De Costa’s -Yonkers Avenue
By Maya Kollarmalil
Yonkers has long been a city where tradition and innovation intersect—especially when it comes to food. From classic family-owned establishments that have been serving the community for decades to fresh new restaurants embracing the latest dining trends, the city’s food scene reflects its diversity and resilience.
To explore how Yonkers’ culinary landscape has evolved, we spoke with Nuno DeCosta, co-owner of De Costa’s, a well-established local favorite serving customers for nearly three decades. DeCosta and his brother took over the restaurant in 2005 after working as servers since 1998. Over the years, they have preserved the restaurant’s identity while adapting to the changing times.
“We’ve been here for so long—almost three decades. We’re a local staple,” says DeCosta.
Balancing Tradition with Change
De Costa’s specializes in continental Italian cuisine with Portuguese influences, staying true to its roots while embracing new dining habits.
“We wanted to keep the restaurant the same but also evolve. We had eight years of experience when we took over, so we knew the importance of keeping up with the times,” explains DeCosta.
Over the past 20 years, Yonkers has seen an explosion of new restaurants, making the local food scene more competitive than ever.
“There are a lot more restaurants now. Twenty years ago, there weren’t as many—absolutely a lot more competition,” he says.
Despite the challenges, De Costa’s has maintained its success by focusing on customer loyalty, consistency, and a family-oriented atmosphere.
“It’s a family place—kids work here at given times, and we really get to know our customers.
When people walk in, we want them to feel like they’re part of the restaurant,” says DeCosta.
Dishes That Keep People Coming Back
While many restaurants constantly try to reinvent their menus, De Costa’s has found that classic dishes still reign supreme. Two of their most beloved menu items, Veal alla Nonna and Pork Chop alla Nonna, have remained customer favorites for years.
“Absolutely two of the most popular dishes; people ask for them all the time,” says DeCosta.
The Veal alla Nonna features a breaded veal cutlet, pan-fried with sweet vinegar peppers and sliced fried potatoes. The combination of crispy veal, the tangy sweetness of the vinegar peppers, and the hearty potatoes makes it a standout meal.
For those who prefer pork, the Pork Chop alla Nonna offers a grilled center-cut pork chop, topped with hot or sweet vinegar peppers and sliced fried potatoes. The balance of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors makes it a dish that customers keep coming back for.
“These dishes are unique—sweet and sour because of the vinegar peppers. People love the flavor balance,” DeCosta adds.
The Evolution of Dining in Yonkers
Even though tradition plays a significant role in the restaurant’s success, adapting to change has been necessary.
“We’ve had to dabble with the times—adding delivery options, adjusting our dining setup, and finding ways to adapt. It’s been a roller coaster of 20 years,” says DeCosta.
One of the biggest shifts has been the decline of late-night dining, especially since COVID-19.
“There’s not as much of a later crowd anymore—it dies out around 10 or 11 o’clock now,” he notes.
Additionally, dietary restrictions have become more common, and De Costa’s has embraced a flexible approach to meet customer needs.
“We’re very accommodating. Diets have changed, allergies are more common, and we make sure to adjust. If someone doesn’t like onions, why should they have to eat onions?”
Why Yonkers Diners Keep Coming Back
In a food scene that’s always evolving, De Costa’s has found success by maintaining a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
“Right when you walk in, it’s a friendly vibe. We’re very consistent with service and quality of food,” says DeCosta.
As new restaurants continue to emerge in Yonkers, long-standing establishments like De Costa’s prove that a balance of tradition, adaptation, and community connection is key to longevity.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, dining at De Costa’s offers more than just great food—it’s a taste of Yonkers’ history, culture, and the warmth of a family-run business that truly cares about its customers.
Visit De Costa’s Today! 400 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704-(914) 964-8887-decostas.com
Maya Kollarmalil is a student at Yonkers Middle High School. She will be writing for Yonkers Rising and Yonkers Times.com about local food establishments and other Yonkers-centric happenings. If you have a story suggestion for Maya, her email is MayaK@Yonkerstimes.com
