THE ULTIMATE STATEN ISLAND DINING GUIDE: FROM OLD-WORLD ITALIAN BISTROS AND SWANKY STEAKHOUSES TO CHIC WATERFRONT CAFÉS, THE BOROUGH IS BRIMMING WITH TOP-NOTCH DINING EXPERIENCES. WHETHER YOU’RE CRAVING PASTA, PORK SHANK, OR PEKING DUCK, HERE ARE LOCAL ISLAND EATERIES TO TRY THIS AUTUMN
BY INDUSTRY STAFF
ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE
In a charming, Europeanstyle building one might expect to find in the Tuscan countryside, Angelina’s offers an authentic, inviting ambiance. Dark wood tones mingle with a palette of ivory in the dining room, which presents a fusion of traditional and innovative Italian dishes. Menu standouts include grilled pork chop with cherry peppers in a balsamic rosemary sauce and squid ink pasta with shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops. 399 Ellis St, 718.227.2900 angelinasristorante.com
ARIRANG HIBACHI
Opened in 1987, this staple Hibachi steakhouse now boasts multiple NY and NJ locations, each providing a winning formula of delicious, Japanese-inspired fare along with entertaining chefs performing a live-action show right at your table. The perfect venue for your next birthday, anniversary, graduation, or party. 23A Nelson Ave, 516.460.9690 partyonthegrill.com
AUNT BUTCHIE’S
Aunt Butchie’s of Brooklyn opened its doors to the residents of Staten Island over a decade ago, and since then, customers have been lining up to enjoy gourmet desserts and artisanal coffee along with full lunch and dinner menus. Delight in their old world cooking, featuring only the freshest of local ingredients. 4864 Arthur Kill Rd, 718.227.0002 auntbutchiesofbrooklyn.com
BACI
1657 Richmond Rd. 718.316.9707 bacinyc.com Italian $$
BAYOU
Bayou celebrates the savory flavors of old New Orleans. Reminiscent of a cozy bistro in the French Quarter, this charming locale serves Cajun-Creole cuisine in an intimate setting. Its menu offers everything from crawfish etouffee to Louisiana shrimp creole. 1072 Bay St, 718.273.4383, bayounyc.com
BELLA MAMMA ROSE
266 Morningstar Rd. 718.981.0545 bellamamarose.com Italian $$$
BESO
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Spain in St. George at this lively Spanish restaurant and tapas bar. A cozy, chic ambiance is only overshadowed by the authentic fare, from ceviche (made with scallops, shrimp, and calamari marinated in orange and lime juice) to smoked chili and honey glazed duck. 70 Bay St, 718.816.8162, besonyc.com
BIN 5
1233 Bay St. 718.448.7275 Italian $$$
BLISS RESTAURANT
150K Greaves Lane 718.948.2112 blisssi.com American $$
BLUE
Dine on fresh, wild-caught seafood and sizzling steaks at this waterfront locale. The owners recently extended the dining space to include outdoor seating, positioned under a hand-crafted pergola. It’s the perfect perch for enjoying breezy fall evenings with stunning views of the water. 1115 Richmond Terrace, 718.273.7777 bluerestaurantnyc.com
BOCELLI
With murals of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tuscan Hills as its backdrop, Bocelli is dripping in ambiance. Its famous veal chop, champagne pappardelle, and chicken valdostano continue to be fan favorites, and the calamari agrodolce sweet and sour fried shrimp and calamari served with raisins and pine nuts – is a stunner of an app. 1250 Hylan Blvd, 718.420.6150 osteriabocelli.com
BREAKING BREAD
27 Seguine Avenue 718.356.8989 breakingbreadsi.com Italian $$
BRIOSO
This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine to New Jersey and New York since 1995. Specials rotate daily and seasonally, though appetizers like zucchini flowers are always a crowd favorite. All pasta is made by hand on site, the fresh mozzarella is prepared tableside, and the fish is cleaned and presented in front of the customers. 174 New Dorp Ln, 718.667.1700 briosorestaurants.com
BRUNO’S
1650 Hylan Blvd. 718.987.5859 brunosnyc.com Italian $$$
CAFÉ BELLA VITA
