Editor’s note: This is the third part in a series exploring Staten Island’s best outdoor dining. Part one: South Shore best bets include water views and European cafe feels | Part two: North Shore eateries boast in-park dining, sparkling skyline views
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — This is a handy list for anyone looking for options with true, open space and generous bites of the Big Apple — thanks to some stunning views.
For public transportation from the St. George Ferry terminal or Fast Ferry travelers coming from the West Side of Manhattan, transit time is about 30 minutes or from the ferry if traveling to the Dongan Hills area. Going to the West Shore by bus means taking the scenic route with travel time around an hour.
The baci ball court at Basilio Inn, South Beach. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Staff-Shot
EAST SHORE
Baci — 1657 Richmond Rd., Dongan Hills; 718-316-9707; BaciNYC.com
The dining room floor-to-ceiling windows are open for fresh air and enjoying the streetscape. Enjoy the Italian restaurant’s beautifully composed dishes at one of the borough’s finest spots.
Basilio Inn — 6 Galesville Ct., South Beach; 718-720-6835; Basilioinn.com
One of the borough’s oldest restaurants has outdoor patio seating overlooking a bocce court or a view of the sweet, surrounding South Beach neighborhood.
Mello Bistro — 1233 Bay St., Rosebank; 718-448-7275; Bin5NYC.com
A backyard garden is covered for rain or shine dining on South American-French-American fusion.
Campania — 1801 Hylan Blvd., Dongan Hills; 718-979-8500; Campaniacoalfiredpizza.com
See the twinkling Verrazzano Bridge lights from this tropical-looking rooftop getaway once enjoyed by Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian.
Don Cheech — 1271 Bay St., 718-285-4401; Doncheechnyc.com
Classic, Old School Italian-American in a handsome, masculine setting indoors. Yet in the outdoor, retractable pergola, it’s a bright, sunny experience filled with flowers, plus with heat and air conditioning year-round.
J’s on the Bay — 1189 Bay St., Rosebank, 718-720-0922, Jsonthebaysiny.com
Shaded by canopy, the backyard seating is comfy and cool. For a little kitchen gawking, a pizza-oven area is located in this section with a staff who turns out delicious pies.
South Fin Grill — 300 Father Capodanno Blvd., South Beach, 718-447-7679; Southfingrill.com
Boardwalk seating and raw bar selections are inspired by the South Beach backdrop.
Max’s Esca — 1559 Richmond Rd., Dongan Hills, 718-980-5006; Maxsesca.com
An expansive alleyway next to the restaurant is the setting for nighttime entertainment and a convivial place to gather over dinner and drinks.
Maizal — 990 Bay St., Rosebank, 347-825-3776; Maizalrestaurant.com
Craft cocktails and nicely crafted Mexican fare can be savored in a small courtyard patio.
Royal Crown Bakery —1350 Hylan Blvd., Dongan Hills, 718-668-0284; Royalcrownsi.com
Between the booming cafe and a bustling Hylan Boulevard, there is never a dull moment outdoors.
Sofia’s Taqueria — 977 Bay St., Rosebank, 929-308-2324; Sofiastaquerianyc.com
Ceviche, cervesa and weekend brunch are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors South of the Border style.
Commons Cafe in Bloomfield (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri
WEST SHORE
Commons Cafe — 2 Teleport Dr., Bloomfield, 347-466-4207; Commonscafesi.com
Sandwiches, soft drinks and other casual fare can prompt a little picnic in the corporate park. Yellow chairs are a bright spot in the midst of pink roses and other flora at the height of the growing season. All profits from the cafe have gone to charity since 2011.
Pienza — 1441 South Ave., Bloomfield, 347-825-2415; Pienzapizzacafe.com
Sit in a park rich with artwork and bright blooms over pizza and Italian fare after an office visit at the corporate park or a scheduled tour of the rooftop farm. Profits from the cafe’s food sales support local charities.