When you think of the best restaurants in Rockland County, what comes to mind? Is it the scenic views that you can get from sitting by the Hudson River? Is it the great cuisine you long for?

With it’s close proximity to New York City and New Jersey, Rockland County NY is always a great choice when looking for a dining experience like no other.

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What is considered a ‘Best’ Restaurant in Rockland County?

From food trucks, local restaurants and your favorite coffee shop, Rockland has a great variety of places to dine.

You can go to find a place and see reviews in a Yelp listing, but until you actually visit these locations for yourself, you will never see why they are so special. Since dining experiences are subjective and personal, this article wants to offer the facts about each of these best restaurants in Rockland County.

Why eat at some of these best restaurants in Rockland County?

Food is a powerful thing. It has the ability to bring people together, evoke memories, and most importantly, tantalize our taste buds.

As a foodie, there is nothing more thrilling than discovering a new restaurant that has the power to leave a lasting impression. That is why I am so passionate about sharing my love for the best restaurants in Rockland County NY with you.

With its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine, Rockland County is a food lover’s paradise. From the iconic eateries that have been serving delicious food for decades, to the hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered, the restaurants in this county are sure to leave a lasting impact on your taste buds.

I invite you to come with me on a culinary journey as we explore the top 23+ restaurants in Rockland County that are sure to take your breath away.

– 1840 Tavern

Located in West Nyack, 1840 Tavern is a great bar and grill that is conveniently open 7 days a week. With unique dishes such as curry fries, Chinese roast pork sandwich, burrata ravioli, and Irish style chicken curry, these all go great with a wonderful glass of wine.

This cozy restaurant has a unique atmosphere and contemporary American cuisine that takes its patrons on a culinary journey. The kitchen staff does everything they can to make you’re experience truly amazing and makes it one of best restaurants in Rockland County.

– Big Daddy’s Home Plate BBQ

If you’re looking for great BBQ, then Haverstraw is the place to be! Open 7 days a week, Big Daddy’s Home Plate BBQ is conveniently located on Route 9W. With a strong emphasis on authentic southern soul food, this restaurant is a one of Rockland’s favorite places for BBQ.

Whether you’re eating in their dining room or getting a takeout order, there is no shortage of choices on their extensive menu. From dinners, meat ala carte, sides, big daddy’s salads, big daddy’s sandwiches to family deals, everything they make is delicious.

For first time visitors: Take a note that parking can be challenging, but if you’re looking for good food, then this will soon be your favorite restaurant.

– Broadway Bistro

In the heart of Nyack, this Italian restaurant that is open 6 days a week for dinner and Friday through Sunday for lunch. Broadway Bistro’s lunch special includes a three-course lunch for a fixed price. The great taste of Tuscany is evident in this great restaurant that’s perfect for special occasions, including a rehearsal dinner.

– Craft Taqueria

In New City there is a great taco place that is one of the new places in the Rockland Count restaurant scene. Craft Taqueria offers tacos (of course and some Large Plates. Chef Jeff is a Rockland County native and is bringing his best foods back to the area. This is the reason why this is one of the best restaurants in Rockland County.

– Del’Arte Restaurant

Located in Orangeburg, this is one of the Italian restaurants in the area that serve delicious food in a cozy atmosphere. In addition to the dinner menu at Del’Arte Restaurant offers a Sunday Family Style Package to go which includes:

• A choice of Entree from
  • 3 chicken dishes
  • Eggplant Parmigiana
  • Meatballs & Sausage
• A choice of a pasta from
  • 4 choices of Penne pasta
• Salad

– Don Coqui on the Hudson

Located in Haverstraw, Don Coqui has a loyal family that not only keeps coming back for the amazing views of the Hudson River, but also for their food. Showcasing salads, a raw bar, main dishes and desserts. With indoor and outdoor seating, this is the ideal place to dine if you like dinner with a view.

They have:

• Don Coqui Classic Dishes
• Asian Latino Fusion
• and items from the grill

– Farm at Hotel Nyack

Located near the Mario Cuomo Bridge / Tappan Zee Bridge, the massive floor to ceiling windows at Farm at Hotel Nyack offer diners beautiful views of the outside patio.

