Shop Small / Shop Local
Where I shop for Groceries in Westchester
Ever feel like grocery shopping has become an annoying chore? I know I do, but somehow, taking extra time to visit multiple smaller shops has made the experience a little more dynamic.
I am going extremely local here; below are some of my go-to shops for specific items in Westchester. Supporting local businesses is essential for many reasons you probably already know, but it also helps build a sense of community. I hope this list inspires you to do the same. Happy shopping!
Farmers Markets Irvington and Hastings
You can almost always find me at Irvington on Sundays and Hastings on Saturdays. I would buy everything at these two markets if I could, but that’s not always possible.
What I always pick up: Whatever’s in season—produce, fish for that night, meat for the freezer, and pickles, pickles, pickles.
Dante’s Deli - White Plains
It's no secret that the lunchtime lines here can be long and slow, but I don't go solely for the sandwiches (even though they are, indeed, fantastic). This place genuinely reminds me of some of my favorite shops in Rome, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back. As you might know by now, from reading my travel updates on Instagram, I lived in Rome when I was younger and try to get there every year to visit family. Dante's has everything I need and brings me back to my Italian childhood. They carry all my favorite Italian staples, such as Mancini and Benedetto Cavalieri pasta, Rio tuna, and Mulino Bianco cookies. Their cheese and salami counter is impressive, with aging prosciuttos hanging from the ceiling. They also have a small but fresh selection of the most beautiful Italian produce I've ever seen. I'm not sure if they are importing directly from Sicily, but there is always gorgeous radicchio, ripe tomatoes, and, on one occasion, I even spotted puntarella (a bitter salad similar to a cross between endive and chickory). The selection of prepared food is constantly changing and is always excellent.
I never leave without: Several packages of dried pasta, prepared chicken Milanese, some ultra-fresh produce, and a packaged snack like Pan de Stelle cookies that remind me of childhood.
Yaranush - White Plains
Years ago, I discovered this Middle Eastern grocery store while cooking my way through my first Ottolenghi cookbook. It was the only place in the area where I could find pomegranate molasses or Lebanese rose water. The feta selection is the largest I have seen in Westchester. If you explain to the mom-and-pop owners (literally) what you plan to make, they will help you choose the best feta for your dish from over 20 types with varied tastes, such as salty, tangy, and smooth. The store offers several kinds of Labne, loads of dried beans, and racks of pitas. The hummus is one of the few prepared versions that I like even better than my own.
I always pick up: Dried beans, feta, spices, and baklava
Bloomy Cheese & Provisions - Dobbs Ferry
New-ish to the area, Bloomy Dobbs is where I go whenever a) I need cheese, b) if I’m having people over and need something special, or c) I need a last-minute hostess gift. Owner Jess Galen not only knows her cheese but knew exactly what the community was lacking. Every time I enter, the super friendly staff says, “We just got in a wheel of [insert fancy cheese name here]; want to try it?” I always leave with something new.
Best for: Personalized cheese selection, tinned fish, condiments you didn’t know you needed
By The Way Bakery - Hastings
Even if you are not gluten-free, just…go. It’s that good! My favorite is the Classic Chocolate Cake. And now that Riviera is closed, I find myself here way more often
Go for: Birthday cakes and gluten-free treats
Ruffled Feathers - Scarsdale
Ten years ago, a good friend brought dinner for my family from Ruffled Feathers when I was sick. Since then, it has become my go-to whenever I need to do the same for someone else. The rotisserie chicken is superior to what you get at the regular supermarket, and if you plan ahead, they can rotisserie other things, like turkey, pork, lamb, and duck.
Best for: Skinless fried chicken and creamless creamed spinach. And babka!
Bhavik Indian - Elmsford
People who cook Indian come from all over Westchester to this tiny little market on Route 119. It is stocked with everything essential for an Indian kitchen, including many, many kinds of dal, several different types of rice, spices you’ve never heard of, shelves of chutneys, and fresh produce.
