On Sunday, customers came out to De Costa’s Italian restaurant in Yonkers to celebrate Easter and each other with a return to normal dining. 

It is the first Easter without COVID-19 restrictions like masks and social distancing. 

For restaurant owners and their diners, it felt like a new beginning. It was only a year ago when mask mandates were in place. Those mandates took a toll on the business. 

Co-owner Nuno De Costa remembers those days and is worried the uptick in COVID-19 cases could bring back those mandates. De Costa says although the return of mandates are his “biggest fear,” he says they are able to build back their customer base. 

“Every time the mandates come down, we build it back up again,” says De Costa. “It’s like re-training and everyone getting back to their normal way of doing things.” 

This year is different with a special menu and customers returning to experience a return to normal dining. The Santo family was happy to be back and dressed for the occasion. 

“There’s nothing better than being with family, especially during the holidays,” says John Santo. “It’s good to be back.”