La Manda’s Restaurant

- 251 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains, NY 10607

If you're a New Yorker looking for Italian-American food that truly feels like a trip back in time, look no further than La Manda’s Restaurant in White Plains, NY. This storied establishment is far more than just a place to eat; it's a genuine piece of Westchester history. Opening its doors as far back as 1934 (originally as Albanese's, before becoming La Manda's in 1947), this restaurant has maintained its old-school charm and commitment to robust, homemade Italian fare for decades. The atmosphere is authentically classic—a cozy, casual, and historic spot where locals and families gather to enjoy generous portions of beloved, unpretentious cooking.

La Manda's is known for its classic approach, which emphasizes flavor, tradition, and customer satisfaction. The philosophy is simple: serve honest, hearty food without unnecessary frills or fuss, capturing the true heart and soul of an Italian trattoria. Patrons often remark on the welcoming, family-friendly environment that makes every guest feel like a regular.

The menu is a testament to timeless Italian-American classics, ranging from beloved appetizers and rich pasta dishes to signature entrées that have made La Manda's a local legend. Among its most famous offerings is the Chicken Scarparo, which many locals consider the gold standard of the dish in all of Westchester County. This commitment to traditional, high-quality cooking is why La Manda’s continues to thrive as a favorite destination for lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic, thin-crust brick-oven pizza, a comforting plate of homemade lasagna, or one of their legendary meat dishes, La Manda's delivers a dining experience steeped in local lore and delicious history.

La Manda’s Restaurant is conveniently located at 251 Tarrytown Road in White Plains, New York. Its accessibility makes it a practical choice for locals and those traveling from different parts of the New York region. Located in a central Westchester location, reaching the restaurant is straightforward.

The restaurant is dedicated to accommodating all its guests. It is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For those driving, parking is readily available, which is a major convenience in this area. Patrons can utilize the free on-site parking lot or the free street parking options nearby.

La Manda’s Restaurant offers a variety of services designed to suit different dining needs and occasions, focusing on authentic hospitality and fast, efficient service.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in the historic, cozy, and casual atmosphere with full table service for lunch and dinner.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for convenient takeaway.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring their classic Italian-American dishes to your next event or party.
• Reservations: La Manda’s accepts reservations, a useful feature, especially for groups or during peak dining hours.
• Beverage Selection: A full bar is available, offering a selection of alcohol, beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor.
• Quick Bites and Comfort Food: The menu is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or a slow, comforting family dinner.
• Accessibility: The establishment provides comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• Parking: Free parking is offered both in a dedicated lot and on the street.

La Manda’s has earned its reputation through a blend of historic tradition, signature dishes, and a truly welcoming environment. These highlights are what make it a beloved destination in Westchester County.

• Historic Westchester Institution: The location has been operating as an Italian restaurant since 1934, making it a truly historic dining destination. Its brick-oven pizza tradition dates back to the very start of the business.
• The Famous Chicken Scarparo (Scarparo): Referred to by many as the best in the area, the Chicken Scarparo is a house specialty—chicken in a garlic, white wine, butter, and vinegar sauce, often requested with extra hot peppers for a fiery kick. Customers consistently praise this dish as a masterpiece.
• Authentic Thin-Crust Brick-Oven Pizza: The pizza is cooked in the same brick oven since 1934. It's known for its thin crust, great cheese, and minimal flop, though the style can be polarizing, often featuring an 'old-school' character with generous, moisture-rich cheese.
• Family-Friendly and Casual Atmosphere: The vibe is cozy, unpretentious, and designed to make families and large groups feel right at home. It’s a true local spot, popular among long-time residents.
• Signature Menu Items: Beyond the pizza and Scarparo, other lauded dishes include the fried calamari (especially the Diavolo style), homemade Italian cheesecake, and the lemon-infused Chicken Piccata.
• Important Note on Payment: For that truly old-school experience, La Manda’s primarily operates on a cash-only basis for most transactions, though debit cards are now also accepted. An ATM is available on the premises for customer convenience.

The menu at La Manda's offers classic, generously portioned dishes that reflect its heritage. Please note that prices are approximate and subject to change.

• Appetizers: Half Order Of Fried Calamari ($15.00), Baked Clams Oreganato ($15.00), La Manda’s Mixed Salad ($8.50), Mussels Marinara Or Fra Diavolo ($15.00).
• Pastas: Baked Ziti ($18.00), Lasagna (Meat) ($19.00), Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce ($19.50), Pasta Or Ravioli With Meatballs Or Sausage ($19.50).
• Pizzas (Thin-Crust, Brick-Oven): 14 Inch To Go ($19.00), 16 Inch To Stay ($23.00).
• Entrées (Served with a side of pasta, fries, or salad): Chicken Scarparo ($21.00), Chicken Piccata Or Francese ($21.00), Veal Parmigiana (Starting at $23.00), Broiled Pork Chops ($24.00), Eggplant Rollatine ($20.00).
• Seafood: Fried Sole Or Shrimp ($23.00), Napoletana Or Fra Diavolo ($23.00).

To experience this White Plains institution, here is the contact information:

Address: 251 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains, NY 10607, USA

Phone: (914) 684-9228

For both first-time visitors and long-time aficionados in the New York region, La Manda’s Restaurant offers an experience that is truly worth seeking out. The main reason for choosing La Manda’s is its dedication to authentic, traditional Italian-American comfort food. It’s one of the few places where you can taste decades of history in every bite, from the thin-crust pizza baked in a brick oven since the 1930s to the family recipes passed down through generations.

The Chicken Scarparo (Scarparo) is, without a doubt, the dish that stands out. It has been called the "gold standard" in Westchester, and for good reason—the perfect balance of garlic, wine, butter, and vinegar, with the option to dial up the heat with extra hot cherry peppers, creates a flavor profile unlike any other. Paired with a side of pasta to soak up that incredible sauce, it’s a meal that patrons return for again and again.

Additionally, the fried calamari is highly recommended, praised by customers for being perfectly cooked—tender, not rubbery, and available in a flavorful Fra Diavolo sauce. The overall price point offers great value for the generous portions you receive, ensuring a hearty and satisfying dining experience for the whole family or a casual solo meal. While the décor is historic and the payment policy is old-school (remember the cash!), these elements only add to the restaurant’s unique and memorable charm. For a taste of Westchester’s classic Italian heart, La Manda’s is the genuine choice.

La Manda’s Restaurant

251 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains, NY 10607, USA