– Fiesta Acapulco

Another great place in New City is Fiesta Acapulco. Open 7 days a week, they offer Combination plates, salads, tacos, tortas, fajitas, traditional foods, and vegetarian meals. In addition to their good food, they also offer delicious desserts, such as Bunuelo (fried golden flour tortilla topped with ice cream).

– Grub Asian Fusion Cuisine

Head on over to West Nyack and experience Grub Asian Fusion Cuisine, a dream of Chef Waree since she was a young child. From small plates, including grub buns, lettuce wraps, dumplings and more, in addition to, burgers/sandwiches, salads, soups and curries (including chicken wonton soup, tom kha soup, stewed beef noodle soup and more).

Although not a traditional Indian restaurant or a traditional Asian restaurant, the secret ingredients to all the amazing dishes made here is love.

– Hudson House

From their famous Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie to delicious dinner options, The Hudson House of Nyack is situated in the former village hall and jailhouse. In warm weather, the large front doors open to sidewalk dining. There is also a back patio, for quieter dining experience.

The two erstwhile jail cells remain and house the wine cellar, and the walls and ceilings are covered in the original pressed tin dating from the 1800s. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, this this one of the best restaurants in Rockland County to do so.

– Hudson’s Mill Tavern

Located in Garnerville, this winner of the Best of the Hudson Valley Award in 2022 offers amazing food, live music and so much more. Hudson’s Mill Tavern is located on West Railroad Avenue in the Garnerville Arts & Industrial Center.

The building they are located in was once the old textile mill where uniforms were manufactured for both the Civil War Union Army and the US World War II Army. Their menu is a fusion of Latin, Asian, Mediterranean and American cuisines as a homage to the eclectic demographic of the community.

With vegetarian, vegan and gluten free choices, this is a great place to visit for dinner and/or Sunday Brunch (Have the french toast made with Challah from Rockland Bakery).

– La Fontana

Another great place to visit in Nyack is La Fontana Restaurant. This is the restaurant to visit if you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine. During the warmer months you can enjoy views of the Hudson River from their upstairs dining area.

Family owned and operated, this restaurant is situated next to the Helen Hays Theatre. It’s the perfect location for a pre or post show dinner.

– Mekong District

This great Vietnamese restaurant showcases family recipes with a twist. Mekong District is a great place to eat in Nyack. Unlike other area Vietnamese restaurants, this is not your traditional Vietnamese cuisine. They bring influences from different Asian and Western cuisines into their Vietnamese cooking.

Their menu includes small plates such as, bao buns, waffle wings, Mekong fajitas, and green papaya salad. They also have an extensive selection of Noodle soups that simmer over 18 hours to achieve the rich flavors of the pho soup.

– Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse

Take a ride to West Nyack and experience Brazilian food at its best. Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse only have this location in New York and owns two others in Philadelphia.

Eating at a Brazilian Steakhouse is definitely a unique experience. The Market Table showcases a variety of hot and cold side dishes that compliment the meats that are passed around, by the staff, and served table side.

– Restaurant X & Bully Boy Bar

Located in Congers, Restaurant X & Bully Boy Bar is a new American restaurant showcasing the culinary skills and vision of Peter X Kelly. In addition to their elevated main menu, they also offer additions to this menu. Open from dinner from Wednesday through Sunday and are also open for Sunday brunch.

Looking for more locations to have brunch?
Check out the best places to eat Brunch throughout the Hudson Valley

– River Court on Main

Located in New City, this Irish Pub opened in 2017 and features indoor dining and outdoor dining. River Court on Main’s Irish-American Cuisine is even showcased during their Sunday Brunch, as they offer ‘Irish Style’ Eggs Benedict and a Traditional Irish Breakfast consisting of Irish bacon, sausage, black & white pudding, grilled tomato and Irish baked beans.

Open 7 days a week, this is a wonderful place to catch a casual meal for lunch and/or dinner. With their exceptional food and great service, this will soon be one of your favorite spots in New City and is the reason why it’s on this list of best restaurants in Rockland county.

– Rocco’s Family Restaurant

Another great place in New City not only serves the best pizza around but also serves delicious, fine Italian cuisine. Out of all the Italian restaurants in the area, Rocco’s pride themselves on being family owned and operated since 1981.

Besides the delicious pizza, their homemade pasta is exceptional. Their lunch and dine-in menu varies slightly but it does not take away from the love they put into everything they make. if you’re looking for a great pizza place for a weeknight dinner, weekend outing or special occasion, then Rocco’s is the place for you!

– Sangria’s Mexicana Restaurant

Take a trip to Congers or Nanuet is in order to have great Mexican restaurant at Sangria’s Mexicana Restaurant. They have an extensive menu that doubles as their lunch and dinner menus.

Their menu includes so much like: Salads, Vegetarian Meals, fresh Seafood, Chicken, Traditional Foods, and Meat meals. The extensive menu, quality of food, and great service make this one of the best restaurants in Rockland County NY.

– Sazone

This Latin American fusion restaurant in New City is known for their great drinks and even better food. Sazone’s regular menus consist of a Tapas Menu, Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Platter Menu, Package Menu,as well as, Happy Hour Specials.

– Seven Lakes Station

Located in Sloatsburg, Seven Lakes Station is a bistro, market, craft beer taproom and has their own beer garden. In addition to their great beer, they offer a choice of foods, including their award winning burgers. Conveniently located next to the Harriman State Park, this is a great place to grab a bite before or after your park visit.

– The BURGER Loft

Another favorite in New City is The Burger Loft. With mouthwatering burger choices, such as:

• The Classic: American Cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and loft sauce
• The Mushroom: Sauteed wild mushrooms, Swiss cheese and sauteed onions
• The Buffalo: Provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, blue cheese dressing and buffalo sauce
• The BBQ: pepper jack cheese, cole slaw and barbecue sause
• The Butterfly: avocado, bacon, cheddar, lettuce and tomato
• The Eggplant: roasted eggplant patty, caramelized onions, house roasted red peppers, cheddar, arugula and whole grain dijon mustard
• The Tuna: sushi grade, peppercorn crusted, seared rare and thinly sliced, lettuce, tomato, onion and ginger-lemon soy mayo
• Drop the Bun: any burger served on a garden salad with balsamic dressing

It is nice to see that in addition to beef burgers they also offer veggie burgers. This is probably one of the best Rockland County Burger Joints because they offer a lot of choices of burgers, as well as, other healthy food options in a restaurant with great atmosphere and great service.

– Threefold Cafe

Located in Chestnut Ridge, Threefold Cafe is a great place to grab a bite and listen to some live music. In the early nineteenth century a group of people bought a farm in Spring Valley NY to grow organic vegetables and that has inspired the foundation of this great cafe. Serving tasty and nutritious meals that are made fresh is one of the reasons why this is one of the best restaurants in Rockland County.

They offer breakfast and lunch during the week and offer take-home dinners in Fridays. Their commitment to fresh and local ingredients begins with produce and dairy from the farm next door.

– Two Spear Street

Located in Nyack, Two Spear Street is the town’s only waterfront restaurant and bar. This is one of the best restaurants in Rockland County to take in the amazing views of the Hudson River. In addition to offering dinner, they offer ‘weekend’ brunch (both Saturday and Sunday).

Family owned and operated, they are committed to offering a wonderful dining experience for all who visit. Their menus are seasonal and change according to availability of ingredients.

– Union Restaurant & Bar Latino

Located on New Main Street in Haverstraw, Union Restaurant & Bar Latino is a popular place for those that love Latin fusion cuisine. Located in a historic building in Haverstraw, they have been named one of the best restaurants in Rockland County in several local publications.

Their eclectic menu mixes cuisines from different cultures in an exciting way. They offer individual plates, as well as, family-style dining, perfect for a night out or any special occasion.

How to eat at the best restaurants in Rockland County NY without breaking the bank

The Valley Table is a wonderful publication that does write up of great food all around the Hudson Valley, but what they are REALLY known for is “Hudson Valley Restaurant Week“. This event takes place twice a year (March and November) and showcases the best restaurants in the area.

What makes this event extra special is that you can try out a new restaurant or visit an old favorite and partake in a pre-fixe menu and affordable prices.

Find more to do in Rockland County:

Amazing Rockland County, NY Museums worth the visit!

The Best Things to do in Nyack, NY: Perfect for a Day Trip or Weekend Getaway

The Ultimate List of Things to do in Rockland County: Take a Peek and See!

Until the Next Adventure…

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