La Bastide by Andrea Calstier
North Salem has rapidly cemented its status as a coveted destination for discerning diners, largely due to the vision of husband-and-wife team Chef Andrea Calstier and Elena Oliver. Hailing from Marseille, France, the couple first brought their authentic French sensibilities to Westchester with Cenadou Bistrot, which debuted in 2023.
Photo by Meghan Spiro
Building on that success, the two unveiled their latest endeavor, La Bastide by Andrea Calstier, in the same duplex restaurant space in February 2024. Less than a year after opening, the intimate French restaurant was awarded a prestigious Michelin star. This significant achievement places La Bastide in an elite group, making it one of only two restaurants (Blue Hill at Stone Barns being the first) in the county to hold this coveted honor.
La Bastide presents a distinct and highly personalized dining experience. The restaurant features an intimate dining room with just six widely-spaced tables, each accommodating up to six guests, nestled near an open kitchen. This exclusive setting cultivates an elegant and modern ambiance for a tasting menu that serves as a thoughtful lesson in contemporary gastronomy.
The menu does change, but guests can anticipate exceptional dishes that showcase meticulous detail and refined technique. Expect items like the Niman Ranch lamb, which is served three ways—exquisitely prepared tenderloin, a melt-in-your-mouth bite of lamb belly, and lamb stuffed in a morel mushroom, all drizzled with a peas au jus. The Atlantic halibut, bathed in a bright green shellfish marinière with caviar and sake is served alongside artichokes.
As expected from a Michelin-starred establishment, the team is both attentive and profoundly knowledgeable about each dish. The presentation itself becomes an integral part of the experience, with most dishes finished tableside through graceful pours of au jus, artful drizzles of olive oil, and dramatic unveilings, transforming each beautifully plated course into an interactive yet intimate conversation at your table.
Photo by Meghan Spiro
The six-course tasting menu is $250 per person, with several noteworthy additions designed to enhance the experience. Expertly curated wine pairings are available for a $175 supplement. Pausing before dessert, the staff guides a fromage cart through the intimate room, inviting guests to an optional cheese course. For those dining on Sundays, a four-course menu is also available for $195.
The experience extends beyond the palate, encompassing the visual artistry of each dish’s plating, from its intricate presentation to the unique vessels in which it travels from the open kitchen to the table. The complexity of flavors and textures, punctuated by subtle, unexpected surprises, contributes to a culinary narrative that you’ll dream about for days.
La Bastide by Andrea Calstier, 721 Titicus Road, North Salem
La Casa Purchase
La Casa Bronxville, a celebrated restaurant in southern Westchester for over three years and recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2022, expanded its footprint with La Casa Purchase in January of this year.
Décor-wise, La Casa Purchase echoes its southern sister’s aesthetic with an airy, contemporary ambiance, featuring dramatic straw lights, neutral tones, and vibrant bursts of Mediterranean blue. While the layout differs from Bronxville, the design continuity is evident.
La Casa Purchase offers the same commitment to finely-curated seasonal menus and sustainably-sourced, fresh ingredients that define its Bronxville counterpart. The kitchen is run by Mexican native Erik Ramirez, who boasts over 15 years of experience including a tenure at the Michelin-starred Casa Enrique in Manhattan.
Photo by Olivia Pesso
Both Ramirez and owner Spencer Pingle are dedicated to offering a sophisticated spin on traditional Mexican fare. Tacos are a fan favorite; options include the Al Pastor (marinated grilled pork, pineapple, onion and cilantro), or the vegan Coliflor with roasted cauliflower, radish salad, and pineapple salsa.
Entrées venture into more refined territory with dishes like blackened mahi mahi with jicama slaw and plantains, and lamb shank stew with potatoes, carrots, olives, and guajillo sauce (Borrego al Guajillo). The restaurant also serves 10 different house-made salsas, ranging in heat to cater to all palates.
While a frosty glass of cerveza is a fitting accompaniment, La Casa’s expertly crafted cocktails command attention. Guests will discover flavor bombs like the Margaritas Con Sabores, a vibrant medley featuring cilantro, hibiscus, tamarind, and tropical fruit. Or, for a truly unique experience, consider the Clarified Milk Punch—a sophisticated blend of three distinct clarified rums brightened with pineapple juice.
