STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — From historic carriage houses to waterfront patios and downright lovely neighborhood gems, Staten Island offers a rich tapestry of flavors and settings. Whether you’re packing a picnic, settling in for a sit-down meal, or simply craving a great cup of coffee with something pumpkin-spiced, this borough has you covered.
Fresh pasta from Angelina’s forms the backdrop for creative fall specials made with butternuts and pumpkin.Courtesy of Angelina’s
We’re spotlighting Staten Island’s South Shore—and for good reason. As the southernmost tip of New York State, it’s one of the best places to witness dramatic foliage changes. From the wooded trails of Conference House Park to the open skies of Mount Loretto and the tree-lined streets of Tottenville, the South Shore offers a front-row seat to autumn’s transformation. Its abundance of parks, waterfront views, and tree diversity makes it a prime destination for leaf-peeping and seasonal treats.
Conference House and the Biddle House in fall.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The best viewing spots over the next several days, in my opinion, include Conference House Park’s shoreline, the maple-heavy Bloomingdale Park, Blue Heron Park, and the Mount Loretto Unique Area which hosts this weekend’s Italian Festival.
This is truly an amazing time of year to enjoy bucolic Staten Island—and that’s coming from a born-and-raised native! Scroll to the end of the article for a handy foliage chart showing which trees are flashing their ephemeral colors.
Fina’s Farmhouse in Tottenville ranked among the top three in Best of Breakfast 2025. Its charming red barn exterior draws you in, offering a glimpse of the cozy, rustic concept that awaits inside.Shane DiMaioCoffee & Treats
Fina’s Farmhouse — Cozy, top-rated egg-centric café offering leisurely farm-to-table breakfast and lunch, specialty coffees, and baked goods. Known for a range of classics like cinnamon bun pancakes and more salubrious bites like avocado toast. — 20 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-554-4039, finasfarmhousesi.net
Belli Baci Bakery — Known for its Italian loaves and ciabatta featured in local salumerie, this bakery has been consistent with its sticky buns, panini, breakfast favorites like chocolate bread French toast, Sicilian pizza, and seasonal pies. A hidden gem for sweet and savory delights. — 7358 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, 718-984-5233, bellibacibakeryandcafe.com
Cookies and Cream — This dessert destination specializes in handcrafted cookies and ice cream creations, including cookie boxes, milkshakes, and liquor-infused scoops. With a cozy indoor vibe and friendly staff, it’s a sweet spot for late-night cravings. — 7323 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, 718-554-4615, eatcookiesandcream.com
Campania’s coal-fired pizza is a fall favorite, and its inviting al fresco sidewalk dining area makes the crisp autumn air even more enjoyable.Staff-ShotPicnic Picks & Casual Comfort
Antonio’s Gourmet Salumeria — A family-owned Italian deli offering homemade pasta, delightful fresh mozzarella, and a wide selection of meats. They are known for hearty hot and cold sandwiches and quality catering services at reasonable prices. Plus, there’s parking in their own lot. — 7319 Amboy Rd., Staten Island, 718-605-6300, antoniosgourmet.net
Bruzzese’s Italian Gourmet — Family-owned Italian specialty store named after the founders’ grandfather. It is a mind-blowing experience to walk into this shop for the first time with its beautifully arranged display cases of prepared foods. Known for quality ingredients, daily and weekly specials, and a welcoming atmosphere and easy parking. — 27 Seguine Ave., Staten Island, 718-984-0623, bruzzeses.com
Breaking Bread — A lively, sit-down Italian eatery with generous portions and a small bar area. Features a range of pastas, entrees like an excellent “baked” chicken and some of the most expensive pizzas on the Island. — 27 Seguine Ave., Unit 7, Staten Island, 718-356-8989, breakingbreadsi.com
Campania Coal Fired Pizza — Authentic coal-fired Italian pizza served in a handsome dining room with a pleasant al fresco area in front. Known for house-made mozzarella, outstanding pies, antipasto, and hearty Italian entrées. — 240 Page Ave., Tottenville, 347-983-4998, campaniacoalfiredpizza.com
Mangia — Tottenville’s gourmet pizza destination with artfully crafted pies and standout dishes like meatballs with raisins and pignoli, pumpkin ravioli in cognac cream, and butternut squash soup. Two dining areas offer casual and formal settings. — 7517 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, 718-356-9300, ordermangiamenu.com
Rocky’s Pizza Bar — A nostalgic Italian eatery from the DeLuca family featuring classic pizza, family-friendly fare, and two cozy dining rooms with tin ceilings and checkerboard cloths. Sit-down service with old-school charm in Tottenville.— 7339 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, 718-371-0077, rockyspizzany.com
The Coral Bay seafood tower at Coral Bay Café in Tottenville is a fall indulgence, stacked with clams, oysters, shrimp, king crab legs, lobster, and mussels, all topped with a zesty tomato relish. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing walk along the beach just steps from the restaurant.Pamela SilvestriRomantic & Refined
