Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge

If you know Yonkers, you know Zuppa.

Tucked inside a beautifully restored 100-year-old brick building, Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge was the first upscale restaurant to open in downtown Yonkers—and 25 years later, it’s still setting the standard for fine Italian dining in Westchester.

I recently pulled up with my guy Big D, and what followed was one of the most well-rounded, satisfying meals I’ve had in a long time. Elegant without being stuffy. Full without being overwhelming. Every bite was intentional. Every dish had a story.

🥂 The Start: Spritz & Sausage

I kicked things off with a Milano Spritz, a refreshing aperitif with a subtle bitter edge that woke up the palate. Big D went bold with an Espresso Martini—a smart move, especially for what's to come.

We shared a trio of small plates that could’ve easily been the whole night:

• Burrata made from buffalo milk, plated with pear carpaccio and a light honey drizzle—delicate, creamy, and sweet in all the right ways.

• Duck Sausage over grilled radicchio with an orange cardamom glaze—bold, slightly bitter from the radicchio, perfectly balanced by that citrusy glaze.

• Pappardelle with Zuppa’s signature veal bolognese, topped with fresh mint—this one’s a must-order. Handmade pasta. Slow-cooked ragù. Aromatic mint cutting through all that richness.

🍽 The Mains: Nutella Meets Artichokes

Yes, you read that right.

Big D went in on the Nutella-braised short rib, served over mashed potatoes and French beans. The Nutella flavor was subtle—more of a deep, chocolatey background note than a sweet glaze. Complex and comforting.

I had the Atlantic salmon, served over artichokes, scallions, potatoes, and a vino agrumato reduction. Light, fresh, and full of citrus-herb brightness. A beautiful contrast to the short rib.

🍰 The Finish: Panna Cotta & Zeppolini

We couldn’t leave without dessert—and we’re glad we didn’t.

The panna cotta was silky smooth, vanilla-infused, and served with those classic amarena cherries. The zeppolini came warm and golden, dusted in sugar with dipping sauces on the side. It was the perfect end to a flawless meal.

And of course, I had to close it out with one more espresso martini. Big D stayed classic with an espresso.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Zuppa isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a Yonkers landmark. A place that helped redefine what dining could look like in this city. The portions are perfect. The vibe is upscale but never pretentious. And the food? Every dish speaks for itself.

If you’re in Westchester—or anywhere near it—Zuppa is worth the trip. Whether it's date night, a celebration, or just a craving for real Italian food done right, this is the spot.

📍 Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge
59 Main Street, Yonkers, NY
https://zupparestaurant.com

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📝 Google Review posted as a Level 8 Local Guide