Hidden Gems
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Hidden Gem Restaurants Westchester NY: Must-Try Spots

Hidden Gem Restaurants Westchester NY: Must-Try Spots

Hidden Gems
- 08/30/2024
-8:22 AM
-
- by Jacky

I love finding hidden gems in Westchester County. There are cozy cafes and upscale eateries that are worth your time¹. You might want a classic ice cream from King Kone in Katonah or enjoy the peaceful Japanese garden at the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem¹.

This article will show you some hidden gem restaurants in Westchester, NY. You’ll find unique flavors and new favorites. Places like Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua and the Chappaqua Farmers Market are great for all tastes¹. Let’s explore the hidden culinary delights in Westchester County together.

Table of Contents

Discover Westchester’s Culinary Gems

Westchester County is known for its beautiful landscapes and upscale areas, just north of New York City. But it also has many hidden spots for food lovers². From cozy cafes to fancy restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the best places you should try.

Westchester’s food scene is vibrant, with chefs and food lovers making dining special². Goosefeather at Tarrytown House Estate was named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” in 2020. The TaSH Farmers Market is a top spot for local food, with products from within a 100-mile radius². Don’t miss Coffee Labs Roasters in Tarrytown, a green business with amazing coffee, or Makers Central, a place for local craftspeople.

Westchester’s dining scene goes beyond regular restaurants². Breadfolks in Hudson is famous for its artisanal bread, drawing crowds on weekdays². Grapefruit Wines in Hudson offers a wine subscription, perfect for exploring local drinks². Talbott & Arding in Hudson serves European cheeses and Hudson Valley delicacies.

If you’re in Westchester, you’re in for a food adventure². Discover the unique tastes that make Westchester’s food scene stand out. It’s a place where food lovers can truly explore and enjoy.

Apropos Restaurant & Bar: Riverside Fine Dining

Peekskill’s Culinary Oasis

Apropos Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem in Peekskill, right by the Hudson River³. Chef John Paidas, trained at the Culinary Institute of America, creates a menu that’s fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor. His dishes, like the one-pound tomahawk short ribs, show his skill and love for unique tastes³.

At Apropos, every dish is a twist on a classic, making even familiar foods exciting³. The view of the water makes meals even more special, adding to the dining experience³. With its focus on quality and beautiful views, Apropos is a top spot in Peekskill for food lovers³.

Looking for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends? Apropos Restaurant & Bar is the perfect choice³. It offers amazing service, creative food, and a stunning view of the water. This place is a must-see for anyone wanting a memorable dining experience³.

The Greekish: Modern Meze and Ouzo

The Greekish is a hidden gem in Westchester’s heart, changing the dining scene. It’s modern and intimate, offering a unique take on Greek food. They mix traditional tastes with a new twist⁴.

Here, you can try the meze special with 12 different dishes. From oysters to lamb on a stick, it’s a tapas-style feast. It lets guests taste a mix of flavors and textures in one go, making for a fun and varied meal⁵.

They also have dips with house-made pita, adding to the true Greek feel. The Greekish uses top-quality, local ingredients and cares about the planet. This makes it a top spot for modern Greek food in Westchester⁴.

The Greekish has a cozy vibe, making it a favorite for unique dining experiences. It’s perfect for a fun night out or a chill evening with meze and ouzo. This place will definitely make an impact on your taste buds⁶.

Hidden Gem Restaurants Westchester NY: Funky Vibes

Westchester County is home to about a million people⁷. It has a wide range of food spots that go beyond the usual. The Little Drunken Chef is one such spot, known for its creative and unique dishes.

Little Drunken Chef’s Imaginative Creations

Bonnie Saran runs the Little Drunken Chef in Mount Kisco and White Plains⁷. She focuses on bold flavors and eye-catching dishes. Her menu includes empanadas on a clothesline and the Lasooni Gobi, a mix of cauliflower in a spicy blend⁷.

The Little Drunken Chef is known for its fun atmosphere and creative food⁷. The place is full of flavors and music, making every visit memorable. It’s a spot where you can really experience the unique tastes of Westchester.

If you’re looking for something different, the Little Drunken Chef is the place to go⁷. It’s a spot that shows off Westchester’s creativity and culinary skills. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience.

Goosefeather: Inventive Cantonese Fare

Goosefeather is a hidden gem in Westchester County, offering a unique dining experience. Chef Dale Talde leads this modern Cantonese restaurant, making it a standout in⁸ innovative Asian dining⁸.

Since opening in September 2019⁸, it has become a top spot for food lovers. The weekend brunch menu includes cocktails, bao, and more, appealing to everyone’s taste⁸.

Goosefeather is known for mixing tradition with new ideas. Chef Talde, a “Top Chef” alum, adds a bold twist to Cantonese dishes. This makes the menu exciting and memorable for diners⁸.

The restaurant is in the historic King Mansion on the Tarrytown Estate⁸. It offers a variety of dishes from $13.50 to $28.50⁸. Whether you want a fun night or a relaxed brunch, Goosefeather is perfect for² food enthusiasts in Westchester.

Goosefeather’s unique take on Cantonese food earned it a spot on Jeff Gordinier’s “Best New Restaurants in America” list in 2020². This honor highlights its excellence in Westchester’s diverse food scene².

