By Karen Talbot

Dec. 22, 2021: Dubrovnik Restaurant is the only Croatian eatery in Westchester. Croatia, a tiny country on the Adriatic Coast, is known for the excellence and diversity of its cuisine.

Dubrovnik is family-owned and operated and serves traditional Croatian dishes using the freshest organic ingredients and cooked simply with olive oil and herbs.

In an old-world setting of dark wood accents on taupe brick walls and large wooden ceiling beams, the space has an inviting bar and a main dining area. Seafood is a specialty, and patrons are presented with a platter of fresh fish of the day that they can order cooked to their liking.

When seated, you are served a creative combination of chickpeas, roasted red pepper, pickles, and horseradish in olive oil with herbs and spices served with slices of French bread.

We started our culinary journey with a delicious grilled shrimp appetizer served on a bed of eggplant puree with roasted tomato, asparagus, yellow squash, and red pepper. From "Pasta," we had an outstanding veal ragu with homemade gnocchi in a satisfying rich sauce. From "Poultry & Meat," we selected a stuffed chicken breast with asparagus and arugula pesto served over green basil mashed potatoes. Everything we chose came in portions large enough for sharing or to take home for further enjoyment.

From "Desserts," we had a traditional Apple Strudel (cherry is also available) with vanilla ice cream and small bites of cantaloupe.

This restaurant has an ambitious list of daily specials of Appetizers, Fish, and Chef's Specials. The night we dined, you could choose a Fossil Farms Berkshire Pork Chop, a Braised Lamb Shank, or Sarma, which is stuffed pickled cabbage with pork, beef, and rice.

Matija Zarak, the General Manager, was most pleasant and welcoming, as was the wait staff. Kudos to the Executive Chef, Ivan Ljubeic.

Happy Hour is Mon. to Fri. from 3 to 6 pm at the bar, where all appetizers are 50% off. A glass of wine is $8, mixed drinks and cocktails are $10, and draft beer is $5. In addition, they have live music from 5 pm every Sunday with the Croatian Duo Srdjan and Vukony.

Dubrovnik Restaurant is located at 721 Main Street in New Rochelle.  The telephone number is 914/637-3777.  It is open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm and until 11:00 pm on Fri. and Sat.