La Casa Purchase, 578 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase
Basso by PXK
While Chef Peter Kelly is certainly no stranger to the local restaurant scene—the chef is widely recognized for his significant contributions to both Westchester and Rockland counties—running a kitchen focused on one cuisine is fresh territory for him. Kelly joined the team at Basso 56 in Chappaqua back in December of 2024 and in January, the Italian restaurant relaunched as Basso by PXK.
“While I’ve always balanced distinct cuisines to create a global reach with a local feel, focusing on a single cuisine—Italian—has been incredibly inspiring,” Kelly said. “I’m motivated to work within the Italian vernacular and truly appreciate the nuances of great Italian food.”
Basso by PXK embraces hospitality and a family-friendly atmosphere, offering a menu that celebrates the comforting familiarity of Italian classics, such as chicken Parmigiano, while incorporating innovative dishes and presentations. Kelly expertly walks that fine line—his traditional dishes are just as delicious as his more inventive options.
Courtesy of Basso by PXK
Appetizer highlights include sweetbreads with mushrooms and fennel pollen served over creamy polenta and big eye tuna crudo with Sicilian compote and pickled fennel.
The dinner menu offers a diverse range of entrées. Heartier dishes include braised pork shoulder with Parmigiano polenta and grilled broccoli rabe, alongside refined creations like hand-cut chitarra pasta with shrimp and citrus crumbs, topped with sea urchin butter.
Don’t skip dessert—you’ll find a delightful celebration of Italian sweets, with classics like affogato and tiramisu. For a truly unique experience, opt for the chocolate salami—a perfect blend of pistachio, rich cocoa, and crisp biscuits. Be sure to swirl it around the plate to fully savor the accompanying zabaglioni, a light custard crafted from egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine.
Under the new name, Kelly also introduced his signature brunch service, “Pots, Pans & Pasta” served Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For those attending, anticipation is part of the charm; no advance menu is available, as servers expertly navigate the dining room, presenting a continuous array of food until you are full and happy. Insider tip: Get a round of the Harry’s Bar Bellinis.
In the late spring, Basso by PXK opened their “secret garden,” a renovated private space behind the eatery that seats 30 and is ideal for warm-weather dining.
Basso by PXK, 11 King Street, Chappaqua
Kelly expertly walks that fine line—his traditional dishes are just as delicious as his more inventive options.
Vida Restaurant
On the heels of the success of Augustine’s Salumeria e Pasta Joint, which opened in Mamaroneck in 2022 and was recognized as one of this year’s top restaurants in the country by USA Today, husband-and-wife team Marc Taxiera and Brianne Meyers-Taxiera opened Vida Restaurant in Thornwood in November last year.
Vida’s Spanish tapas concept adds a seriously sophisticated ambiance to the Westchester restaurant scene. Local designer Regina LaVecchia curated an interior that evokes a European-inspired elegance, creating a two-story venue with two distinct experiences. The downstairs dining room boasts a stunning bar with a faux red rose backdrop and a “grand table” semi-private area with plush red velvet walls that seats 12, while the Vida Lounge on the second floor provides a softer pastel palette, and is adorned with antique loveseats and mismatched sparkling chandeliers. A beautiful rooftop patio off the second floor dining space is a lovely setting for al fresco dining.
Chef Taxiera’s innovative approach promises a captivating culinary experience, seamlessly blending the best of Spanish cuisine with global influences. His dishes showcase the versatility of Spanish flavors, incorporating both local and unique ingredients to create truly memorable plates. The tapas menu features beloved traditional favorites like papas bravas (smashed crispy potato bites) and cheesy croquettes with Serrano ham. Beyond tapas, the Parilla (from the grill) section offers succulent grass-fed beef and Iberico pork, grilled to perfection and served with vibrant accoutrements such as mojo verde, mojo rojo, and chimichurri, alongside Basque beans and field greens.
No authentic Spanish experience would be complete, of course, without paella. Vida delivers with a classic Valenciana—a perfect combination of chicken, rabbit, escargot, sofrito, and saffron. The seafood paella bursts with lobster, mussels, scallops, and more, while a seasonal vegetarian option ensures there’s something for everyone.