1919 Hylan Blvd. 718.667.5656 cafebellavita.net Cafe $$
CAFE LUNA
The Nuccio family takes pride in the longevity of their vibrant Sicilian restaurants, still serving fresh, quality Italian cuisine and decadent desserts 30 years after opening. Menu highlights include crab cakes with cognac sauce, spicy alla arrabiata pies, and veal parmesan. Oh, did we mention the novel-long wine list? 31 Page Ave, 718.227.8582; 1300 Hylan Blvd, 718.351.3235 cafelunanyc.com
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ANGELINA’S KITCHEN’S
This rustic Italian eatery helmed by Angelina and Vincent Malerba (of Angelina’s Ristorante) offers a more relaxed setting, accented by warm wooden tables, leafy plants and fresh herbs, and vintagechic lighting. Smiling mixologists greet diners from behind the full bar, offering everything from Tuscan chianti and prosecco to scratch-made specialty cocktails to accompany the fare. 280 Marsh Ave, angelinaskitchennyc.com
DELUCA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Inspired by his great grandfather’s cookbook, Rob Deluca has put together a cult-favorite menu that evokes a Sunday dinner with the family so much so that his own mother greets every guest as they enter and knows regulars by name. A signature item is their meatballs, pan seared and served with a side of freshly made ricotta. 7324 Amboy Rd, 718.227.7200 delucasitalian.com
CAFÉ MILANO
401 Forest Ave. 718.720.1313 cafemilanosi.com Italian $$
CARGO CAFÉ
120 Bay St. 718.273.7770 cargocafe.nyc American $$
CAMPANIA
240 Page Ave. 347.983.4998 3900 Richmond Ave. 718.227.3286 801 Hylan Blvd 718.979.8500 campaniacoalfiredpizza.com Italian $$
CHEF’S LOFT AT THE STONE HOUSE
Score one of the most exclusive tables in NYC right here on Staten Island. The Chef’s Loft is tucked within a historic stone building in Clove Lake’s Park and boasts a stunning lake view. In a private dining room, dive into a tasting menu that features a monthly rotation of five tantalizing courses paired with wine all cooked personally by James Beard award winning chef Peter Botros. A must-try! 1150 Clove Rd, 718.925.3406 thestonehousesi.com
CIELO
1435 Hylan Blvd. 718.668.2211 cielosi.com Italian $$$$
CIRO
862 Huguenot Ave 718.605.0620 ciropizzacafes.com Italian $$
COLE’S DOCKSIDE
369 Cleveland Ave. 718.948.5588 colesdockside.com
CROWN PALACE
1267 Forest Ave 718.876.7888 crownpalace.net Chinese $$
DADDY O’S
185 Bricktown Way 347.215.2133 daddyosbbq.com BBQ $$
DA NOI
A longstanding Staten Island institution, this family owned Italian bistro has two locations in the borough (and one in NJ), so hungry residents have twice the opportunity to feast on homemade delicacies like penne alla vodka, Chilean sea bass, and veal marsala. 138 Fingerboard Rd; 4358 Victory Blvd, 718) 720-1650 danoinyc.com
FUSHIMI
Fushimi fuses traditional Japanese fare with inventive French-inspired nouvelle cuisine. Try the famed “King of Steak” a filet mignon accompanied by roasted bone marrow with galbi short rib and parsley salt, crispy mashed potato, and marinated vegetables. 2110 Richmond Rd, 718.980.5300; 17 Page Ave, 718.356.3333 fushimigroup.com
FLOUR AND OAK
This contemporary-chic Italian fusion restaurant and bar is a completely new vision for the Malerba family; rather than white tablecloths or rustic wooden wall paneling illuminated by candlelight, they splashed the restaurant with vibrant color and abstract art. The dishes are all rooted in classic Italian fundamentals, but they are buzzing with vibrant flavors from all over the globe. 12 Mint Horne St, 646.949.8988, flourandoak.com
ITALIANISSIMO
Italianissimo’s casual yet elegant atmosphere features a restaurant, café, and bar. Fine Italian fare is made from high-quality ingredients. Dishes span everything from rigatoni with a cognac sauce and sliced shell steak in a balsamic sauce to orecchiette baresi with broccoli rabe and sausage in garlic and oil, plus bistecca alla griglia, a simple and perfectly grilled shell steak. 107 McClean Ave, 718.442.4442, italianissimony.com
