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Staten Island is perfect for those who aren’t into the usual, overhyped tourist spots. If you’re looking for something different, come over here to Staten Island!
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RELATED POST: 10 Best Italian Restaurants in New York City, USA
All across the island — top to bottom, sauce to meatball — the best Italian restaurants in Staten Island are famous for their giant portions, mouthwatering flavors, and smiles as warm as fresh breadsticks. It’s heaven if you’re into some seriously tasty eats while exploring a cool corner of the city that’s still kind of a hidden gem.
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Staten Island, NY
And now… are you ready to treat yourself to some heavenly delicious Italian cuisine? Come on, let’s go!
1. Enotica Maria / Nonnas of the World
27 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301, United States
What if I told you there’s a restaurant in New York run entirely by grandmas? Like, actual apron-wielding, slipper-shuffling, food-magician grandmas. You’d say, “Sure, and next you’ll tell me they ride unicorns to work.” Well — hold the unicorns, but yes. This is a real thing.
It’s called Enoteca Maria, and it’s in Staten Island. Which means yes, you’ll need to hop on the Staten Island Ferry like a brave little foodie pirate. Go to the North Shore. That’s where the grandma magic lives.
Every dish is made by nonnas — a.k.a. grandmas from around the world who could destroy you in a cook-off and then hug you while doing it. There’s always an Italian nonna on deck (because duh), plus a rotating “Nonna of the World,” which sounds like a beauty pageant but with soup dumplings.
Today? Could be Nonna Maria from Naples and Nonna Fatima from Morocco, or your abuelita from the Dominican Republic with her side-splitting jokes, tag-teaming your tastebuds into submission. Tomorrow? Who knows. But rest assured, your stomach will weep joyfully.
They’re only open Friday to Sunday (because grandmas don’t do full-time anymore, honey), and they’re cash only — because card machines confuse them and ruin the vibe. Menu changes daily, reservations are wise, and prices are a smidge fancy, but you’re basically paying for edible hugs from international matriarchs.
Also, yes, that Netflix movie Nonnas? Based on this. Real-life heartwarming deliciousness. Bring cash. Bring appetite. Bring tissues. You might cry into your gnocchi.
2. Lee’s Tavern
60 Hancock St, Staten Island, NY 10305, United States
Tucked away like a secret your stomach wants to tell, there’s a family-run neighborhood pub with photos all over the walls — like Grandma’s fridge but with better lighting. Lee’s Tavern serves up a magical mix of pizza and brews, the kind that makes you sigh and forget your phone password!
After hopping off the Staten Island Ferry, take the SIR to Dongan Hills. Why? Because that’s where you’ll find one of the best pizza restaurants on all of Staten Island — tucked away like it’s in on some delicious secret.
And don’t just stop at pizza! The buffalo calamari demands your attention, too!
Lee’s Tavern is off the beaten path, yes, but isn’t that where the tastiest crumbs usually fall?
3. Sapori Ristorante
3800 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312, United States
You walk in, and suddenly it smells like Nonna’s in the kitchen — though no one confirmed. Insalata shows up, and you forget how words work. Pesto? Tiramisu? Yes, please.
Great portions, great food, great service, great… what was the last one? Ah yes — ambiance! All the greats showed up.
Chef’s kiss? More like chef’s full-on embrace. From the “ciao” to the last bite, it’s like they knew your taste buds personally.
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Pasta that makes your fork hesitate because it looks too good. Their gnocchi is poetry. If I were a knife, I’d volunteer to do the meat cuts!
By tiramisu at Sapori Ristorante, you’re already planning your return like it’s a second date. Cozy vibes, happy bites, and drinks that smile back.
Sapori Ristorante. Not yelling about it. Just really good.
4. Nino’s Restaurant
1110 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, United States
At Nino’s Restaurant, the calamari Fradiavlo might just wink at you before you eat it. Or maybe that’s just the steam. Either way, it’s good. Pollo sorrentino. Carbonata. The stracciatella soup — like a warm hug from an Italian grandma you’ve never met.
The place is cute. Not in a “tiny teacups” way — more like cozy, with that “we actually know how to cook” energy. The menu has depth. Like “take a snack before you read it all” depth.
Service is smoother than jazz. Plates land on your table like choreography. No clapping needed, but you might feel like applauding anyway.
Big portions too, so don’t be surprised when tomorrow’s lunch is basically déjà vu. Oh, and if you leave without trying the cheesecake, we’re not mad, just… disappointed.
5. Bocelli
1250 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, United States
Limoncello shows up after dinner like it forgot to RSVP — but no one minds. A kind little surprise from the restaurant, and honestly, who says no to that?