If you didn’t fill up on tapas, Vida offers a creamy Basque cheesecake and Crema Catalana, the Spanish cousin to crème brûlée, boasting notes of cinnamon and citrus over vanilla ice cream. Also featured is Augustine’s cannoli, a cherished—and delicious—family recipe from Taxiera’s aunt.
Complementing the vibrant cuisine are Vida’s signature craft cocktails, including the “Birds and the Bees,” a lavender-infused twist on the classic Bees Knees. Vida’s wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator for its curated selection, features a diverse selection of Spanish and Portuguese wines.
Building on a celebrated culinary lineage, Vida stands out as a vibrant, sophisticated new addition to the county.
Vida Restaurant, 14 Marble Ave, Thornwood
Antique Garage
Opened in late April, Antique Garage is led by Chef Utku Cinel and his wife, Evrim Cinel, who bring strong restaurant roots from their successful ventures in SoHo and Tribeca. Their expertise is evident in Rye’s rapid response; the restaurant has been consistently packed from Monday lunch through weekend brunch (read: reservations are highly recommended).
Courtesy of Antique Garage
The space itself is a study in mid-century modern design, thoughtfully blended with Asian rugs and antique furnishings to create an upscale yet eclectic ambiance. Mismatched crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and artwork in ornate frames adorn the walls, contributing to its unique charm. The bar is a striking feature, with spirits displayed from floor to (almost!) ceiling. The sunroom extends the design (and seating) outdoors—when the retractable roof is open—offering diners an open-air experience, while garden tables in front of the restaurant, shaded by large umbrellas, provide additional al fresco options.
Courtesy of Antique Garage
The menu is a rich fusion of Turkish and Greek cuisines, reflecting Chef Cinel’s heritage. First-time diners are encouraged to explore the meze options, including a trio of cold dips served with bread and vegetables, or warm selections like moules frites in a creamy white wine sauce. The grilled octopus, generously portioned and prepared with extra-virgin olive oil and a light vinaigrette, is also a highlight. For a main course, the lamb shish kebab, featuring tenderloin cooked to preference with grilled vegetables and tzatziki, is a popular choice. The branzini, a Mediterranean sea bass delivered fresh overnight and served with buttery organic leeks and lemon sauce, is another favorite.
The menu is a rich fusion of Turkish and Greek cuisines, reflecting Chef Cinel’s heritage.
While there’s a traditional crème brûlée on the dessert menu, opt for Mediterranean favorites like baklava or the decadent “Midnight Express,” with layers of dark, milk, and white chocolate creams and a hazelnut crunch.
Courtesy of Antique Garage
Completing the experience is a comprehensive beverage list. The wine program leans heavily on selections from France, Italy, Spain, and Turkey (there are a few California reds). The cocktail menu features creative twists on classics, such as the “Mango Mezcalita,” and is complemented by Turkish raki and Greek ouzo experiences.
Antique Garage, 100 Purchase Street, Rye
Courtesy of Antique Garage
1881 Kitchen Table
In July 2024, Harrison residents Jennifer and Udi Livne launched 1881 Kitchen Table in the heart of downtown Port Chester. While Chef Frank Azulay, the executive chef who teamed up with the couple for the opening, has since moved on, the restaurant continues to deliver on its vision of vibrant global cuisine, with a distinct lean toward Israeli-inspired dishes.
The restaurant’s decor echoes the menu’s global influences, incorporating salvaged elements sourced from around the world. The centerpiece of the open-concept kitchen is a wood-fired oven with a striking copper dome, where most dishes are expertly prepared. Another impressive feature, and a first of its kind in the area, is the hand-carved salt brick meat-aging room. This unique chamber, lined with Himalayan pink salt bricks, creates the perfect conditions for aging steaks, imparting a distinctive flavor to the finished cuts of meat.
There are more than a few standout dishes that simply cannot be missed, starting with meze bowls of roasted eggplant silan (a date syrup that, when paired with the eggplant, creates a sweet and savory spread), hummus, smoked labneh, and more paired with the 1881 flatbread, served hot from that wood-fired oven. The fire-roasted cauliflower, simply dressed with arugula pesto, pine nuts, panko, and Parmesan, is another must-try starter. The chicken “under the brick” is a juicy whole baby chicken marinated in mustard, honey, garlic, and fresh herbs paired with roasted root vegetables and couscous.