DELUCA’S TRATTORIA
This West Brighton eatery aims to do justice to the Trattoria tradition, one plate of homemade pasta at a time. The kitchen of DeLuca’s Trattoria is led by chef Salvatore Musso, who’s been with owner Rob DeLuca since his early days of restaurant ownership. Think fried calamari and filet mignon carpaccio followed by bubbling pizzas, from scratch pastas, and mains like pistachio pork chops and pan-seared salmon. 616 Forest Ave, 718.442.7204 delucasitalian.com
DENINO’S
524 Port Richmond Ave. 718.442.9401 deninossi.com Italian $$
DOLCE FANTASIA
2935 Veterans Rd. West 718.290.9936 dolcefantasia.us Italian $$$
DON CHEECH
1271 Bay St. 718.285.4401 doncheechnyc.com Italian $$$
DUFFY’S
650 Forest Ave. 718.447.9276 American pub $$
EAST PACIFIC
2655 Richmond Ave. 718.370.2225 Pan Asian $$ eastpacificsi.com
EAT ITALIAN NYC
655 Rossville Ave. 718.966.4186 eatitaliannyc.com Italian $$
ENOTECA MARIA
This chic Italian wine bar and restaurant celebrates the spirit of enotecas, which are “wine libraries” (really!), popular in Italy. Each one of the restaurant’s cooks comes from a different region of Italy, and all share a passion for cooking traditional dishes with fresh ingredients. The menu changes daily, created by the “cook of the day.” 27 Hyatt St, 718.447.2777, enotecamaria.com
FIG & VINE
710 New Dorp Ln 917.830.0230 figandvinenyc.com Italian $$$
FIORE DI MARE
227 Mansion Ave. 718.227.9771 fioredimaresi.com Italian $$$$
FILONCINO CAFE
4569 Amboy Rd. 718.317.1241 Cafe/sandwiches $$
GOODFELLA’S
1817 Victory Blvd. 718.815.8500 1718 Hylan Blvd 718.987.2422 goodfellasusa.com Italian $$
GIULIANA’S RISTORANTE
The culinary experience here kicks off with gourmet apps followed by fine traditional Italian cuisine served in a warm, intimate atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy a sweeping selection of coffees, homemade pastries, coppe di gelato, and cordials. 4105 Hylan Blvd, 718.317.8507 giulianassi.com
HO’ BRAH
412 Forest Ave. 718.442.8226 4895 Arthur Kill Rd. 929.529.8500 31 New Dorp Plaza 347.825.2717 hobrahtacos.com Mexican $$
THE HOP SHOPPE
372 Van Duzer St. 718.448.3400 thehopshoppe.com Gastropub $$
IL SOGNO RISTORANTE
26 Jefferson Blvd. 718.356.7800 ilsognoNYC.com Italian $$
J’S ON THE BAY
1189 Bay Street 718.720.0922 jsonthebaysiny.com Gourmet diner $$
LORENZO’S RESTAURANT, BAR & CABARET
Named one of the best romantic restaurants in NYC by NBC Channel 4, this colorful restaurant and cabaret concept is located at the picturesque Hilton Garden Inn. The food, ambiance, and attentive staff offer a truly memorable experience, perfect for date night or a special occasion. Its menu features gluten-free and other healthy options, too. 1100 South Ave, 718.477.2400 ext. 4 lorenzosdining.com
PANINI GRILL
West Brighton’s Panini Grill has long served as a neighborhood gathering hub, a place to break bread (and share pasta) over wine and laughter. A recent expansion and renewed focus on parties, events, and large groups means that for Staten Islanders, the party doesn’t ever have to stop. Since the expansion, there have been parties without end: christenings, baptisms, graduations, birthday parties, baby showers, wedding showers, and more. 538 Forest Ave, 718.981.2999, paninigrillsi.com
JAC MAO
1771 Hylan Blvd. 718.979.6100 jacmao.com Chinese $$$
JOE AND PAT’S
1758 Victory Blvd. 718.981.0887 joeandpatsny.com Italian $
JIMMY MAX 280
Watchogue Rd. 718.983.6715 jimmymax.com Italian $$
JUICY LUCY BBQ
809 Father Cap. Blvd. 718.979.1888 4318 Amboy Rd. 718.317.7427 juicylucybbq.com BBQ $$
KILLMEYER’S
4254 Arthur Kill Rd. 718.984.1202 killmeyers.com German $$
KUZINA
1458 Hylan Blvd. 718.980.4744 895 Huguenot Ave 718.227.2700 kuzinaonline.com Greek $$
LA CANDELA ESPANOLA
