Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies on Staten Island
1. Denino's Pizzeria & Tavern
A Staten Island icon since 1937, Denino’s turns out ultra-crisp, thin-crust tavern pies topped with fennel-kissed sausage, tangy sauce, and bubbly mozzarella in a no-frills neighborhood setting.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the benchmark for Staten Island pizza—perfect for tasting the borough’s signature bar-pie style at the source.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 2–5 pm to avoid peak dinner waits; weekends fill up quickly after 6 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a sausage pie with fried calamari and walk two blocks for dessert at Ralph’s Italian Ices when lines are shorter before dusk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
“Worth the ferry ride” and “best crust in NYC” are common refrains; families and old-timers pack the dining room.
2. Joe & Pat's Pizzeria
Paper-thin pies with a delicate char, sweet tomato sauce, and a whisper of mozzarella define this Victory Boulevard stalwart beloved by locals for over half a century.
✓ Why Go:
To compare two legendary Staten Island pizza philosophies in one trip—Denino’s sturdier crackle versus Joe & Pat’s wafer-thin elegance.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch (2–4 pm) for fastest seating; evenings are lively and can mean a short wait.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a half vodka, half margherita pie to sample two house favorites without over-ordering.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about the balance of crisp crust and light toppings; many call it their “desert island” slice.
3. Lee's Tavern
A cozy, wood-paneled tavern pouring cold beer and serving cracker-thin bar pies plus Staten Island classics like baked clams and shrimp parmesan heroes.
✓ Why Go:
For the archetypal bar-pizza experience where locals gather and pies arrive blistered, salty, and impossibly snackable.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weekdays; weekend nights are standing-room-only.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a plain pie plus a white pie and add hot cherry peppers—regulars swear by the combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Neighborhood favorite with a cult following; visitors call it “unpretentious perfection.”
4. Ralph's Famous Italian Ices
The original walk-up window for dozens of house-made ices—from classic lemon to rainbow cookie—fueling summer nights on the North Shore for decades.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a sweet slice of Staten Island nostalgia and the ideal cool-down after a Port Richmond pizza crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer evenings before 8 pm to beat prime-time lines; spring and early fall offer shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Create your own two-flavor combo—lemon mixed with cherry, or coconut with chocolate—locals love experimenting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
“Mandatory stop” with generous portions and lively neighborhood vibes.
5. Enoteca Maria
A singular trattoria where rotating grandmothers (“nonnas”) from around the world cook regional menus—think hand-rolled pastas, Sicilian caponata, or Georgian khachapuri—beside a robust Italian wine list.
✓ Why Go:
For a heartfelt, home-cooked experience that changes nightly and celebrates immigrant culinary traditions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dinner service; reservations recommended, especially Thursday–Sunday.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead or check social channels to see which nonna is cooking and plan your visit around a cuisine you’re curious about.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe it as intimate, soulful, and “like eating in someone’s kitchen.”
6. Lakruwana
Vivid murals, warm hospitality, and deeply spiced Sri Lankan dishes—string hoppers, lamprais, sambols, and curries—on the Bay Street corridor known for South Asian flavors.
✓ Why Go:
To explore Staten Island’s Sri Lankan heartland and a cuisine you won’t find widely across NYC.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend lunch for a relaxed meal; evenings are buzzy and great for sharing multiple curries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order lamprais (banana-leaf rice with curries) and ask for a side of pol sambol for a bright, coconut-chili kick.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise bold flavors and generous portions; many call it their gateway to Sri Lankan food.
7. Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn
A 19th-century roadhouse pouring German lagers alongside pretzels, wursts, and schnitzels in a wood-beamed beer hall with a spacious garden.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a time-warped slice of Old World comfort food on the far South Shore, perfect for hearty appetites.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or early evening; the beer garden shines in spring and fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share a sausage sampler and ask about seasonal bocks or Oktoberfest pours on draft.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars love the gemütlich vibe and consistency; newcomers are charmed by the setting and value.
8. Flagship Brewing Company
Staten Island’s hometown brewery near the ferry with a lively taproom pouring small-batch ales and lagers, frequent food pop-ups, and community events.
✓ Why Go:
To taste borough-made beer steps from St. George’s restaurants—and often pair it with local vendor bites.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday–Saturday for the fullest tap list and pop-ups; quieter sips on Sunday afternoons.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a flight of seasonals and ask staff for suggested pairings with whatever pop-up is in-house.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly, unpretentious, and “very Staten Island”—a fun pre- or post-ferry stop.
9. Royal Crown Bakery
An old-world Italian bakery famed for crusty breads, hero loaves, cannoli, and elaborate pastries—plus a cafe menu of panini and espresso.
✓ Why Go:
Bread lovers and sweet tooths get the best of both worlds, from sesame-studded loaves to impeccably filled cannoli.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for the freshest bread; weekends see lines but fast turnover.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a warm semolina or prosciutto bread and a ricotta-filled sfogliatella to go for a waterfront picnic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
“A Staten Island staple” with rave reviews for freshness and variety.
10. Angelina's Ristorante
Elegant South Shore destination for house-made pastas, seafood towers, and steaks with marina views—ideal for special-occasion dining.
✓ Why Go:
Combines refined Italian cooking with a scenic setting that feels like a mini getaway within the borough.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for sunsets over the water; reservations recommended on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonal crudo and house-made pastas; request a terrace table in mild weather.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise polished service, celebratory vibes, and plates that match the views.
