Anticipation, rumors and signage are my first clues a new restaurant is in the works. And right now, in Westchester, there’s plenty to buzz about. From chef-driven concepts to long-awaited expansions (I’m looking at you, MP Taverna!) to an expanded focus on gourmet Italian goods, there’s an abundance of eateries poised to become your new favorites in 2026.
Consider what follows a first look at what’s coming to the table — and what I’m most looking forward to. This doesn’t including a French restaurant that quietly opened in the final days of December in Bronxville (more about La Maison at lohud.com) as well as, in the same town, an Italian wine bar and pasta shop (stay tuned for details on La Chitarra). There’s also a few others that remain on the down low until further notice.
What follows are the 26 that should be on your radar including a cookie boutique opening Jan. 13, two oyster bars, a pasta shop that also serves rotisserie chicken and empanadas and an Indian spot featuring the flavors of Kerala.
Spaccarelli’s by Zuppa, Millwood
This nearly four-decade-old spot, long run by chef/owner Tony DeNardis, is getting a facelift — and a reboot. Now owned by the Zuppa Restaurant Group, the folks behind Zuppa in Yonkers, Tramanto in Thornwood and Mima Vinoteca in Irvington, it should open sometime this month with a new interior, new kitchen, new bathrooms and a re-jiggered menu that pays homage to the past with modern sensibilities. 238 Saw Mill River Road.
Just Chippy’s, White Plains
Jan. 13 is opening day for this cookie shop owned by Kendall Feighan who used to work at the FBI. Her motto: she used to solve crimes, but now solves the mystery of the perfect cookie. A passionate baker, she started her business, which revolves around clean ingredients, last March from her home and quickly gained a following for her “Just Chippy’s Chocolate Chippy,” “Mom’s PB&J,” “Nan’s Blueberry best” (in honor of her grandmother) and “Oatmeal ‘Date’ Night.” Along with her staples, she’s also known for her seasonal flavors such as peppermint bark, peach cobbler and chocolate-covered strawberry. 931 N Broadway, 845-750-5164, justchippys.com.
Cafe Nelo, Bronxville
Chef Guiseppe Fanelli, formerly of Tredici North in Purchase, is behind this new venture, which promises a fusion of flavors including Asian influences mixed with American/Swedish/French and Italian tones. Among the menu items: kimchi, ramen, tartare, Nantucket bay scallops. Look for an opening sometime in January. 102 Kraft Ave.
Mona, New Rochelle
Andrew Abraham is expanding the Shirley’s India brand with the addition of this fine dining spot, the first sit-down restaurant for fans of Shirley’s, which has been around since 1997. When open in early February, diners can expect an emphasis on flavors of Kerala, the southern Indian state where Abraham’s family is from. That means coconut milk in sauces instead of cream, a focus on spice along with fusions of American food. Come May, Abraham will also open an outdoor beer garden area complete with a separate entrance. 15 Leroy Place, monanewro.com.
Piccola Market and Rotisserie, Dobbs Ferry
Sergio Pennacchio, the chef/owner behind Piccola Trattoria, has gotten so much demand for his handmade pastas, he’s opening a pasta shop next door to his restaurant. The shop, which will also feature specialty sauces, rotisserie chicken, empanadas and ready-made meals, will open sometime before the end of January and will be takeout only. There will also be gluten-free pasta. 25 Cedar St., 914-407-0014, piccolamarket.com.
Climbing Wolf Kitchen Coffee & Beer, Tuckahoe
Brothers Chris and J.B. Gomez are opening a second outpost of their beloved coffee/craft beer spot in Dobbs Ferry, moving into the Tuckahoe space formerly occupied by Growler’s sometime in the spring. The concept is the same albeit with a full menu. 25 Main St., www.climbingwolf.com.
