Yonkers is a city of layers—where the Hudson’s edge meets historic hills, and a 20-minute drive can traverse generations of immigrant kitchens. Within that tapestry, Italian cuisine isn’t just food; it’s heritage served on a plate. From red-sauce institutions we’d wait in a line as long as South Broadway for to modern trattorias, these are the 19 spots worth navigating the parkways to find.
Sophia’s Pizza & Pasta
$ | (914) 965-6565 | WEBSITE
Visiting Yonkers and not trying a slice from Sophia’s Pizza & Pasta would be like confusing authentic Italian cuisine with frozen supermarket fare—a blunder you’ll regret for ages. To sidestep such folly, order the lasagna (one of their standout dishes at this community staple). And whether you’re dining in for a quick lunch or getting delivery to your doorstep, the rich aroma from any freshly baked pizza will do more to lift your spirits than blasting your favorite playlist.
Pizza Pizza
$$ | (914) 968-5720 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Yonkers and the pizza craving hits hard, make your way to Pizza Pizza. The pies are made with that signature improved sauce, and everything from the unique slice choices (the owner will craft any pizza, no matter how wild) to the friendly staff comes together perfectly for a standout meal. Thanks to the wheelchair accessibility and free street parking, it’s a solid pick for a late-night bite with friends. Whatever you do, don’t skip the vegetarian options like the broccoli poppers.
Bella Rosa Pizzeria
$$ | (914) 410-3821 | WEBSITE
When you walk into Bella Rosa Pizzeria, you’ll feel the warmth that makes it a neighborhood favorite—and it’s no surprise, given their mastery of comforting Italian classics like pizza, salad, and wine. The decor is a cozy blend of warm, inviting tones, clean wooden tables, and simple touches that make families feel right at home, with crayons and paper ready for the little ones.
There’s not a disappointing bite on the menu (we can vouch for that), but if you visit and skip the hot, saucy, and cheesy Grandma’s pizza with pepperoni and honey or the rich pasta faglioli soup, you’ll miss out on what keeps regulars coming back for lunch and dinner alike.
Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Inc.
$ | (914) 776-1251 | WEBSITE
Luigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Inc. is good for a lot of situations. There are classic options like the well-balanced specialty pizza with its crispy crust and savory sauce, relatively indulgent options like the eggplant parmesan hero, and it’s also moderately affordable (the most expensive thing on the menu is $22).
Stop by on a casual weeknight and have a white slice that puts quality cheese and a perfect crust together in a modest, friendly neighborhood joint where owner Raymond makes you feel at home.
Giovanni’s Pizza
$ | (914) 375-1429 | WEBSITE
The best Italian food in Yonkers is right by the Saw Mill River. That’s where you’ll find Giovanni’s Pizza, which generally has a vibe so welcoming you’d think you were dining in Rome. The crispy pizza and tender veal covered in rich sauces makes a meal worth navigating the downtown traffic. The family-run spot also doubles as a fresh pasta haven, so balance out the hearty dishes with a glass of wine.
Silvio’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
$$ | (914) 476-2000 | WEBSITE
Silvio’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria runs on excellent garlic knots and pizza. The restaurant focuses on Italian-style options like salads and pastas, but the house specialty is the amazing pizza. Although it’s located on Broadway in Yonkers downtown, it’s a beautiful, relaxing place that’s perfect for a family. Stop by, take over one of their kid-friendly tables, and grab orders of appetizers, garlic knots, and pizza as the friendly wait staff rolls by.
Louie & Johnnie’s Ristorante Primavera
$$ | (914) 423-3300 | WEBSITE
Louie & Johnnie’s Ristorante Primavera is a welcoming Italian spot in Yonkers that consistently demonstrates the combined power of pasta, seafood, and family-style portions. They’re great for eggplant parmesan, spaghetti, and Grandma-style pizza, but the linguine with seafood is our favorite thing to get here.
The first and most important thing you’ll notice about their linguine is how the pile of clams, mussels, and shrimp looks like it’s too much for the al dente noodles to handle (PSA: it’s not). This place closes each day when they run out of their spectacular zuppa di pesce, so we suggest you get there early to enjoy the most satisfying Italian feast of all time.
Pizza Beat
$$ | (914) 961-4456 | WEBSITE
There aren’t a lot of Italian restaurants where a pizza pie is our favorite thing on the menu, but that’s the case at this Yonkers spot. It serves everything from fresh minestrone soup and chicken parmigiana to crunchy cannoli. But we come here again and again for the large cheese pizza—the hot crust, generous cheese, and delicious sauce are the perfect complement to the classic pie.
The portions are large and generous, which makes the entire meal so satisfying that you can probably skip lunch the next day.
Marcellino’s Restaurant & Lounge
$$ | (914) 395-0033 | WEBSITE
This Italian restaurant has a single location in Yonkers, and you can get some of the best jerk chicken in Westchester here. All of their pasta dishes are must-orders, but we’re big fans of the cavatelli with sausage. It combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce in a perfectly balanced dish. It’s flavorful but not overwhelming, so you won’t need to reach for extra seasoning or bread as you enjoy it.
What you will need is your phone nearby, since you’ll be texting everyone about the live music and beautiful decoration in all caps when you’re done.
La Lanterna Restaurant Wine & Beer Garden
$$ | (914) 476-3060 | WEBSITE
La Lanterna Restaurant Wine & Beer Garden is an Italian spot that’s as good for romantic dinners of twos as it is for a family feast of spicy lobster & shrimp pasta. At this sit-down restaurant, you’ll find couples lingering at candlelit tables, groups gathering in the cozy outdoor garden, and rotating, cheese-melting pizzas near the open kitchen.
