The Best 5 Restaurants in Westchester County, According to a Local

When clients are considering a move to Westchester County, New York, they often ask me about schools, neighborhoods, and the housing market. But once those questions are answered, another usually follows:

“Where should we go to dinner?” 

It’s one of my favorite questions because discovering a great local restaurant is often one of the first moments a new town starts to feel like home. Whether it’s a cozy neighborhood Italian spot, fresh seafood on a lively main street, or a restaurant where the staff remembers your name, these are the places that become part of everyday life. 

One of the things I love most about living in Westchester is the incredible range of dining experiences. Every community has its own personality, and the culinary scene reflects that. 

From Rye to Harrison, Mamaroneck to Port Chester, and beyond, you’ll find establishments run by people with deep roots in the community who extend a warm welcome to anyone who walks through the door. 

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed countless delicious meals throughout Westchester, and while I love trying new spots, a handful keep pulling me back. These are restaurants with rich history, creative chefs, and welcoming spaces that keep locals returning again and again. 

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Westchester, these are some of my favorites.

My Top Picks

Antique Garage | 100 Purchase Street, Rye, NY

Whenever friends ask where to eat in Rye, Antique Garage is one of my first recommendations. The Mediterranean menu is consistently outstanding, and the space is effortlessly elegant, blending a stunning contemporary design with beautiful Turkish marble details and a charming open-air garden patio. The pistachio lamb kebab and expertly crafted vodka martinis make for an evening that’s hard to beat.

• Phone: +1 914-249-9399
• Menu: https://www.antiquegaragerye.com/rye 
• Cuisine: Aegean/Mediterranean 
• Speciality/Known For: Mezze plates, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and cocktails
• Reservations: https://www.antiquegaragerye.com/reservations 

 

Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro | 45 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 

Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro is one of those charming restaurants that works for just about any occasion—perfect for family celebrations, a casual lunch, a business dinner, or a girls’ night out. Known for its exquisite seafood, the menu features a pan-seared Scottish salmon (a dish that’s close to home for this UK native!) that’s one of my longtime favorites. 

Pair it with a delicious cosmopolitan for an unforgettable meal.

• Phone: +1 914-921-4166
• Menu: https://www.rubysoysterbar.com/#menu-section 
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Speciality/Known For: Oysters, raw bar towers, and seafood entrees 
• Reservations: https://www.rubysoysterbar.com/reservations

 

Felice Port Chester | 55 Abendroth Avenue, Port Chester, NY

Port Chester has quietly become one of the county’s most exciting dining destinations, and Felice is one of the reasons why. Set inside a rustic brick warehouse dating back to 1903, it brings a Manhattan sensibility to Westchester, offering modern dishes built on traditional techniques. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it’s no wonder their branzino is one of the best I’ve had anywhere in Westchester. 

• Phone: +1 914-786-5500
• Menu: https://www.felicerestaurants.com/felice-port-chester/ 
• Cuisine: Tuscan-inspired Italian
• Speciality/Known For: Wood-fired pizzette, pappardelle, branzino, and Tuscan wine
• Reservations: https://www.felicerestaurants.com/reservation/ 

Emilio Ristorante | 1 Colonial Place, Harrison, NY

In the village of Harrison, a refurbished Colonial is home to Emilio Ristorante, a colorful Italian spot run by a family who made the move from New York City to Westchester themselves—a story many of my clients can relate to. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels both refined and comfortable. Their antipasto plate, loaded with grilled vegetables, assorted cheeses, and cured meats, is perfect for sharing before moving on to one of their classic Italian entrées.

• Phone: +1 914-835-3100
• Menu: https://www.emilioristorante.com/dinner-menu 
• Cuisine: Italian
• Speciality/Known For: Fresh daily pasta, antipasto table, and extensive wine list
• Call to make a reservation.

Augustine’s Salumeria | 213 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY

For brunch, lunch, or dinner, Augustine’s is always worth the visit. Owned by a husband-and-wife team in Mamaroneck, Augustine’s Salumeria showcases locally inspired and farm-driven menu items in a casual, welcoming environment. With creative cocktails like the Fairy Godmother and the Top Tier-Misu Martini, weekend brunches are delightfully memorable. 

• Phone: +1 914-315-6541
• Menu: https://www.augustinesny.com/menu/dinner 
• Cuisine: Italian
• Speciality/Known For: Artisanal salumi and housemade pasta
• Reservations: https://www.augustinesny.com/reservations 

A Few More Westchester Favorites

Narrowing this list down wasn’t easy. Westchester’s dining scene is full of exceptional restaurants and there are far too many to include. These two deserve a special mention for their welcoming atmosphere, consistently delicious food, and loyal local following.

Aurora

Rye is also home to Aurora, an upscale neighborhood Italian known for handmade pasta and brick oven pizzas. Its bright, airy interior and simple, elegant design strike a balance of warmth and sophistication, setting the tone for a beautiful evening before the food even arrives. 

• Address: 60 Purchase St, Rye, NY 10580, United States
• Phone: +1 914-921-2333
• Menu: https://www.zhospitalitygroup.com/aurora/menu 
• Cuisine: Italian
• Speciality/Known For: Brick oven pizzas and handmade pasta
• Reservations: https://www.opentable.com/r/aurora 

Trattoria Vivolo

Trattoria Vivolo has been a hallmark of Halstead Avenue in Harrison for more than fourteen years. Set in an original 1950s diner, its retro charm is complemented by mouthwatering Italian favorites like the Agnolotti con Salvia, a veal-filled pasta topped with pancetta, butter, and sage. 

• Address: 301 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528, United States
• Phone: +1 914-835-6199
• Menu: http://www.trattoriavivolo.com/dinner
• Cuisine: Italian
• Speciality/Known For: Handmade pastas and thin-crust pizza
• Call to make a reservation.

What Makes Westchester’s Restaurant Scene So Special?

One of the reasons I love recommending restaurants to clients is that they tell the story of our communities just as much as the homes and neighborhoods do.

This list is just a snapshot of Westchester’s thriving food and culture scene. Our walkable downtowns are filled with locally owned businesses where owners know their regulars. You can park once and wander among great shopping and dining destinations. Every restaurant and every town has its own unique character. 

These restaurants mirror the quality of life and diversity that draws buyers to Westchester. Part of the joy of living here is discovering that firsthand—and realizing that vibrant communities can be found beyond the city. 

If you’re thinking about moving here, I can help you find the right home in a community that you’ll genuinely love living in. Whether you’re relocating from New York City or simply looking for your next favorite neighborhood restaurant, I’m always happy to share insider tips and local recommendations.

Contact me for more information.

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Recommended reading: Best Burgers In and Around Rye and Harrison 

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