Ever found yourself in Yonkers, stomach rumbling, thinking, “I’d settle for anything decent”? Of course not. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, you deserve the absolute best dining experiences this city offers. That’s precisely why we’ve curated this definitive list of Yonkers’ top culinary destinations.
Singa’s Famous Pizza & Grill Restaurant
$ | (914) 376-3636 | WEBSITE
On multiple visits, we have left Singa’s Famous Pizza & Grill convinced we’d just eaten the best slice Yonkers has ever produced. And then we’ve found it’s not always consistent. This happens. But even though the pizza opinions vary from yummy to mixed, they get away with it by maintaining a spot that’s clean and kid-friendly more than problematic. Singa’s is a pizza and grill restaurant with a bit of a vegan thing going on.
But the pizza, grill items, and vegan options you’ll encounter here actually do deliver on the seemingly simple promise to provide a well-maintained, family-friendly meal. This is not a gourmet dining option. This is the place to go when you need a straightforward meal in a tidy atmosphere, though be prepared for limited street parking.
A & V Pizzeria
$ | (914) 423-3885 | WEBSITE
We weren’t always this excited about pepperoni pizza, especially after years of eating pretty average versions with greasy cheese and pitifully thin pepperoni. But then A & V Pizzeria came along and now we think Yonkers’ official slogan should just be a picture of their large pepperoni pie. They nail every aspect of the pizza—from the soft crust down to the perfectly balanced sauce and cheese.
Your first A & V experience should happen at the original pizzeria side—and also include a chicken parmesan sandwich. But if you hate crowds (which can be intense during dinner) go to the sit-down dining room side for a more seamless pizza experience.
McKeon’s Bar and Restaurant
$$ | (914) 530-2386 | WEBSITE
You need two very important things to eat at this Irish pub in Woodlawn. First, patience—it’s a well-kept secret, so expect a cozy crowd. Second, bring an empty stomach. Portions here could feed a small village. We love the steaks. The char is so perfect it sizzles like a hearth. But our favorite dish is the seafood pasta, the best in all of Yonkers. You’ll notice a generous pour of drinks and wines on the menu—order it with anything you try.
With its warm lighting and rustic wood accents, McKeon’s feels like the parlor of an Irish grandparent—a place most locals would correctly say is where you’ll find the best pub food in town. But McKeon’s is the closest any Yonkers restaurant comes to a true home-style Irish meal.
The Taco Project
$ | (914) 375-4000 | WEBSITE
Since Yonkers always has its own rhythm of busy streets and riverfront charm, it’s fitting that one of the city’s best Mexican spots feels perfectly Yonkers. And The Taco Project is serving food that could only exist right here. The carne asada tacos are a standout blend of tender steak and fresh toppings.
The meat quesadillas feature caramelized onions and chipotle aioli, the Mexican corn comes loaded with Cotija cheese, and so many of the best dishes highlight ingredients that taste just-picked. This is Mexican food done Yonkers style—and done in a way that makes a delicious argument that guacamole, burritos, and quesadillas are just as Yonkers as river views, friendly neighborhoods, and grabbing a quick bite between errands.
Burkes Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (914) 237-5137 | WEBSITE
Burke’s is like a proper Irish pub in Dublin or a classic sports bar in Boston, the kind of place that acts as a true neighborhood gathering spot for a community all too eager to declare the food not worth it. Don’t listen to those people. The Burke’s experience is built on a flawless atmosphere. It’s lively and welcoming in all the right ways. The interior has a spacious layout filled with over twenty glowing TVs.
You can grab a seat at the bar with one of their twenty-five draft beers, but this place shines brightest as a sports viewing destination, buzzing energetically and serving drinks promptly. Our favorite is the crisp, refreshing, and only-in-a-proper-pub way they pour a Guinness.
Taco Bell
$ | (914) 793-9440 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell is the exceptional fast-food spot so many Yonkers residents are convinced we don’t have. And to find it, you’ve got to drive about as north as humanly possible before the roads turn into suburban sprawl and strip malls. Even a casual Tuesday lunch here feels like a proper meal in a clean, updated space. At least a handful of your friends can fit at one of the sturdy, modern tables, equipped with an electronic touchscreen the size of a tablet screen. Order generously.
Everything is prepared quickly, and sometimes dishes arrive in convenient packaging kept warm with efficient service. Taco Bell is a worthwhile visit hiding in grab-and-go clothing.
