Signature dishes from talented island chefs that are not to be missed

by evan Monroe

Afternoone’s Restaurant
Afternoone’s knows what it means to be from Staten Island. The chef is currently using our local brew, Flagship, in many of the restaurant’s recipes, for example. If you’re a fan of ribs, hunker down for Flagship BBQ Baby Back Ribs, made with homemade BBQ sauce.
415 Forest Avenue, afternoones.com

Project Brunch
There’s been so much buzz on the few-months-old Project Brunch, we can’t even keep up. While there’s a wait on the weekends, it’s worth it to try the signature “wagel,” an “everything”-flavored waffle with a choice of scallion cream cheese or apricot butter.
4553 Arthur Kill Road, projectbrunchsi.com

Max’s Esca
Chef Max Calicchio is always cooking up something special. If you’re in the mood for pizza, but sick of the same-old same-old, try the Philly Tux Pie, with chicken, hot cherry peppers, guacamole, cheddar cheese, and roasted peppers.
1559 Richmond Road, maxsesca.com

Twisted Dish
This joint is trendy but accessible, with comfort foods to delight any palate. Try its Fat Elvis—homemade peanut butter, caramelized banana, and bacon on French toast as a treat this season.
885 Annadale Road, twisteddishsi.com

Real Madrid
While Real Madrid is known for its traditional Spanish fare, the signature filet mignon, with melted cheese and bacon, is a transcendent treat for meat, cheese, and bacon lovers alike.
2073 Forest Avenue, realmadridrestaurant.com

Bocelli
At this Gramere spot, Pasta Bocelli is not only a delicious spaghetti dish, it’s a scene—as the waitstaff delivers a cart to your table and shaves Grana Padano cheese right off the wheel onto your plate.
1250 Hylan Boulevard, bocellirest.com

La Strada
At this New Dorp Lane oasis, try Chef Tony Santisi’s Fussli alla Tony—long fusillistyle pasta with shrimp, clams, and broccoli rabe tossed in oil. Perfetto!
139 New Dorp Lane, cafelastrada.com