, foodies, celebs and locals alike come to this carnivore's heaven for the dry-aged Prime steaks seared to perfection with a crisp crust and paired with polished service and an impressive wine list.
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Hoodoo Brown BBQ
A barbecue gem where Texas- style, low-and-slow smoked meats like crackling pork belly, juicy brisket, smoked ribs shine in a lively, saloon-style setting. Don't miss the s'mores ice cream cake dessert.
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KEE Oyster House
This is the go-to for seafood indulgence. Expertly shucked oysters, towering raw bar towers, and standout dishes such as pan-seared scallops and lobster rolls meet NYC prohibition-era ambiance and top-tier service.
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Brothers Fish & Chips
Don't be fooled by the strip mall facade and discover expertly beer-battered wild-caught fish and creative, artfully plated seafood dishes that showcase both flavor and finesse.
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City Limits Diner
A master of the casual, everything-is-on-point brunch, this bustling family friendly restaurant's offerings range from silky house-smoked salmon and breads to towering orange-lemon waffles.
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Basso by PXK
Basso by PXK--Chef Peter Kelly turns brunch into an indulgent Italian style Pots, Pans & Pasta menu-free celebration. Expect a tableside parade of fresh pastas, frittatas, meats and fish, risottos and grains, and seasonal salads.
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Goosefeather
Goosefeather--Chef Dale Talde masters the inventive brunch with Cantonese-inspired small plates and shareable dishes such as mochi waffles and wok-charred greens served in a stunning Gilded Age mansion.
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Mima Vinoteca
A rustic-chic Italian wine bar where small plates like blistered shishito, truffle chickpeas, and house-made pastas pair effortlessly with a curated wine list.
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Augustine’s Salumeria e Pasta Joint
A stylish neighborhood storefront where husband-and-wife duo Marc Taxiera and Brianne Myers turn farm-fresh ingredients into elegant salumi boards, inventive pastas, and seasonal mains served with attentive hospitality that hits a sweet spot between casual and refined.
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Mint Premium Foods
This Rivertown mainstay has an intimate restaurant in back with an eclectic menu and a gourmet international food market up front. Staples to order when dining include seared Moroccan chicken, truffle mushroom ravioli, any of the wagyu burgers, and a duck confit panini.
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Burgers, Shakes & Fries
Seating is limited so you'll likely do takeout at this burger joint where third pounders are served on griddled white bread slathered in butter and mayo. Crisp, salty fries and thick shakes make for a memorably classic burger meal.
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Gordy's Burger House
Since 1965, this sports pub has served juicy, 10-oz Angus patties charred on an open grill for a a smoky flavor and seared exterior. House-made cole slaw and onion crisps are must-orders to complete the experience.
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Little Kabab Station
Bold Indian street flavors like smoky tandoori wraps and spice-laced curries come to life in a no-frills, takout-friendly setting that punches far above it's size.
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Café Deux
Fluffy house-baked croissants, perfectly scrambled Gruyere eggs, and inventive French-American comfort dishes harmonize in an artfully lit bistro that feels as fresh and inviting by day as it does by night.
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Taqueria La Picardia
Serving wildly authentic, street-style tacos (like birra, al pastor, lengua, carnitas) and flaky molotes in a vibrant, music-lined nook that is perfect for late-night cravings or a post-show bite.
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The Cookery
Italian gastropub cuisine, from duck liver cannoli to bone-marrow pasta to house-made mozz, is served in a reclaimed wood interior with a convivial bar that buzzes with energy and creativity.
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Burrata
Burrata Charred Neapolitan pies from a gold-tiled Ferrara wood-fired oven and house-made pastas deliver Italian comfort and craft with every bite.
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Johnny's Pizzeria
A slice of purist New York pie perfection since 1942, expect thin, crisp-bottomed pizzas with signature reverse layering (sauce over cheese) that deliver nostalgic flavor. A no-frills, cash-only institution.
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Root 2 Rise NY Pleasantville
Gluten-free, 100% plant-based dishes like chickpea-chaat salads, dan-dan noodles, and earthy mushroom toast are crafted with top culinary chops in a pair of eco-conscious cafes.
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Green Life
This Mamaroneck fast-casual standout for healthful eating offers build-your-own bowls, vibrant smoothies, creative wraps, and seasonal salads that delights with always fresh flavors.
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Sweet Grass Grill
A top pick for seasonal.dishes like buffalo cauliflower, vegan "salmon," tofu scramble are crafted with equal parts flavor and conscience in a cozy, eco-chic setting.
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Blue Hill At Stone Barns
This OG in the farm-to-table movement holds two Michelin stars. A multitude of courses includes vegetables and pasture-raised meat from the 80-acre farm setting that was once part of the Rockefeller estate.
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Bibille
Quick and affordable are two big draws at this counter-service Korean where there are myriad interesting choices for the build-your-own udon and bibimbap bowls. Colorful smoothies and bubble teas complete a flavor-packed meal.
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La Casa Purchase
Elevated Mexican fare rooted in sustainable, handcrafted traditions, from nixtamalized tortillas to vegan tacos and craft mezcal cocktails, comes to life in a duo of stylish, community-focused spaces.
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Chutney Masala
Chef Navjot Arora's main street bistro brings Indian street food and regional specialities like pani poori, lamb keema pao, chana masala, and rich biryanis to life with bold, vibrant flavors.
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Oko Rye
Chef Brian Lewis' elevated Japanese-inspired small plates like uni French toast, sticky ribs, hand rolls, and miso-chili ribeye shine with precise technique and vibrant freshness.
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O Mandarin
Showcasing the diverse flavors and ingredients of China's many regions, dishes such as prime-rib hot pot and wild pepper shrimp with crispy rice are served family style in an antique-filled setting that belies its strip mall location.
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Fatt Root
Malaysian-Thai-inspired street food meets quick-casual flair. Vibrant, scratch-made bowls like Impossible dan-dan noodles and pork belly bao are paired with craft cocktails in a sleek yet approachable space.
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Mt. Kisco Diner
Traditional diner fare and creative, Insta-worthy plates draw families for oversized plates of deep-fried wraps, Fruity Pebbles pancakes, and s'mores waffles. Don't neglect to order one of their dazzling mega milkshakes that are almost to pretty to eat.