When leaving the hustle and bustle of New York City, sometimes getting away to a more laid-back atmosphere with great food can be the perfect treat. Fortunately, the suburbs just outside of New York City are home to some of the best restaurants in the region, whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch, light lunch, or a romantic evening out. Here are the top suburban restaurants outside of NYC for every kind of diner.
The Year’s Best Suburban Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for a fine dining establishment, a cozy spot to grab a coffee and breakfast, or a fun happy hour after a long day at the office, the suburbs are full of great food options. Here are some of the best places to eat outside of NYC.
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Vittorio’s Ristorante: Enjoy classic Italian cuisine at this cozy family-owned restaurant. Menu items include a variety of classic Italian favorites, such as handmade fresh pasta, brick-oven pizza, homemade mozzarella, and fresh seafood. Reservations are highly recommended.
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The Gables: Located in the heart of downtown White Plains, The Gables offers upscale American cuisine and drinks in an elegant atmosphere. The restaurant utilizes local and seasonal ingredients, making a highlight of their brunch and dinner menus.
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Agave Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar: This eclectic Mexican spot serves up signature margaritas and classic Mexican dishes with a twist. Combining classic and modern flavors, the restaurant offers something for everyone.
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Half Moon: Half Moon is a seafood spot located on Main Street in Dobbs Ferry. It features fresh seafood from the Hudson Valley and beyond, sourced from sustainable waters. Hungry patrons can enjoy fish tacos, seafood gumbo, and a variety of seafood specialties.
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The Gigi Trattoria: Gigi Trattoria is an Italian eatery in Westchester serving up handmade pastas, classic Italian dishes, and seafood specialties. The restaurant has a BYOB policy, so diners can bring their favorite wine to accompany their meal.
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Pelham Bar & Grill: Enjoy classic American comfort food in a casual atmosphere at the Pelham Bar & Grill. The bar and grill has an extensive selection of craft beers, as well as culinary specials like pulled pork and fried wings.
Date Night Options
For a romantic night out, the suburbs offer plenty of cozy, intimate spots to enjoy a delicious meal. Here are some great options for couples looking for a romantic evening out.
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Le Jardin du Roi: This charming café located in Chappaqua serves up French-American cuisine in a cozy, quiet atmosphere. Menu items include steak-frites, French onion soup, and delicious desserts.
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Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse: This classic Italian steakhouse is located in the heart of Mount Kisco. The restaurant has a lovely outdoor beer garden perfect for summer dining, and offers handmade pastas, fresh fish, and prime cuts of steak.
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Jonathan’s: Located in New Rochelle, Jonathan’s is a sophisticated eatery serving up classic American fare with a modern twist. The restaurant offers steaks and seafood with a delicious stir-fry bar.
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Grand Cru at the Ritz-Carlton: The Ritz Carlton in White Plains bills itself as where “expectations and experience meet.” Its Grand Cru restaurant features a menu of seasonally driven dishes, created with locally sourced items for a modern take on classic dishes.
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Equus at Castle on the Hudson: Equus is located at Castle on the Hudson and offers an upscale dining experience in a gracious atmosphere. This historic restaurant has been a favorite of Hudson Valley locals for decades and continues to delight diners with its delectable cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
The suburbs offer many great family-friendly restaurants, including those serving up delicious Italian and American classics to unique, one-of-a-kind eateries. Here are a few of the top places to take the kids for a great meal.
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Amore Pizza and Restaurant: This Italian restaurant is a staple in White Plains. Menu items include classic pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Amore Pizza also offers a full bar and a kids’ menu.
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The Rye Roadhouse: If you’re looking for American comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere, the Rye Roadhouse is your spot. The restaurant has generous portions that are sure to please everyone in the family.
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Lazy Boy Saloon & Ale House: This cozy bar and restaurant located in White Plains has a classic pub vibe and friendly staff. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian dishes and kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese and mini-burgers.
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Barcelona: Located in Westchester, Barcelona is an elegant Spanish tapas restaurant and wine bar. The restaurant has both an outdoor patio with heat lamps for chilly evenings and an indoor dining room for year-round dining.
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Spano’s Pizzeria: If you’re looking for classic NY-style pizza, then Spano’s is the place to go. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is popular with locals. Spano’s also has an extensive delivery menu for those nights when you don’t feel like getting out.
Authentic Ethnic Cuisine
The suburbs aren’t all about classic American and Italian cooking; the area is also home to some great ethnic eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Greek, Japanese, or Thai, here are some of the best places to go for a unique and flavorful experience.
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Kai Sushi & Sake Bar: Located in White Plains, Kai Sushi & Sake Bar serves up traditional Japanese fare in a modern setting. The restaurant also has options for both vegetarian and vegan diners.
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Cafe Mexico: If you’re in the mood for Mexican, try Cafe Mexico in Mount Kisco. The restaurant has classic Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, as well as a full bar.
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Gyro Shack: Gyro Shack is a popular Greek spot in the suburbs that serves up delicious gyros, Greek salads, and more. For a quick and delicious lunch option, Gyro Shack also offers grab-and-go specials.
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Papa’s Bowl: Papa’s Bowl is an Asian-fusion joint located in Yonkers. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in bowls, which are a mix of ingredients like vegetables, meat, and noodles.
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Thai Siam: Thai Siam is a family-owned Thai restaurant in Scarsdale. The restaurant offers sit-down service and has an extensive lunch menu with options like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, and Moo Phad Prik.
New York City may be known for its culinary scene, but the suburbs just outside the city offer some delicious eateries as well. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out, a family-friendly spot for a meal, or ethnic cuisine with a unique twist, there are plenty of great suburban restaurants outside of NYC to choose from.