Bronxville’s Burgeoning Restaurant Scene: From Acai Bowls to Souvlaki, Tacos, and More
By Susan Miele
Oct. 24, 2018: Though modestly sized, Bronxville’s business district has long had a reputation as a dining hot spot, bookended by Sammy’s Downtown Bistro and Rosie’s Italian Bistro. Because of developments over the past few years, this landscape has been evolving. With some recent closures (Sammy’s among them) and an expanding number of restaurants permissible, the new food scene will test a different model for the downtown business in Bronxville.
Key developments at village hall have made the increased number of food establishments legally possible. A storefront that is zoned for retail use cannot convert to a food establishment without the owner’s obtaining a variance from the village zoning board—historically, a complex and expensive undertaking that might result in a denied application. This onus gave Bronxville a reputation for being difficult to penetrate, leading prospective business owners to seek out communities where short-term success was a surer thing.
Over the past five years, village officials have taken a hard look at these requirements, as some (such as a parking study required of the applicant) were deemed to be unhelpful (parking studies historically tended to confirm a well-known subpar parking: business ratio). Earlier this year, the parking study was scratched from the requirements, making doing business in Bronxville more attractive. Moreover, the opening of the Kensington lot alleviated some of the parking challenges previously feared.
“Fortunately, the village recognized that the zoning code—which was created about 60 years ago—was antiquated,” explained Jonathan Gordon of Admiral Real Estate Services. Business districts need to be more “Internet-proof,” Gordon explained, to cater to needs that can be fulfilled only locally. Food and fitness instruction are chief examples.
Since 2013, several variances were granted that allowed dining establishments to occupy a storefront previously zoned for retail or services, starting with Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS (previously the home of East India Designs, a.k.a., the Silk Road) and followed by Bronxville Diner (previously a retail establishment, Urban Cottage Design) and Ladle of Love (in the former location of The Cobbler Shop).
Over the past year, variances were granted to Root Vine & Juice Bar on Cedar Street (previously occupied by Stipo Opticians), Playa Bowls Bronxville (formerly Candy Land), Opa (a Greek restaurant soon opening where Savanna at Home previously leased on Pondfield Road), and Booskerdoo Coffee and Baking Co (taking over the space previously occupied by Decora and, before that, Village Vacuum Repair on Kraft Avenue). Additionally, the former home of Citrine jewelry has been taken over by Pete’s Park Place Tavern, with intended use as a rentable event space.
Additionally, the space previously occupied by Stillmeadow Gourmet will soon be home to The Taco Project, which has another location in Tarrytown, and the former site of Kraft Bistro will serve as the second location of Tredici North, though neither required a variance. The new arrivals not only are expanding the village’s food scene but also serve to fill empty storefronts. But this comes with implications, the impact of which remains to be seen over the long term. For one, more food means more need for waste collection, explained Mayor Mary Marvin, as food purchases generally generate more garbage than do retail purchases. Restaurants also use more water and grease.
And, although Bronxville’s new food scene will offer diverse cuisines—from acai bowls to souvlaki and tacos—there’s a risk of having more food establishments than the market will bear. “It’s sort of retail Darwinism,” Gordon noted. “But the idea is to build supply to increase demand, which should result in more foot traffic in the downtown, attracting more interesting businesses to open in Bronxville.”
In addition to Bronxville School students walking into town for lunch, hospital workers seeking a quick bite, college students on a budget, and business from residents and other employees, Gordon banks on the food scene to serve as a magnet for visitors from other communities. While a restaurant might be the initial draw, the discovery of a thriving downtown is expected to charm visitors into a longer stay and repeat visits to patronize other businesses.
“People are trying to build Bronxvilles in other communities,” Mayor Marvin stated, referencing Bronxville as a model business district for its walkability and the predominance of mom-and-pop businesses. For a time, she noted, the public’s interest in boutique business seemed to wane. “We’ve come full circle.”
Photo by A. Warner
Restaurant & Food Guide
Irish Gastro Pub with wood-fired pizza. It also has a Cocktail Menu.
219 Main Street, Eastchester
914-752-7650
Article about summer dining that includes Jack's
One Pier Steakhouse
One Pier Steakhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, N.Y. right in the middle of the Yonkers renaissance. The restaurant offers a beautifully designed dining room featuring private banquette seating; an upstairs private room for sit-down or cocktail events; an inviting large bar and outdoor seating.
The menu offers a mix of traditional cuts of steak: Porterhouse for two, Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Ribeye and Skirt. There is also a variety of fresh fish offerings: Whole Branzino, Colossal Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Tails, Chilean Sea Bass, Sushi Grade Tuna, Salmon and a Raw Bar. Also included are Soups & Salads, Appetizers and Signature Dishes of Coffee BBQ bone-in Short Ribs, Lamb Shank and a 1/2 Roasted Chicken, along with a Pasta Station.
