Finally, finally, Finalmente Trattoria Italiana & Wine Bar has opened to great acclaim and crowds out the door on weekends. Sleepy Hollow’s latest destination restaurant – a vibrant addition to Beekman Avenue’s burgeoning dining scene – has been years in the making, delayed by logistics, economics, renovation headaches and almost anything else one can think of. Owner and Tarrytown resident, Dan Damiano, Jr., no stranger to the restaurant business, is now fulfilling “a dream come true,” having grown up during his parents’ stewardship of the three-star “Damiano’s” in Granite Springs. Now, the rivertowns are fortunate to experience the Damiano touch – a welcoming, warm and reasonably priced trattoria, that presents authentically prepared Italian regional cooking at its best.

 Damiano has lived in Tuscany and Liguria. His maitre‘d, the charming Giovanni Petrosino hails from Naples, while Finalmente’s chef, Donato Desirio is from Bari an Adriatic coastal town in Apulia, deep in the Italian south. These three connoisseurs help Finalmente’s menu reflect a deep love of Italy’s dazzling variety of preparations - north to south. With a seasonally changing menu, Damiano is eager to highlight the freshest fish, meat and produce, as evidenced by daily specials, tailored to a specific ingredient.  Stocks are home-made, the focaccio is baked in-house, and specials are created with that day’s unique ingredient featured. As if that weren’t enough, Chef Desirio says, “It’s your heart that goes into the dish, not just ingredients.”

 A capacious selection of hot and cold antipasti is always on hand, as is calamari fritti and a classic carpaccio. Other selections include the Vongole al Forno- baked Little Neck clams topped with bread crumbs and seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic and grana padano, or the Funghi Farciti, stuffed mushroom served with suckling pork ragu, chick peas and black truffles. Tortine di Granchio - mini crab cakes on a bed of frisee, served with roasted peppers, fried capers and smoked pepper lime dipping sauce- a delectable appetizer, is wonderful paired with Rollatini di Zucchini – lightly fried zucchini slices stuffed seasoned ricotta, and served with marinara and mozzarella. The daily soups specials are not to be missed, whether it’s a basic, heart-warming minestrone or a delicate winter escarole and bean combination. Remember, that stock is home-made.

 Diners should not leave Finalmente without sampling Chef Desirio’s pastas, cooked al dente and sauced to perfection. Primi include an Orecchietti al Ragu – homemade “earlobe” pasta served with a Mediterranean ragu, or Luna d’Aragosta – moon-shaped lobster ravioli served with a pink cognac sauce. Paglia Fieno alla Ciociara – fresh “hay and straw” pasta with peas, mushrooms, pancetta and prosciutto is served with a fresh tomato and basil cause. Unusual for the rivertowns is the Timballo, a fresh baked pasta layered with a blend of béchamel and Bolognese sauces, topped with parmigiano. A special pappardelle, slathered with a rich and succulent wild boar sauce combined tomato, herbs and meat in a perfect melding of tastes - as did a special spaghetti with guanciale, in a meltingly rich and creamy variation on a classic carbonara.

 The secondi selection offers a wide array of fish: Filetto di Spigola alla Livornese - sea bass steamed with olive, capers and anchovies in a white wine, clamstock and stewed cherry tomato sauce, or red snapper in an oregano herb crust, clams and mussels prepared in a light olive, tomato-based sauce. Two special offerings diners should order if they get the chance are the classic shrimp risotto – a model preparation – and   breast of chicken fillet with peas, in a delicate lemon sauce, a veritable lesson on how to keep chicken breast succulent, sweet and distinctively flavored. New Zealand rack of lamb is roasted and served with a rich Barolo reduction, uniquely complemented by sautéed cabbage – an excellent foil for the lamb.

 Italians love their sweets, so don’t leave Finalment without trying Chef Desirio’s light and creamy cheese cake quatro formaggio, ethereal tiramisu or panna cotta. Home-made biscotti are the perfect complement for an after-dinner cappuccino or espresso.

 Finalmente maintains the largest selection of Italian craft beer in Westchester, in addition to a wide-ranging offering of American and European craft beers. An extensive list of excellent wines is available by the glass or bottle at extremely reasonable prices. Finalmente’s finely finished wood -paneled bar seats 15, which includes bar seating along an expansive window overlooking Beekman Avenue. Starting in February, Damiano will be offering assaggini -little tastes – such as crostini and bruschetta at Happy Hour, Tuesday - Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Late night diners can visit Finalmente after a concert or movie and enjoy small plates, paninis, antipasti and salads, offered until closing Tuesday through Sunday – a uniquely festive way to end any day of the week.

 This spring, Damiano will open his back patio for seasonal dining, and plant his kitchen garden next to the restaurant – you can’t get any more local than that. Even Finalmente’s coffee equipment and coffee come from Tarrytown’s own Coffee Labs. Damiano’s expertise as former owner of an environmental and materials consulting and testing firm has enhanced the restaurant’s interior which has been constructed as “green” as possible. The richly grained floorboards are recycled, the bar wood and trims are sustainably forested, the exposed brick walls have been lovingly restored. All these architectural details are bathed in the warm glow of Moroccan style light-fixtures. Thanks, also, to manager April Kittel, Finalment is an inviting atmosphere in which to relish the joys of authentic Italian cooking. Damiano states a heartfelt, “Everyone is treated like they are someone important here,” and he means it. It’s guaranteed that customers will be glad Finalmente has arrived in Sleepy Hollow– finally!

If you Go:

Finalmente Trattoria & Wine Bar

31 Beekman Avenue

Tues.-Thurs: Lunch: 12-3,

Dinner: 5-10

Fri: Lunch 12-3, Dinner: 5-11

Sat.: Dinner 5-11.

Sunday: Dinner 4:30-10 

(Sat./Sun – Lunch only for private parties)

914-909-4787
(Reservations accepted for Valentine’s Day/holidays only)
Private Parties Available