Peppino’s Ristorante in Katonah, NY makes serving quality Italian food seem so effortless that it’s easy to forget that too many restaurants never master this feat. The food is always good and prepared well on every visit; the servers are friendly, accommodating, and professional; and the atmosphere offers a bit of romance given the restaurant’s location in a former train station. At the same time, Peppino’s works for almost every occasion—a family dinner out, a graduation party, date night, or a solo meal at the bar after a long day of work.
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How Is the Italian Food at Peppino’s in Katonah?
I’ve been going to Peppino’s Italian food restaurant for years, and—knock wood—I’ve never had a disappointing meal there. I tend to veer toward my favorites, a stuffed artichoke to start followed by a house salad and then pasta puttanesca absent the anchovies. But sometimes I opt for gnocchi (some of the best in Northern Westchester), which is neither gummy nor too firm, or a lemony shrimp francese.
Although we look at the menu and the specials every time we visit, the Brawny Sherpa also tends to stick to his personal favorites—a jumbo shrimp cocktail and chicken parmesan with a side of meatballs (and maybe a bowl of minestrone or split pea soup at the outset).
Cocktails and Wine Offerings at Peppino’s Katonah
Martinis at Peppino’s tend to be memorable: well made, perfectly chilled, served to the brim of the glass. I like the Peppino’s Signature martini made with Grey Goose vodka, limoncello, and lemony sparkling water. The Brawny Sherpa favors a Grey Goose martini without the additional flavoring.
More in the mood for wine to wash down all the great Italian food you are about to consume? Patrons can opt for a glass, a half-bottle, or a full bottle; wines offered are at varying price points from reasonable to this-better-taste-really-good! When I am feeling sparkly, I choose a glass or two of prosecco.
Peppino’s serves beer as well.
A Word on Dessert at Peppino’s
I like to go to Peppino’s for a hearty meal. This is not the place where I will be too cautious about my consumption. I do save room for dessert even though portions at Peppino’s tend to be generous. Truth be told, there’s nothing better than eating some leftover cold pasta for breakfast the day after a night out at Peppino’s.
When I am especially indulgent, I opt for a dessert special that can sometimes be had: limoncello cake, which is moist, not too sweet, and possibly my all-time favorite cake. The Brawny Sherpa and I both like the cannoli so much that we cannot possibly share one with each other. Gelato served in a frozen fruit shell is fun: coconut in a coconut shell, lemon in a frozen lemon, peach in a hollowed-out frozen peach, you get the drift. One of the youthful adventurers favors tartufo.
Wash it all down with a double espresso and a side of sambuca.
Overall Review of Peppino’s Restaurant
It’s rare that a restaurant scores well in all major areas—price, service, food quality, atmosphere—but Peppino’s most definitely ranks highly no matter which metric you choose.
It’s a testament to the management that so many servers and other workers at this restaurant have been employed here for years. Peppino’s is a family restaurant with family values in a land of families. And it’s worth going here any night of the week. Reservations strongly recommended.
Peppino’s Ristorante, 116 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536
—Lori Tripoli
Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications. Contact Lori at loritripoli @ bashfuladventurer.com.
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