The best restaurants in Staten Island

“Lagar Restaurant is that Union staple where crisp calamari, garlicky clams à Bulhão Pato, and properly grilled steaks share the table with a full bar and a lively sports vibe. Go for happy hour or daily specials, then stretch the night on the enclosed Paraiso Patio with friends.”

From the Union newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.”

“Bustling neighborhood spot offering Italian food favorites & pizza in a laid-back environment.”

“Customizable grilled-cheese sandwiches feature at this kiosk with a drive-thru & outdoor tables.”

“No-frills pizzeria with a long list of specialty pies, from a bacon cheeseburger to a taco pizza.”

“Longtime Italian joint for antipasto, pasta & Italian entrees, plus karaoke & piano in the lounge.”

“Traditional Italian food favorites served in a white-tablecloth setting in a cozy, converted home.”

“Local Portuguese-American chain serving BBQ fare, seafood & sandwiches in a casual setting.”

“No-frills counter serve offering simple Japanese bites, including sushi, teriyaki & dumplings.”

“Relaxed family-owned cantina serving tacos, burritos & other Mexican standards, plus margaritas.”

“Suhana’s Chestnut Deli and Convenience Store is a legit Union go-to for fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, Boar’s Head cold cuts, and breakfast that actually runs all day. Think avocado toasts, Hungry Man wraps, hot Reubens, plus a convenient grab-and-go aisle when you realize you're out of chips.”

“Bustling neighborhood spot offering Italian food favorites & pizza in a laid-back environment.”

“Small, straightforward cafe for homemade bagels in a selection of flavors, along with spreads.”

“Burgers, steaks, craft beer & specialty cocktails served in a brick-&-leather dining room.”

“Intimate, brick-walled setting for familiar Italian dishes complemented by BYO drinks.”

“Longtime, neighborhood BYOB nook making traditional Mexican meals to eat in or take out.”

“Traditional Japanese joint serving inventive specialty rolls, including one spiked with lemon.”

“American eatery pairing casual market-fresh cooking & specialty cocktails in hip, modern surrounds.”

“Started as a food truck and still all about flavor, District Taco lets you build Yucatán-style tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas your way, plus ensalads and those dangerously snackable churritos. Solid move for busy Union nights or easy catering with their Burrito and Fiesta Bars.”

“Casual, family-friendly diner for a lineup of American fare ranging from breakfast to burgers.”

“Fine-dining restaurant serving breakfast & upmarket soul food in a sleek, stylish space.”

“High-end Italian cuisine delivered in a refined dining room nearby the Paper Mill Playhouse.”

“Q. 1 keeps it simple and delicious with Portuguese-American barbecue, plenty of seafood, and big, satisfying sandwiches in a laid-back setting. It’s the kind of local standby you rely on for weeknight dinners, Sunday spreads, or easy catering when the whole crew shows up hungry.”

From the Union newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Laid-back and family friendly, Pollos Mario Steak House & Seafood delivers the kind of Colombian comfort that fixes weeknights fast, from juicy roasted chicken to grill-showcase plates like churrasco, entraña, and parrillada, plus seafood paella and fresh natural juices that actually taste like the fruit.”

From the Yonkers newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Cozy restaurant prepping traditional Italian cuisine such as burrata, lasagna & meat/seafood mains.”

“Old-school eatery serving breakfast, burgers, American comfort food & classic Italian dishes.”

“Upscale choice for Northern Italian meals & BYOB in a classic, elegant space with a patio.”

“Craving a legit churrasqueira fix without leaving Union? Piri Piri BBQ turns out Portuguese comfort with BBQ attitude, from juicy BBQ chicken and ribs to grilled salmon that actually hits the spot. Locally owned, with takeout, delivery, and catering, it’s an easy weeknight win or party hero.”

“No-frills corner kitchen turning out jerk chicken, oxtail, seafood & other Jamaican standards.”

“This laid-back cafe has an eclectic menu ranging from breakfast to burgers to broiled seafood.”

“Lively restaurant offering traditional Korean hot pots & cook-at-the-table barbecue dishes.”

“Mcmuscles hits the sweet spot between clean meal prep and craveable comfort, with tacos, artisan pizzas, burgers, and even crunchwraps in the mix. When you want reliable, no-fuss fuel that still tastes like a treat, this Union spot is a clutch add to the weekly rotation.”

“Busy counter-serve deli serving breakfast classics all day, plus bagels & jumbo sandwiches.”

“Brazilian-inspired steakhouse offering a large menu in a relaxed, wood-accented interior.”

“Adjacent to the town train station, this basic diner serves American fare breakfast through dinner.”

“No-frills barbecue joint serving chopped pork, ribs & chicken, plus down-home sides.”

“Stylish, Craftsman-style lounge on a golf course offering gastropub fare & a full bar.”

