L'inizio Introduce
L'inizio, which fittingly means "The Start" in Italian, is far more than just a restaurant; it is a true culinary experience rooted in the philosophy of farm-to-table dining. Located in the charming town of Ardsley, this Italian gem has been praised by both local New Yorkers and prestigious publications alike. It offers a warm, inviting, and upscale atmosphere that feels both cozy and romantic, making it the perfect destination for a special evening out or a memorable celebration. The restaurant's commitment to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every dish is not only fresh but also a reflection of the best that the region has to offer.
The menu, crafted by a husband-and-wife team of NYC restaurant veterans, is a showcase of inventive, Italian-inspired cuisine. From house-made pastas to pasture-raised meats and wild-caught fish, each plate is prepared with precision and passion. The dishes are designed to be bursting with flavor, from the rich and creamy Ricotta with grilled bread to the delicately prepared Market Fish. The pasta selections are a highlight, with options for both appetizer and main portions, allowing you to sample multiple incredible dishes in one sitting. As one enthusiastic customer noted, the Gnocchi special and the mushroom truffle pasta are truly "amazing."
Beyond the food, L'inizio is also celebrated for its exceptional service and a well-curated beverage program. The staff is consistently described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing to the restaurant's reputation for genuine hospitality. The bar serves a great selection of beer and cocktails, while the wine list is thoughtfully chosen to complement the menu. L'inizio's decadent desserts, created by the co-owner and executive pastry chef, are a perfect way to end the meal, with options like Bomboloni and cheesecake that are worth saving room for.
L'inizio is conveniently located at 698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA, making it a central and accessible dining destination in Westchester. The restaurant is well-equipped to handle parking needs, offering both a free parking lot and free street parking. This makes it easy for guests to visit without the stress of searching for a spot.
The restaurant also takes great care to be accessible to all its guests. It features a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. These amenities ensure that all patrons can dine comfortably and with ease.
L'inizio offers a range of services designed to provide a versatile and high-quality dining experience.
Services Offered
- Delivery: A convenient option to enjoy L'inizio's delicious food at home.
- Takeout: Place an order for quick and easy pickup.
- Dine-in: Experience the full, upscale atmosphere of the restaurant with table service.
- Catering: A popular choice for private parties and special events, with customizable menu options.
- Table service: Guests are provided with attentive and professional table service.
Features and Highlights
- Great beer selection, cocktails, coffee, and wine list: The bar is a destination in itself, offering an extensive and high-quality selection of beverages.
- Popular for: A top choice for dinner and solo dining.
- Accessibility: Provides wheelchair-accessible amenities for a comfortable dining experience.
- Offerings: The menu includes alcohol, comfort food, healthy and vegetarian options, and small plates.
- Dining options: Serves dinner and dessert, and is a great venue for catering special occasions.
- Amenities: Features a full bar on-site and a restroom.
- Atmosphere: The ambiance is cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, perfect for a variety of occasions.
- Crowd: A welcoming spot for family-friendly gatherings and groups.
- Planning: Accepts reservations and recommends them for dinner, ensuring a stress-free visit.
- Payments: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
- Children: Provides high chairs for younger guests.
- Parking: Offers both a free parking lot and free street parking.
Contact Information
- Address: 698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA
- Phone: (914) 693-5400
What is worth choosing
There are many reasons why L'inizio is a worthwhile dining destination. The primary draw is the exceptional quality of the food. The restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy is not just a buzzword; it is a core principle that translates into incredibly fresh and flavorful dishes. The menu is creative yet comforting, offering both classic Italian favorites and innovative creations. The ability to order half-portions of pasta is a fantastic feature that encourages guests to explore more of the menu. From the incredible gnocchi to the perfectly cooked market fish, every dish is a testament to the chefs' expertise and dedication to their craft.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere and service make L'inizio stand out. The restaurant has a unique blend of elegance and warmth, making it ideal for a romantic dinner, a group celebration, or even a solo meal at the bar. The staff's genuine hospitality and attentiveness, as noted by numerous guests, elevates the dining experience from a simple meal to a cherished memory. This is particularly evident in their handling of private parties, where they go "above and beyond" to ensure every detail is perfect.
Finally, the restaurant's versatility in its offerings is a major plus. Whether you're looking for a full dinner with wine pairings, a quick small plate and cocktail, or catering for a large event, L'inizio has you covered. The a-la-carte menu, coupled with seasonal specials, means there's always something new and exciting to try. Choosing L'inizio means choosing a place that provides a beautiful setting, impeccable service, and, most importantly, truly delicious and authentic Italian food. It’s a place that not only starts a memorable evening but guarantees a perfect one from start to finish.
