$$$Italian-American
Husband and wife team, Scott and Pastry Chef Heather Fratangelo, are the brains behind this lovely Italian spot. Simple and demure from the outside, there's something special about this dining room that's perceptible instantly upon entry. Smiling servers guide you to a simple yet comfortable table, framed by bistro seats. Bright unframed paintings adorn the walls, while shelves are lined with canning jars.The menu's chosen language may be Italian but it never strays too far from its American roots. Start with a summer salad of cantaloupe, stone fruit and feta, before indulging in such fine pas
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 75 reviews
L'inizio, an Italian-American restaurant in Ardsley, holds a 4.2/5 average rating on TripAdvisor. Food quality is generally praised, with standout items including smoked ricotta, Brussels sprouts, and fresh seafood like Branzino. However, main courses such as chicken parmigiana and scarpiello received mixed reviews. Service is typically prompt and attentive, though occasional issues with pacing or pickup errors were noted. The atmosphere is described as cozy and welcoming, suitable for intimate dinners. Value perceptions vary; while some guests appreciate the reasonably priced wine list, others found the overall cost high relative to portion sizes or specific drink pricing, leading to conflicting opinions on affordability.
Suitable for diners seeking a cozy atmosphere and unique Italian-American small plates, with prior menu verification recommended.
$$$Greek, Mediterranean Cuisine
Chef Michael Psilakis puts the "MP" in this taverna, serving his modern interpretation of Greek cuisine. Just steps from Hudson River, enter through the sleek bar area to arrive inside this 18th-century structure, with rustic brass chandeliers, mahogany panels, and neutral hues mixed with pops of blue. Whether seated at a booth, banquette or table, diners can count on family-style plates.Start with meze, like tzatziki imbued with fresh dill, before savoring mains like gently roasted chicken sporting perfectly crisp skin or aged grilled sausage with a hint of orange peel. Desserts, too, flaunt
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
MP Taverna in Tarrytown offers Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with generally positive feedback on food quality, highlighting fresh salads, perfectly cooked branzini, and generous appetizer portions like tzatziki. However, some reviews note inconsistent seasoning, such as overly salty dishes or bland hummus. Service is frequently described as friendly and efficient, though meal pacing receives mixed reviews. The ambiance features a charming outdoor tent near the river, but noise from the adjacent train station and loud indoor music can detract from the experience. Value is perceived positively by some due to portion sizes, while others advise caution with wine selections. Overall, it suits groups seeking healthy Mediterranean options, provided diners tolerate potential noise and occasional culinary inconsistencies.
Suitable for groups seeking Mediterranean flavors who can tolerate ambient noise.
$$Italian, Italian-American
Looking for a truly warm and expansive spot serving special Italian cuisine? Come to this rustic-chic café, prettified with double-height ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and an ample bar. There are two rooms, each long and narrow but wonderfully comfortable and always abuzz. Thoughtfully arranged tables may be cradled with such impressively rich plates as tortellini en brodo, where house-made pasta bathes in a rich savory chicken broth, and pan-seared salmon with a mustard-based sauce, fingerling potatoes, and market carrots.