Local Restaurants & Favorites
Dining on Staten Island
Staten Island offers a wide variety of dining options, from neighborhood pizzerias and Italian restaurants to waterfront dining and casual cafés. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a family dinner, or a place to celebrate, the borough is home to many local favorites and longtime establishments.
Italian Restaurants
Staten Island is known for its strong Italian culinary tradition. Many local restaurants offer classic dishes such as homemade pasta, seafood, and traditional Italian specialties.
Waterfront Dining
Several Staten Island restaurants offer waterfront views along the North Shore and South Shore, providing scenic dining experiences with views of the harbor and surrounding areas.
Neighborhood Favorites
Throughout Staten Island you will find family-owned restaurants, neighborhood diners, and casual eateries that have served the community for generations.
Cafés & Bakeries
Local cafés and bakeries offer everything from espresso and pastries to desserts and light lunch options throughout the borough.
Casual Dining
From pizza and sandwiches to burgers and comfort food, Staten Island has a wide range of casual dining spots throughout its neighborhoods.
Exploring Local Restaurants
Many Staten Island neighborhoods have their own dining districts and local favorites, making it easy to explore new restaurants while getting to know different parts of the borough.
What I Love About Dining on Staten Island
One of the things that makes Staten Island special is the strong connection between local restaurants and the community. Many establishments are family-owned and have been serving residents for decades, creating a sense of familiarity and tradition.
From classic Italian restaurants and neighborhood pizzerias to newer cafés and dining spots, the borough offers a wide variety of places to enjoy a meal while supporting local businesses.
Dining on Staten Island also reflects the borough’s diverse neighborhoods, where each area offers its own mix of restaurants, bakeries, and local favorites.
Explore More Staten Island Resources
Looking to learn more about life on Staten Island? Explore our neighborhood guide, transportation resources, and local insights.
Local Favorites
Staten Island Dining Favorites
Staten Island has a strong dining culture built around family-owned restaurants, classic pizzerias, bakeries, and neighborhood institutions. From Italian favorites to sushi, bakeries, and waterfront dining, these restaurants represent some of the borough’s well-known local spots.
Italian Restaurants
- Tutto Apposto – a South Shore Italian restaurant known for elevated Italian cuisine.
- Patrizia’s – lively family-style Italian dining popular for celebrations.
- Corrado’s Cucina – a neighborhood Italian restaurant known for traditional dishes.
- Trattoria Romana – classic Italian dining and longtime Staten Island favorite.
- Bocelli – upscale Italian dining often chosen for special occasions.
Classic Staten Island Pizza
- Denino’s Pizzeria – one of Staten Island’s most famous pizzerias.
- Lee’s Tavern – legendary bar pies in Dongan Hills.
- Joe & Pat’s – thin-crust pizza with a strong following.
- Brother’s Pizza – a neighborhood staple for pizza and casual Italian food.
- Round Pie Pizza Company – a newer Staten Island favorite.
Bakeries & Italian Specialties
- Royal Crown Bakery – famous for breads, pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
- Sal’s Bakery – classic Staten Island Italian bakery.
- Pastosa Ravioli – fresh pasta, ravioli, and Italian specialty foods.
- Piece-A-Cake – popular Staten Island bakery and dessert shop.
Waterfront & Scenic Dining
- The Stone House at Clove Lakes – upscale dining near Clove Lakes Park.
- Blue Restaurant – seafood and marina views in Great Kills.
- The Marina Café – waterfront dining with harbor views.
- Violette’s Cellar – a romantic dining destination on the North Shore.
Sushi & International Dining
- Genki Sushi (Arden) – a popular local sushi restaurant.
- Enoteca Maria – known for rotating international “grandmother” chefs.
- New Asha Sri Lanka Restaurant – well-known for Sri Lankan cuisine.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices – iconic Staten Island dessert spot.
- Pronto Pizza – classic Staten Island pizza and Italian comfort food.
- Flagship Brewery – local brewery and casual dining in St. George.
Dining on Staten Island reflects the borough’s diverse neighborhoods and strong community ties. Many of these restaurants have served generations of Staten Island families and continue to be part of the borough’s local culture.
The Stone House at Clove Lakes
Located near beautiful Clove Lakes Park, The Stone House is one of Staten Island’s most popular special-occasion restaurants, known for its elegant atmosphere, lakeside setting, outdoor dining, and memorable brunch, lunch, and dinner options.
Visit The Stone House WebsiteCoral Bay Cafe
Located near Conference House Park, Coral Bay Cafe is a South Shore favorite for relaxed waterfront dining, seafood, Italian specialties, outdoor seating, and sunset views along the Arthur Kill.
Visit Coral Bay CafeMarina Café
Set along Great Kills Harbor, Marina Café offers seafood, steaks, cocktails, outdoor seating, and marina views, making it a natural stop after visiting Great Kills Park.
Visit Marina CaféAnnadale Diner
A longtime neighborhood staple, Annadale Diner is a convenient casual stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or coffee after exploring Blue Heron Park Nature Center.
