Most of us who grew up around here have fond memories of Bellizzi, the now defunct kiddie pizzeria and birthday party venue in central Mt. Kisco. The good news is that Bellizzi has grown up with us. This year, Bellizzi owner Isi Albanese transformed the old Bellizzi space into an urban-style upscale eatery perfect for the way we eat now: Exit 4 Food Hall.

A brilliant use of a large space, Exit 4 brings together the offerings of many local purveyors of delicious and diverse cuisines under one roof. While the concept is reminiscent of the familiar mall food court, in contrast to a mall food court, Exit 4 brings together fresh, top-quality foods in an inviting “modern-rustic” setting. There is not a chain brand or a tired, soggy piece of Sbarro’s pizza in sight.

Instead, you can choose one of many creatively curated crispy-crusted wood-fired slices at the ready at the Piacci counter or customize your own. But that’s just one of so many delicious ways to dine here. Making up your mind about what you want to eat will be a delightful problem at Exit 4.

In the mood for sushi? Our table devoured a succulent, briny-fresh eel and cucumber roll in short order.

Continuing with the small-bites theme, we then tucked into an order of jumbo shrimp, perfectly grilled and seasoned, along with an order of spicy-sweet, tapas-sized barbecue pork soft tacos.

Finally, we shared a fragrant, decadent plate of creamy fettuccine Bolognese accompanied by a crunchy Roman salad as well as a flawless classic Caesar salad. No one at the table had room for dessert.

Let’s face it, we are part of a generation accustomed to individualization. When people go out to eat, there is an impulse to have what you happen to be in the mood for, not necessarily what the rest of the group might want. Exit 4, like the chic food halls that have sprung up in big cities in recent years, is the perfect answer to this dilemma. Here you can enjoy a convivial meal together with your friends or family in an attractive common space without compromising your own cravings.

But still–I’ll miss the games at Bellizzi.