Fireworks for Foodies for July 4 and Beyond

Fish & chips at Bread & Brine restaurant. -Photo by Morris Gut

By Morris Gut 

Bronx Voice 

June 28, 2025

NEW YORK - Get some great seats for the fireworks and some great food during the July 4th holiday.

MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND 

Check out the views on the rear enclosed deck and view random fireworks. When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca in New Rochelle for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Ravioli, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. On occasion, Rabbit Cacciatore, too.  Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com 

HARBOR ISLAND FIREWORKS AT JILL’S

Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, have premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. 

Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos.  Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com  

CLAMS & OYSTERS IN THE ROUGH

Leno’s Clam Bar, 755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. (914-224-2489) Load up the metal table outside or take a seat at the indoor counter: their famous cheeseburgers with sautéed onions (a must!) and fries; dripping corn on the cob; fresh clams, steamers, fried clams with tartar sauce, hot dogs, and cheese dogs. Thank goodness for all those napkins. You get your own beverages inside, and it’s still on the honor system. Table service is very friendly and laid back. The first couple of bites bring back memories galore! Check Leno’s on Facebook.

Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up on the sidewalk for clams and oysters.  Take your pick. https://bronxlittleitaly.com/merchants/fish-markets/cosenzas-fish-market/ 

Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-367-4139) Started 3 generations ago by a Sicilian family of fisherman. Counters set up streetside. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com 

CLAMS, OYSTERS & FANCY SEAFOOD!

Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777) This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. Happy hours. www.dubrovnikny.com 

Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road,

White Plains (914-437-8535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch. Variety of clams and oysters available daily. Lobsters, too. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.com 

Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve fish and seafood in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com 

Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale. (914-725-3450) A Westchester favorite for many years. Don’t forget more casual Go Fish, next door. www.eastchesterfish.com 

Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham 914-738-8686 Veteran chef/proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclectic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a daily Raw Bar. www.cafferegatta.com

REALLY GOOD CHOWDERS,TOO!

Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-9885) Start your meal with one of the delicious chowders then move on to the blackboard specials. The cold seafood salad for two is a delicious wonder. Great with one of their craft beers. www.artiescityisland.com 

Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914-479-5243) The place bustles inside and out, and ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme. Delightful chowders, lobster rolls, fish & chips. www.breadandbrinehoh.com 

THE JULIA CHILD ROSE BLOOMS AT NYBG!

If you are planning to visit the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx hunt down the yellow ‘Julia Child Rose’ bed planted as part of the stunning Peggy  Rockefeller Rose Garden. It is now in full bloom, and it is amazing! New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 718-817-8700 www.nybg.org 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)