Great Wall
$ | (914) 963-2920 | WEBSITE
Great Wall doesn’t make the best first impression. The delivery service can be hit-or-miss, with some orders arriving rushed or mixed up. But this casual Chinese spot in Yonkers does serve some of the best Chinese food in the entire area. Great Wall reminds us of the best neighborhood joints, where the owner greets you with a smile and sends you off satisfied after serving sesame chicken and fried rice you’ll remember for days.
Go for the reliable dine-in experience but come back for the wonton soup and, eventually, the consistently good ribs. It includes the most popular fried rice and ends with friendly service that keeps customers returning.
NUBES Cafe
$$ | (914) 207-8131 | WEBSITE
We always know what to expect at NUBES Cafe: delicious food and wonderful service in an energetic and lively atmosphere that feels like a final draft, edited to near perfection without so much as one superfluous moment of dullness in the evening. This is true even after what feels like a round of renovations to the neighborhood’s dining scene. It’s livelier now.
It swallowed the defunct expectations that once surrounded this spot and spit out a bigger celebration vibe and (its most impressive feature) a place where you can dance, watch a game, or simply grab a drink. But what we truly love about NUBES Cafe are the ways it hasn’t changed. The friendly servers and bartenders still provide excellent service, making customers feel at home.
And it’s still a Yonkers rarity: a special occasion spot for non-billionaires, with a great selection of dishes, including some not even on the menu, perfect for dates, parties, or just a fun night out.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (914) 595-0601 | WEBSITE
While trendy gastropubs have multiplied across Yonkers, Applebee’s Grill + Bar has anchored itself in its familiar location, where it’s remained accessible to all and steadfastly committed to straightforward American comfort food for decades. Yonkers’ most reliable casual dining chain is still its most welcoming. It’s also not for everyone. Service can be slow due to staffing limitations. Lively, upbeat music plays in the background of the bustling bar area.
And you’re more likely to encounter a generously salted burger with crispy fries than a kale salad. Dinner at Applebee’s is two relaxed hours of Yonkers’ most unpretentious neighborhood dining, where hostess Jasmine greets you warmly and server Vicky ensures your experience feels genuinely cared for, though some meals might arrive cooler than expected and the menu could use more healthy variety.
Rancho Grande Yonkers
$$ | (914) 337-3056 | WEBSITE
When craving Mexican in Yonkers, you typically face a choice between casual taquerias and upscale dining experiences. But Rancho Grande Yonkers manages to straddle both worlds with surprising grace. You’re greeted by the friendly man at the front desk, shown to your table, and soon generous plates of Tres Amigos Enchiladas and grilled shrimp arrive. Make it a quick margarita and appetizer. Or settle in for the Chef’s suggestion New York steak with mushroom sauce.
The atmosphere here unfolds like a vibrant Mexican courtyard on a lively evening, and regardless of how you approach this place, you’ll have the kind of satisfying meal that makes you forget you’re just minutes from home.
Golden Dragon
$ | (914) 423-8766 | WEBSITE
Golden Dragon—not some generic takeout spot—is the authentic, satisfying Chinese restaurant Yonkers deserves. This hidden gem now serves fresh, well-cooked meals across its efficient takeout operation, with the owner always available and friendly to make sure orders are taken care of properly. But this isn’t just a place to grab something quick and forgettable.
The sesame chicken, chicken and broccoli, and expertly prepared combos with shrimp, chicken wings, and fried rice on display are special enough to be the main attraction. You’re coming to Golden Dragon anytime you crave Chinese food that never disappoints: it’s just so consistently good.
Nathan’s Famous
$ | (914) 779-0700 | WEBSITE
Nathan’s Famous, with its bright neon glow and nostalgic arcade sounds, might seem like the kind of place that’s only fun for those who remember five-cent hotdogs and own at least one vintage baseball cap. But, as it turns out, perfectly grilled franks, friendly service from the observant manager, and classic lemonade gets everyone smiling, which is why the intergenerational crowd here is truly heartwarming.
That only makes Nathan’s feel even more like one of the original Yonkers spots it proudly represents. By the end of this very satisfying meal, the red plastic tray should be dotted with ketchup from the reliable fries, mustard from the essential hotdog, and crumbs that managed to escape your second serving of crispy onion rings.
Plaza Garibaldi
$$ | (914) 375-7184 | WEBSITE
Plaza Garibaldi is a spot that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a vibrant Mexican fiesta, even if you’ve never been south of the border. Here, amid the lively chatter and strumming guitars of the live music, you’ll find complimentary chips and salsa that are genuinely top tier, sneakily addictive margaritas, and a warm, bustling atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming.
