The Essential Spots to Dine in Westchester County, Summer 2022 Edition

When James Beard-nominated chef Dale Talde is cooking, you know it’ll be good. At Goosefeather, Talde embraces Cantonese cuisine and fuses it with ingredients you might normally find on contemporary fine dining menus. Think dry-aged beef potstickers with Chinese mustard horseradish and crab rice with jalapeño aioli and tobiko. You definitely don’t want to miss out on ordering the whole Cantonese roast duck if you’re with a group, and dessert and cocktails are also a must. On those cooler summer nights, you’ll want to grab a seat at the terrace, front lawn, or the outdoor lounge, complete with fire pits.

Dining here feels (almost) like you’re in Naples, with rustic Neapolitan-style pies, housemade pasta, and, of course, the namesake ingredient: creamy, luscious burrata. Chef-owner Chas Anderson has assembled a menu of pizza hits, like the Tartufo, with black truffles, soppressata, and tomatoes, or the J. Sexton with chilled burrata, black pepper, and olive oil. Don’t sleep on the pastas, either, all perfectly al dente and sauced just enough — like they do in Italy.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten balances elegant fine dining with the warmth of a cozy inn here in Pound Ridge. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re bound to leave satisfied, whether you opt for a JGV classic like his crispy salmon sushi, or a decadent prosciutto-wrapped pork chop.

The first thing you might notice when you arrive here is the smell of freshly pressed tortillas at this quaint and inviting, family-owned spot where the daily specials, from quesadillas and tacos to burritos and enchiladas, not to mention the cocktails, are truly exceptional.

Mariachi Mexico has been a local favorite since Juan and Alejandra Herrera opened it in 1990 and today, their children and grandchildren oversee the restaurant, continuing the family tradition. What sets this restaurant apart is the level of craftsmanship: everything is always seasonal and locally sourced, and follows the traditions that Juan and Alejandra brought with them from Mexico.

Walk-ins only.

This beloved Jamaican restaurant, with two locations in Westchester County, is the place to go for the juicy oxtail stew, spicy jerk salmon, and creamy rasta pasta. Even better, Cravin Jamaican Cuisine serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come in for a generous plate of ackee, callaloo, or cabbage with saltfish in the mornings, and stay for the brown stew chicken and beef patties for lunch or dinner. Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong.

Walk-ins only.

Is there anything better than sipping on a Sassy Lassi cocktail (coconut rum, blended mango yogurt) and snacking on some chaat on a hot summer day? We think not. Chef-owner Navjot Arora’s cooking at Chutney Masala is exceptional and, as the restaurant name suggests, the chutney is a standout—so much so that you’ll probably want to take some home, too.

Call (914) 591-5500 to make a reservation.

When you want to dine with a group, Southern Table is the place to be. Dining here is all about having a good time, and the food couldn’t be more perfect for sharing and relishing. Think classics like fried green tomatoes and saucy pulled pork sliders, or more inventive takes like brie-stuffed pretzels with fig jam or buffalo molasses wings. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with the fried chicken. Even better? They’ve also got gluten-free options for brunch and supper, too.

Call (914) 618-3355 to make a reservation.

A local establishment since 1962, La Crémaillère is the standard bearer of classic French cuisine in Bedford and now, under executive chef Thomas Burke, it’s better than ever. Burke, a veteran of restaurants that include Le Bernardin, Aureole, Boulevard, and The French Laundry, is known for his thoughtful, meticulous cooking, offered both in prix-fixe and tasting menu format here. Standout dishes include the smoked salmon rillette and a Niman Ranch filet mignon with white asparagus, morel mushrooms, and sauce bearnaise. Pro tip: Definitely peruse the extensive Bordeaux collection on the wine list.

Martha Stewart, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Clinton count themselves as regulars at this charming restaurant known for its inventive and creative takes on Indian food. Chef Bonnie Saran channels the food memories she amassed from growing up throughout India into her food here, whether it’s in richly layered curries, biryanis, or the signature frankie rolls: perfectly spiced meat or paneer wrapped in a flat grilled bread.

Walk-ins only. Call (914) 242-7000 to make a reservation for larger parties.

Right here on the Byram River, you’ll feel like you’re on the New England coast at this lively spot where you can feast on lobster, shrimp, and freshly shucked oysters and clams. Don’t sleep on the steamed lobster or shrimp platters, anything from the raw bar, the crab-stuffed shrimp, and the lobster carbonara. Pro tip: Head here on Wednesday nights for live music, and don’t miss the daily happy hour with discounted small plates, snacks, and drinks.

Call (914) 939-2425 to make a reservation.

When you want to watch a game and savor some of the best bar food in the county, you can always count on Smokehouse. Standouts include the brisket empanadas, buffalo chicken dip, and do know that the Tomahawk burger with bleu fondue and frizzled onions could contend for one of the best burgers you’ve ever had.