Why Staten Island Is a Great Place for Food Lovers
Staten Island, often deemed the overlooked borough of New York City, is a hidden gem that offers a plethora of gastronomic delights.
The borough’s culinary scene is as varied as its communities, offering a mix of old-school restaurants and new, trendy spots.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a curious visitor, you can experience the island’s diverse palate of flavors by exploring these 10 best Staten Island restaurants.
The 10 Best Staten Island Restaurants
1. Patrizia's of Brooklyn
Patrizia’s is one of the best restaurants in Staten Island that specializes in Neapolitan cuisine.
This famed restaurant is the perfect spot for your next lunch or dinner with family or friends, offering a casual and inviting atmosphere.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Chicken Pera – Stuffed with spinach, pear, breadcrumbs, wrapped in bacon, and served with marsala sauce.
- Schiacciata – Round brick oven pizza panini stuffed with prosciutto, arugula, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, shaved parmigiano.
- NY Strip Steak – Served with homemade black truffle potatoes and fresh.
✍️ Reviews:
“Best restaurant in Staten Island. Food, Service, Deserts, Atmosphere , this restaurant has it all. Staff is incredible and so attentive to service.”
📝 Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 4255 Amboy Rd, Staten Island, NY 10308
Click here to check out their menu!
2. Osteria by Primo
Osteria By Primo is one of the popular Staten Island Italian restaurants, specializing in traditional Italian cuisine. Their menu features classic pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and delectable desserts.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Marco Polo – Pan-seared cutlets with Madeira wine, topped with prosciutto, mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella.
- Grilled Alaskan Salmon – Pan-roasted wild-caught Alaskan salmon fillet topped with citrus sauce and orange segments.
- Branzino – Mediterranean Sea bass grilled or roasted whole, topped with a lemon and olive oil dressing.
Reviews:
“The entire experience was amazing! We had a birthday party here for myself and my mom with a prefixe menu that my mom and Dan made. Literally EVERY SINGLE FOOD ITEM was out of this world. The mushroom pizza, filet oreganata, and eggplant rollitini were the absolute winners but literally every item including salads, calamari, fried zucchini, chicken parm/francese, flank steak and the pizzas were all to die for. The service and hospitality were great and made you feel like you were having a meal at home, every request was taken care of asap. Dan even offered to pick up a can of Pepsi for my Pepsi loving grandma since they serve coke products. Overall amazing and I’m so glad to have this addition in Staten Island. I’ll be going all the time. Recommended 100%.”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 1282 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10304
Click here to check out their menu!
3. Osteria Santina
Osteria Santina is a charming Italian restaurant in Staten Island known for serving traditional Italian fare with a modern twist. Patrons come back for their rich, homemade pasta dishes made with vibrant herb-infused sauces that elevate every bite.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Fresh Fusilli Primavera – Sauteed with broccoli, peas, spinach, carrots, fresh tomato, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Nonna Pie – Classic grandma square pan pie, mutti tomato, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and pecorino cheese.
- Veal Santina – Veal Layered with prosciutto, spinach and mozzarella cheese with marsala wine demi-glace.
Reviews:
“Owned by awesome gentlemen who are always present. Flawless service … superior food. Beautiful place .. always deservedly super busy…great bartenders and a nice bar area. Huge dining space. Great for parties ..lunch ..dinner…holidays. Worth going for any reason. Best restaurant in Staten Island…no comparison.”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 502 Jewett Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302
Click here to check out their menu!
4. Sapori Ristorante
Another popular Italian spot that offers the best taste of authentic Italian flavors, crafted from the finest ingredients and traditional recipes. Try their classic pasta dish or one of their innovative new creations.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Gnocchi al Pesto – Potato gnocchi in a creamy pesto sauce.
- Risotto Sapori – Zucchini, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and saffron.
- Pollo Scarpariello – Boneless chicken with sausage and hot peppers in a white wine sauce.
Reviews:
“Best restaurant on Staten Island! Food is amazing and the staff is great!”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 3800 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312
Click here to check out their menu!
5. Blue
Blue is a premier waterfront dining destination in Staten Island that presents breathtaking views of the water as you indulge in delectable Mediterranean fare.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Chicken Sorrentino – Chicken cutlets layered with eggplant, prosciutto, provolone cheese, and sherry wine sauce.
- Salmon Teriyaki – Glazed wild Scottish salmon over spring greens with apples, feta, dried figs, cranberries, and strawberries. Laced with orange amaretto vinaigrette.
- The Steakhouse – Sliced grilled shell steak, melted cheddar cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes. Served with fries or curly fries.
