Nestled just southeast of downtown White Plains, Old Mamaroneck Road is a quietly vibrant stretch whose culinary offerings delight locals and draw savvy diners from across Westchester. While downtown White Plains has plenty of buzz, foodies know that Old Mamaroneck Road boasts its own irresistible mix of restaurants, bakeries, and neighborhood-favorite cafés—if you know where to look.
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch, artisanal bread, globally inspired plates, or a classic slice, the neighborhood’s walkable blocks (especially the cluster where Old Mamaroneck crosses Bryant Avenue and continues south toward Mamaroneck Avenue) promise delicious discoveries at every turn. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best eats and sips along Old Mamaroneck Road.
International Eats: Global Flavors Just Steps Away
Old Mamaroneck Road is a microcosm of White Plains’ cultural diversity, richly reflected in its restaurants.
- Don Coqui White Plains (107 Mamaroneck Ave, just off Old Mamaroneck Road)
- *Cuisine:* Puerto Rican/Caribbean
- *Vibe:* Festive, lively, perfect for groups or family dinners
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- *Why Go:* For empanadas, mofongo, or Don Coqui’s famous pernil, this spot is a taste of true Puerto Rican hospitality. The lively lounge is known for live music nights and dancing—a must for Friday evenings!
- Ambadi Kebab & Grill (141 E Post Rd, a block from Old Mamaroneck)
- *Cuisine:* Indian/Pakistani
- *Vibe:* Cozy, fragrant, unpretentious
- *Price Range:* $
- *Why Go:* Hidden between residential brick buildings, this counter-service Indian grill serves up unforgettable chicken kebabs, biryani, and fresh naan. Try the lunch specials for unbeatable value.
- Siam Orchid (86 Mamaroneck Ave at the entrance to Old Mamaroneck)
- *Cuisine:* Thai
- *Vibe:* Intimate, family-run
- *Price Range:* $$
- *Why Go:* Locals return for fragrant curries, pad thai, and delicate mango sticky rice. The staff remembers regulars, and spicy levels are customized to your taste.
Comfort Classics: Pizzerias and Delis
You’d be hard-pressed to walk far in White Plains without finding classic New York-style pizza or a sandwich shop with a cult following. Old Mamaroneck Road has its bread and cheese game on lock.
- Frankie & Fanucci’s Wood Oven Pizzeria (202 Mamaroneck Ave, two blocks east)
- *Cuisine:* Italian/Pizza
- *Vibe:* Warm, rustic
- *Price Range:* $$
- *Why Go:* Their wood-fired pies—especially the Margherita and Truffle Mushroom—are thin, blistered, and perfect for sharing. The expanded menu also features hearty pastas and creative salads.
- La Bocca Ristorante (8 Church St, minutes from the intersection of Old Mamaroneck and Mamaroneck Ave)
- *Cuisine:* Italian Traditional
- *Vibe:* Old-School Italian with a wine cave
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- *Why Go:* For an authentic trattoria experience, La Bocca serves handmade pastas, ossobuco, and Italian wines. The garlic bread alone is legendary.
- Mel’s Burger Bar (175 Mamaroneck Ave, near Post Rd/Old Mamaroneck split)
- *Cuisine:* Burgers/American
- *Vibe:* Lively, family-friendly
- *Price Range:* $$
- *Why Go:* Massive juicy burgers made from custom brisket blend, addictively crispy fries, and boozy shakes make this local chain a crowd-pleaser. Try the "Classic" or let the staff surprise you with their Burger of the Month.
Sweet Spots and Bakeries
From early morning croissants to after-dinner gelato, Old Mamaroneck Road has enough temptation to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe (30 East Post Rd at Old Mamaroneck Rd)
- *Cuisine:* French-American Bakery
- *Vibe:* Bright, bustling, neighborly
- *Price Range:* $
- *Why Go:* This beloved local bakery opens early for buttery danishes, fluffy muffins, and the absolute best cinnamon rolls in White Plains. Afternoons bring fragrant espresso and fruit tarts—perfect for a pick-me-up.
- Fortina (17 Maple Ave, walkable from Old Mamaroneck)
- *Cuisine:* Italian/Modern
- *Vibe:* Trendy, energetic
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- *Why Go:* Innovative wood-fired pizzas (try the "Tenderoni" with spicy honey) and playful desserts like Nutella pizza. It’s an ideal spot for a date or a stylish group outing.
Café Culture: Cozy Corners & Specialty Coffee
Sometimes, the best bites are found in a mug or a quick grab-and-go lunch. Old Mamaroneck Road offers stellar options for coffee aficionados and lunch-breakers alike.
- Bluestone Lane (75 S Broadway, just west of Old Mamaroneck Rd)
- *Cuisine:* Australian-inspired café
- *Vibe:* Light-filled, minimalist
- *Price Range:* $$
- *Why Go:* Avocado smash toasts, flat whites, and Instagrammable pastries are the highlights here. The nearby park makes it the ultimate spot to grab a cortado and stroll.
- The Iron Tomato (57 Mamaroneck Ave, a short stroll from Old Mamaroneck)
- *Cuisine:* Café & Italian Market
- *Vibe:* Bustling cafeteria-style, Italian deli meets gourmet market
- *Price Range:* $-$$
- *Why Go:* The panini case is legendary for a reason, and the salad bar and homemade soups are lunchtime go-tos. Take home a slice of their epic homemade cheesecake.
Food Trucks & Local Flavors
Old Mamaroneck Road’s food truck scene is modest but mighty—especially during the spring and summer when you’ll sometimes spot taco or gyro trucks parked near rentals and banks along Bryant Ave or at the southern end toward the Mamaroneck split.
- Bryant Ave Taco Truck
- *Why Go:* Quick tacos, tortas, and grilled corn that rival sit-down Mexican spots. Look for the red and white truck at lunchtime.
- Halal Cart by Walgreens (corner of Old Mamaroneck & Bryant)
- *Why Go:* Fast, fragrant, and famously affordable lamb and chicken over rice, beloved by students and hospital staff alike.
What Makes Old Mamaroneck’s Food Scene Special?
Old Mamaroneck Road’s dining scene strikes the sweet spot between neighborhood warmth and urban excitement. Here, unassuming exteriors often belie fantastic cooking, and the welcoming vibe means everyone finds “their spot”—whether it’s a family-owned bakery, a no-frills kebab counter, or a white-tablecloth Italian dinner for a special occasion.
Best of all, the walkable layout lets you mix-and-match: taco truck appetizers, pizza at Frankie & Fanucci’s, and finish with a Martine’s cupcake. For a fun neighborhood food crawl, plan your stroll around Bryant Avenue and Mamaroneck Avenue intersections, where the culinary energy is highest.
So next time you find yourself in White Plains, skip the usual scene and let your appetite lead you to Old Mamaroneck Road. You’ll return—again and again—with your favorite foodie friends.