Gluten-free? You can ask, and they’ll nod like they’ve been expecting you. Vegetarian dishes stroll confidently onto the menu too, not making a fuss.
The interior is cozy — like the chairs and walls got together and agreed on being pleasant. And you’ll love the atmosphere that’s somehow buzzy and whisper-level calm at the same time.
READ: 10 Best Limoncello Brands
Bocelli may just sneak into your Staten Island favorites without knocking. Not loud about it, just… there, being good.
Prices dress a little fancier than your usual Staten Island spot, but they bring good company: the service and setting don’t show up underdressed.
Lovely staff, beautiful space, and yes, dessert just might high-five you on the way out!
6. Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern
524 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302, United States
Fold, crunch, repeat. That’s pretty much the rhythm at Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern in Staten Island. Thin crust? Oh, it’s there — crispy like it knows what it’s doing.
You walk in, and boom — no frills, just pizza, calamari, subs, and a staff that acts like you’ve been coming forever. The vibe? Old school in the best possible way, like your uncle’s basement but with better lighting and fewer awkward hugs.
There’s gluten-free if that’s your jam, and they throw on toppings like it’s an art form. Why can’t this pizza magic happen elsewhere? Unknown. Possibly sorcery. Possibly Staten Island air.
Either way, it’s a local legend, still run by family, still not trying too hard, and still somehow perfect.
7. Giuliana’s Restaurant
4105 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10308, United States
At Giuliana’s, the calamari might greet you before the waiter does. But don’t be alarmed — it’s delicious and doesn’t bite back. There’s an outdoor patio too, for those who enjoy their pasta with a breeze and maybe a side of sunlight.
Somewhere between the hot antipasto and the third slice of pizza, someone usually starts singing. Sometimes it’s the hired singer. Sometimes it’s not. Either way, applause is polite.
Inside, it’s upscale with just a touch of “grandma’s Sunday dinner but with tablecloths and better lighting.” The locals? Friendly enough to make you dance, whether you planned on it or not.
The tartufo waits patiently for its big moment. Order it. Or don’t. But you’ll probably wish you had. Same goes for the Italian cheesecake — especially when paired with a cappuccino that thinks it’s fancier than it is.
Portions are generous. Service is sharper than your uncle’s suit at a wedding. Tip in cash, like a mysterious regular who definitely knows the owner.
Giuliana’s Restaurant is elegant, old-school, and just chaotic enough to be memorable.
8. Osteria by Primo
1282 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10304, United States
Sneaky good pizza lives at Osteria by Primo, alongside a full bar and a parking lot that could host a Staten Island block party.
A pork chop that earns applause, pasta with rustic flair, salads that forgot to be boring — it’s all casually hanging out on the same menu. Somewhere in the chaos of choices, the eggplant parmigiana hero with extra sauce quietly steals the show (fan club pending).
Is it flashy? Not even close. Is it delicious? Suspiciously so. And yes, I reiterate: the parking lot in the back is real — and gigantic, something Staten Islanders will appreciate!
Plenty of food, plenty of parking, and a menu that might gently overwhelm you in the best way. Primo is doing its thing, and doing it well.
9. Max’s Es-ca
1559 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10304, United States
At Max’s Es-ca, they don’t just do lunch — they do it with flair, forks, and the occasional live guitar solo. Soup and sandwich? Cute. Theirs comes with a housemade dessert that doesn’t mess around.
Italian specialties come flying out of the kitchen like they know what they’re doing (they do). Wine swirls, music hums, and somehow you’re still comfortable enough to loosen your belt.
If you’ve got gluten issues, no panic. Celiacs eat at Max’s Es-ca without incident — and that’s saying something. Penne vodka? Yes, gluten-free and very much alive.
While their menu isn’t a “GF label party” (except desserts, they get stickers!), Max’s team knows what’s up — just ask. Most things can be made gluten-free, and none of them taste like regret.
Come hungry. Leave with a little jazz in your step.
10. Villa Paradiso Ristorante Italiano
145 Greaves Ln, Staten Island, NY 10308, United States
At Villa Paradiso, the steak is serious — but everything else is just here for a good time.
The risotto might flirt with you. The tiramisu definitely will. Live music drifts through the air like it owns the place (it sort of does).
You’ll walk in for Italian classics, but leave wondering if you should send the shrimp a thank-you card.
Tables are spacious enough for your elbows and your life choices. Someone’s probably clapping for a sax solo while you’re trying to choose between wine or more bread (answer: both).
It’s warm, a little old-school, and quite possibly one of Staten Island’s worst-kept delicious secrets.
Villa Paradiso: where food, music, and mildly confused asparagus live in perfect harmony.
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