Create meetup in Staten Islandchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
explore Staten Island Guides
Best Food in Staten Island (2026)
Staten Island's pizza scene is legendary, and you can't miss Lee's Tavern at 60 Hancock St. in Dongan Hills, known for its thin-crust bar pies since 1940. A large cheeseโฆ ๐ Pizza and Italian Icons
Staten Island's pizza scene is legendary, and you can't miss Lee's Tavern at 60 Hancock St. in Dongan Hills, known for its thin-crust bar pies since 1940. A large cheese pie costs around $18, and they're open daily from 11:30 AM to 11 PM. For a classic Italian meal, head to Denino's Pizzeria Tavern at 524 Port Richmond Ave., where a medium pizza runs about $16 and the atmosphere is pure old-school Staten Island. Another must-visit is Joe & Pat's Pizzeria at 1758 Victory Blvd., famous for its ultra-thin crust; expect to pay $20 for a large pie.
๐ฅช Deli Sandwiches and Heroes
The hero sandwich is a Staten Island staple, and you'll find some of the best at Pastosa Ravioli at 764 Forest Ave. in West Brighton, where a chicken parm hero costs around $12. They're open Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM. For a legendary Italian sub, try Coletti's Deli at 688 Forest Ave., which has been serving since 1975; a large sub is about $14. Another favorite is Deli on the Go at 3315 Richmond Ave., where the Godfather hero (with prosciutto, salami, and provolone) is $13 and available until 8 PM daily.
๐ฅ Sri Lankan and South Asian
Staten Island has a thriving Sri Lankan community, and the food is exceptional. Visit New Asha Sri Lankan Restaurant at 322 Victory Blvd. in Tompkinsville, where a plate of string hoppers with curry costs around $10 and they're open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. For dosas and biryani, head to Dosa Garden at 1447 Richmond Ave., with prices from $8 to $15. Don't miss the kottu roti at Lakruwana at 668 Bay St., a standout dish at $12, served Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 10 PM.
๐ฎ Mexican and Latin Flavors
For authentic tacos, try Taqueria El Gallo Azteca at 75 Victory Blvd. in Tompkinsville, where three tacos cost about $9 and they're open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Another gem is El Patron at 1948 Forest Ave., serving burritos and enchiladas for $10 to $14, with hours from 11 AM to 10 PM. If you're in the mood for Salvadoran pupusas, visit Pupuseria El Salvador at 197 Port Richmond Ave., where each pupusa is $3 and they're open until 9 PM.
๐ฃ Asian Eats and Sushi
Sushi fans should head to Sushi Yasaka at 1765 Victory Blvd., where a sushi deluxe platter is around $25 and they're open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. For Chinese takeout, New China at 1075 Castleton Ave. offers generous portions for $8 to $12, open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. If you crave ramen, Kiku Sushi at 2321 Richmond Ave. serves a hearty bowl for $14, with hours from noon to 9:30 PM.
๐ฐ Bakeries and Desserts
Staten Island's bakeries are a treat, starting with Alfonso's Pastry Shoppe at 1899 Victory Blvd., famous for its cannoli at $4 each, open Tuesday to Sunday from 7 AM to 7 PM. For a classic Italian ice, visit Ralph's Italian Ices at 501 Port Richmond Ave., where a small cup is $3 and they're open seasonally from March to October. Another must is Cake Chef at 1224 Forest Ave., offering custom cakes and pastries; a slice of cheesecake is $6, open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
๐บ Bars and Late-Night Bites
When the sun goes down, head to Flagship Brewing Company at 40 Minthorne St. in Tompkinsville, where a pint is $7 and they serve food until 10 PM on weekends. For a dive bar with great wings, try The Cargo Cafe at 120 Bay St., with wings at $12 a dozen and open until 2 AM. Another late-night spot is Nurnberger Bierhaus at 817 Castleton Ave., offering German sausages and beers for around $15, open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
๐ Getting Around and Tips
Most of these spots are accessible by the SIR train or local buses; a single ride is $2.75 with a MetroCard or OMNY. The Staten Island Ferry is free and runs 24/7, connecting you to Manhattan. For a food crawl, focus on Victory Blvd. and Forest Ave., where many eateries are within walking distance. Remember that many small shops are cash-only, so carry some bills.
