STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Despite rising costs and shrinking margins, Staten Island’s dining scene is charging ahead.

Openings and closings have defined this scattershot year, but new concepts keep coming. Ariana’s Cucina in Pleasant Plains blends coffee-bar vibes with fine dining under one roof, while historic spaces like Adobe Blues and Kreischer Mansion are still being “reimagined.” Fast-casual chains such as Wendy’s, Shake Shack, and Wonder have finally landed in New Dorp, adding convenience to the mix.

Not on the list are upgrades to some of Staten Island’s stalwart establishments, which deserve mention on their own. Renovations are reshaping the dining scene: Island Coffee Shop has reopened after a fire and Il Sapori has expanded its footprint in Eltingville.

And there’s more to appreciate with fresh eyes: Harvest Café, operated by the nonprofit A Very Special Place, has reopened after a year-long renovation. The café now serves lunch, brunch, and dinner, and is proudly staffed primarily by Staten Islanders with special needs. Mark’s Bake Shoppe reopened after a closure scare sparked an outpouring of community support and a new partnership. Similarly, Maizal, which signaled a spring shutdown, is thriving again thanks to strong Staten Island backing. Ceylon Curry in Tompkinsville has new ownership and an expanded dining room in a section of the borough known for its Sri Lankan restaurants.

In the meantime, here’s a look at what’s new and noteworthy in Staten Island’s evolving culinary scene.

CharlestonChipotle at 2755 Hylan Blvd. — Popular fast-casual chain opens in the former DaddyO’s and Tilted Kilt space, serving burritos, bowls, and tacos with customizable options.Dongan HillsCasita of Brooklyn at 1210 Hylan Blvd. — Cozy spot in a historic cottage that once housed Dough By Licastri and tiny Tina’s, offering Brooklyn-inspired comfort fare.Fine Fare at 1212 Hylan Blvd. — After a major investment in a 9,000-square-foot space, this grocery store finally opened despite missing its Thanksgiving target.GranitevilleParis Baguette at 982 Richmond Ave. — Bakery café with a larger dining space and front-window kitchen display, serving pastries, breads, and signature coffee drinks.Grant CityTex’s Burgers at 2218 Hylan Blvd. — Long-time Staten Islanders will remember this address as Go-Go’s Souvlaki King. Now, it is a late-night burger spot with wings and fries. LivingstonKills Boro at 814 Richmond Terr. — After five years of construction, this brewery and upscale dining spot is finally open, offering craft beer and elevated pub fare.Great KillsDa Damasso at 4112 Hylan Blvd.— Italian luncheonette and casual dinner spot in the former Pierogi Island location (now in New Jersey), serving classic comfort dishes.Mariners HarborBeezy Bees at 2371 Forest Ave., inside Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center — A roving café concept operating seasonally featuring honey-infused drinks like the “Hot Donna” (salted caramel coffee) and “Berry Bossman,” plus teas and cold brews sweetened with raw, unfiltered New York honey.New DorpHi Sushi at 331 New Dorp Lane — Bargain sushi spot opened over the summer in the former Chick N Burger space.Home Frite at 316 New Dorp Lane — Gourmet French fries and smash burgers debut in the former East Shore Wing World. Moka & Co. at 309 New Dorp Lane — Boutique coffee café featuring Yemeni beans and specialty drinks.Shake Shack at 2530 Hylan Blvd. — Third Staten Island location opened Oct. 31 with burgers, fries, shakes, and seasonal specials like the French Onion Soup Burger.Wendy’s at 2600 Hylan Blvd. — Long-awaited fast-food chain finally opens, adding convenience to New Dorp’s busy shopping hub.Wonder at 2791 Hylan Blvd. — Second Staten Island food hall brings multiple restaurant concepts under one roof.Pleasant PlainsAriana’s Cucina at 6451 Amboy Road — Italian-American restaurant opened late November in a reinvented tool rental space, blending rustic charm with modern flair. Features include craft cocktails, a coffee bar with Australian beans, a speakeasy-style room, and grab-and-go options.Trader Joe’s at 2656 Hylan Blvd. — Bargain grocer with quirky perks and specialty items opens on Staten Island’s South Shore.Port RichmondBurgers and Beyond at 118 Port Richmond Ave. — New burger joint replaces G-Knows Cheesesteaks, offering creative patties and sides.Jersey Mike’s at 120 Port Richmond Ave. — National sandwich chain fills a gap in North Shore dining with subs and wraps.RichmondPizza Mia at 450 Richmond Road — New pizzeria takes over the former Classic location after its impressive 36-year run.Uncle Louis G’s at 455 Richmond Road — Ices, ice cream and dessert cart return to Historic Richmond Town with a new owner and format as a cart. Richmond ValleySazon at 286 Richmond Valley Road — Spanish cuisine and sangria came as quickly as it went; now an empty building after a short-lived run.Tutto Apposto at 285 Page Ave. — Casual Italian spot with an open kitchen in the former Panarea/Café Luna space.Uncle Sal’s Burgers and Wings at 290 Page Ave. — From the family behind Uncle Louis G’s and Palermo Pizzeria, two brothers open a burger and wing joint.RosebankFood Dynasty at 1070 Bay St. — Global grocery concept replaces Top Tomato after a change in ownership.XO at 1072 Bay St. — Mexican dining with a 13-course tasting menu opened over the summer but closed within a month; featured avant-garde wine pairings and small plates in the former Beso space.StapletonMarbella at 24 Navy Pier Ct. — Spanish-inspired restaurant opened at Urby, bringing coastal flavors and a stylish waterfront setting.St. GeorgeSakura at Empire Outlets — New dining concept on the fourth floor of Empire Outlets in the former Wasabi Hibachi Grill space.SunnysideFresh To Go at 1200 Clove Road — Italian deli hidden inside a gas station, created by Italo Perito of Italo’s Fine Foods in West Brighton.Foodtown at 1210 Clove Road— New grocery brand debuts with specialty items and fresh produce.TravisParma at 1100 Victory Blvd. — Pizzeria opens in the former Casa Verde space, serving classic pies and Italian staples.West BrightonBeans & Leaves at 524 Forest Ave. — Popular coffee shop moves across the street into a space formerly home to a string of salumerias and delis.Filoncino at 530 Forest Ave. — Bakery and café opens in the former Trattoria Vento location.Oda Café at 870 Castleton Ave. — Gourmet coffee shop opened in March, bringing an artisanal touch to coffee culture with a curated menu and cozy vibe.Problem Baker at 540 Forest Ave. — New strip mall includes this cookie shop offering massive, fresh-baked cookies.Shah’s Halal Food at 424 Forest Ave. — International Halal chain opens with dine-in, delivery, and late-night eats until 3 a.m., serving platters, gyros, and its signature white sauce.Randall Manor Tavern at 535 Forest Ave. — Now serving pizza and house-made pastas along with American comfort fare and wings after relocating to Forest Avenue.