New Rochelle Restaurant Guide

When trading stories with fellow travellers about dining experiences around the world, I tell of the unique and wonderful meal I had in Montecelio, Italy, at Spadaro Ristorante. It was like eating in my grandmother's cucina. In addition to being a maestro in the kitchen, Antonio Spadaro was an exceptional host. When I learned that Antonio and Rena had moved to New York and had recreated their little bit of Italy just down the street in New Rochelle, I was both thrilled and relieved. Now I could re-experience the cuisine of my grandfather's birthplace with a quick train ride to the burbs.

Spadaro's is not a place to hoard for oneself. I enjoy bringing friends there, and on each visit we tear ourselves away from the table, our only regret being that we cannot possibly eat more...though we wish we could. The food is remarkable for its thoughtfully selected authentic Italian ingredients as well as for the skill in its preparation. The rigatoni in tomato sauce with lamb and the farfalle with shrimp and cream sauce are two favorites. One bite of the ricotta cheesecake and you will think you've died and gone to Italian heaven. In fact the first bite of each new dish is generally accompanied by eyes rolling to the back of the head and a delighted sigh.

Don't worry if you're uncertain about what to order. Let Rena guide you through the day's menu. You will NOT be disappointed.