Visit Annadale TerraceDeLuca's Italian Restaurant
A polished South Shore favorite, DeLuca's is a great dining choice after visiting Mount Loretto Unique Area, offering Italian cuisine, steaks, seafood, cocktails, and an elegant atmosphere.
Visit DeLuca'sCorrado's Cucina
Corrado's Cucina is a comfortable Mid-Island dining option for Italian food, family dinners, and a convenient meal after exploring the Greenbelt or LaTourette Park.
Visit Corrado's CucinaWest Shore Inn Steakhouse
A Staten Island classic, West Shore Inn Steakhouse is a fitting stop after visiting Freshkills Park, known for hearty steakhouse favorites, seafood, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Visit West Shore InnBeso
Located in St. George, Beso is a stylish dining spot near the Staten Island Ferry, St. George Theatre, and the North Shore waterfront, making it a great choice before or after exploring the area.
Visit BesoExplore By Area
Dining by Neighborhood
Many Staten Island neighborhoods have their own local favorites, nearby commercial corridors, and restaurants that reflect the character of the surrounding community.
St. George
Explore waterfront dining, local restaurants, breweries, and neighborhood spots on Staten Island’s North Shore.
Great Kills
Discover marina-area dining, seafood options, and neighborhood favorites throughout the South Shore.
Annadale
Find nearby cafés, casual dining, and neighborhood staples close to residential South Shore communities.
Tottenville
Explore local dining near Staten Island’s southernmost neighborhood, including restaurants and waterfront-adjacent areas.
Charleston
Browse nearby restaurants, shopping center dining, and casual spots in one of the South Shore’s growing areas.
Westerleigh
See what’s nearby along Forest Avenue and surrounding neighborhoods with access to classic Staten Island favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dining on Staten Island
What are the best restaurants on Staten Island?
Staten Island offers everything from waterfront dining and classic Italian restaurants to steakhouses, diners, seafood spots, pizzerias, and neighborhood favorites. Popular choices include The Stone House at Clove Lakes, Marina Café, Coral Bay Cafe, DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant, Corrado’s Cucina, West Shore Inn Steakhouse, Beso, Blue, and Blue Pearl.
Which Staten Island restaurants have waterfront views?
For waterfront dining, consider Marina Café in Great Kills, Coral Bay Cafe in Tottenville, Blue on the North Shore waterfront, and The Stone House at Clove Lakes for a beautiful lakeside setting.
Do I need reservations for Staten Island restaurants?
Reservations are strongly recommended for popular Staten Island restaurants, especially on weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Restaurants such as The Stone House, Marina Café, DeLuca’s, Beso, Blue, Blue Pearl, and Coral Bay Cafe can get busy, so calling ahead or booking online is always a smart move.
What are the best restaurants near Staten Island parks?
Many Staten Island parks are located near excellent restaurants. After visiting Clove Lakes Park, consider The Stone House. Near Conference House Park, Coral Bay Cafe is a South Shore favorite. Great Kills Park pairs well with Marina Café, Blue Heron Park Nature Center with Annadale Diner, Mount Loretto Unique Area with DeLuca’s, The Greenbelt with Corrado’s Cucina, and Freshkills Park with West Shore Inn Steakhouse.
Where can I enjoy outdoor dining on Staten Island?
Outdoor dining is popular throughout Staten Island, especially during warmer months. Great options include Marina Café, Coral Bay Cafe, Blue, Beso, The Stone House, and Blue Pearl. Availability can change by season, so it is best to confirm patio or outdoor seating when making a reservation.
Which Staten Island restaurants are good for special occasions?
For birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, business dinners, and celebrations, popular Staten Island choices include The Stone House, Marina Café, DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant, Beso, Blue, Blue Pearl, and Coral Bay Cafe.
What are the best Italian restaurants on Staten Island?
Staten Island is known for Italian dining, from polished restaurants to casual neighborhood favorites. DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant, Corrado’s Cucina, Campania, Trattoria Romana, Angelina’s Kitchen, and many local trattorias are popular options.
Which restaurants are close to the Staten Island Ferry?
In St. George, Beso is close to the Staten Island Ferry, the St. George Theatre, Empire Outlets, and the North Shore waterfront. The area also offers casual dining, bars, and waterfront options for visitors arriving by ferry.
Where can I get seafood on Staten Island?
Seafood lovers have several great Staten Island options, including Marina Café, Coral Bay Cafe, Blue, Blue Pearl, The Stone House, and many Italian restaurants that feature fresh seafood dishes.
Can you recommend a restaurant based on where I am visiting?
Yes. Here are a few easy pairings:
| If You’re Visiting | Consider Dining At |
|---|---|
| Conference House Park | Coral Bay Cafe |
| Clove Lakes Park | The Stone House at Clove Lakes |
| Great Kills Park | Marina Café |
| Blue Heron Park Nature Center | Annadale Diner |
| Mount Loretto Unique Area | DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant |
| The Greenbelt / LaTourette Park | Corrado’s Cucina |
| Freshkills Park | West Shore Inn Steakhouse |
| St. George Waterfront | Beso |