I still remember the first evening I set foot in Yonkers with a hunger not just for food, but for discovery. Nestled on the Hudson River, just a short ride from Manhattan, Yonkers may not appear on every tourist’s radar, but the city’s restaurant scene is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, flavors, and warm hospitality. Spending weeks here in late summer gave me the perfect excuse to wander from one eatery to another, tasting everything from elegant riverside seafood to hearty Dominican platters. Each restaurant carried not only its own culinary personality but also stories of the community it serves.
To plan my trip, I booked my flights into New York through Google Flights, which helped me track price drops, and I found a centrally located hotel in Yonkers via Booking.com that gave me easy access to downtown and the waterfront. For restaurant reservations, especially for popular dinner slots, I leaned heavily on OpenTable, which turned out to be indispensable during weekends when places filled up quickly.
X20 Xaviars on the Hudson: Fine Dining on the River
Location: 71 Water Grant St, Yonkers, NY 10701
The first stop on my food adventure had to be X20 Xaviars on the Hudson, an iconic Yonkers restaurant perched directly on the Hudson River. As I walked across the pier to the entrance, I felt as though I was boarding a ship about to set sail. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave me an uninterrupted view of the water and the Palisades beyond.
My Experience
The atmosphere inside was refined yet not intimidating, filled with soft conversations and clinking wine glasses. I ordered the butter-poached lobster—silky, decadent, and balanced with delicate flavors that let the freshness of the seafood shine. The Hudson Valley duck breast was equally outstanding, cooked perfectly medium rare, with a crispy skin that snapped under my fork.
The staff knew the menu inside out and happily offered wine pairings. When I admitted I wasn’t an expert, they guided me without pretension. It felt personal, as if they truly wanted me to enjoy the evening.
Tips & Booking
Reservations are a must, and I made mine through OpenTable several weeks in advance. Prices are on the higher end—my meal cost about \$150 with wine—but the riverside setting made it worth every penny. If you’re flexible, booking a weekday evening offers better availability and sometimes prix-fixe menus that save money.
Dolphin Restaurant: Casual Elegance on the Waterfront
Location: 1 Van Der Donck St, Yonkers, NY 10701
Just a short walk from X20 is Dolphin Restaurant, another gem along the Yonkers waterfront. The setting couldn’t be more inviting—its prime location places you right on the edge of the Hudson, where the river breeze instantly sets the tone for a leisurely evening. When I arrived, I chose a patio table, and as the sun dipped behind the Palisades, the sky shifted into shades of orange and pink, casting reflections across the water. It felt like the kind of place where you could settle in for hours, sipping cocktails and watching the world go by.
What I Ate
The menu leaned heavily into seafood, which suited my mood perfectly. I began with the grilled octopus, charred beautifully yet tender on the inside, dressed with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of citrus. For the main course, I couldn’t resist the seafood paella—a dish that felt like it had been crafted with care. Every bite carried saffron’s richness, and the mix of shrimp, mussels, and clams made it hearty without feeling overwhelming. Dessert sealed the evening with their flan, luxuriously smooth, creamy, and sweetened just enough to highlight its caramel topping. Each dish carried subtle Latin influences, a reminder of Yonkers’ cultural diversity.
Atmosphere
The energy of Dolphin is contagious. Families gathered at long tables, children darted past the fountain near the entrance, and couples toasted to anniversaries under glowing string lights. The hum of conversation mixed with the faint sound of the river nearby, creating a balance of vibrancy and calm. It was Yonkers distilled into one space—warm, friendly, and alive.
Booking & Cost
Dinner for two, including drinks, totaled around \$100, making it approachable for a night out with a touch of elegance. I reserved my table through OpenTable, which made it easy to secure patio seating. For savvy diners, arriving before 7 p.m. is key—their happy hour offers discounted cocktails and appetizers, making it an excellent value without sacrificing the experience.
La Bella Havana: A Taste of Cuba
Location: 35 Main St, Yonkers, NY 10701
One warm evening, craving bold flavors and lively music, I headed to La Bella Havana, a Cuban restaurant tucked into Yonkers’ downtown. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with the rhythms of salsa and the aroma of garlic and slow-cooked meats.