The bakery section is where I'd push back a little. Alfonso's and Cake Chef are fine but the real move is the Italian bread and focaccia at the bakeries along Amboy Road in Eltingville, stuff that doesn't get written up because it's not a dessert. Also, Ralph's is great but the location on Port Richmond Ave. is the original, and the lines in July are no joke, so go on a weekday morning if you can.
One thing nobody ever mentions: the SIR doesn't run late enough for the bar scene. Last train out of St. George is around 1:30 AM on weekends, so if you're at Cargo or Flagship past midnight, plan on a bus or a ride share back to the South Shore. Plenty of people learn that the hard way.
Good list, though I'd push back gently on the pizza picks. Lee's and Joe & Pat's get all the love but I've been going to Nunzio's on Fingerboard Rd for years and their regular pie holds up against any of them, less of a wait too. On the Sri Lankan front, Lakruwana is the one tourists find because of the weekend buffet, but New Asha is where the community actually eats, and their lamprais on Fridays sells out by early afternoon so go before noon. One thing the guide missed entirely: the tacos at the truck parked off Richmond Terrace near the ferry in St. George, cash only, and they're better than most brick and mortar spots on the island.
load 2 more replies
3 Days in Staten Island: Itinerary 2026
Start your day at the St. George Ferry Terminal, where the free Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan runs every 15 to 30 minutes and takes about 25 minutes. From tโฆ ๐ฝ Day 1: St. George & Snug Harbor
Start your day at the St. George Ferry Terminal, where the free Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan runs every 15 to 30 minutes and takes about 25 minutes. From there, walk 10 minutes to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center at 1000 Richmond Terrace, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with a $5 suggested donation for the Chinese Scholar's Garden. Grab lunch at the Harbor Eats cafe inside Snug Harbor, then explore the Noble Maritime Collection and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. In the late afternoon, stroll through the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden, and for dinner, head to Enoteca Maria at 27 Hyatt Street for its rotating lineup of grandmother chefs from around the world.
๐๏ธ Day 2: Historic Richmond Town
Take the S74 bus from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Historic Richmond Town at 441 Clarke Avenue; the ride takes about 35 minutes. This living history village opens Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with adult admission at $10. Spend two to three hours touring the 17th-century buildings, including the Voorlezer's House and the Guyon-Lake-Tysen House. For lunch, stop by the Richmond Town Cafe for sandwiches and salads. In the afternoon, walk 15 minutes to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art at 338 Lighthouse Avenue, which has a serene meditation garden and a $10 entry fee. End the day with dinner at the Manor Restaurant at 917 Manor Road, known for its classic American fare and cozy atmosphere.
๐ณ Day 3: Greenbelt & Zoo
Begin at the Greenbelt Nature Center at 700 Rockland Avenue, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and pick up a trail map for the 35 miles of paths. Hike the Blue Trail to Moses Mountain for a moderate 2-hour round trip with views of the Manhattan skyline. Afterward, take the S62 bus to the Staten Island Zoo at 614 Broadway, open daily from 10 AM to 4:45 PM, with adult tickets at $12. Have lunch at the Zoo's Wildside Cafe or walk 10 minutes to the nearby Cafe Milano at 401 Forest Avenue for pizza and pasta. In the late afternoon, explore the Greenbelt's Willowbrook Park, which has a carousel and a lake for paddle boating.
๐ Getting Around
Staten Island's public transit is served by MTA buses and the Staten Island Railway, both of which accept MetroCards and OMNY. A single ride costs $2.90, and a 7-day unlimited MetroCard is $34. The Staten Island Ferry is free and connects St. George with Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal. Buses like the S74, S62, and S78 run frequently, but allow 30 to 45 minutes for cross-island trips. Taxis and rideshares are available but can be expensive; for example, a ride from St. George to Historic Richmond Town costs about $20.