3923 Amboy Rd. 718.356.8798 lacandelasi.com Spanish $$$$
LA FONTANA
2879 Amboy Rd. 718.667.4343 lafontanasiny.com Italian $$$$
LA STRADA
This New Dorp Lane favorite has been serving high-end Italian flavors from the same location for nearly 30 years. Enjoy the cozy fireplace and inviting ambiance while sampling dishes that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. We recommend the “old world” homemade lasagna or the chicken cordon bleu. 139 New Dorp Ln, 718.667.4040 cafelastrada.com
LAVA
A fusion of traditional Spanish cuisine with classic Italian fare defines the unforgettable menu created by star chef Marco Costanzo at this lively restaurant and lounge – one of the newest fine dining locations to take up residence on the South Shore. The juicy (and massive) porterhouse and tomahawk steaks are simply must tries! 4916 Arthur Kill Rd, 929.744.1575 lavanyc.com
LEE’S TAVERN
60 Hancock St. 718.667.9749 leestavernnyc.com Pizza $$
LIGRECI’S STAATEN
697 Forest Ave. 718.448.6000 Italian $$$
MAIZAL
990 Bay St. 347.825.3776 maizalrestaurant.com Mexican $$
MARINA CAFÉ
154 Mansion Ave. 718.967.3077 marinacafesiny.com Seafood/American $$$
MAX’S ES-CA
Delicious Italian fare and exceptional seafood in a romantic yet casual atmosphere. The cozy establishment also offers a locally famous raw bar. Try the beef Wellington, a filet mignon topped with a mushroom duxelle and wrapped in pastry dough, served over sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes with a brandy cream sauce. 1559 Richmond Rd, 718.980.5006 maxsesca.com
MEZCALS
20 Bradley Avenue 718.494.4547 mezcalssi.com Mexican $$
MILLIE’S OF STATEN ISLAND
Known for their artisan pizza and grandma’s meatballs, Millie’s has something for everyone. Fan favorites include the signature Millie’s Pie, made with sauteed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkling of parmesan. Specialty steak nights are now extended Wed-Sat, which include an unforgettable steak dinner for two. 185 Bricktown Way, 973.267.4992 milliesoldworld.com
SOFIA’S TAQUERIA
From the first day Sofia’s Taqueria, an authentic pueblo style taco and tequila bar famed for scratch made tortillas and a multi-page tequila and mezcal menu, opened its doors on Bay Street in January 2019, Staten Islanders from the South Shore began salivating for an outpost of their own. That dream is now a reality, with a new location on Amboy Road in Eltingville serving up menu favorites like empanadas, fajitas, and Sofia’s secret guac. 977 Bay St, 929.244.8948; 4370 Amboy Rd, 646.798.7985, sofiastaquerianyc.com
THE STONE HOUSE AT CLOVE LAKES
When Peter Botros is in the kitchen at the Stone House, crafting dishes for the hundreds of diners who frequent his Clove Lakes restaurant on any given night, the chef always leans classic: wedge salad, rack of lamb, roasted chicken, and mashed potatoes. The historic locale is also a citywide favorite for hosting events: bridal showers, graduations, weddings, and more. The delectable menu is the perfect match for a background view of the Scenic Park and lake. 1150 Clove Rd, 718.442.3600, thestonehousesi.com
MIZU STEAK & HIBACHI
240 Page Ave. 718.608.8809 mizuhibachi.com Japanese/steak $$$
NINO’S
1110 Hylan Blvd. 718.448.3838 ninosrestaurant.com Italian $$$
NUCCI’S
4842 Arthur Kill Rd. 718.967.3600 nuccisny.com Italian $$$
NURNBERGER BIERHAUS
817 Castelton Ave. 718.816.7461 German $$
O’HENRY’S PUBLICK HOUSE
10 Minthorne St. 718.442.6200 ohenryspub.com British $$ ORIENTAL PLAZA 1845 Richmond Ave. 718.761.8668 Asian $$
PANINO RUSTICO
2110 Richmond Rd. 718.351.0100 Italian $$
PASTAVINO
44 Navy Pier Ct. 718.556.9300 pastavinosi.com Italian $$
THE PASTRAMI SHOPPE
4126 Hylan Blvd. 718.255.9061 Sandwiches $$
PIZZERIA GIOVE
Consistently ranked among the best pizzerias in the borough (and the city at large!), Giove is an Island staple that must be experienced firsthand. Come for the specialty pies like the Del Pizzaiolo and the Gustosa, and stay for the homemade Tiramisu. 278 New Dorp Ln, pizzeriagiovestatenisland.com