Reviews:
“Excellent Staten Island restaurant that’s situated off of the Verrazano Narrows waterway. Great food, great drinks and great service. Highly recommended.”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 1115 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10310
Click here to check out their menu!
6. Beso
Conveniently located near St George Theater, Beso is a perfect place to enjoy a meal before a show.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Camaron al Ajillo – Shrimp and garlic sautéed in olive oil, sherry wine, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and served with toasted bread.
- Costillas Estofadas – Grilled baby back ribs basted with mango-ginger BBQ sauce.
- Cazuela de Chorizo – Authentic Spanish chorizo sliced and broiled with garlic, caramelized onions, sherry wine, and melted Spanish cheese.
Reviews:
“Fantastic find in Staten Island. Staff were so attentive and happy to help, food and drink also amazing. Thanks for helping to make our brief visit to Staten Island such fun. I just wish we were in NY longer so we could come back. Our first time trying oysters……. So amazing!”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 70 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301
Click here to check out their menu!
7. The Stone House at Clove Lakes
The Stone House at Clove Lakes is a beautiful place to go on a culinary adventure, situated on the waterfront, with a gazebo, fountains, and a lakeside patio where guests can gaze at gorgeous views and breathtaking scenery.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon – Highly marbled, Kagoshima, Japan.
- Lamb Chops – Fire-grilled, roasted garlic, and horseradish cream.
- Stone House Clams Casino – Bacon, onion, red bell pepper, seasoned breadcrumbs.
Reviews:
“Such coziness and warmth on Staten Island. The food was delish, the service was amazing, and the atmosphere is just so cozy!”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 1150 Clove Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301
Click here to check out their menu!
8. Enoteca Maria / Nonnas of the World
Enoteca Maria serves cuisines from around the world in the most authentic way possible, with real “nonnas,” Italian for grandmothers, hired as chefs and using the recipes that were handed down to them. Dining here will give you a taste of what they actually cook at home for their families.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Spinach Lasagna – Layers of pasta with spinach, ricotta, and flavorful, house-made marinara sauce.
- Branzino al Cartoccio – Whole Mediterranean sea bass baked in parchment paper with a lemon-herb sauce. Served with flavorful sautéed vegetables.
- Coniglio della Casa – Herb-roasted tender rabbit served with a side salad.
Reviews:
“Every dish was exquisite! The Nonnas walk around to tables throughout the evening and mingle with guests. Worth a trip to Staten Island!”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 27 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301
Click here to check out their menu!
9. ZaRa Forest Grill
ZaRa is a traditional Turkish restaurant specializing in authentic Turkish dishes, prepared using the freshest ingredients and the best cuts of meat.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Chicken Picatta – Chicken breast cooked in garlic sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese and asparagus, served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
- Lamb Gyro – Thinly sliced marinated lamb and beef grilled on a shining vertical split grill.
- Salmon Shish – Cubes of char-grilled salmon served with mix green salad and chef’s delightfully light sauce.
Reviews:
“Have you ever wondered what kind of food is served in heaven? Well, this is the place! The food was phenomenal and made me consider selling my home and moving to Staten Island.”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 1745 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303
Click here to check out their menu!
10. Marina Cafe Restaurant & Tiki Bar
A fine-dining harbor-side restaurant featuring picturesque views of Great Kills Harbor, Marina Cafe is the perfect place to gather with family and friends.
⭐️ Must-Try:
- Pan Roasted Bronzini Fillet – Served over Swiss Chard risotto, and tomato Provencal.
- Roasted Cocoa Spiced Pork Tenderloin – Moonshine BBQ sauce, bacon-corn succotash, sweet mashed potato.
- Blackened Mahi Mahi – Butternut squash risotto, asparagus, shaved fennel salad.
Reviews:
“My favorite place in Staten Island.”
Restaurant Information:
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 154 Mansion Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308
Click here to check out their menu!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the gastronomic offerings of Staten Island will surely give you an unforgettable experience.
If you’d also like to explore the island’s real estate offerings, please feel free to call me today at 718-873-6144 or email me at Sumanoff@remaxedgeny.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What’s the best restaurant for Italian food in Staten Island?
Osteria By Primo is one of the best Italian restaurants in Staten Island, offering traditional Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. -
Are there any waterfront dining options on Staten Island?
Yes, there are. Some of the best waterfront dining options on Staten Island are Blue, Marina Cafe Restaurant & Tiki Bar, and The Stone House at Clove Lakes. -
Where can I find the best pizza in Staten Island?
There are a couple of restaurants on Staten Island that serve the best pizzas: Patrizia's of Brooklyn and Schiacciata.