For dessert, it’s a hard choice between the homemade pistachio cheesecake and the unique, flavor-packed Silan Sundae served with homemade Tahitian vanilla bean gelato, halva, crisped rice, toasted candied almonds, and pecans.
Beyond the culinary innovations, 1881 Kitchen Table enhances the lively guest experience with a sleek bar and an elegant wine room. The team crafted a winning combination: warm hospitality and delicious, shareable bites, all set within a beautiful yet casual environment.
1881 Kitchen Table, 112 N Main Street, Port Chester
Bedford Post Tavern
Shortly following the revitalization of the Bedford Post Inn, the Bedford Post Tavern embarked on an exciting new chapter in June 2024 under the direction of Executive Chef Sam Mason. Celebrated for his pastry artistry at iconic New York City establishments like Wylie Dufresne’s wd-50, Tailor, OddFellows Ice Cream, and Lady Jay’s, Mason brought his distinctive talent for harmoniously blending sweet and savory flavors to Bedford.
Photo by Glen Allsop
The reimagined space masterfully balances a charming farmhouse sensibility with crisp, modern minimalism. Art pieces thoughtfully punctuate the paneled dining room, while plush chocolate-colored velvet booths beautifully soften the dark brown tables, beckoning you to settle in and truly savor your meal.
The seasonal menu elevates traditional tavern fare with Mason’s signature touch. Classic offerings like a cheeseburger featuring dry-aged beef, roast chicken, and an 8-ounce hanger steak receive the same meticulous attention as more intricate dishes like the grilled branzino with tahini, broccolini, and silk chili. With the vegan beet au poivre, you are encouraged to soak the accompanying French fries in the rich ‘jus.’
At Bedford Post Tavern, the seasonal menu elevates traditional tavern fare with Mason’s signature touch.
Complementing the cuisine, the beverage list boasts an international wine selection and a bar program curated by another NYC notable, bartender Brian Evans.
And given Mason’s renowned background, saving room for dessert is a must. The rotating menu might include sweets like a Meyer lemon tart, cheesecake with strawberry and thyme, or a salted caramel chocolate tart.
Bedford Post Tavern, 954 Old Post Road, Bedford
Il Sorrento
Defying its unassuming strip mall location, Il Sorrento has rapidly emerged as a notable addition to Westchester’s dining landscape. The restaurant, which opened in late November 2024, seamlessly integrates a distinguished Manhattan culinary lineage with an air of classic sophistication, delivering crowd-pleasing, classic Italian comfort food.
Il Sorrento’s foundation is built upon significant industry experience, immediately evident in the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Frank DiCola, an owner, is the grandson of Pasquale “Patsy” Scognamillo, the founder of legendary Patsy’s Restaurant on West 56th Street in NYC. Drawing from formative years spent in his family’s restaurant business, DiCola brings a profound understanding of hospitality to the venture. He’s partnered with Nick Hoti and Head Chef Joe Fusco, whose two decades of culinary experience includes a notable tenure with Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Courtesy of Il Sorrento
The name, “Il Sorrento,” serves as an homage to Scognamillo’s cherished town across the bay from his native Naples. This inspiration is visually conveyed; a colorful mural depicting Sorrento greets guests. The restaurant’s design, from the elongated black quartz bar to the beautiful caned-back chairs, skillfully balances an intimate setting with a lively ambiance.
The menu is a testament to Southern Italian cooking, proving that tradition doesn’t have to be boring when executed with precision. Starters include favorites like eggplant rollatini, baked clams oreganata, and beef carpaccio. For mains, guests can opt for dishes like linguine in clam sauce, homemade gnocchi Bolognese, chicken scarpariello, and veal piccata. Sorrento classics include tripe with sautéed onions, garlic, fresh peas, and a light tomato sauce served with Parmesan risotto.
With its blend of approachable comfort food and VIP-level hospitality, Il Sorrento promises a dining experience that is both comfortably familiar and subtly refined.
