Small Bites

David DiBari, formerly the chef at Zuppa in Yonkers, will open his own restaurant in the former Austin’s Steakhouse space in Dobbs Ferry about the beginning of March. The name has not yet been set.

Expect the same style of Italian cooking — modern twists on classics — in a casual atmosphere. “Italian fun,” says DiBari. “I like to think of it as the people’s restaurant. Very comfortable, and it will celebrate my style of Italian food, which is using three ingredients for every dish and using exciting, local ingredients. Simple but fun.”

He says the physical space will be “warm and trattoria-like” but with an industrial feel. There will be wood and exposed brick and ductwork.

Robert Leggio, the owner of Zuppa, says sous chef Michael d’Bride, who has been working with David in the Zuppa kitchen for two years, will take over. “I think we have the experience back there,” said Leggio.

The menu at Zuppa won’t change until spring. “We’re going to miss Dave — he was a beautiful part of our business,” said Leggio. “But we’re excited for him to go on to his own endeavor.”