But what really sets Plaza Garibaldi apart from every other Mexican joint in Yonkers is the outstanding food. Carne asada and nopales stand side by side with other authentic dishes, all served with really good sauces. Come here to enjoy a super fun time with Blanca’s super great service at the bar, an impressive carne asada plate, and get a good taste of genuine Mexican hospitality without having to pay exorbitant prices or deal with a stuffy crowd.
Parking is available and definitely a plus side.
Bawarchi
$ | (212) 289-7700 | WEBSITE
Bawarchi is a masterclass in everything a humble Indian spot should be, and the only thing they treat better than their first-rate curries is you. That’s why you can trust this Yonkers gem for everyday comfort or a casual lunch with friends. Take someone who’s skeptical about buffets—like coworkers who think all-you-can-eat means mediocre quality (it doesn’t).
Chicken tikka masala is an obvious highlight at Bawarchi, but so are other hot options like paneer tikka masala, jerk chicken, and a salad bar that’s always fresh and well-stocked. Nothing about this place will make you feel like you wasted the twenty dollars you will probably spend.
Carlito’s Pizzeria Restaurant
$ | (914) 423-0444 | WEBSITE
Carlito’s gives the neighborhood pizza joints of Yonkers the respect they deserve. To call this cozy corner spot the best pizzeria in the city is a serious understatement, considering how many we have around here. Carlito’s renditions of classics—like their thoroughly cooked cheese pizza—feel like instant classics themselves. Even more notable, though, is their brilliant use of simple ingredients.
They whip up a pizza and soda deal for just $4 and deserve a standing ovation from the locals, given all the ways they’ve made it delicious.
Carlo’s
$$ | (914) 793-1458 | WEBSITE
Maybe your days of chasing the latest trendy spot are behind you. But if you still want to indulge in some classic Italian comfort—all while feeling right at home—then head upstairs at Carlo’s. If you’re coming here for a proper meal (or just want dinner to feel like a genuine treat) get the steak. They serve this generously sized cut with care, cook it to perfection, then present it as the absolute best steak you’ll find in Yonkers. Their baked ziti and chicken parmesan are also local favorites.
J P Clarkes
$ | (914) 237-0115 | WEBSITE
Inside J P Clarkes, classic rock hits blast from the speakers, everyone is on their second or third draft beer, and the bartender pours unique Irish whiskey while chatting with regulars. There’s so much happening in this packed bar, but atmosphere is the focal point. The cozy inside area makes it easy to spot friends from across the room and tell the excellent staff you want another round.
The group to your right will tell you they come here every Friday for private gatherings, and the group to your left might say it’s their first time. Everyone leaves with the same desire to become regulars.
Off the Hook of Yonkers
$$ | (914) 457-3371 | WEBSITE
Like a chef who decides to specialize in just three soul food staples, Off the Hook of Yonkers gave itself a challenging mission when it launched: to perfect every dish in the traditional Southern style it embraced. But it finally feels like this welcoming restaurant has mastered its focused approach. Now, it’s consistently serving up remarkably satisfying meals.
There are crispy, golden catfish nuggets—and they are flawless—but you’ll also encounter tremendous collard greens, phenomenal shrimp, and more soulful creations pulled straight from the experienced hands of one of Yonkers’ most dedicated kitchens. The atmosphere stays clean and mature, with prices around $15-25 per plate that feel fair for the huge portions.
Owner Avian’s professional yet entertaining service makes every visit feel special, whether during a lively karaoke night or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Irish Coffee Shop
$ | (914) 776-3309 | WEBSITE
Irish Coffee Shop has a cozy, comfortable atmosphere, beautiful pictures on the walls, and ample leg room in a clean, organized setting. But it also takes its breakfast very seriously, and this place is sneakily one of Yonkers’ most consistently delicious spots. If you want something reliably amazing with your coffee, perhaps paired with a wonderful latte that makes you feel as if you were in Italy, this is where you want to be.
The Irish Omelette with Spinach and Extra Irish Sausages is as great as everyone says, but so are more recent additions to the menu like the homemade Corned Beef Hash and delicious brown bread. Yes, Irish Coffee Shop is still the most welcoming place to be during busy periods, with friendly and professional staff. But don’t forget about them next time you’re making breakfast plans.