My Meal
I ordered the ropa vieja, shredded beef simmered with peppers and onions, served with rice and sweet plantains. The meat melted in my mouth, while the plantains balanced the savory richness with their caramelized sweetness. I also tried the mofongo, mashed plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings—a dish that was both hearty and comforting.
The mojitos here deserve their own mention. Fresh mint, crushed by hand, transformed a simple cocktail into a refreshing masterpiece.
Tips & Atmosphere
La Bella Havana fills up quickly on weekends when live bands play, so I reserved via OpenTable. Expect to spend around \$40–50 per person, drinks included. If you want to save a little, go for lunch—the portions are generous, and prices are slightly lower.
Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge: Italian Elegance
Location: 59 Main St, Yonkers, NY 10701
For a night of indulgence, I dined at Zuppa, an Italian restaurant set in a converted historic warehouse. The exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and soaring ceilings made the setting both rustic and romantic.
Dishes I Loved
The truffle gnocchi was unforgettable—pillowy pasta coated in a creamy sauce with just the right amount of truffle aroma. I paired it with the braised short ribs, which fell apart at the touch of my fork.
Their wine list was extensive, and with the staff’s guidance, I discovered a Tuscan red that perfectly complemented my meal.
Practical Notes
Dinner here is pricier, averaging \$70–100 per person, but lunch specials are more budget-friendly. I found that booking mid-week via OpenTable gave me access to quieter seating and sometimes even promotional offers.
Yonkers Brewing Co.: Craft Beer & Comfort Food
Location: 92 Main St, Yonkers, NY 10701
After several upscale meals, I craved something more casual. Yonkers Brewing Co. delivered exactly that—a lively taproom atmosphere with communal tables and the hum of conversation.
My Picks
I ordered a flight of their house-brewed beers, my favorite being the crisp pilsner and the rich stout. For food, the short rib sliders were the star, juicy and perfectly portioned for snacking alongside beer.
Vibe
The space felt open and social, with people mingling freely. I ended up chatting with a local couple who gave me tips on hidden parks to visit the next day. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a connection to the community.
Tips
You don’t need reservations here, but weekends get packed. I’d suggest arriving before 7 p.m. if you want a table. A meal with beer costs around \$40 per person, making it one of the more affordable options.
Khangri Japanese Restaurant: Sushi in Yonkers
Location: 22 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701
Craving sushi, I found Khangri, a small Japanese restaurant that surprised me with its quality and attention to detail.
My Experience
The omakase option was a delight—chef’s choice pieces that highlighted seasonal fish. Each piece was delicately prepared, the rice perfectly seasoned, and the fish fresh enough to rival what I’ve had in Manhattan.
The spicy tuna roll and tempura udon rounded out the meal, comforting and satisfying.
Tips
Dinner for two ran about \$80. I booked through OpenTable, which allowed me to snag a counter seat to watch the chefs at work. For the best value, try their lunch specials—they’re generous and cost nearly half of dinner.
Finding Deals and Booking Smarter
While eating my way through Yonkers, I picked up some tricks that helped me save money and secure the best seats:
- OpenTable Rewards: By booking all my reservations on OpenTable, I accumulated points that I later redeemed for dining credits.
- Timing Matters: Lunch menus are often cheaper, with portions just as filling.
- Happy Hours: Restaurants like Dolphin and Yonkers Brewing Co. offer happy hour discounts that cut costs dramatically.
- Hotel Pairing: Staying near downtown through Booking.com allowed me to walk to most of these restaurants, saving both time and transportation costs.
- Flights: Flying into NYC via Google Flights gave me flexibility to pick off-peak times, keeping my overall trip budget under control.
My Ongoing Yonkers Food Journey
Every restaurant I visited added another layer to my understanding of Yonkers—a city defined by its diversity, resilience, and the pride locals take in sharing their food. Whether I was savoring lobster at X20, dancing to live salsa at La Bella Havana, or chatting with strangers over craft beer, I never once felt like an outsider.
The meals here weren’t just about flavors—they were about stories, music, laughter, and connections. And each reservation I made, each dish I tried, left me eager for the next stop on my Yonkers culinary map.
