STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island’s culinary landscape is undergoing a notable transformation, with more than a dozen new restaurants and food establishments either opening or in development across the borough.
The address at 286 Richmond Valley Rd. was former homes of Sazon, 286 South and a never-opened Daddy’Os.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Meanwhile, the borough has also seen a handful of notable closures in recent months, including Fresh Twist in New Dorp, very short-lived Sazon (formerly 286 South) in Richmond Valley, and soon, Lobster House Joe’s in Dongan Hills.
In one of the last photos of the late Jim Stayoch, he stands in front of Adobe Blues in its original form. He sold the restaurant in 2022, and what began as minor renovations by the new owner evolved into major work due to the building’s age. Today, the site remains behind green board.
Adobe Blues: 63 Lafayette Ave., New Brighton—Long story short: yes, it’s reopening. A new owner took over the building in 2022, but—shall we say—“challenges” with the city and the permit process have ensued. Most importantly, the ambitious owner is determined to revive the restaurant’s signature craft beer selection and Tex-Mex fare. In the meantime, the building—a former tavern dating back to the mid-1800s—currently sits idle behind green plywood fencing.
Alati: 2287 Arthur Kill Rd., Rossville—In a free-standing building that once housed the pre-COVID dim sum spot Ocean Palace and the short-lived Hollywood Grill, a new European café with a strong coffee focus is taking shape.
Ariana’s Cucina: 6451 Amboy Rd., Pleasant Plains—Ariana’s Cucina brings bold flavors and family warmth to Pleasant Plains in a reinvented former tool rental space. Led by social media sensation Frank DiMattina, the restaurant blends rustic charm with modern flair, offering Italian-American classics, craft cocktails, and a coffee bar featuring proprietary Australian beans. A speakeasy-style room and grab-and-go options round out the experience. The opening date is set for Nov. 24.
Casa Nostra will be a family-style eatery with a curated à la carte menu, bringing new life to a historic Staten Island location that’s been home to restaurants for over 75 years.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Casa Nostra: 2481 Richmond Rd., New Dorp—A new Italian-themed restaurant is taking shape at 2481 Richmond Rd. in New Dorp, a site with decades of dining history. With its distinctive Mansard roof, the building once housed Villa Portofino, Ocean 3, and Buona Sera. Casa Nostra will offer family-style and à la carte Italian dishes in a renovated two-story space.
Island Crepes & Shakes: 408 Forest Ave., West Brighton—A sweet and savory crepe shop is expanding to West Brighton with a third Staten Island location at 408 Forest Ave. The takeout-focused eatery joins a bustling restaurant row and will serve smoothies, shakes, and crepes from a charming cottage-style storefront with deep culinary roots.
Insomnia Cookies: 424 Forest Ave., West Brighton—The late-night cookie chain will soon be a part of Staten Island’s growing gourmet cookie scene. Located across from Crumbl and near other dessert spots, the new shop will offer warm cookies and sweet perks for employees. The storefront was formerly home to Beans ‘n’ Leaves which has moved across the street.
Kreischer Mansion — This 1885 Victorian home built by brick magnate Balthasar Kreischer for his sons stands in Charleston, once the heart of Kreischerville. This is what the foyer looks like as the property is renovated into a catering hall.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Kreischer Mansion: 4500 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston—A new chapter is unfolding at this 1885 Victorian landmark in Charleston, where Eric Bischoff and Julia Mackie plan to restore the historic home. It will be transform into a boutique venue for weddings and special events. Despite its eerie past and years of disrepair, the couple envisions a vibrant future for the 4.8-acre estate, honoring its architectural legacy while reimagining its purpose.
Lighthouse Point: The Lighthouse Point project in St. George—with restaurant Gas Lamp—is still alive, says owner Peter Botros. The long-awaited development near the ferry includes a five-story, 12,500-square-foot building with a 2,500-square-foot banquet room overlooking the harbor. Around 10,000 square feet of outdoor dining space is also in the mix, plus plans for an artisan market. Botros says he hasn’t been given any further details on LHP but guesses the restaurant project will be happening in 2027.
Queen Frog: 1566 Forest Ave., Port Richmond— Eastern European flavors are coming to the former Bruno’s A&S Pork Store, a space rich in culinary history. The new restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a whimsical name and a menu blending Ukrainian specialties and American classics.
Randall Manor Tavern: 382 Forest Ave., West Brighton—Randall Manor Tavern is relocating from 735 Castleton Avenue to a newly renovated space at 382 Forest Avenue, reopening on Nov. 4, 2025, after nearly two years of renovations. The original location closed after service on Oct. 26. The new venue features expanded seating, a private party room, and a refreshed menu including pizza and house-made pasta. Chef Steve Rowan, co-owner John Venturella, and new partner Carrie Gaeta will lead the team.
Shah’s Halal Food: 424 Forest Ave., West Brighton—Founded in 2005 as a single food cart in Queens, Shah’s has grown into an international chain with over 150 locations. Known for its Halal-certified platters, gyros, and signature white sauce, the Staten Island outpost will have dine-in, delivery, and late-night eats daily until 3 a.m.
Shake Shack will have three borough locations come later this October.(Courtesy of Shake Shack)
Shake Shack: 2530 Hylan Blvd., New Dorp—The third location for the borough comes to life on Halloween, Oct. 31. in New Dorp. the restaurant will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., serving its full menu including burgers, fries, shakes, and limited-time items like the French Onion Soup Burger. Opening day perks include free mini tote bags and a $1 donation per sandwich sold to the Staten Island Giving Circle, a nonprofit supporting children, seniors, and veterans. Former Staten Islander John Karangis is the executive chef and VP of Culinary Innovation at Shake Shack, where he leads global menu development, chef collaborations, and culinary R&D.
This is one of the final glimpses of Portobello Café as it stood under its previous ownership. Now, the space is under wraps as the team behind Todo Bien transforms it into a vibrant new Latin restaurant.Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance
Todo Bien: 4221 Hylan Blvd., Great Kills—Latin flavors are coming to Great Kills as restaurateur Peter Macri transforms the former Portobello Café into Todo Bien. The family-run restaurant will offer a fresh take on hospitality with a Latin-inspired menu and lively atmosphere, marking a new chapter for a beloved location.
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