From inventive menus and fresh interpretations of classics to meticulously designed spaces, these exciting culinary newcomers are already making a mark on Westchester’s dining scene.
La Bastide by Andrea Calstier
North Salem has rapidly cemented its status as a coveted destination for discerning diners, largely due to the vision of husband-and-wife team Chef Andrea Calstier and Elena Oliver. Hailing from Marseille, France, the couple first brought their authentic French sensibilities to Westchester with Cenadou Bistrot, which debuted in 2023.
Building on that success, the two unveiled their latest endeavor, La Bastide by Andrea Calstier, in the same duplex restaurant space in February 2024. Less than a year after opening, the intimate French restaurant was awarded a prestigious Michelin star. This significant achievement places La Bastide in an elite group, making it one of only two restaurants (Blue Hill at Stone Barns being the first) in the county to hold this coveted honor.
La Bastide presents a distinct and highly personalized dining experience. The restaurant features an intimate dining room with just six widely-spaced tables, each accommodating up to six guests, nestled near an open kitchen. This exclusive setting cultivates an elegant and modern ambiance for a tasting menu that serves as a thoughtful lesson in contemporary gastronomy.
La Casa Purchase
La Casa Bronxville, a celebrated restaurant in southern Westchester for over three years and recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2022, expanded its footprint with La Casa Purchase in January of this year.
Décor-wise, La Casa Purchase echoes its southern sister’s aesthetic with an airy, contemporary ambiance, featuring dramatic straw lights, neutral tones, and vibrant bursts of Mediterranean blue. While the layout differs from Bronxville, the design continuity is evident.
La Casa Purchase offers the same commitment to finely-curated seasonal menus and sustainably-sourced, fresh ingredients that define its Bronxville counterpart. The kitchen is run by Mexican native Erik Ramirez, who boasts over 15 years of experience including a tenure at the Michelin-starred Casa Enrique in Manhattan.
Basso by PXK
While Chef Peter Kelly is certainly no stranger to the local restaurant scene—the chef is widely recognized for his significant contributions to both Westchester and Rockland counties—running a kitchen focused on one cuisine is fresh territory for him. Kelly joined the team at Basso 56 in Chappaqua back in December of 2024 and in January, the Italian restaurant relaunched as Basso by PXK.
“While I’ve always balanced distinct cuisines to create a global reach with a local feel, focusing on a single cuisine—Italian—has been incredibly inspiring,” Kelly said. “I’m motivated to work within the Italian vernacular and truly appreciate the nuances of great Italian food.”
Basso by PXK embraces hospitality and a family-friendly atmosphere, offering a menu that celebrates the comforting familiarity of Italian classics, such as chicken Parmigiano, while incorporating innovative dishes and presentations. Kelly expertly walks that fine line—his traditional dishes are just as delicious as his more inventive options.
Vida Restaurant
On the heels of the success of Augustine’s Salumeria e Pasta Joint, which opened in Mamaroneck in 2022 and was recognized as one of this year’s top restaurants in the country by USA Today, husband-and-wife team Marc Taxiera and Brianne Meyers-Taxiera opened Vida Restaurant in Thornwood in November last year.
Vida’s Spanish tapas concept adds a seriously sophisticated ambiance to the Westchester restaurant scene. Local designer Regina LaVecchia curated an interior that evokes a European-inspired elegance, creating a two-story venue with two distinct experiences. The downstairs dining room boasts a stunning bar with a faux red rose backdrop and a “grand table” semi-private area with plush red velvet walls that seats 12, while the Vida Lounge on the second floor provides a softer pastel palette, and is adorned with antique loveseats and mismatched sparkling chandeliers. A beautiful rooftop patio off the second floor dining space is a lovely setting for al fresco dining.
Antique Garage
Opened in late April, Antique Garage is led by Chef Utku Cinel and his wife, Evrim Cinel, who bring strong restaurant roots from their successful ventures in SoHo and Tribeca. Their expertise is evident in Rye’s rapid response; the restaurant has been consistently packed from Monday lunch through weekend brunch (read: reservations are highly recommended).
The space itself is a study in mid-century modern design, thoughtfully blended with Asian rugs and antique furnishings to create an upscale yet eclectic ambiance. Mismatched crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and artwork in ornate frames adorn the walls, contributing to its unique charm. The bar is a striking feature, with spirits displayed from floor to (almost!) ceiling. The sunroom extends the design (and seating) outdoors—when the retractable roof is open—offering diners an open-air experience, while garden tables in front of the restaurant, shaded by large umbrellas, provide additional al fresco options.
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