PORTOBELLO CAFE
4221 Hylan Blvd. 718.356.2233 portobellocafesi.com Italian $$$
PROJECT BRUNCH
4553 Arthur Kill Rd. 718.605.9866 projectbrunch.com Brunch $$
ROYAL CUCINA
1350 Hylan Blvd. 718.668.0284 royalcrownsi.com Italian $$
REAL MADRID
2075 Forest Ave. 718.447.7885 realmadridrestaurant.com Spanish $$$
THE RICHMOND
695 Bay St. 718.489.8805 therichmondsi.com American $$
REGGIANO’S
7339 Amboy Rd 718.966.6610 4126 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, 10308 347.562.4450 reggianosbrickoven.com Italian $$
RICHMOND REPUBLIC
4459 Amboy Rd. 718.356.7425 richmondrepublic.com Gastropub $$
RUDDY & DEAN
44 Richmond Terr. 718.816.4400 ruddyanddean.com American $$$$
RUSTIC PIZZA
97 Lincoln Ave. 212.425.2623 rusticpizzapasteria.com Italian $$
SALLY’S SOUTHERN & BBQ Sally’s Southern is an homage to co-owner Phil Farinacci’s late mother whose words and spirit permeate the space. The food is southern comfort at its finest: fried-chicken, lobster gumbo, shrimp and grits, and Georgia peach salad. A newly updated menu now includes a host of classic barbecue favorites, including Texas beef brisket, southern smoked chicken, and Carolina pulled pork. 427 Forest Ave, 718.727.2559 sallyssouthern.com
SANDWICH AND PICKLE
1949 Richmond Ave. 718.971.1570 sandwichandpickle.com Modern deli $$
SOUTH FIN GRILL
This swanky seaside restaurant serves delectable food in a stylish scene, ideal for both dining and mingling. Picturesque beach views add ambiance, as does the ocean deck. A raw bar and sushi menu are offered along with a variety of other ocean-forward dishes, like soy-glazed Chilean sea bass, accompanied with sticky rice, baby bok choy, and wasabi vinaigrette. Have an afterdinner cocktail in the trendy lounge space. 300 Father Capodanno Blvd, 516.744.3862 southfingrill.com
TASTE OF INDIA II
287 New Dorp Ln. 718.987.4700 tasteofindia2.com Indian $$
TAQUERIA EL GALLO AZTECA
75 Victory Blvd. 718.273.6404 Mexican $
TAVERNA ON THE BAY
661 Bay St. 718.524.5686 tavernaonthebay.com
THE LOCAL
316 Manor Rd. 718.816.6466 thelocalsi.com
TOMMY’S TAVERN + TAP
2655 Richmond Ave. 718.489.2201 tommystavernandtap.com Pizza/burgers/sushi $$
TOMO
4561 Amboy Rd. 718.227.5100 tomostatenisland.com Japanese $$
TOWNE DELI & PIZZERIA
5373 Arthur Kill Rd. 718.227.1985 townedelipizzasi.com Italian $$
VILLA PARADISO
145 Greaves Lane Staten Island, 10308 718.227.2405 villaparadisorestaurant.com Italian/steakhouse $$$
VILLA MONTE
7001 Amboy Road 718.984.9886 villamontepizza.com Italian/pizza $$
VIOLETTE’S CELLAR
Located on Hylan Boulevard in the borough’s New Dorp neighborhood and set in the quaint basement site that formerly housed La Botte then Troy, Violette’s Cellar features a chic underground design. “Our menu features contemporary American small plates that the entire table should experience as a group. It’s not essentially family style, but the way it’s designed encourages guests to order together and get everyone at the table talking about the food,” noted the owner. 2271 Hylan Blvd, 718.650.5050, violettescellar.com
VITALIA
2935 Veterans Rd. W 718.368.6198 vitaliasi.com Italian $$$
WYNWOOD 24 Navy Pier Ct. 347.855.2400 wynwoodnyc.com Brunch/eclectic $$
ZIO TOTO
On any given night you’ll find Zio Toto’s white tablecloth dining room packed to the brim. You’ll find pizza fired in a wood-burning oven topped with burrata mozzarella flown in from Caserta, Italy, a town near Naples. You’ll also find just about every type of pasta dish, including the rich costolette di tagliatelle (braised short ribs with a house made barolo wine sauce). The owners believe the best restaurants begin with family fare, and that’s evident at Zio Toto. From the start, the backbone of their menu has been recipes that the owners grew up eating. 86 Page Ave, 718.317.0373, ziototo.com