STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If your tummy’s grumbling for a little food news, here’s your rundown. From a handoff of the reins in Dongan Hills to a Tottenville restaurant rebrand—plus a little muscle from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene—it’s a mozzarella moment and beyond. Here’s what’s cooking across the borough.
With new ownership, Baci restaurant can be found at 1657 Richmond Rd., Dongan Hills. It is the former home of two other restaurant iterations including Mario’s and Espana Royale.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)1. Baci Ristorante changes hands but keeps its Italian classics
1657 Richmond Rd. | 718-316-9707 | Dongan Hills
Baci has some new leadership, as per the Baci staff and social media posts. Baci debuted with fanfare in 2020 in the throes of the pandemic, when an open‑air celebration introduced the full‑service dining room and cocktail lounge to the former home of acclaimed Mario’s and, prior to that, Espana Royale. Reimagined by Alessandro Borgognone—of the former Chumley’s and the still‑acclaimed D.C. and Big Apple-anchored Sushi Nakazawa—Baci has always aimed high. The address has seen its share of headlines over the years, including a fire and a robbery. Baci moves forward with its new leadership continuing with a rooftop deck, private rooms and Italian fare at the core of its reputation.
Vesuvio Trattoria & Pizzeria has opened in Tottenville in the former KeKe’s space, bringing drool‑worthy pies built on a signature crust and distinct sauces designed to match.(Courtesy of Vesuvio)2. KeKe’s becomes Vesuvio Trattoria & Pizzeria
7423 Amboy Rd. | 718-554-4134 | Tottenville
whereyoueat.com/Vesuvio-Trattoria-&-Pizzeria-35339.html
KeKe’s Grab and Go has officially transformed into Vesuvio Trattoria & Pizzeria, taking over the former Gigi & KeKe’s space. The refreshed spot now serves a fuller Italian menu—appetizers, panini, specialty pies like the MVP Sicilian and Brooklyn Pie, plus entrées from chicken parm to seafood fra diavolo. It’s not affiliated with the Bay Ridge Vesuvio.
The Ramirez family has taken an all‑hands‑on‑deck approach since launching the business in 2019, working to maintain a distinct and expansive inventory. The quick‑serve operation carries more than 100 items, continuing long‑standing traditions while evolving with demand.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)3. Roberto’s Gourmet Kitchen maintains its vast offerings.
2048 Victory Blvd. | 718-524-7530 | Westerleigh
Roberto’s opened in late 2019 with a global‑meets‑comfort‑food approach and a “we’ll make whatever you want” attitude. The four‑table Castleton Corners shop, co‑owned by brothers Roberto and Victor Ramirez, has evolved into an international smorgasbord shaped by customer requests and kitchen know‑how. Victor still cooks select Italian dishes using recipes passed down from the late Mary Siep of Forest Gardens fame. Roberto’s is open six days a week with extensive takeout, serving from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
Fried chicken with potatoes two ways is among the new menu items at Harvest Cafe in New Dorp Beach.(Courtesy of Harvest Cafe)4. Harvest Café returns —now with dinner service
694 New Dorp Ln. | 347-857-6888 | New Dorp Beach
Harvest Café is now serving dinner following its recent reopening, unveiling a full new evening menu that highlights dishes like House Pasta, Fried Chicken Dinner and Garden Risotto. The café has also introduced a refreshed cocktail menu, plus monthly drink specials. Hours run Wednesday–Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner offered Thursday–Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. Next up: a Super Bowl menu and a Valentine’s Day three‑course special for 79.95 per couple. Alongside cocktails, the café also pours a wide selection of non‑alcoholic beverages, including shakes.
Giuseppe “Joe Mozz” Badalamenti—better known as Joe Mozz — rocks the house with custom cheese cutouts for reveal parties and special occasions. He also hosts mozzarella‑making classes.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)5. Joe Mozz is the cheese master
1021 Post Ave. | 917-626-2813 | Port Richmond
Joe Mozz Inc.
From stuffed cheeses and scamorza to custom‑shaped cutouts, Joe Mozz has been quietly turning out Staten Island dairy magic from his Post Avenue storefront since 2010. A mozzarella maven, Joe built the business hand‑crafting knots, braids and burrata, now supplying about 2,600 pounds of pizza cheese weekly to restaurants across the borough. The shop opens to the public Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Joe also teaches mozzarella‑making classes, including a Feb. 7 session at Vino Di Vino Winery in Charleston—a $100, hands‑on evening with tastings, snacks (cheese, naturally) and wine. Because Joe Mozz is a USDA facility, classes are held in a separate storefront next door on Post Ave. Bonus: his house-made caponata is sold by the jar.
Masala Island is closed temporarily.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)6. Health Department shuts down Masala Island after major violations
323 Victory Blvd. | 718-420-0919 | Tompkinsville
Masala Island, which opened last year in the former famed Dosa Garden space, was temporarily closed by the city on Jan. 13, 2026, after inspectors cited 54 violation points. A follow‑up inspection on Jan. 21 found similar issues including pest activity, food‑handling and sanitation violations—keeping the restaurant closed pending corrections and clearance from a subsequent inspection. It is uncommon for a Staten Island restaurant to face multiple closures in such a short span.
Subway of South Beach has gone dark at the moment. (Advance/SILive.com | File Photo)7. Subway in South Beach closes temporarily
The Subway at 329 Sand Lane in South Beach appears to have shut its doors —at least for now. Whether the closure is permanent, part of a relocation, or tied to a franchise transition remains unclear. The location’s most recent Health Department inspection resulted in an A grade, and the franchise is listed as “closed” on Subway’s website. A request for clarification was sent to the company’s press team but was not returned by deadline. In the meantime, readers in the neighborhood were the first to flag the darkened storefront.