Food Reporter picks Italian focaccia sandwich in Westchester as ‘best thing I ate this week’
Westchester Italian cafe has Jeanne Muchnick’s ‘best thing I ate this week’
It was the coffee that first drew me into Omni Caffe in Scarsdale. But it’s the focaccia sandwich that made it onto my “Best Thing I Ate This Week” list.
I had chicken on cherry tomato focaccia. But the Italian-focused coffee shop, which opened Feb. 1 — and is one of 14 new cafes that have opened this year in Westchester (with more coming!) — also offers multi-grain, olive and plain. Fillings include the aforementioned chicken along with turkey, prosciutto and a vegan option (think a mixed salad with tomatoes, avocado and olive oil).
Paired with their strong coffee (I’m a latte gal!), the sandwich is an explosion of flavors. Served warmed, it arrives to your table with just the right amount of softness and crunch.
Java: 14 Westchester coffee shops have opened in 2024. Here’s what each offers that’s special
This being an Italian cafe means there are a variety of pastries and doughnuts that are also worth trying, including the Bomboloni Cream, the Cocoa & Hazelnut, the cannoli, croissants and cakes (I’m partial to the mixed berry cake and gluten-free chocolate caramel crunch). Another must try are the pasticcioto leccese, a crunchy shortbread pastry with a cream and cherry filling. Plus, there’s gelato.
The shop is owned by Scarsdale resident Florent Muca, West Harrison’s Antonio Vittorini, Gregory DiMattino, who’s in Queens, and Doug Flynn (who grew up in Mamaroneck but now lives in Long Island), who take their food and coffee seriously. All have long worked on the import and wholesale side of the business, and, according to Flynn, had a vision of opening something that mirrors the charm and simplicity of what you’d find on any street corner in Italy.
Holiday near home: 10 Westchester, Rockland restaurants that make you feel like you’re on vacation
That means using Essse Café Espresso in addition to top-of-line machines and coffee equipment. A high quality grinder and highly trained baristas, add to the experience.
As a longtime coffee drinker, I’m consistently happy here as the experience never varies. Not only are you getting a delicate and aromatic espresso, you’re also getting a full-bodied and velvety latte. And, that paired with a foccacia sandwich or pastry, is enough to put me in a European state of mind.
If you go
Address: 60 Garth Road, Scarsdale, 914-362-1230, omnicaffe.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Good to know: There are specialty teas in addition to coffee. All doughnuts and pastries are imported from Italy. The focaccia is also made especially for the cafe.
Newsletter reminder
Want more behind the scenes info on where I’m going and what I’m eating? My weekly newsletter is free; sign up 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.