Karenderya

- 248 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960

Karenderya: Bringing Critically Acclaimed Filipino Flavors to Nyack’s Main Street

For New York residents looking to explore the exciting flavors of one of the world's most dynamic cuisines, Karenderya in Nyack is a must-visit destination. This Filipino-inspired restaurant is far more than just a local eatery; it's a culinary powerhouse that has earned national recognition, including being named one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire magazine and securing a James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist nod in 2023 for Best Chef: New York State.

Karenderya, whose name is based on the carinderias—the casual, community-oriented, roadside eateries of the Philippines—embodies a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere while serving complex, authentic flavors. It is a true family-owned and operated business, run by a dedicated team that consistently delivers top-notch service and overwhelmingly delicious food. The menu expertly blends traditional Filipino staples with contemporary Southeast Asian flavor profiles, appealing to both those familiar with the cuisine and newcomers seeking an approachable yet authentic experience.

Whether you're stopping by for a cozy dinner, a quick, flavorful lunch, or planning a special event, Karenderya provides a memorable dining adventure right on Nyack's bustling Main Street. The consistent high quality of the food and the genuinely friendly interactions with the owners make it a treasured spot in Rockland County.

Location and Accessibility

Karenderya is conveniently located in the heart of Nyack, a vibrant village known for its arts and dining scene, making it easily accessible for Rockland County residents and those crossing the Tappan Zee (Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) from Westchester County.

The full address is: 248 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960, USA.

The restaurant's Main Street location places it within walking distance of local shops and the Hudson River waterfront. For patrons arriving by car, the restaurant advises that parking is strictly Street Parking Only, and asks that visitors refrain from using the reserved lot behind the building.

Karenderya is committed to making its exceptional dining experience available to everyone, offering the following accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

The atmosphere inside is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it ideal for solo dining, family meals, or group gatherings. They also feature a restroom and welcome groups, families, and tourists.

Services Offered

Karenderya provides a full range of dining services, accommodating various needs from a quick mid-week meal to large-scale private celebrations.

• Dine-in Service: Full seating is available for lunch and dinner within the casual and inviting atmosphere.
• Takeout Service: All menu items are available for convenient takeaway.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is advisable given its high popularity and relatively cozy seating capacity, especially during peak dinner hours.
• Catering: The establishment offers full catering services, perfect for off-site parties. For larger orders, they kindly request customers reach out at least a week in advance due to their small kitchen size.
• Private Kamayan Events: Karenderya specializes in hosting traditional Kamayan events on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Kamayan is the communal Filipino tradition of eating with hands, which requires a minimum of 10 people and can accommodate up to 24.
• Private Venue Rental: The restaurant space is available for small private receptions and events, especially on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with a capacity of approximately 35 people.
• Full Beverage Offerings: The restaurant holds a liquor license and offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, including Beer, Wine, and Hard Liquor, complementing their menu and negating the need for BYOB.

Features / Highlights

Karenderya’s critical acclaim stems from its successful fusion of authentic Filipino tastes with an approachable, modern presentation, offering an array of unique highlights that set it apart in the NY dining scene.

• Award-Winning Cuisine: Chef Paolo Garcia Mendoza was named a James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: New York State in 2023, following the restaurant's earlier recognition by Esquire magazine. This places the restaurant among the region’s elite.
• Innovative 'Sandwich or Rice Bowl' Format: Many of the savory main dishes, such as the Adobo Pork Belly, Beef Tapa, Longganisa, and Fried Crispy Chicken, are offered in a dual format—as a traditional rice bowl or as a sandwich on high-quality Balthazar Bakery bread. This is an excellent way to introduce Filipino flavors to new diners.
• Authentic Signature Dishes: Must-try plates include the Kare Kare (oxtail and vegetables in a savory peanut sauce), the spicy coconut-milk pork stew Bicol Express, the sour tamarind broth Pork Ribs Sinigang, and the classic rice noodle dish Pansit Bihon.
• Unique Filipino Snacks: The small plates are perfect for sharing, with favorites like Lumpiang Shanghai (fried mini pork eggrolls, often served with a hint of spicy banana ketchup) and the delectable Mini Pork Empanadas with sweet chili sauce.
• Delicious Filipino Desserts: The dessert selection is highly praised, featuring the creamy Leche Flan With Cashew Brittle, Turon (fried plantain and jackfruit spring rolls), and the refreshing shaved-ice concoction Halo Halo.
• Authentic Filipino Beverages: Beyond standard sodas, the restaurant offers unique Filipino drinks like Calamansi W/Basil Seeds, a refreshing, citrusy drink, and Coconut Juice.

Contact Information

To reserve a table, book a Kamayan event, or inquire about catering, contact Karenderya using the details below. Note their current operating hours are generally dinner on weekdays (Wed-Fri) and lunch/dinner on weekends (Sat-Sun).

• Address: 248 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
• Phone: (845) 875-7557

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or loyal customers, choosing a few standout items is essential to fully appreciate Karenderya’s culinary excellence.

For the Full Experience: You absolutely must order the Adobo Pork Belly. This is a family recipe where pork belly is braised in the signature Filipino combination of soy, vinegar, and garlic. Order it as a Rice Bowl with garlic fried rice and a fried egg for the ultimate, traditional comfort food experience. The dark, almost caramel-like sauce is deeply flavorful and unforgettable.

For Savory Comfort: The Kare Kare is a must-try. The savory peanut butter stew, typically featuring oxtail, is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying—a classic Filipino dish perfected by the chef.

For Appetizers and Sharing: Begin your meal with the renowned Lumpiang Shanghai. These crispy mini pork eggrolls are light, crunchy, and served with a phenomenal sweet chili or spicy banana ketchup dipping sauce, making them an immediate crowd-pleaser.

For Dessert: Complete your dining experience with the Leche Flan with Cashew Brittle. The flan is rich, creamy, and beautifully caramelized, offering a traditional Filipino dessert that is both familiar and exotic, ensuring you end your meal on a perfect sweet note.

Karenderya

248 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960, USA