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EZ Pass Aug 29, 2011 02:31 PM

Dinner rec for New Rochelle

Hi, four of us are meeting in New Rochelle for dinner on Thursday night, but none of us are from Westchester or know the restaurant scene there. Can anyone recommend a good, low-key, mid-priced place where we can talk.

  1. c
    cloverose Oct 29, 2011 06:44 AM

    I live in New Rochelle and eat out frequently. Many good restaurants in surrounding areas of Pelham, Bronxville, etc., but to focus strictly on NewRo, IMHO, these are some of your best options:

    DaGiorgio -- big thumbs up for food/service, but Saturday night is extremely busy and not the best nite to try it. Recently we tried Agostino's on Pelham Road as mentioned by another Chowhounder, and were very impressed by food and lovely old fashioned service -- another good bet. Spadaro's is also a yes vote for a different experience and for still another Italian restaurant that is solid but doesn't get a lot of mentions, try Fratelli which is on Main St/Post Road right before Spadaro.

    For Mexican options, try Little Mexican Cafe on Main, or better still if you have time for slow service, try El Tio across from New Roc City. Many people like Cholo's Peruvian on Lawton St -- tried it once only but would give it another shot.

    Cienga was a huge disappointment, although I'd say they have good drinks and a nice space so I'd meet friends there for drinks and dine elsewhere. Haven't been to Alvin and Friends as I don't like the menu, but nothing I've heard from others would sway me in their direction -- overpriced and eh food.

    Wish NewRo would develop more of a dining scene ala Port Chester, but in the meantime I try to support the restaurants in town.

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    Little Mexican Cafe
    581 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801

    Spadaro
    211 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801

    El Tio
    25 Anderson St, New Rochelle, NY 10801

    2 Replies
    1. re: cloverose
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      RawTunaFan Oct 29, 2011 08:30 PM

      I second Spadaro!

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      Spadaro
      211 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801

      1. re: RawTunaFan
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        Extra Sauce Nov 14, 2011 03:52 PM

        A really fun place...maybe not gourmet a la Chowhound but very good (and I like Spadaro a lot) and really really fun--both the atmosphere, the hot dancing and the owners, Jimmy Rodriguez and his pretty daughters. Try especially the pernil (roast pork). The staff is super friendly.
        Elia's is authentic Greek. The grilled octopus rivals Elia's in Astoria (not related) The grilled whole fish is fresh and excellent--likewise all the fish entrees. Can't speak for the other entrees--yet. But we'll be returning again and again.

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        Spadaro
        211 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801

    2. c
      cloverose Sep 18, 2011 11:18 AM

      Well, I guess you've had your dinner by now (where?). Another suggestion for good Italian in a pretty setting is DaGiorgio in Wykagyl.

      2 Replies
      1. re: cloverose
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        Dim Sum Diva Oct 28, 2011 10:01 AM

        Cienega just ran a Groupon of which around 300 were sold, so it will probably be difficult to get a Sat. evening reservation there over the next few months.

        1. re: Dim Sum Diva
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          addictedtolunch Oct 28, 2011 06:04 PM

          Went to Cienega recently and, as they say, "I don't get it." If the food was as precious as the attitude, it might be a fair place. Judging by the fact that they are going the Groupon route, I guess others agree.

      2. a
        astrayy Sep 11, 2011 03:25 PM

        try a new restaurant called siete ocho siete (787) great food, friendly customer service, and very reasonable ! Alvin & Friends is really good too!
        Cienega... not so good, very inconsistent and pretty rude

        1 Reply
        1. re: astrayy
          b
          Big_Salad Sep 11, 2011 04:05 PM

          Yep, the owners of Mama Francesca's got tired of Italian and changed to Puerto Rican, even taking the island's area code as a name (like Roberto's spinoff 089 "zero otto nove" for Rome). There's an Italian place called Agostino's that used to be on Main Street but moved closer to the Sound. I've heard very good reports about them but can't find a menu or website.

        2. m
          MRS Aug 29, 2011 04:36 PM

          Alvin and Friends!!

          4 Replies
          1. re: MRS
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            Maryld Aug 30, 2011 06:55 AM

            Any chipmunks involved here?? What type of restaurant is it?

            1. re: Maryld
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              Big_Salad Aug 30, 2011 07:27 AM

              It's been awhile but they're back in style. Coming on stronger than ever before. No seriously,

              http://www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com/
              http://newrochelle.patch.com/articles...

              Caribbean/southern soul food right across from the New Rochelle library. It's decorated like a bistro. The fried chicken is supposed to be good (Neil's by City Hall also is worthwhile for cuisine of this type in a more casual setting).

              1. re: Big_Salad
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                Maryld Aug 30, 2011 12:39 PM

                Thanks for the link. It's a pretty looking space with some very nice menu items. The fried chicken and pineapple cake are calling me. Fortunately no Brunswick stew on the menu.

                1. re: Big_Salad
                  m
                  MRS Aug 30, 2011 02:11 PM

                  The fried chicken was excellent as was the service and the rest of the food we ordered. It ws a really nice " something new" for us.

            2. v
              valerie Aug 29, 2011 03:59 PM

              Elia Taverna. Bronxville, but right on the New Rochelle border.

              http://www.eliataverna.com/

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              Elia Taverna
              502 New Rochelle Road, Bronxville, NY 10708

              1. c
                cubanat Aug 29, 2011 03:29 PM

                Spadaro for pasta only but make a reso...other wise near there is a new place called Cienega that has had some good reviews...

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                Spadaro
                211 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801

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