Staten Island’s Staple Kitchens: Chefs Spotlight Local Dishes in 2026

• Staten Island hosts over 180 independent restaurants as of 2026.
• Chef Maria Santoro of Enoteca Maria champions multi-generational Italian recipes.
• The island’s Sri Lankan enclave offers the largest selection of kottu roti in NYC.

Staten Island’s food scene is thriving in 2026, according to local culinary leaders. Chef David Arias, who helms the acclaimed Spanish spot Beso on Bay Street, notes the borough’s unique mix: “We get influences from Little Sri Lanka, Old World Italian, and new fusion joints. No other borough has quite this blend.” For years, Manhattan and Brooklyn have dominated food headlines, but the ferry ride to Staten Island now leads to some of NYC’s boldest flavors.

One standout is Enoteca Maria, where grandmothers from around the globe rotate in and out of the kitchen, serving their family classics. Chef Maria Santoro says, “Every nonna brings her own story and technique—one night it’s Sardinian malloreddus, the next it’s Neapolitan ragù.” Locals rave about the Sunday sugo, a deeply simmered tomato sauce that draws crowds from all five boroughs. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan community near Victory Boulevard offers what may be the best kottu roti outside Colombo—chefs like Nilanga Perera at New Asha prepare the signature chopped flatbread dish with chicken, onions, and fiery curry leaves.

For those looking to branch beyond Italian or South Asian staples, Chef Evan Soto at The Richmond crafts plates that fuse classic New York deli fare with contemporary twists—think pastrami-smoked short ribs and pickled ramp aioli. “The only way to get people out here is to give them something they won’t find in Manhattan,” Soto explains. The neighborhood’s growing food festivals, like the Staten Island Restaurant Crawl, have become pilgrimage events for citywide foodies.

Despite stereotypes about Staten Island’s insularity, its kitchens are anything but. From pierogi in Port Richmond to Filipino silog breakfasts on Forest Avenue, chefs are inviting the whole city—and the world—to taste what’s been quietly thriving on the island for decades. As Arias puts it, “We’re not just New York’s secret anymore. We’re its next destination.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-try Staten Island dishes in 2026?

Essential dishes include the Sunday sugo at Enoteca Maria, kottu roti from New Asha, and fusion specialties like pastrami-smoked short ribs at The Richmond. These options reflect the borough’s Italian, Sri Lankan, and inventive culinary scenes.

Why has Staten Island’s food scene gained attention recently?

The island’s diversity, the rise of local food festivals, and the willingness of chefs to innovate have drawn new diners. In 2026, more independent restaurateurs are opening and sharing global traditions, making Staten Island a culinary destination.

How accessible is Staten Island’s food scene for visitors?

Staten Island can be reached via the free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to food hubs like St. George, Victory Blvd, and Port Richmond. Many restaurants are clustered near the ferry or main avenues, making exploration easy.