The bar features craft cocktails and a wide ranging wine list. The vibe is a softly lite romantic setting with up-tempo jazz.
Drink* Eat* Gather
Haiku
Pan Asian
56 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-5601
Chinese cuisine. Stylish setting with classic decor.
361 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
Wild Ginger
Pan Asian
10 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
Underhill’s Crossing
For over thirty years, Underhills Crossing Restaurant in Bronxville has had the privilege of offering guests a diverse menu of French-American cuisine. Whether for a light bite with a friend, a celebration of family, or a special occasion, join us in our elegant dining room or enjoy al fresco dining in our beautifully decorated outdoor dining area.
Underhills Crossing Restaurant brings the Manhattan dining experience to Bronxville. Enjoy our raw bar, full caviar service, extensive wine list, and by-the-glass Coravin program, along with seasonal specials, which complement the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus.
Please let us know your thoughts.
5 Pondfield Rd 74., Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-1200
Lange's of Bronxville
Lange's of Bronxville is a homestyle delicatessen nestled in Bronxville. For over 3 decades, Lange's has proudly offered an authentic deli and catering experience, serving freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites that keep our customers coming back for more.
Opa Opa Fresh Greek.
New casual and friendly Greek restaurant serving fresh homemade specialties in a light and airy setting. Order for Take-Out…call 914-600-8129 for delivery on Uber Eats or Door Dash.
116 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-600-8129
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Serves Noteworthy Italian food and Brick Oven Pizza with outdoor seating available.
914-779-7944
Ciao
5-7 Albanese Place
Eastchester, NY
914-779-4646
An Italian Bistro in the heart of Scarsdale.
808 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale
914-722-0808
Instagram: 808bistrony
Delicious Italian food prepared with great care and served in a vibrant, modern Italian setting. Do private events. Best of Westchester “Best New Restaurant” in 2019. It was also awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award in 2020.
11 Huguenot St,
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 636-0006
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Italian restaurant with the charm of a real Italian Trattoria
Mon., Tues. and Wed. from 5 to 10pm
Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 11pm
10 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-2000
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Sapori of Scarsdale
A handsome new restaurant serving unique and interesting authentic flavors of Italy, with a new lunch, bar and children’s menu that has both indoor and outdoor café dining.
Mediterranean
2 Chase Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-874-5316
Scalini's mission is to serve classic yet innovative regional cuisine that highlights the culinary diversity of the country, including tasty homemade pasta and daily seafood specials. The food and beverages are skillfully curated under the direction of owners Angelo and Elio DiRosa of Abruzzo, Italy.
Scalini carries uniquely Italian microbrews and has a seasonal craft cocktail program and an extensive wine and spirits list. With a patio and secluded courtyard that mirrors a quintessential Tuscan village, their outdoor dining experience is available year-round and offers a perfect venue for all types of events and engagements.
65 Pondfield Road
Bronxville
914-337-4935
https://www.scaliniosteria.com
Tredici Social
Italian
Tredici Social serves contemporary Italian food with a modern flair. Outdoor Dining Available
104 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-1313
Roberto Paciullo's hometown of Salerno is transported to the streets of Tuckahoe. Zero Otto Nove Trattoria is the fourth outpost of his famous restaurants from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. From the atmosphere to the food, stopping by Zero Otto Nove is taking a quick trip to Italy.
Marigold is a vibrant tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and timeless traditions. The menu proudly presents Chef Hemant Mathur's iconic creations, skillfully layered with a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, all expertly woven together with fresh, high-quality ingredients and imaginative flair.
Each dish is a labor of love, meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and authentic spices, resulting in an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. You will embark on an unparalleled culinary journey through the heart of India.
434 White Plains Rd. Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 202 9455
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love dishes out delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps, hand crafted meals and rotating daily specials. They also have a Meal Plan Program that is personalized for individuals or families, offering daily or weekly meals which can be customized to dietary preferences and needs.
18 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville
914.346-8883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese
Owned by Bronxville's own Ruth Walter and Kevin McNeill, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese carries traditional varieties of cheese such as manchego, camembert and Irish Cheddar as well as other varieties from a half dozen countries. They also sell specialty breads, baguettes, scones, croissants, olive rye batard and other varieties provided by French baker, Balthazar. Gift baskets and party platters are available to order. It is also a go to destination for lunch for the school children offering the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches on white or multi-grain bread and yummy lemonade.
107 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-361-1770
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