Welcome to the Highlands, one of White Plains, NY’s most charming neighborhoods—and a low-key but vibrant destination for food enthusiasts. Unlike the flashier Westchester Avenue or the high-profile Mamaroneck Avenue stretch, the Highlands hums with an inviting culinary spirit that blends neighborhood staples, inventive kitchens, and hidden gems, all without the downtown hustle. Whether you’re in search of a memorable brunch, an artisan pastry, or a weekday dinner that feels like a splurge, the Highlands has a table waiting for you.
Main Street Morsels: The Highlands’ Restaurant Row
While the Highlands is primarily residential, its food scene clusters along North Street and Bryant Avenue, each offering personality-driven eateries that match the leafy, community-centric vibe of the area.
- La Bocca Ristorante (8 Bryant Ave): This cozy Italian spot has been a local favorite for decades, famous for homemade pastas, delicate seafood, and an extensive wine list. From delicate eggplant Parmigiana to their signature Spaghetti alle Vongole, everything feels like Nonna’s kitchen in the best way possible. Entrees range $20–$35, and their weekday lunch menu is a neighborhood steal.
- Via Garibaldi (1 North Broadway, technically just a few blocks off Highlands’ main border, but a staple for the area): Modern yet traditional, with wood-fired pizzas, house-made ravioli, and luscious tiramisu, Via Garibaldi draws local families and date-night crowds alike. Their generous portions and lively, Mediterranean ambiance make it a must-try.
Quaint Cafés and Bakeries: Highlands’ Sweet Retreats
There’s a hush in the Highlands that invites you to linger—and that’s especially true at its neighborhood cafés and bakeries where pastries and perfect brews take center stage.
- Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe (156 South Ridgeway): Nestled on the quieter side streets, Martine’s is a hidden gem beloved for its European-style pastries, fresh-baked croissants, airy berry tarts, and robust coffee. Don’t skip their morning almond croissant or their afternoon carrot cake. Prices hover around $3–$7 for pastries, making it an affordable indulgence.
- Caffè Ammi Roasting Co. (342 Central Ave): Though not on every foodie radar, this micro-roastery just west of the Highlands pumps out some of the freshest espresso and single-origin pour-over coffee in White Plains. Pair a latte with their homemade biscotti.
Global Bites: International Eats in the Neighborhood
White Plains’ diverse population is reflected in the breadth of international options available just steps from Highland homes.
- Kam Sen Asian Market (22 Barker Ave, adjacent to Bryant): Stop here for authentic Chinese and Southeast Asian deli counter lunches: think crispy roast duck, pork buns, fresh sushi packs, and surprisingly good bubble tea. Prices range $5–$15, and it’s one of the few spots you can also pick up specialty groceries to take home for a DIY dinner.
- Little Drunken Chef (91 Mamaroneck Ave): While technically downtown, it’s within easy reach for Highlanders seeking globally inspired tapas. The menu mashes up Spanish classics, pan-Asian small plates, and playful cocktails—perfect for adventurous eaters. Share the bacon-wrapped dates and Thai chili calamari.
Highlands Hangouts: Food Trucks & Street Fare
The Highlands food scene isn’t limited to brick-and-mortar. During spring and summer, food trucks regularly park near Liberty Park (off North St), especially on weekends and at community events.
- *Taco Tico Truck*: Locals line up for their authentic street tacos, burritos, and super-fresh salsas—all for under $10. Try the birria taco, a savory, juicy classic dipped in consommé.
- *Rolling Dough Pizza*: This mobile wood-fired pizzeria makes spontaneous stops on Oak Ave, drawing families with kids for handmade pies featuring everything from wild mushrooms to spicy soppressata.
Pro tip: Monitor neighborhood Facebook groups or stroll by Liberty Park on Saturday afternoons in the warmer months—you’re likely to discover a new favorite.
Local Food Traditions and Hidden Gems
Highlands residents pride themselves on a sense of community, and you’ll find it reflected in their food rituals:
- Bagel brunches: No Sunday morning is complete without a trip to Benny’s Bagels & Deli (205 North St.), a decades-old stalwart serving fluffy bagels, “schmear” in every shade, and classic lox platters. Prices are friendly, with bagels under $2 and loaded sandwiches less than $9.
- The Greenery (146 Bryant Ave): Tucked behind the bustling main road, The Greenery is a favorite for vegetarians and vegans. Their organic salads, lentil burgers, and fresh-squeezed juices make lunch a feel-good affair for about $10–$15.
- Joe’s Coffee Shop (corner of North St. & Maple): A true “if you know, you know” hangout, Joe’s serves a mean classic breakfast—think omelets, pancakes, and bottomless drip—for under $12. The vibe is pure Highlands: unpretentious, welcoming, and neighborly.
At Home in Highlands: Why the Food Scene Matters
What sets the Highlands’ dining scene apart is authenticity. Here, chef-owners greet you by name, recipes are lovingly handed down through generations, and even the hippest spots avoid pretension in favor of comfort and quality. The best tables might not be splashed across Instagram—but that’s exactly why they’re prized by those who live here.
Whether you’re a new arrival or a lifelong local, Highlands invites you to savor its tastes with every visit—from busy North Street lunch crowds to quiet bakery mornings and lively street food weekends. It’s a neighborhood where good food isn’t just a perk; it’s a way of life.
Ready to eat your way through the Highlands? Bring your appetite—and maybe an extra to-go bag.