The eatery, which opened in December, 2016, is all about catering to customers. "We want out guests to have a good time and we want to add value to the community by giving them something that they like – Italian classics – but with our own personal touch that makes it just a little bit different," said Owner Roberto Bellissimo, a restaurateur with 22 years experience.
His mission, he said, is for people to arrive at the restaurant and feel a sense of comfort that is usually felt only when they are in the comfort of their own home.
To that end, the menu is designed to appeal to just about everyone. "Our antipasto has gained tremendous popularity in just a few short weeks and our personal focus is homemade whenever possible – from pasta and pizza to our burrata cheese," he stressed.
So far, popular dishes include housemade Pappardelle with Braised Beef Short Rib and Shaved Ricotta Salata, Chicken Pepperoni Parmigiana and the Spicy Calabrese Zuppa, a mix of seafood in a lobster broth served in the very pot it's cooked in. According to Bellissimo. the Antipasto Bar, which some describe as “tapas with an Italian kick” has also proven to be a hit.
He said he heard about the space from an industry contact and saw the great business potential. And from a personal standpoint – he liked the challenge it presented.
"This is a big restaurant," said Bellissimo. "But it has big opportunities – there is a market up here for the type of place we want Centrale to be. We want to offer people delicious food, of course, but also great value.
"We want to add to the community in ways that go beyond the restaurant."
Centrale is at 90 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights, (914) 352-6107, www.centrale.us/.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.