The 10 Best Places To Eat In Staten Island
After living on Staten Island for almost 25 years, I am pretty much a pro at knowing where to eat around this place. But as you can see in the title, I have to break it down to 10 of the Best Places To Eat In Staten Island. Let’s get down to business..
10. The Phunky Elephant
Located on Bay Street, The Phunky Elephant is a cozy gastropub restaurant. I’ve been there quiet a few times and it’s a good place to go for good drinks with friends and good food. I always recommend the mac and cheese spring rolls, I can live happily eating those all the time. The menu changes with the season. If available, I highly recommend the fish and chips or the animal burger, but that depends on your taste palate for the day.
9. Lobster House Joes
Now I LOVE seafood and thankfully this place has 2 locations on Staten Island. I can eat it like it’s going out of style (sorry fish in the sea, I can’t afford you ever going anywhere.). My favorite thing on the menu there? Well I always like to start off with the baked clams and fried calamari – because – delicious. But no worries, if neither one of those things are your thing, they have many different options. Moving on to the entrees, I always go for the Joe’s Special, which is a mix of different things in a white wine sauce *drools* okay but seriously so good.
8. The Pizza Parlor
Somewhat new to Staten Island, this place quickly made my top 10. With a wide range of their spin on things, my favorite things might just be the Godfather hero, a regular twist on a Italian sandwich with prosciutto, capocollo, salami, provolone cheese with mushroom, lettuce, tomato and a vinaigrette.
7. Dominick’s
Dominick’s is a paleo bakery and café. While it is rather small on the inside, in the summer there is outdoor sitting (BIG PLUS). Also a big plus, the options – they have so many. I can go on and on and list everything they have but we would be here for a looooong time. From salads, to sandwiches and paninis to pasta or maybe you want some tasty dessert, they have it.
6. Nuccis
Talk about good Italian food, which there is a lot of on Staten Island, but this place is one of the best. Again with a mix of different appetizers you can chose from, and a bunch of different entrees you can chose from they also have amazing specials, 2 for 1 dinner menu say what ?! Yes, yes, I tell no lies. This is probably the best thing ever, especially because they have such good options. If nothing catches your eye on there, the chicken marsala or the calamari fra diablo are my go-to’s.
5. Genki Sushi
Okay this one will be short and sweet. Sushi. Everyone loves it, but this one is my favorite. They have normal sushi restaurant items on the menu, so whichever is your cup of tea, then I shall not defer you from what you like, because I too have my favorites. Just trust me on this, it’s a must try if you haven’t already.
4. Jade Island
I’ve been eating here since I was a little girl, my father loves this place. If you have never been here, it’s a Chinese- Polynesian restaurant. You must try the drinks, ah-maz-ing. When ordering, the rumaki is every person’s dream food – chicken wrapped in bacon, makes me water in my mouth. The pork fried dumplings are also to die for, just saying. Always have fried rice, it’s mandatory, duh. And when I go, I always go for the chicken and broccoli. But like I’ve said before, my preference; you can have whatever you like (T.I. voice).
3. Coles Dock Side
Welcome back to the list, seafood, I’ve missed you. I’m going to skip all the regular stuff I would say about how seafood is life, how much I love it from this place… blah, blah. The best thing I’ve had on this menu is the Blackened Shrimp and Scallops over arugula salad. I like spicy; I like seafood; I like arugula and this combines all 3. Also, they have dinner specials that include wine, ladies, so it’s perfect for a girls night or for a cute date.
2. Royal Crown
Another bakery and café, Royal Crown is one of the best places to eat in Staten Island; all of Staten Island loves this place. The summer brings the iced tea with lemon ice and outdoor seating. But that’s not what draws us in, it’s their homemade balsamic vinaigrette and fresh bread. They have more than a dozen types of sandwiches to order, all of which come on the fresh Italian bread and with the balsamic, if you don’t believe me when I tell you how good it is, try it for yourself. I promise you will leave buying a bottle. It is that good. On your way out, make sure to grab some cookies or pastries. Disclaimer: make sure you go at a good time. When I say this place is always packed, it’s packed. Waits to sit can take more than an hour sometimes.
1. Deninos
BUM BUM BUM. The Final thing on the list. The best. The one and only Deninos. This place has been around since before I was born. I can’t go into much because their menu is pretty small, basic sit down pizzeria food. Hands down – best pizza you have ever had. And let me tell you, pizza has my heart; like it probably has yours because who doesn’t love pizza? You’ll never want to stop eating it though. If you come to Staten Island or live on Staten Island and don’t have Deninos, then shame on you. Parents bring their kids, who grow up and bring their kids, etc. This place is 100% family. But beware, on certain days and times the wait can be a while…it’s that good.