๐ฝ๏ธ Where to Eat
Staten Island has a diverse food scene, from Italian classics to Sri Lankan specialties. For breakfast, try the Colonnade Diner at 2001 Victory Boulevard, open 24 hours, with hearty omelets around $12. For lunch, visit the Bayou at 1072 Bay Street for Cajun and Creole dishes, or the Lakruwana at 668 Bay Street for a Sri Lankan buffet on weekends ($15.95). Dinner options include the Stone House at Clove Lakes Park (1150 Clove Road) for American fare with a view, and the Beso at 11 Schuyler Street for Spanish tapas. Many restaurants are concentrated along Bay Street, Forest Avenue, and Victory Boulevard.
๐จ Where to Stay
Most visitors stay near the St. George Ferry Terminal for easy access to Manhattan. The Hilton Garden Inn at 1100 South Avenue is a 10-minute drive from the ferry and offers rooms from $150 per night. The Hampton Inn & Suites at 1120 South Avenue is another reliable option with free breakfast. For a more local experience, consider the boutique hotel The Staten Island Hotel at 1415 Richmond Avenue, which has a pool and gym. Budget travelers can find motels along Hylan Boulevard, such as the Days Inn at 2899 Hylan Boulevard, with rates starting at $100.
๐ก Insider Tips
Purchase a MetroCard at the St. George Ferry Terminal vending machines to avoid paying cash on buses. Many attractions offer free admission on certain days, such as the Staten Island Museum (1000 Richmond Terrace) with pay-what-you-wish on the first Friday of the month. Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot, especially in Snug Harbor and the Greenbelt. Check the MTA website for weekend service changes, as the Staten Island Railway sometimes runs on a modified schedule. Carry cash for smaller eateries and farmers markets, like the St. George Greenmarket on Saturdays.
๐ Evening Entertainment
For evening fun, catch a show at the St. George Theatre at 35 Hyatt Street, a historic venue with performances ranging from concerts to comedy. The theater's box office is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and tickets typically start at $30. After the show, grab a drink at the Flagship Brewery at 40 Minthorne Street, open until 10 PM on weekends, which offers local craft beers and occasional live music. If you prefer a quieter night, take a sunset walk along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk in South Beach, which stretches for 2.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.
One thing worth knowing about the ferry: the ride itself is genuinely the best free attraction in the city, so don't treat it as just transport. Stand on the right side going toward Manhattan for the Statue of Liberty, left side coming back for the skyline. Locals grab a spot on the outdoor deck even in cold weather because the view beats anything you'll pay for.
On the food side, the guide's Sri Lankan pick is good but I'd send you to New Asha on Victory Boulevard instead. Smaller, cash only, and the string hoppers with coconut sambol are the real deal. Lakruwana is more of a scene on weekends with the buffet, New Asha is where people actually go for lunch.
For Day 3, the Blue Trail to Moses Mountain is worth it but the footing gets muddy after rain, so check the weather before committing. And the Tibetan museum closes earlier than you'd expect on weekends, so hit it before Richmond Town if you're doing both in one day.
Good writeup, the Enoteca Maria pick is spot on and worth stressing that the grandmother chef rotation means the menu is never the same twice, so don't go expecting a specific dish.
One angle the guide skips entirely is the South Beach boardwalk in the morning rather than sunset. If you're up early, the FDR boardwalk around 7 AM is basically empty, you get the ocean on one side and the Verrazzano on the other, and there's a decent bagel spot on Sand Lane for after. It pairs well with Day 3 if you're staying anywhere near the railway.
Also on the Tibetan museum, the $10 is fair but the real draw is the view from the hill, and the staff there are genuinely knowledgeable if you ask questions instead of just walking through.