Port Chester NY new Italian restaurant Felice opens
Felice, a traditional Italian restaurant with multiple locations in New York and Florida, opens in Port Chester March 13, 2025.
Felice, a New York-based restaurant chain with locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island, as well as two spots in Florida, has come to Port Chester.
The Tuscan-inspired establishment, which had its start on the Upper East Side in 2007, officially opened for dinner March 13, taking over what had been Saltaire Bar and Fish House. Founder and COO Jacopo Giustiniani said he was eager to bring Felice to Westchester.
“Port Chester is the ideal place for our next chapter,” he said in a press release provided to The Journal News/lohud. “This community values great food, wine and hospitality, and we’re excited to share the Felice experience in such a vibrant neighborhood.”
Public Relations Director Giulia Guarducci added that since opening in Roslyn — and being successful there — the company was eager to find another suburban location. This spot was perfect, she said, because it’s able to serve both as a destination — Fairfield County and other parts of Westchester are an easy drive away — but, mostly, because like its other locations, it’s primary goal is to serve the neighborhood.
“So much is changing here,” chimed in General Manager Alanna Parisi, “It’s an exciting time in Port Chester and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
What’s the same
Diners will find the same soaring space — this is a former grain warehouse dating back to 1903 — with vaulted ceilings, large chandeliers, industrial beams and exposed brick walls.
Because the space was so gorgeous to begin with, Parisi said they chose to honor the building’s industrial roots while infusing their own Italian spirit. So while the footprint remains intact, with the dining room on the right — a mauve and gold curtain now hangs in front — while the bar (with more drapery) sits to the left, they’ve added more earthy tones reminiscent of Tuscany’s rolling landscapes.
The addition of green and burgundy to the palette (including green industrial piping above the dining room) are among the first things you’ll notice along with hand-painted European limewash, oiled wood floors, and new shelving, which displays Felice’s many wines (most are Italian-focused including their house wine, grown in Tuscany by the owner’s family and aptly named Felice).
There’s also a large wooden table in the middle of the dining room which displays the restaurant’s glassware, amaro’s and grappa. Whether intentional or not, the new look adds a homey touch, giving it a warm Tuscan farmhouse feel.
What’s different at Felice
Also different: the upholstered booths in the dining room, which have been elevated with gold tones. New hanging lights dangle above the booths with smaller lampshades on each table, adding dramatic flair to the already impressive room.
The lampshades are also incorporated at the bar where two oversized ones hang over a small shelf holding a display of liquor.
The décor in this room has been revamped to include green and white striped walls, new maroon cushioned seating, brown chairs and white tablecloths while subway-tiled floors have been replaced with wood. A fresh coat of white paint shows off the patterned ceiling.
The menu
Felice prides itself on its authentic Italian experience where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shine. Under the direction of Culinary Director Iacopo Falai, the restaurant combines imported Italian specialties that honor time-honored culinary traditions.
Dishes include a range of pastas such as Linguine Frutti Di Mare with spicy San Marzano tomato, squid, bay scallops, red Argentinian shrimp and Prince Edward Island mussels; Pappardelle Salsiccia, sweet Italian sausage with braised endive, porcini mushrooms, aromatic herbs and truffle sauce and Mezze Maniche Carbonara with bacon, eggs, Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Main courses include Tagliata Di Manzo, a 12-ounce sliced prime sirloin steak with a choice of side; Faroe Island salmon, Chicken Milanese and, special to this location, Peposo, Chianti-marinated prime brisket with corn cake, cannellini beans and crispy fried sage.
Also unique to Port Chester: three pizzettes in Margherita, Spicy Nduja and Formaggi and Funghi.
Rounding out the menu are salads, starters and sides as well as hand-selected Tuscan wines, small-production organic and biodynamic labels, and a thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu where Negronis are a specialty. The restaurant also boasts an extensive zero proof non-alcoholic list.
If you go
Address: 55 Abendroth Ave., Port Chester, 914-786-5500, felicerestaurants.com
Hours: Dinner only to start, 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Good to know: Lunch will eventually be served Monday to Friday with weekend brunch and Happy Hour also to come.
Party space: The 188-seat restaurant can accommodate 42 in the bar area for private parties.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
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