Scalini Osteria: Bronxville goes to Italy
Are you longing for a few days — no, a month’s worth — of heart-lifting, soul-affirming days in Italy? To explore the wine regions, motor along the winding roads, and stare goggle-eyed at spectacular views along the coastlines? To enjoy an espresso after a delicious lunch while watching the hustle and bustle of village life in a medieval piazza?
Ah, yes, that could be just the thing for next spring …
In the meantime, how does a long Italian lunch (or dinner) in a lovely courtyard, with the region's freshest and finest ingredients, sound? Um, I’d say pretty good!
Scalini Osteria is a cozy and charming restaurant offering authentic Italian fare, discreetly tucked away on a side street off Bronxville’s Pondfield Road. It's just the thing to remedy your Italian wannabe blues.
Since Scalini’s opening in 2007, Italian owners Angelo and Elio DiRosa have served seasonally inspired regional Italian dishes that are simple in execution but complex in flavor. Their mission is to stay true to traditional regional cuisines of Italy while evolving these dishes to celebrate the modern Italian palate. Seasonal ingredients are sourced locally from the Hudson Valley and directly from Italy. In fact, Angelo recently visited many of Scalini’s multiple Abruzzo suppliers — including its exquisite vineyards.
Originally from the Abruzzo region, an unspoilt mountainous region along the Adriatic coast, the brothers opened Scalini’s sister restaurant, Mamma Assunta, in Tuckahoe 42 years ago. To this day, Mamma Assunta serves classic Italian recipes with a focus on the Abruzzo region, to a loyal customer base.
Scalini’s charming brick courtyard — complete in summer with trailing ivy and hydrangeas and cozy in winter with heat lamps and blankets — lulls you into a delicious portal that transports you to that oh-so-quaint Italian village. The small indoor restaurant has sufficient nooks and crannies to allow for private conversations in a rather busy, fun setting. The bar is inviting for an apero and antipasti.
In a friendly afternoon chat, Angelo explained to me that his son, Antonio, is the mastermind behind many of the new dishes as well as Scalini’s diverse, bespoke selection of signature cocktails. I’ve tried their excellent pomegranate martini: so icy cold, shaken to perfection, so good.
Service is polite and professional and the staff will go out of their way to accommodate any special diet restrictions or preferences. The pastas are freshly made in house and expertly prepared. The menu is varied and has both light and robust fare.
On a recent visit, I had scallops on a bed of puréed celery root while my friend ordered one of the specials of the evening: risotto with scampi, pork belly, and parmesan. There were no leftovers. The double-cut pork chop with vinegar, peppers, and parmesan polenta is a customer favorite and menu staple. For dessert, I had berry crême brulée while my friend ordered tiramisu. Both were simple and excellent.
Scalini Osteria is a great choice for both special occasions and casual nights out. Make reservations because it definitely fills up. Scalini’s is a true Bronxville institution — don’t miss it!