Best for: Large bags of frozen okra, Swade Coriander Chutney, roti and naan
Mt Kisco Seafood - Mt Kisco
There is always an extensive selection of ultra-fresh fish. I’ve been shopping here for 20 years. All of our doctors are in Mt Kisco, so whenever anyone in the family has a doctor's appointment, it's become a given that we will have fish that night. Oh, and the sushi is exceptional!
Best for: Any fish! Aside from the extensive sushi grab-n-go section, they can also cater.
White Plains Bake Shoppe- White Plains
Though it’s been around for 30 years, I recently discovered this bakery thanks to a friend who introduced me to their black-and-white cookies. Now, whenever I'm invited to a dinner party, my go-to dessert is a selection of their mixed cookies. The black-and-white cookies are simply amazing, and you can even pre-order mini versions.
Best for: Chocolate marble pound cake and B&W cookies
DPNB Pasta & Provisions - Nyack
DPNB has become my go-to stop whenever I am anywhere near Nyack. Daily homemade pasta to sit down or take away, like saffron tripoline or squid ink paccheri. Hand-cut, freshly-filled pastas can be purchased by the pound alongside sauces like broccoli rabe and hazelnut “pesto” or heritage pork ragu.
I never leave without: A lasagna for the freezer.
Katonah Pasta - Katonah
Fresh pasta is made here every day, and they also supply to plus a bunch of local restaurants. I love the cavatelli with a simple tomato sauce. Or the mushroom cheeseless ravioli
Best for Amatriciana and cut that-day spaghetti.
LMNOP Bakery - Katonah
I know that saying this is “the best bread” in Westchester sounds extreme. Indeed, there are plenty of other bakeries with very good bread. But to me, LMNOP is far, far superior. The sandwiches and baked goods are also tasty, but it's the loaf of sourdough that keeps me coming back. And back. And back.
Best for: Meet a friend for lunch or coffee and take home a loaf of bread
Dobbs Ferry Lobster Guys - Dobbs Ferry
I often forget about the Dobbs Ferry Lobster guys and think it's because they keep irregular hours. But I am never disappointed. It's where I head to every year for our new Seven Fishes tradition on Christmas Eve. Clams for spaghetti vongole, fresh tuna for tuna tatar, and oysters, Only open on the weekends, so always check the hours before going
Best for: Lobster, tuna steaks and clams
La Placita - Port Chester
In truth, I have actually only been here once when I was stocking up on dried chilis. I spotted lots of South American produce that I didn’t recognize but was excited to try. They’ve got all the essentials for a Taco Tuesday on steroids, such as spices, masa, and a million varieties of queso fresco.
Best for: Dried Chilis and tying new spices like “Cola De Caballo” and “Achiote Molido”.
Daido - White Plains
Sure, everyone knows HMart, but if you want a much smaller Japanese experience, then Daido is the place. Most all the labels are in Japanese, and the staff doesn't always speak English so you really have to know ahead of time what you want. Or if you are like me, just guess :-)
Be sure to try: Freshly filled Cream puffs made on the spot. And Onigiri (rice balls)
The Kneaded Bread - Portchester
When I am in the area, I always stop here for a loaf of something. There’s a big variety of croissants, bread, and sweet baked goods.
I always pick up: A baguette and a container of egg salad
More…
While compiling my list, I asked friends for their go-tos. Below are their recommendations, which I plan to visit soon:
Trotta’s House of Pasta - Thornwood
Family-owned pasta shop since 1955.
Mint - Tarrytown
Aa restaurant in the back and a little market in the front crammed with tables piled high of Mediterranean pantry items.
Rochambeau Farm - Mt Kisco
I love a farm stand market. How did I not know about this?
East Chester Fish Gourmet - East Chester
Restaurant is on one side, and fish market is on the other. Very popular with the east side of Westchester
Battaglia Brothers - Dobbs Ferry
Another place I knew nothing about. It sounds a lot like Dante’s; I can’t wait to check it out.
Second Mouse Cheese - Pleasantville
Cheese shop that came up more than a few times.
What other shops have I missed? Please let me know in the comments section.
Thank you for these suggestions! I’ve been wanting to find a good place for Middle Eastern groceries. Glad you mentioned Second Mouse Cheese. It’s a wonderful shop.
Amazing and super helpful list, thank you!