Froggy’s Sandwiches, Briarcliff Manor
Max Germaine and Anthony Cartaino, former managers of Froggy’s shops, with locations in Somers, Pawling, Brewster, and New Fairfield and Brookfield, Conn., are now “taking the leap” and opening their first franchise, opening in early February. The menu will be consistent with the current stores, serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches along with bowls, wraps and drink specials. 1123 Pleasantville Road, myfroggys.com
Fat Stu’s All American Burger, Mamaroneck
What had been La Casa Cafe + Bar is being transformed into a 1950s diner-style burger restaurant, with an opening date sometime late winter. This is the third location for the brand — owner John Stubenvoll aka “Stu” — owns places in Harrison and Port Chester. This one, however, is five times the space of the other two. 157 Mamaroneck Ave., fatstus.com.
Pleasantville Tavern, Pleasantville
Longtime Pleasantville residents Tom Miller and John McCarthy are excited to bring a new neighborhood favorite to the area’s Restaurant Row. What had been Lucy’s is being gutted and renovated to create a full service bar and restaurant with what the two call “authentic tavern charm” with an emphasis on sports and watch parties. Look for an early to mid-March opening. 446 Bedford Road, 914-747-4740.
Apposto, Mamaroneck
A new Italian sandwich shop serving breakfast, lunch and coffee, is opening sometime in March where Bagels by Sofia had been. Fulvio Salza plans to serve thoughtful takes on Italian sandwiches along with classics as well as salads and a few Italian baked goods. 414 Mamaroneck Ave.
North River Oyster Bar, Sleepy Hollow
Seafood, including a wide variety of East and West Coast oysters are the focus at this long awaited spot, which has been in the works so long it was on my places I’m looking forward to opening list in 2025. With construction almost done, Gino and Floria Uli, the husband and wife duo behind Divino Cucina Italiana in Hastings-on-Hudson and Hudson Prime Steakhouse in Irvington, are hoping for a “next few months” opening. The entire place — what had been Hudson Anchor — has been gutted to bring the bar up front and make for a better layout. 222 Beekman Ave.
Kelma, Larchmont
Klema — also on last year’s list — should open sometime down the road. Each time I drive by I see more progress and know I’m not the only one excited to see what modern interpretations of Greek cuisine chef/owner Michael Psilakis of Irvington’s MP Taverna brings to the old Vintage 1891 space. 2098 Boston Post Road, mptaverna.com.
La Mer Oyster Bar, Armonk
An oyster bar with Southeast Asian and Japanese influences is the brainchild of Sean and Sophia Wiener, owners of La Mer Seafood next door. Look for a spring opening with a large outdoor dining presence in front. 405 Main St.
Duke’s Ramen, White Plains
This casual ramen spot, known for its long counter and slow-simmered broths made for serious slurping and noodle pulling, is opening its second spot sometime late summer. This will be twice the size of Mamaroneck but with the same counter and open-kitchen set-up. 1 North Broadway, dukesramen.com.
Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe, Ardsley
It’s still a way’s away — think early summer — but this brother-and-sister-owned European-style bakery, with the most addictive babka ever, will be opening a third location where Riviera Bakehouse had been. Martine’s other spots are in Tuckahoe and Scarsdale. 660 Saw Mill River Road, martinesfinebakeshoppe.com.
Millie’s Provisions, Larchmont
This gourmet café and marketplace, a new venture from husband-and-wife Zach and Marteal Mayer, should (hopefully) open in February with a range of fresh and seasonally prepared foods, coffee, daily baked goods, sandwiches and salads. 1916 Palmer Ave., milliesprovisions.com.
Gia’s Mercato Italiano, Mamaroneck
A new gourmet Italian market is set to open any day now featuring curated Italian imports, cheeses, meats, olive oils, baked goods, pasta (including gluten-free), coffee and more. 628 Old White Plains Road, 914-960-9736, giasmercatoitaliano.com
Moquette, Scarsdale
This craft cocktail and beer bar, featuring elevated light American bites, should open sometime before the end of the month. The boutique concept is from the owners of Simple Motive Brewing and will feature some aspects and characteristics of their home base in Yonkers. 11 Bonafice Circle.