L'inizio Food & drink
Tavolo
- Baked Clams $17.70
Bacon, bagna cauda
- Crispy Brussels $18.88
Sriracha aioli, cider gastrique
- Cauliflower $18.88
Chili lime vinaigrette, radish, lemon aioli
- Ricotta $17.70
Acacia honey, grilled bread
- Proscuitto $21.24
Parmigiano
- Chicken Liver Crostini $16.52
Crisp sage, apple mostarda
- Salmon Crudo $21.24
Cured salmon, green tomato salsa, pickled jalapenos
Primi
- Arugula Salad $16.52
Parmigiana, mint, lemon garlic vinaigrette
- Octopus $23.60
Citrus, fingerling, olives, pickled celery, parsley, white bean puree
- Kale Salad $17.70
Goat cheese, dried cranberries, crispy shallots, sherry vinaigrette
- Burrata $23.60
stone fruit salad, crispy prosciutto, arugula pesto
- Watermelon Salad $18.88
watermelon, pickled feta, pistachio, lime agave vinaigrette
Pasta
- App Cavatelli $22.42
Fennel sausage bolognese and parmigiano
- Cavatelli $34.22
Fennel sausage bolognese and parmigiano
- App Fettucini Nero $25.96
Seafood marinara, shrimp, crabmeat, calamari, clams , parmigiano
- Fettucini Nero $42.48
Seafood marinara, shrimp, crabmeat, calamari, clams , parmigiano
- App Casarecce $22.42
Wild mushrooms, kale, truffle oil, parmigiano
- Casarecce $34.22
Wild mushrooms, kale, truffle oil, parmigiano
- App Rigatoni $22.42
Egg yolks, spinach, pancetta, onion, parmigiano
- Rigatoni $34.22
Egg yolks, spinach, pancetta, onion, parmigiano
- App Campanelle $18.88
Alla Romana or Marinara
- Campanelle $30.68
Alla Romana or Marinara
Secondi
- Market Fish $40.12
corn, crispy artichoke, tomato bisque
- Chicken Scarp $40.12
Chicken sausage, potatoes, cherry peppers, local farm greens
- Broccoli Rabe Sausage $40.12
Braised escarole, white beans, pickled sweet peppers, pangratta
- Eggplant Parm $33.04
Ricotta, house made mozzarella, marinara
- Eggplant Parm W Pasta $37.76
Ricotta, house made mozzarella, marinara with Campanelle marinara
- Chicken Parm $35.40
House made mozzarella, tomato sauce, arugula salad
- Chicken Parm W Pasta $40.12
House made mozzarella, tomato sauce, arugula salad with Campanelle marinara
- Burger $28.32
Roasted tomato, arugula, B&B pickles, horseradish aioli, crispy fingerling
Dinner Specials
- Pasta Special App $23.60
Rigatoni, broccloli rabe sausage, escarole, basil, white beans, parmesan
- Main Entree Special $49.56
Faroe Island Salmon, charred corn, mushrooms, escarole, Balsamic red wine reduction
- Pasta Special Entree $35.40
Rigatoni, broccloli rabe sausage, escarole, basil, white beans, parmesan
- Dessert Special $18.88
Sides
- Charred Carrot, White Bean Hummus $11.80
Charred carrot, white bean hummus, pickled corn
- Fingerlings Side $11.80
Potatoes and parmigiana
- Sauted Kale Side $11.80
Sautéed kale with wild mushrooms
- Meatballs Side $11.80
Tomato sauce
Dessert
- Bombolini $17.70
Italian Doughnuts" chocolate sauce
- Bread Pudding $17.70
Caramel sauce, whipped cream
- Cheesecake $17.70
New York Cheesecake cup, raspberry jam, graham crumble
- Affagato $17.70
Vanilla ice cream, espresso shot
- Ice Cream 1 Scoop $5.90
- Ice Cream 3 Scoops $17.70
L'inizio Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
L'inizio Photos










L'inizio Location
L'inizio
698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA
L'inizio Reviews
entreespricesfood and servicebrussel sproutscocktailsoctopusricottafettuccinegnocchidining
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟**Fantastic Party Venue!**I recently hosted a party at L’inizio and it was a memorable experience. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly, accommodating all our needs with great menu options.The food? Absolutely delicious! Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the taste and quality.The venue itself had a cozy atmosphere with the perfect backdrop for our celebration. We had a nice balance of seating with spots to mingle.A big shoutout to the event owners, who was incredibly helpful in planning and executing our party. They made the entire process stress-free and enjoyable.I highly recommend L’inizio for any special occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to gather with friends, this place is a gem!Thank you, Scott for making our event so special! We will definitely be back.
February 16 · Lisette RangaThe food and service were both amazing! There were so many things on the menu that we wanted to try as it was our first time there. We started with the gnocchi special as an app, along with the 18 month prosciutto and homemade mozzarella. Both were delicious!! The gnocchi was incredible. We then had a beef special and a mushroom truffle pasta for entrees- both amazing. I couldn’t recommend this place enough! We can’t wait to go back.
December 14 · Samantha AballoFood took a little over an hour to come out, which isn’t that bad, but no one was impressed with their entrees, I got rigatoni carbonara, and it was really quite bad, the sauce was very thin, and seemed like it contained no egg yolks, had way too much pepper and it was just sprinkled on the top, only on one side, the pancetta was dry and not crispy, it was a very underwhelming dish.I will say the liver crostini was extremely good though
June 14 · Alex FishlerReally cozy establishment in the heart of Ardsley!We ordered the grilled bread with ricotta and honey. It was really good!The pastas were good but not extraordinary.
January 15 · Sreejith MenonThe food here is *excellent*—absolutely worth the visit. Standout dishes blew me away, and the **spicy martini** is a game-changer (highly recommend!). The decor and vibe are… unique (a little quirky for my taste), but the incredible flavors more than make up for it. If you’re here for a memorable meal, you won’t be disappointed.
May 31 · vincent greco
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