Voters in News 12’s Food Fight series didn’t have to look far to find homemade pastas, cheeses and Italian delicacies.

Silvio's in Thornwood is one of the finest Italian restaurants in Westchester. The fan favorite has been conveniently located in the Rose Hill shopping center since 1969. The casual decor is inviting, not overwhelming and very family friendly. Owner Michael DiNardo, a second generation owner of Silvio's, says they always strive to make their customers feel like they are home. “One of the biggest compliments I get is from college students who go away, when they come home for breaks their parents tell me this is the first stop they have to make when they come home,” says DiNardo.

In the kitchen, the magic unfolds with executive chef Robert Finateri. “This is the heart of it, the nucleus of it and this is where it all begins and we spray out and we're infectious and take care of Mount Pleasant and Westchester County,” says Finateri.

Finateri is an international food competitor and a culinary educator, who chooses to hone his craft here. “Whether it's making a pizza, whether it's a high-end veil chop, the same amount of love and amount of care goes into that food because every day when we put the chef coat on, we celebrate craft.”

In addition to being a News 12 Food Fight winner, the restaurant was recently honored with a certificate of merit by Westchester County. “For recognition of your week three victory in News 12's Food Fight contest and I also want to personally thank you because you do so much for this community,” says Westchester County Legislator  Margaret Cunzio.