Granita Cucina & Bar

- 202 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530

For New Yorkers in Westchester County seeking a destination that masterfully blends traditional Italian cooking with a contemporary, stylish bar scene, Granita Cucina & Bar in Hartsdale is an essential stop. Located conveniently on East Hartsdale Avenue, this establishment elevates the local dining landscape, offering more than just a meal—it delivers a memorable, authentic experience. From the moment patrons walk in, they are immediately “greeted with warmth, wonderful aromas, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere” that sets the tone for a truly great evening out.

Granita Cucina & Bar operates with a chef-driven philosophy, focusing on a fresh, seasonal take on Italian cuisine. The menu is a comprehensive journey through Italy’s culinary landscape, presenting vibrant Antipasti, creative Insalate, and satisfying Secondi, alongside a dedicated focus on Fresh Pasta and Wood-Fired Pizza. The atmosphere is described as sophisticated-casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal setting for various occasions, whether it’s a casual dinner, a special celebration, or solo dining at the well-regarded bar.

The dedication to hospitality is a frequently celebrated aspect of the experience. Customer reviews consistently praise the friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff, who are “always ready to offer wine pairings or menu suggestions,” ensuring that every guest “feel like a valued guest rather than just another table.” This high level of service, combined with the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence, solidifies its reputation as “easily one of the best Italian restaurants in town—authentic, consistent, and unforgettable.”

The menu boasts a wide range of options, ensuring something for every palate. The Antipasti selection, perfect for small plates and sharing, includes signature items like the Lemon-Saffron Arancini, Wood-Fired Meatballs with creamy polenta, and Octopus served with salsa verde. The wood-fired oven produces exceptional pizzas, from the classic Margherita to the inventive Wood-Roasted Mushroom and the popular Pepperoni Picante. Homemade pasta dishes are a highlight, featuring Fresh Pasta options such as Hand Cut Rigatoni with spicy lamb sausage and grilled octopus, Gnocchi with short-rib ragu, and the classic Spaghetti Pomodoro.

For main courses, the Secondi menu presents elegant dishes like Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Hanger Steak, Branzino, and the unique Granita’s Chicken, a breast of chicken crusted with Parmigiana cheese and finished with a lemon, white wine, and dry vermouth sauce. Granita also respects traditional Italian roots by offering a dedicated section of classics, including Chicken Parmigiana and Homemade Cheese Ravioli, alongside popular comfort dishes like Burger & Fries during lunch and dinner services.

It is important for customers, especially those utilizing delivery services, to note that while in-house dining is highly praised, there have been isolated, serious concerns regarding food quality and safety in past delivery orders, specifically concerning the dessert item Panettone Bread Pudding. Management attention to maintaining the highest standards across all operations, including takeout and delivery, is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the overall dining experience.

Granita Cucina & Bar is centrally located in the thriving Westchester community of Hartsdale, making it highly accessible to residents across the region and a prime spot for both lunch and dinner outings.

The full address for the restaurant and bar is:

202 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, USA

Accessibility is a key focus, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons:

• The location provides a Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• Parking is available through both a Paid parking lot and Paid street parking options.
• The restaurant encourages planning ahead, as Dinner reservations are recommended and the venue accepts reservations, especially for groups.
• Outdoor seating is available, offering a pleasant option for dining during warmer months.

Granita Cucina & Bar offers a full suite of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences and needs.

• Full Dining Options: Available for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable Seating and full Table service.
• Bar Service: Features a fully stocked Bar onsite, known for its extensive Great beer selection, Great wine list, and creative Cocktails.
• Takeout and Delivery: Offers standard Takeout, convenient Curbside pickup, and both standard and No-contact delivery options through various platforms.
• Catering: Provides catering services for groups and special events, working with customers to create custom menus featuring fresh, seasonal Italian dishes.
• Happy Hour: Daily Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials are available, typically between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
• Specialty Offerings: The menu includes Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, Cocktails, Wine, Coffee, and Small plates, along with Comfort food selections.
• Family Amenities: High chairs are available for families with Children.

The restaurant is distinguished by several key features that enhance the dining experience for the local New York crowd.

• Exceptional Beverage Program: A significant highlight is the extensive bar, praised for its Great wine list and creative Cocktails, such as the 'Part Time Lover' (Gin, strawberry, hibiscus, lemon) and 'Maple Old Fashioned.'
• Wood-Fired Oven: Central to the kitchen’s offerings, providing authentic blistered crusts on their specialty Wood-Fired Pizza varieties.
• Fresh, Seasonal Approach: The kitchen operates with a chef-driven focus on fresh, seasonal Italian ingredients and dishes, ensuring quality and variety.
• Dessert Quality: Known for a Great dessert menu that includes Tiramisu, Cheesecake, Panattone Bread Pudding, and various gelatos and sorbets.
• Fast Service: Noted for its Fast service, ensuring a pleasant and efficient meal whether dining in or ordering out.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: The crowd is welcoming to Groups and is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Popularity: A popular choice for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.

To experience the contemporary Italian cuisine and vibrant bar scene at Granita Cucina & Bar, reservations or inquiries can be made via:

Address: 202 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, USA

Phone: (914) 725-8420 or +1 914-725-8420

Granita Cucina & Bar is worth choosing for New York patrons in the Westchester area who are looking for a sophisticated, high-quality Italian dining experience that transcends the average local spot. Its strength lies in the successful fusion of a scratch-made, authentic Italian menu with the amenities of a trendy, full-service bar.

Patrons should specifically choose Granita for the exceptional quality of their in-house dining experience, characterized by the warm, attentive staff and cozy, stylish setting. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its handmade Fresh Pasta—like the Gnocchi with short-rib ragu—and the variety of Wood-Fired Pizzas. The robust beverage program, featuring an impressive wine list and creative cocktail selection, makes it an ideal spot for an elegant happy hour or a full evening out. Furthermore, its comprehensive accessibility and family-friendly amenities make it a convenient and thoughtful choice for any group or occasion. While taking note of the importance of quality control across all services, the restaurant's reputation for an "unforgettable" in-house meal and its role as a premier Italian destination in Hartsdale make it a highly recommended choice.

Granita Cucina & Bar

202 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, USA