211 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck

914.899.3130; nonnacarola.com

The former space of Molly Spillane’s in Mamaroneck has transformed from pub to upscale Italian restaurant. Chef Gustavo Galvao, whose resume includes time in the kitchens at Trattoria Dell’Arte in Manhattan and a victory on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games (among other achievements), has taken a new tack with the space, cooking traditional Italian fare with a modern twist.

To create the menu, Galvao pulled from the years he spent learning to cook with his great-grandmother Carola, who is also the namesake for the chef’s new venture. However, Galvao also adds his own flourishes that enhance the cuisine’s metropolitan feel, like the beautiful squid ink tuile garnish on his salmon.

Look for elevated dishes that take things a notch above normal, like bruschetta with mascarpone, strawberries, fig glaze, pistachio, and mint; lamb chops with fingerling potatoes, greens, mint pesto, and smoke essence; and lobster Oscar with crab, asparagus, and passion fruit hollandaise.

That’s not to say diners can’t indulge in comfortable classics, but even the chicken parm features a blend of three cheeses as opposed to mozzarella alone.

With 163 seats spread throughout the bar, lounge, and dining room on the main floor, Nonna Carola is spacious and stylized, with luxurious banquet booths and elegant light fixtures. And like its predecessor, the space upstairs will be available for private parties and overflow seating, so bring 120 of your closest friends.     

Tues–Thurs 12–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 12–11 p.m.; Sun 12–9 p.m.