“Sakae Sushi nails the basics with fresh nigiri and sashimi, then has fun with Dragon and Godzilla rolls, plus hibachi, bento boxes, and Love Boats for sharing. Solid, dependable, Union-local sushi when you just want dinner to be easy.”

From the Union newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Sushi bar serving Thai & Japanese cuisine, including curries & noodle soups, in an intimate setting.”

“Restaurant serving up Mexican meals & margaritas in casual, festive quarters with an outdoor patio.”

“Homestyle American plates whipped in a warm, relaxed environment with comfy booths & a small patio.”

“Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.”

“A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.”

“Informal Italian restaurant serving build-your-own pasta meals, thin-crust pizzas & more.”

“Compact outfit serving a range of Central American specialties & enduring favorites like burritos.”

“Vintage cash-only diner dishing up burgers, chili fries & other comfort eats around the clock.”

“Family-run Italian standby for classic thin-crust pies, calzones & more in a modest setting.”

“Pastas, salads & wood-fired pizzas are dished up at this small, laid-back restaurant.”

“Traditional Italian cuisine dished out in a casual dining room close to the Paper Mill Playhouse.”

“Long-running neighborhood restaurant featuring homestyle Italian eats & lots of outdoor seating.”

“An array of sushi & cooked Japanese fare pairs with fruit wines & tea in sleek, clubby surroundings.”

“Diners can bring their own beer or wine to this spare, cozy sushi spot that also offers cooked fare.”

“Italian & American comfort food served in an old-school restaurant with neon & chrome decor.”

“Quaint BBQ spot with Portuguese & American dishes & sandwiches, plus outdoor seating.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Intimate eatery offering traditional Italian dishes such as pasta & chicken piccata.”

“Typical diner fare from omelets & pancakes to burgers & club sandwiches in a casual setting.”

“Local Portuguese-American chain serving BBQ fare, seafood & sandwiches in a casual setting.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.”

“Relaxed restaurant presenting traditional Peruvian dishes & non-alcoholic beverages.”

“A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Laid-back Italian restaurant with a classic menu & popular, expansive outdoor dining area.”

“Italian fine dining destination with full bar & artful decor highlighted by mosaics & stained glass.”

“Mainstay offering customizable, traditional Mongolian BBQ & take-out options in unfussy digs.”

“Casual American fare & drinks are served in a convivial historic setting with a fireplace & patio.”

“Easygoing chophouse chain with steaks, prime rib, seafood & an all-you-can-eat salad bar.”

“Family-owned restaurant with a comfy atmosphere offering Latin American & Caribbean dishes.”

“Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.”

“Relaxed American diner serving breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in an old-school atmosphere.”

“Family-owned since 1985, Marra's Italian Specialties turns rushed evenings into happy plates with fresh mozzarella made on premise, homemade pastas, and specialty sandwiches. Locals love it for crowd-pleasing catering and a dessert case that makes you consider cannoli a personality trait.”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 10, 2026

“New American BYOB eatery serving casual brunch & modern meals in an airy, bistro-style space.”

“Big Blue Subs in nearby Linden is the local go-to for fresh-made sandwiches with crisp veggies, premium meats, and big flavor. Order online for quick pickup or reserve ahead, then settle in for friendly service and subs built with care... the kind that actually fill you up.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.”

“Creative pub grub & draft beer served in a clubby tavern with sports events on 10 flat-screen TVs.”

“Warm, tavernlike restaurant offering familiar American fare, plus occasional live music.”

“When you’re craving super fresh rolls without any fuss, Dozo Sushi Asian Cuisine delivers with crisp sushi, teriyaki and comforting noodles. Regulars praise attentive service, veg-friendly care, and standout bites like the Sweetheart and Out of Control rolls, plus easy online ordering for quick pickup.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Informal strip-mall joint featuring all-you-can-eat sushi, plus popular Chinese & Japanese entrees.”

“Stylish, easygoing eatery offering an assortment of Italian fare, seafood, steaks & sushi.”

“Linden folks, when a craving hits, Rahway Sushi nails it with super fresh rolls, comforting soups, and genuinely friendly service. Easy online ordering for pickup keeps weeknights sane, or dine in when you want that just-made bite without fuss.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Old-school booth-&-counter joint offering typical American fare for breakfast & lunch.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Lively Japanese eatery with hibachi stations where chefs cook at your table, plus a full sushi menu.”

“When the craving hits, NY Korean BBQ Restaurant keeps it easy with a picture menu and comforting Korean staples, from small plates to rice, noodle dishes, and soups. Cap it off with bubble tea loaded with popping boba or a Pop Bingsoo… very Westfield, very satisfying.”

From the Westfield newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.”

“American grub served morning to night in a retro-style diner with chrome accents & cozy booths.”