The menu is what you’d primarily expect: cheesy garlic bread as a starter, hearty chicken parm, tender veal Scarpariello, and grilled branzino with lemon—mostly all cooked with care. And while it’s a restaurant full of familiar dishes, the housemade Italian donut with pepperoni and hot honey, the rich sauces, and the garlicky aromas make us fantasize about eating them in an endless time loop.
Walk in any evening for a satisfying meal of Jager schnitzel, the best wine or beer you’ll pair with it, and swirling pasta that you’ll hypnotically stare at until a plate arrives at your table.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (914) 375-4505 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden is where you can get classic Italian dishes like pasta and salads all served with warm breadsticks. But it’s their consistently hot food and friendly service that people keep coming back for. The servers are known for their happy demeanor, with waiters like Travis providing prompt and attentive help. No matter when you visit, you’ll experience something that makes you want to smile along with the staff.
San Martino Ristorante
$$ | (914) 779-5300 | WEBSITE
When you step into this Yonkers Italian gem, you’ll feel like you’ve been wrapped in a cozy trattoria hug that you never want to end. With warm lighting and rustic wooden tables, it can work for a family celebration or a date night when you don’t mind sharing that basket of bread. The menu, like their tremendous eggplant rollatini, is wide—with everything from muscles marinara and classic pastas to a party room that can host up to forty guests.
When you’re looking to start things right, the zucchini frites on the house, fluffy bread, and accommodating staff are all standouts.
Gigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
$ | (914) 423-8076 | WEBSITE
Gigi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is a beloved local spot with excellent pizza that’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick slice after work. It’s also a great choice if you’re in Yonkers and have a craving for thick crust, generous toppings, and friendly service (we realize this could be weekly). All of the slices here are substantial (we’re talking the thickness of a good book), and each is worth your attention.
No matter what you go for, the crust will be sturdy, perfectly balanced by toppings, and each bite will demonstrate the power of quality ingredients.
Tombolinos Ristorante
$$ | (914) 237-1266 | WEBSITE
For classic Italian comfort food and generous family-style portions, head to Tombolinos Ristorante in Yonkers. This welcoming spot is best known for its consistently delicious pasta dishes, especially the unbelievable palgia e fieno and chicken parm. They’re perfectly prepared and have the flavor-to-portion ratio down to a science. It’s also kid-friendly and accommodating, so it’s a great option for a casual weeknight dinner with the family or a business lunch.
And since it’s in a neighborhood setting with a warm, inviting ambiance and pleasant music, you’ll feel right at home while enjoying top-notch food and service from the friendly staff, including the owner and his wife who always greet customers with a smile.
Carlo’s
$$ | (914) 793-1458 | WEBSITE
We’ve been searching for our go-to Italian spot in Yonkers, and at Carlo’s, we’ve finally discovered it. The menu offers variety—like the layers in a perfect lasagna. Every dish we sampled was outstanding, from the generously sized steak and baked ziti to the house salad with its unique dressing. Bring your appetite and split a massive chicken parmesan or whole pizza upstairs in the cozy dining room while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
The friendly, attentive service and reasonable prices make Carlo’s a welcoming destination for any Italian food craving.
Catania’s Pizzeria
$ | (914) 779-5105 | WEBSITE
Catania’s Pizzeria is a 50-year-old institution where you’ll probably end up waiting 15 minutes for a table on a Friday night. And even though this nostalgic spot serves everything from standout spaghetti and meatballs to pepperoni pizza, we always keep it simple with their must-try calzones packed with meat and cheese. Their signature version of pizza comes in one large size that can feed a family of four.
Each bite is warm and delicious without anything fancy, but you can find just about any traditional Italian flavor you’re craving here.
Raceway Pizza
$ | (914) 326-3016 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of solid Italian joints in Yonkers, but this one is our regular spot. With a range of pizza options like the chicken/broccoli/tomato slice, entrées crafted by a chef with decades of experience from France and Italy, and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, this local favorite is the place to go for a reliably great casual meal.
Order the meat lover’s slice that’s perfectly hearty and comes loaded with toppings, plus a side of that exceptional Grande cheese we’d happily take home by the bag. Plus, the staff, including Manager Vin and Chef Mario, are so warm and welcoming, you can swing by for a quick slice and a friendly chat before heading back to work (or home to relax).
Dom & Vinnies Restaurant
$ | (914) 476-6666 | WEBSITE
There are only a few places where you can get real Italian food at 6pm on a Tuesday: your nonna’s kitchen, a flight to Naples, or at a table in Dom & Vinnies Restaurant in Yonkers. That’s the perfect time to chat about your week with a garlic-bread-bringing server before the family-style dinner rush.
The scene here is cozily authentic—wine-fueled commentary on the day’s specials, kids using breadsticks as swords, and regulars saying “you gotta try this,” while ordering the Sicilian pizza they’ve already memorized. Bring a group of friends and pass around thick-crusted pizzas and generous family-style dishes. Or come back on a quiet afternoon and update your waiter on your latest craving over two slices of that grape-flavored crust pie. Here, that makes complete sense.
Reno’s Trattoria
$$ | (914) 968-7366 | WEBSITE
The list of Italian spots in Yonkers isn’t endless, but you can get a great plate of carbonara at this trattoria, seven days a week. Owned by the family behind this beloved local institution, this place actually has a warm atmosphere and generous portions that are ideal for any occasion. Our favorite thing here is the remarkable red sauce classics—they’re packed with authentic flavor and served with that welcoming touch.
Navigating through the rich, delicious experience may be more satisfying than finding a parking spot in downtown Yonkers, but it’s totally worth it.
