Averna Italian Steakhouse

- 17 Purdy Ave, Rye, NY 10580

When New Yorkers in Westchester County are seeking an unparalleled dining experience that perfectly blends the robust tradition of an American steakhouse with the sophisticated flavors of Italian cuisine, their search often leads them to Averna Italian Steakhouse in Rye, NY. More than just a place to enjoy a meal, Averna has established itself as a premier culinary destination where quality, service, and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere take center stage. This is the ultimate spot for those who appreciate meticulously prepared, top-tier dry-aged beef, alongside beautifully crafted pasta dishes and fresh seafood.

The restaurant's name is a nod to the famous Italian liqueur, reflecting its commitment to authentic Italian heritage and its dual identity as both a master of the grill and a purveyor of classic Italian fare. The result is a menu and ambiance that feels both classic and intimately modern. Under the seasoned guidance of owner Sami Ametaj, a restaurant industry veteran with an impressive background including a tenure at Peter Luger in Brooklyn, Averna Italian Steakhouse truly defines what a high-quality, independent steakhouse should be in the New York metropolitan area.

From the moment you step inside, you are welcomed into an environment that strikes a perfect balance: intimate, elegant, and eternally welcoming. The tastefully designed space, personally overseen by Mr. Ametaj, creates a backdrop that is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a significant family celebration, or simply a night out with friends seeking exceptional food and gracious hospitality. It’s this combination of professional excellence and a genuinely warm, family-business mindset that makes Averna a standout establishment in Rye's vibrant downtown dining scene.

The heart of the menu, and what draws many dedicated patrons, is the selection of USDA Prime Dry-Aged Steaks & Cuts. These are not just any cuts; they are dry-aged for 28 days to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor, then expertly cooked at searingly high temperatures on a high-heat broiler. Whether you crave the enormous, flavor-packed Porterhouse Steak for Two, Three or Four, the impressive Bone-In Tomahawk Ribeye, a generous Bone-In Rib Eye Steak 29 Oz, or a perfect Filet Mignon 12 Oz, the preparation is masterful.

However, Averna is not exclusively for the carnivore. The Italian portion of the menu is equally celebrated, boasting an array of classic dishes like the homemade Rigatoni Bolognese, prepared with a blend of prime aged ground meats, or a rich Risotto Averna with wild mushrooms and shrimp. Seafood lovers can indulge in high-quality options like Salmon Dell'asia, fresh raw bar items, or satisfying main courses such as Lobster & Crab Cakes. This expansive menu ensures that every diner, no matter their preference, finds a decadent and satisfying option.

Location and Accessibility

Averna Italian Steakhouse is conveniently situated in the heart of Rye, a charming and upscale "food town" in Westchester County, New York. Its downtown location is highly strategic, easily drawing clientele from nearby communities and making it a local favorite.

The exact address is:

17 Purdy Ave, Rye, NY 10580, USA

The restaurant's location near the Metro-North Railroad provides an accessible option for those traveling from other parts of the New York region. For drivers, the amenities include a Free parking lot and Free street parking, in addition to a Paid parking lot nearby, making visits hassle-free. The restaurant is committed to welcoming all guests, featuring Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about a reservation, you can reach the restaurant directly.

Phone: (914) 305-5330

Address: 17 Purdy Ave, Rye, NY 10580, USA

Services Offered

Averna Italian Steakhouse is dedicated to providing a full-service dining experience, complemented by modern conveniences.

• Dining Options: Serving Lunch and Dinner with comfortable seating and dedicated table service.
• Reservations: Accepts and recommends dinner reservations to ensure seating.
• Off-Site Dining: Offers Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery options.
• Special Events: Available for Catering services.
• Atmosphere: Cozy and Romantic dining atmosphere, ideal for couples and groups.
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible facilities, including entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating.
• For Families: The restaurant is Good for kids and offers High chairs for younger guests.
• Payment: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Features and Highlights

The reputation of Averna Italian Steakhouse is built on its commitment to high-quality ingredients and an exceptional dining experience, highlighted by several key features:

• USDA Prime Dry-Aged Steaks: Specializing in cuts like Porterhouse, Bone-In Rib Eye 29 Oz, and Filet Mignon, all dry-aged for 28 days to perfection, providing a superior flavor and texture.
• Extensive Wine List: A comprehensive selection of approximately 200 wines, heavily skewed toward Italian and Californian vintages, ensuring a perfect pairing for any dish.
• Great Cocktails: Known for its creative and classic mixed drinks, and a full bar onsite featuring a unique selection of spirits and hard liquor.
• Exceptional Italian Cuisine: Beyond the steaks, the menu features Italian favorites, including Rigatoni Bolognese with blended prime meat, fresh pasta dishes like Linguini Clam Sauce, and appetizers such as Burrata & Proscuitto.
• Outstanding Dessert Program: Highlights include the Averna Caramel Toffee Cake W/Ice Cream and Crème Brulee Cheesecake, establishing a reputation for having a Great dessert menu.
• Warm, Family-Oriented Service: The owner, Sami Ametaj, is known for his hands-on approach and dedication to customer satisfaction, fostering a friendly and attentive service environment.
• Outdoor Seating: Patio seating is available for an enjoyable alfresco dining experience.
• Dietary Accommodations: The menu includes Vegetarian options and the staff is attentive to food allergies, ensuring a safe and comfortable meal for all guests.

What is Worth Choosing

For New York locals considering a visit, Averna Italian Steakhouse presents a unique proposition: the best of both worlds. It successfully marries the high-stakes quality of a world-class Manhattan steakhouse with the intimate, flavor-rich, and attentive hospitality of a traditional Italian trattoria.

The primary draw is, of course, the steaks. A must-try is the Porterhouse Steak for Two, praised by patrons for its juicy, well-roasted preparation. For those who enjoy seafood with their steak, the Surf and Turf is frequently described as superb, featuring "silky" lobster tails and "butter-like" filet mignon.

On the Italian side, the signature Rigatoni Bolognese is a standout, often cited as one of the best Italian classics on the menu. Appetizers like the Grilled Lamb Lollipops and Escargots A La Bourguignonne set a high standard for the meal to come.

Beyond the food, what truly makes Averna worth choosing is the attention to customer experience. The owner, Sami, is known to be very attentive, often checking in on tables to ensure everything is perfect. This personal touch, combined with the professionalism of the staff—who are knowledgeable about the extensive menu and wine list—elevates the meal into a memorable event. Whether you are looking for a venue for a celebration, where the staff will provide a thoughtful touch like a birthday song with dessert, or a sophisticated spot for a weekday power lunch, Averna Italian Steakhouse in Rye delivers a consistently high-quality experience that keeps customers coming back. It’s an essential addition to any Westchester County dining itinerary.

Averna Italian Steakhouse

17 Purdy Ave, Rye, NY 10580, USA