Port Chester is about to get a taste of Tuscany.
Taking over the Saltaire space at 55 Abendroth Ave., Felice — a Manhattan-born restaurant chain known for its rustic yet elegant charm — is set to open its doors this month.
Felice first opened on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 2007, inspired by the flavors and spirit of the Italian countryside. The small chain has restaurants in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Florida. This will be its first Westchester location.
The owners of Felice could not be reached for comment. But their website says its Tuscan-inspired dishes will use locally sourced ingredients.
Felice will offer an array of Italian wines, including its Chardonnay, Sangiovese, and Rosato. These wines are produced at Fattoria Sardi, a historic Tuscan vineyard that follows organic and biodynamic farming practices.
Felice’s arrival marks a new chapter for Port Chester, which for a decade was home to Saltaire, owned by Rye resident Beth Barnes.
Saltaire was known for its seafood-focused menu and bar scene. Rye residents often bumped into each other there, and the bar was often packed with locals when Rye singer/songwriter Paul Jensen was playing there.
Saltaire’s closing, announced on Instagram last year, came with reflections from its team.
“We had an amazing run for 10 years,” said one post. “It’s truly hard to believe that Saltaire will not be there anymore, but you all gave it the good memories and fun times we enjoyed.”
And the restaurant’s closing also left locals reflecting on the space’s importance to Port Chester’s dining scene.
“At the end of the day, the love of the people, place, and presentation meant the most,” said another Instagram post from Saltaire.
The team behind Saltaire expressed optimism for the space’s future, sharing, “New blood moving in 1st of the year — we hear. Let’s see.”