The Village Confectionery, Sleepy Hollow
Hastings-on-Hudson native Kate Bolger, who spent 15 years in film and television, is excited to bring a cinematic lens to a reimagined candy shop set to open sometime in May or June. Sweet tooth lovers will find an array of specialty goods, small batch makers and penny candy, among other curated options. 95 Beekman Ave.
Bobo’s, Tarrytown, Yorktown Heights
Craig and Glen Bernardi, the brothers behind Bobo’s string of wildly popular cafes (Chappaqua, Somers, Baldwin Place and Ridgefield, Conn.) have two locations to look forward to in 2026. What had formerly been Mrs. Green’s Natural Foods in Tarrytown (45 North Broadway) and Underhill Avenue near Route 202 in Yorktown Heights (1726 Underhill Ave). These are the company’s fifth and sixth spots and are both slated for later this year. Boboscafe.net.
Frannie’s Goodie Shop, Somers
Ice cream, frozen yogurt, candy, smoothies, hot chocolate, acai bowls, waffles, crepes and more are yours to indulge in at this popular sweet shop. Already in Mount Kisco and Chappaqua, this third location should open sometime in late spring/early summer. 249 Route 202, franniesgoodieshopmk.com.
Run & Hide Brewing and Kitchen, Port Chester
Summer is the expected date for this full-service restaurant/10-barrel brew house where there will be house made bacon, hand tied sausages, sandwiches and lots more. Owner Tim Shanley, a self-described “washed up musician,” and former owner of Coal’s Pizza (with locations in Bronxville and Port Chester), will also have a décor that’s big on the music theme with murals of musicians and more. The spot, after all, is next to The Capitol Theatre. Shanley currently runs Run & Hide Brewery just up the street at 223½ Westchester Ave. and has long been known in the area for his locally-made beers, specifically his Stick with Grandma and Your Mom’s Best Friend. He’s also big on collaborating with The Peak Radio Station where, among other events, there’s Trivia with Chris “Coach” Rodriguez, profiled this past September in The Journal News/lohud. 30 Broad St., randhbc.com.
Jaipore Marketplace, Bedford Hills
Ristorante di Amalfi is being transformed into a new Indian grocery store. Owner Jeevan Pullan, who also owns JAIPORE Xpress in Bedford Hills, JAIPORE Xpress in Briarcliff Manor and VEGA Mexican, Maska and NH 44 Indian in Hartsdale, said he plans on keeping the pizza oven in front but will add some twists. The new market will also feature a deli-style concept in the back complete with meats, soups and a bakery. There will be counter seating in front. Look for a summer opening. 720 North Bedford Road.
Menagerie Beer, Yorktown Heights
The work has started on the buildout of a brewery and kitchen at this Yorktown Heights space where owner/brewer Brett McCormack plans to bring his vision to life. Expected to open sometime this spring, McCormack will specialize in all things craft beer, New York cider and Neapolitan-style pizzas made in a Fiero Italian imported electric pizza oven. 1735 Front St.
Riko’s Pizza, Larchmont
Riko’s just opened in Greenburgh (as of Dec. 8) but already has its sites set on its second Westchester location in Larchmont, set to open early summer in once was an old bank at the corner of Palmer and Chatsworth. This will have the same menu as Greenburgh — think thin crust pizza, wings, sliders, salads — but will be larger with outdoor dining. Franchisee Spencer Thune has a signed lease on Yonkers, too (currently a McDonalds at 2554 Central Park Ave.) but this may not happen until early 2027. Rikospizza.com.
AVENIDA by H147, Larchmont
This is a much-later-this-year project — think fall (ish) — but is a rebrand of Tequila Sunrise by H147. Billed as a Latin American eatery, it will feature the same farm-to-fork philosophy as Heritage 147 next door (it’s the same ownership) along with a major renovation which will include a wine room, designated areas for private events, and more.
Got food news?
Know of a restaurant opening or closing? Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
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.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 26 new restaurants opening in Westchester. See the list
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