“Livingston’s Soy & Ginger Wok Grill keeps weeknights interesting with Wok Grilled Garlic Prawn, Shrimp Udon Noodles, and Flank Steak Thai Basil, all built on fresh ingredients and plenty of wok-kissed flavor. Easy pick-up or delivery when the stove is giving you side-eye.”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Waterside dining at raw bar & modern American restaurant, plus flagstone patio with reservoir views.”

“Johnny Tequila's Bar + Cocina brings nuevo Latino plates with roots from Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, plus specialty cocktails that actually earn the word specialty. Ask them to make it vegan if you want, then stick around for DJ and karaoke nights when the vibe flips fun.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Whether you're grabbing a pie or going all-in on apps, Turano’s Pizza Kitchen leans into Jersey comfort with hot honey calamari, rice balls with marinara or vodka sauce, and a full-on fry station featuring drunken or disco fries. Bonus points for fried cheese balls and something called Shrimp Beeps.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Bakery/cafe serving breads, sandwiches & quiches, plus coffee, amid minimalist, pale-wood decor.”

“Cafeteria-style spot offering a lengthy menu of kosher vegetarian Mediterranean fare, pizza & more.”

“Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.”

“Livingston’s Cammarata's Pizza keeps things interesting with classics and curveballs alike, from a killer Grandma and its vodka-sauced Drunken cousin to Al Pastor and Big Mac pies that actually work. Not feeling pizza? Grab steak or al pastor tacos, drunken knots, then finish with zeppoles.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Whether you're team Buffalo Chicken, Grandma, or classic cheese by the slice, Brooklyn Pizza nails that crispy-cheesy comfort and backs it up with wings, burgers, hot and cold subs, calzones, wraps, and pastas. Basically, it's the no-brainer move when everyone's hungry and no one can agree.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Calabria Pizzeria & Restaurant has been serving Livingston for over 40 years, and their signature crunchy thin pizza is the move. Expect solid Italian classics, plenty of takeout and catering options, and the kind of neighborhood energy that keeps getting them shout-outs from pizza folks who actually know their stuff.”

From the Livingston newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Long-running restaurant offering a large breakfast menu, sandwiches & burgers, as well as dinner entrees.”

“Whether your household splits between purists and adventurers, La Pizza of Roseland nails both camps with a textbook cheese, satisfying calzones, and craveable twists like the Drunken Grandma vodka-sauce pie, Pepperoni with hot honey, and the Margherita Da Vinci crowned with sweet Italian sausage and truffle oil.”

From the Livingston newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Whether you're craving a careful take on Japanese classics or a roll like the Dragon Roll, Little Tokyo of Rahway keeps things fresh with meticulous prep and authentic ingredients. Inviting vibe, quick turnaround, and a broad menu mean even non-sushi friends eat happy without leaving the Linden bubble.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Long-running restaurant dispatching Italian classics from pizza to pasta in a brick-walled setting.”

“Family-owned restaurant offering Italian cuisine in a candlelit setting with scenic wall murals.”

“Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.”

“Unfussy coffee shop with breakfast including bagels & lox, plus sandwiches & acai bowls.”

“Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.”

“Hornitos Bakery keeps Rahway mornings sane with oven-warm baked goods, all baked with passion and zero fuss. Grab a quick bite on the way to work or treat yourself on the weekend, then try not to brag to every neighbor about it.”

From the Rahway newsletter, September 9, 2026

“When that pierogi-to-pasta craving hits, Abigail's Restaurant delivers rustic European comfort with weekly specials worth a peek, a full wine and cocktails lineup, and even a kids menu. Perfect for an easy dinner plan or calling in catering for your next backyard get-together.”

From the Rahway newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Warmly decorated gastropub serving Irish & New American plates, plus craft brews, wine & cocktails.”

“Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.”

“Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.”

“Caetano's Cucina does the cozy, low-key Italian thing right with pillowy ravioli, chicken parm that means business, and a breezy patio when the weather cooperates. Classic lasagna, risotto, and tiramisu seal the deal, plus they cater if Nonna’s not available.”

From the Union newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Manhattan Bagel does the real New York thing, boiling and baking bagels fresh each day, then stacking them with fresh-cracked eggs or deli classics like pastrami. Coffee's solid, and their catering trays make weekend team snacks or office breakfasts way easier than wrangling a griddle at home.”

From the Livingston newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Sloppy Subs is all about hefty, flavor-packed sandwiches with fresh ingredients and playful vibes. Go for the Big Stepper stacked with premium meats and melty cheese, keep it light with the Fresh Veggie Stack, then tack on cheese fries or wings and a lemonade for the win.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Japanese eatery serving sushi, udon & classic entrees in a modest space with sidewalk seats.”

“Local chain (originally a food truck) featuring customizable Yucatán-style tacos & burritos.”

“Lofty Mexican operation offering homestyle fare, including vegan & vegetarian dishes.”

“This old-school, dark-wood-paneled establishment is known for its steaks, seafood & cocktails.”