Il Sorrento, 706 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale
Felice
This New York-based restaurant chain, known for its authentic Tuscan-inspired cuisine, officially opened its doors for dinner in March 2025, taking over the former Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House in Port Chester. With roots tracing back to Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 2007, Felice has since cultivated a loyal following across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Florida, before making its Westchester debut.
Courtesy of Felice
Housed within a remarkable 7,600-square-foot space—a former grain warehouse built in 1903—Felice masterfully blends its industrial past with modern Italian elegance. The design preserves original architectural elements, including exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and robust industrial beams. These historical features are beautifully complemented by new touches: hand-painted European limewash, rich oiled woods, and a palette of warm, earthy tones that evoke Tuscany.
Courtesy of Felice
The culinary journey at Felice is rooted in classic Tuscan traditions. Dishes like the rustic zuppa contadina (farm vegetables, chickpeas, white beans, and lacinato kale, brightened with Felice’s own extra-virgin olive oil) offer a comforting start. The carciofie calamari fritti is a crispy combination of fried baby artichokes and calamari brightened with basil and lemon. Seafood lovers will appreciate the linguine frutti di mare, a generous bowl of Mancini pasta, spicy San Marzano tomato, squid, bay scallops, red Argentinian shrimp, and P.E.I. mussels. A rich lasagna tradizionale, prepared with homemade spinach pasta, slow-cooked veal ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, promises a more classic indulgence. The Faroe Island salmon, served with pea puree, grilled asparagus, Castelvetrano olive intingolo, basil, and parsley, is a lighter yet equally flavorful option.
With roots tracing back to Manhattan’s has since cultivated a loyal following.
If you’ve saved room for dessert (and you’d be smart to), Felice offers pistachio-almond cake, cheesecake, and Cantucci e Vin Santo—a traditional Tuscan biscotti that you dip into a sweet dessert wine.
Courtesy of Felice
Complementing the authentic flavors is a thoughtfully curated beverage menu with hand-selected Tuscan wines, including small-production organic and biodynamic labels, as well as a variety of craft cocktails—ensuring the perfect pairing for every plate.
Felice, 55 Abendroth Avenue, Port Chester
Fast-Casual Crushes
Sisters Ana Hernandez and Melissa Pachon teamed up with Chef Janeth Q. Figueroa to open Juiicy in New Rochelle in early March. With a philosophy rooted in conscious eating, Juiicy offers a deliciously modern take on Latin American cuisine. Think vibrant tartines, fresh salads, and satisfying sandwiches, all crafted with a focus on health without sacrificing flavor. They also have a selection of smoothies, wellness drinks, and expertly-brewed coffee.
Juiicy, 9 South Division St., New Rochelle
The team behind One Rare Steakhouse expanded their culinary footprint in Scarsdale with the opening of The Press in late May. The cozy 16-seat space, around the corner from the steakhouse, is all about elevated, casual fare. While pressed gourmet sandwiches are the stars—think mouthwatering patty melts, steak sandwiches, honey fried chicken sandwiches, and decadent short rib grilled cheese—The Press also features delicious wings, wraps, and other favorites.
The Press, 35 Spencer Place, Scarsdale
Mother-and-son duo Olga and Carlos Santos, formerly of Port Chester’s Aqui Es Santa Fe, opened their vibrant new spot, Nadas, in Harrison this past February offering delicious gluten-free Hispanic cuisine. While seating is limited, you’ll want to get your hands on their famous rainbow empanadas, savory arepas, and much more.
Nadas, 64 Halstead Avenue, Harrison
Earlier this year, the Village Social Restaurant Group, known for local favorites like Pub Street, Fatt Root, Village Social, and Locali, opened Lulu’s Kitchenette in Pleasantville. This new, fast-casual concept pairs a retro-looking luncheonette atmosphere with a commitment to quality ingredients. The menu is a testament to elevated comfort food, featuring rotisserie chicken, smash burgers, house-made soft-serve ice cream, and freshly baked doughnuts.
Lulu’s Kitchenette, 49 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville
Related: Shop for Fresh Fruits and Veggies at Westchester Farmers’ Markets
Dining and Cooking