L'inizio

- 698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502

Discovering a truly exceptional Italian restaurant close to home is always a delight, and for residents across Westchester and the greater New York region, L'inizio in Ardsley, NY, stands out as a genuine culinary destination. Helmed by the award-winning husband-and-wife chef team, Scott and Heather Fratangelo, L'inizio—which appropriately means "the start" in Italian—offers a sophisticated, inventive, and deeply satisfying Italian-inspired dining experience rooted in a farm-to-table philosophy. This isn't your average neighborhood Italian spot; it’s a Michelin Guide-recognized establishment with a pedigree that traces back to some of Manhattan's most celebrated kitchens.

Executive Chef Scott Fratangelo, a veteran of New York City culinary landmarks like Union Square Café and Gramercy Tavern, brings his considerable expertise to crafting seasonal, Italian-inspired menus. His commitment is to using sustainable, artisanal, and locally-sourced ingredients, from house-made pastas to pasture-raised meats and wild-caught fish. Complementing his savory artistry is Executive Pastry Chef Heather Fratangelo, whose decadent, French Culinary Institute-trained desserts—for which she is renowned—provide a perfect, sweet finale to the meal. This powerful combination of inventive savory dishes and truly outstanding desserts is why L'inizio has quickly become a beloved gem in the Westchester dining scene.

The philosophy here centers on quality ingredients and warm, open-armed hospitality, offering an inviting atmosphere that feels like a cozy Italian home. It's the ideal setting for both a romantic dinner for two and a special gathering with friends or family. For those seeking an elevated yet comfortable dining experience without the trek into the city, L'inizio provides an authentic taste of fine Italian cuisine right here in New York’s Rivertowns.

Location and Accessibility

L'inizio is conveniently situated in the charming town of Ardsley, New York, making it a comfortable drive for many in Westchester County and beyond. The restaurant's address is:

698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA

This location on Saw Mill River Road provides relatively easy accessibility. While parking can sometimes be a consideration, L'inizio does offer a free parking lot as well as free street parking options, helping to ease the dining process. For patrons requiring accessible facilities, the restaurant is committed to welcoming all guests with a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, restroom, and seating area. The location strikes a perfect balance: an easy-to-reach spot in a quaint village, yet with the quality and culinary excellence one might expect from a Manhattan establishment.

Services Offered

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full, intimate, and upscale dining experience with table service.
• Dinner Service: The main focus of L'inizio's dining options.
• Takeout: Convenient options are available for enjoying the inventive Italian cuisine at home.
• Delivery: Services are offered for those preferring to have their meals brought directly to them.
• Catering Services: Comprehensive catering is available, perfect for private parties and special events, featuring large-format menu items like their Arugula Salad ($50.00 for 4-5), Chicken Parmigiano ($125.00 for 4-5), and the Pasta Party package ($135.00).
• Private Dining: A dedicated private dining room can host intimate gatherings for up to 30 people, and the full restaurant can be secured for larger events of up to 75 people.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, which are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and intimate size, especially for dinner.
• Beverage Service: A full bar is available, featuring a great selection of beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and an extensive, highly-regarded wine list, along with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, and espresso drinks.
• Kid's Menu: A dedicated menu is available for children, offering options like Kids Burger ($16.00) and Kids Chicken Parm W Pasta ($28.00).

Features / Highlights

• Acclaimed Chefs: Co-owners Scott and Heather Fratangelo are award-winning chefs with significant experience in top-tier New York City restaurants, bringing a high level of culinary expertise to Westchester County.
• Michelin Guide Recognition: L'inizio has been awarded the prestigious MICHELIN Plate, a testament to its consistent culinary excellence and quality.
• Farm-to-Table Philosophy: The cuisine is rooted in sustainable, artisanal, and locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and seasonal menu.
• House-Made Pasta: A cornerstone of the menu, featuring classics and inventive dishes such as Cavatelli ($31.00), Rigatoni ($31.00), and Fettucini Nero ($36.00).
• Outstanding Desserts: Executive Pastry Chef Heather Fratangelo’s creations are a major highlight, with delicious options like the Bombolini (Italian Donuts) ($15.00), Bread Pudding ($15.00), and Affogato ($15.00).
• Inviting Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as cozy, romantic, and upscale, creating a comfortable yet refined setting for all diners.
• Noteworthy Bar Program: Praised for its great selection of cocktails, including unique barrel-aged spirits, beer, and an excellent, extensive wine list.
• Menu Variety: Offers a wide range of options, including healthy choices, small plates (like Chicken Liver Crostini for $16.00 and Salmon Crudo for $18.00), comfort food, and dedicated vegetarian options.
• Appetizer/Entrée Pasta Portions: Many pasta dishes are available in half-portion sizes (App) like App Cavatelli ($21.00) or full-sized (Entrée) like Cavatelli ($31.00), offering flexibility for diners.

What is Worth Choosing

L'inizio is a standout choice for anyone in the New York area—particularly in Westchester—seeking a refined yet welcoming Italian dining experience. The restaurant’s greatest strength is the harmonious blend of high-caliber, inventive Italian cuisine with a commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. This is a place where every dish, from the opening starters to the last spoonful of dessert, is crafted with exceptional skill and care. Customers consistently rave about the incredible quality of the food and the attentive, genuine hospitality.

The house-made pasta is a clear must-try, with options like Casarecce ($31.00) and the rich Fettucini Nero ($36.00) being highlights. Furthermore, no visit is complete without experiencing one of Pastry Chef Heather Fratangelo's desserts; the Bombolini are legendary, and the Bread Pudding ($15.00) is a warm, comforting option. Antipasti like the Prosciutto with house-made mozzarella ($20.00) or the Baked Clams ($18.00) are also highly recommended to start your meal. For main courses, Chef Scott's interpretation of classics like Chicken Scarpariello ($35.00) or the seasonal Market Fish ($38.00) showcase his mastery over ingredients. The option to order half-portions of many pastas is a wonderful feature that allows guests to sample more of the menu's breadth.

Beyond the food, L'inizio is worth choosing for the overall ambiance and service. The dining room offers a cozy, intimate, and romantic setting, perfect for an anniversary or special date night. For those planning a celebration, the outstanding service and private dining options—ideal for gatherings of up to 30 people—make L'inizio an excellent choice for hosting a memorable event. In short, L'inizio delivers a Michelin-recognized level of quality and sophistication without sacrificing the warmth and comfort of a local neighborhood favorite, truly earning its reputation as a gem in the New York dining landscape.

Contact Information

Address: 698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA

Phone: (914) 693-5400

L'inizio

698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA