Tradition Is Mouthwatering At Marianacci's

PORT CHESTER, NY — When you walk into Marianacci's you are transported back in time to a warm, friendly, white-tablecloth restaurant where you can have a conversation and actually hear everyone at the table.

Marianacci's has been a staple in the southern Westchester dining scene for 73 years. "We are one of the oldest, if not the oldest restaurant, in Westchester County," Jim Marianacci told Patch.

In the 1920s, the Marianacci family had settled in Port Chester, along with many other Italian immigrants. The family consisted of Vincenzo, his wife Pulcheria and three sons Berardino "Benny", Franco "Frank" and Italo "Eddy." Soon after Ben met Mary Franchella, they married and had four children.

In 1950, Benny Marianacci and his friend, Jaspar Caviola, purchased Sherman Tavern, the local neighborhood saloon. Benny had no plans or interest in purchasing a bar, however, Jaspar believed it to be a good investment. Ben's brother Eddy was brought on board. The restaurant was mainly staffed by family members, as the Marianaccis hailed from a large family with everyone contributing.

When it first opened, a small menu was offered, mostly sandwiches and pizza. Occasionally, Benny’s wife, Mary, would make a lasagna in their home and Benny would drive it down to the restaurant. This lasagna recipe is still used today along with many family recipes handed down through generations. "A little bit of the old world in Port Chester," said Marianacci.

How loyal is the clientele? Well, every Friday and Saturday, special dinner items are offered — and are featured on Facebook. "People anxiously await knowing what the specials are," Marianacci said.

The restaurant is nestled in a residential neighborhood and has its own parking lot directly across the street. Reservations are encouraged for the weekends.

The most popular items on the menu include a signature dish made with fresh ricotta, the Lasagna Marianacci.

But before you get to the pasta course, you'd need appetizers, and the stuffed mushrooms and stuffed clams are among the most popular.

And then maybe some shrimp ...

Save room for the fish course. You could order a hearty, rustic zuppa di pesce ...

or go for the delicately flavored snapper in orange sauce ...

While of course sharing that order of veal parm ...

or meatballs ...

and of course saving room for dessert.

Serving lunch and dinner, Marianacci's is located at 24 Sherman St, Port Chester, NY 10573.

• Service options: Dine-in, Takeout, Private Events
• Menu: marianaccirestaurant.com
• Phone: (914) 939-3450
• Reservations: opentable.com
• Facebook Link: Marianaccis