Goosefeather is part of a thriving² culinary community in Westchester. It supports local producers and sustainable practices, like the TaSH Farmers Market and Coffee Labs Roasters².

If you’re looking for innovative Cantonese dishes, great cocktails, or a fun vibe, Goosefeather is a must-visit. It’s a top choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience near NYC⁹. With its lively bar, diverse seating, and mix of modern and classic charm, Goosefeather showcases Westchester’s culinary excellence⁹.

Global Culinary Treasures

Westchester County is a melting pot of global culinary treasures. It offers a wide array of international restaurants that showcase the best of their cuisines¹⁰. From the perfectly executed pollo a la brasa at Juicy Chicken Peruvian Rotisserie Bar and Grill in New Rochelle to the meticulously crafted dim sum at Aberdeen in White Plains, the region is a destination for food lovers¹¹. These hidden gem establishments let diners explore a wide range of flavors and culinary traditions.

Explore Diverse Flavors

Craving Caribbean classics or authentic Ethiopian cuisine? Westchester’s international restaurants have you covered¹⁰. From French bistro fare at Le Canard Enchaine in Kingston to vibrant Mexican dishes at El Azteca in Poughkeepsie, there’s something for every palate¹⁰. These global culinary gems focus on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. They bring the best of their cuisines to diners, offering a flavorful journey right here in the county.

Westchester’s global culinary scene is always evolving, with new and innovative restaurants popping up¹¹. From the all-you-can-eat meat carving at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in White Plains to the fusion of Cantonese seafood and dim sum at Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum, the options are endless¹¹. Whether you’re in the mood for Brazil, Colombia, or India, Westchester has something to satisfy every craving.

Westchester’s global culinary scene has earned recognition, with several local establishments earning prestigious accolades¹². The region boasts two Michelin-recognized restaurants, including the acclaimed Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, which maintains a two-star status¹². Additionally, Westchester is home to several Bib Gourmand restaurants, offering exceptional dining experiences at a more accessible price point¹². From the inventive cuisine at Chutney Masala in Irvington to the acclaimed dishes at Dubrovnik in New Rochelle, Westchester’s global culinary treasures continue to captivate and delight food enthusiasts¹⁰¹¹¹².

Farm-to-Table Delights

Westchester County is known for its farm-to-table dining scene. Chefs and restaurateurs focus on using the freshest local ingredients¹³. Places like Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish in North Salem show how the land and plate are connected⁵. Chef/owner Michael Kaphan serves dishes that celebrate the daily harvest, like the farmer’s salad and scallop salad¹³.

This commitment to seasonality and sustainability makes dining special. It highlights Westchester’s fertile lands.

Restaurants across the county follow the farm-to-table movement. They offer seasonal dishes with ingredients from local farms⁵. The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges in Pound Ridge serves small plates and entrées from Hudson Valley and New England farms⁵. Basso56 in Chappaqua is close to the Chappaqua farmers market, where Chef Paolo picks the freshest produce for his menu¹³. Henry’s on the Farm in Yorktown Heights uses ingredients from their own farm in their dishes.

These restaurants support local agriculture and offer diners a unique culinary experience¹³⁵. From Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish by the river to Basso56’s cozy setting, they showcase Westchester’s farm-to-table movement.

Unico: Hidden Strip Mall Gem

In a strip mall in Hartsdale, Unico is a hidden gem that surprises everyone¹⁴. Chef Brian Sernatinger, trained in NYC, makes sure the menu is always fresh and exciting¹⁴.

Try the cod brandade ravioli with toasted almonds and fresh truffle cream, or the tender beef cheek in red wine, perfect for winter¹⁴. Unico is a top spot for those looking for a great meal in Westchester¹⁴.

Even though it’s in a strip mall, Unico is a gem that surprises⁵. Its creative menu and focus on quality have made it a favorite in Westchester¹⁴.

Key Highlights	Details
Unique Setting	Tucked away in a strip mall in Hartsdale, Unico offers a surprising and delightful dining experience.
Chef-Driven Cuisine	Under the leadership of NYC-trained chef and owner Brian Sernatinger, Unico’s menu is constantly evolving, showcasing innovative and high-quality dishes.
Standout Offerings	Recent highlights include cod brandade ravioli with truffle cream and fork-tender beef cheek braised in red wine.
Hidden Gem Status	Despite its unassuming strip mall location, Unico has earned a reputation as a must-visit hidden gem for Westchester’s discerning diners.

Looking for a culinary surprise? Check out Unico in Hartsdale, Westchester¹⁴. This restaurant in a strip mall is a hidden treasure with a menu that changes often and focuses on quality¹⁴. It’s perfect for those who love new pasta dishes or hearty stews¹⁴.

X2O Xaviars on the Hudson: Waterfront Dining

Walking along the Hudson River, I see a glass building that blends indoor and outdoor spaces. This spot, X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, offers a top-notch dining experience. It celebrates the area’s natural beauty¹⁵.

Inside, the view of the Palisades and the river takes my breath away. Chef Peter Kelly has created a menu that’s both tasty and local. His dishes aim to surprise guests with new takes on familiar foods¹⁵.

The menu catches my eye with dishes like grilled Portuguese octopus and farm-raised Ossabaw pork. These dishes are full of flavor and look amazing. For anyone who loves fine dining, X2O Xaviars on the Hudson is a place to go in Westchester¹⁵.