Nessa - Port Chester

Had a very good dining experience at Nessa. I drive by this place all the time and noted it looks small from the facade, yet a friend wanted to try it, so we went. It is surprisingly spacious, and service was friendly. We shared a crispy calamari appetizer that had a spicy kick to it. I enjoyed the braised beef short ribs over sautéed escarole that just melted in my mouth. A friend had the pork chop that was not as tender, yet was flavorful. Another enjoyed the monkfish. At the end, we were treated to a tray of zeppole with dipping sauces as the Zeppoleme store next door had closed and we mentioned we planned to go there for dessert a nice touch! Only downside noise level that got a bit loud from the lively bar located behind a curtain.

We went for Sunday Brunch and the service was very slow despite there being only one other couple in the dining room. It took 20-30 mins for the first course to arrive and the staff also does not check to see if coffee/juice need refilling. The dishes were good and very well prepared.

The food is always made well with a good variety of selections. The banana giblets is one of the best desserts in Port Chester.

We made a reservation one day ahead of an impromptu party of 11. Nessa was close enough to half way between Staten Island and Mahopac! Chris was wonderful to work with. We started with 3 different kinds of bruschetta and wine in the bocce garden and then moved inside for dinner. We shared plates of wonderful salads and appetizers including fabulous calamari and meatballs served cut in half. Then we had our main courses which included wonderful home made pasta. For dessert, Chris brought in freshly made zeppole with dipping sauces from their bakery next door. They were warm and delicious. He even put a candle in one of them in honor of grandpa's birthday. Nessa is a wonderful restaurant and we'll be back!

The place was fairly empty for a Thursday night. Nice place for a quiet meal. Service was weirdly spotty given how quiet it was. Most importantly ordered a veggie side...which never came. didn't check the bill carefully when I paid but fairly certain I was charged for it. Strange that its hard to bring the entire order on a quiet night... by the way....be careful of parking on the street...no meters...so it looks ok..but you actually have to hunt down the new payment box and get a receipt. I ended up with a parking ticket and no spinach. Not feeling like Popeye...