Angelina’s Ristorante — Upscale waterfront dining in a restored Victorian mansion with spots to dine outside. Known for fine Italian cuisine, curated wine list, and elegant event spaces visitors will love the seasonal specials and night-time setting. — 399 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-227-2900, angelinasristorante.com
Coral Bay Café — A waterfront gem tucked into Tottenville, serving hearty Italian lunches and dinners with standout seafood. Perfect for sweater-weather dining with a raw bar and pasta favorites. — 722 Rockaway St., Tottenville, 718-356-3501, coral-bay.business.site
Dani Improta’s Dani’s Bistro offers seasonal and classic Italian fare in Tottenville. This Zuppe di Pesce includes six kinds of seafood including sea scallops, Littleneck clams and American lobster tail. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Dani’s Italian Bistro — Running now 13 years, the intimate and sweet Italian dining spot is charming with its few tables and romantic vibe. Owner Dani Improta personally chefs for guests and even crafts the house-made desserts. Dinner reservations recommended. — 7331 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, 718-554-4615, facebook.com/danisitalianbistro
DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant — Tottenville’s largest and busiest Italian spot with elegant indoor seating and a massive outdoor tent. Comfort food favorites include osso buco, lamb shanks, and pumpkin-stuffed ravioli. Dress up and dine in style. — 7324 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, 718-227-7200, delucasitalian.com
The Stone House in Clove Lakes Park in fall 2025.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Other fall-forward places to experience around the Island
Basilio Inn — Open March through Dec. 31, this Staten Island institution—established in 1921—is one of NYC’s oldest Italian restaurants. Dine in a historic carriage house surrounded by vegetable gardens, grape arbor, and bocce courts. Outdoor seating available. — 6 Galesville Ct., South Beach, 718-720-6835, basilioinn.com
Coffee & Collectibles — Sip, savor, and shop at this café-meets-antique store. Enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and seasonal flavors like pumpkin and apple while browsing vintage treasures. — 561 Manor Rd., Castleton Corners, 718-360-5090, coffeeandcollectiblesNYC.com
Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn — A historic German beer hall dating back to the 1850s, Killmeyer’s offers hearty Bavarian fare like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and wurst platters. The rustic charm includes a mahogany bar, kitschy decor, and a sprawling outdoor beer garden with live music and seasonal events like Oktoberfest. — 4254 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston, 718-984-1202, killmeyers.com
Lacey’s Bridge Tavern — Family-style American classics with generous portions. Think affordable lobster, raw bar specials, Sunday brunch, and cold-weather comfort like two-pound meatloaf and smoky kielbasa. — 75 Innis St., Elm Park, 718-273-7514, laceysbridgetavern.com
Opera Cafe Lounge— Staten Island’s largest Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant, offering authentic cuisine rooted in cherished family recipes. Signature dishes include grilled salmon shish, crispy calf’s liver, and slow-cooked lamb shank. Known for its open kitchen, full bar, and unusual decor with couches and plush chairs amenities include indoor and outdoor seating. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. — 1650 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, 718-979-9775, operacafelounge.com
Stone House at Clove Lakes Park — Upscale dining in a picturesque lakeside setting. Known for prime steaks, seasonal menus, and a romantic outdoor patio—ideal for special occasions. — 1150 Clove Rd., Sunnyside, 718-442-3600, thestonehousesi.com
Trattoria Toscana — Elegant Italian dining with a Tuscan flair and a solid wine list offering handmade pastas, aged steaks, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. It is exceptional for its warm hospitality, romantic ambiance, and standout dishes like squid ink linguine with lobster tail and black truffle ravioli. Indoor and outdoor seating available, plus catering and a full bar. — 4200 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, 718-605-6009, trattoriatoscanasi.com
Trees Currently Changing on Staten Island’s South Shore
Common Name
Scientific Name
Foliage Color Description
Black GumNyssa sylvaticaDeep red foliage.
GinkgoGinkgo bilobaNot quite at peak yet, but golden hues will appear soon.
Pin OakQuercus palustrisWarm orange and brown shades.
Red MapleAcer rubrumFiery reds and oranges are starting to show. Common in forested areas and parks.
SassafrasSassafras albidumClear yellow and orange tones.
Silver MapleAcer saccharinumTurning yellow.
Sugar MapleAcer saccharumBright orange-red hues are emerging.
SweetgumLiquidambar styracifluaDisplaying a mix of yellow, orange, deep red, and purple.
Tulip TreeLiriodendron tulipiferaBright yellow leaves.
ZelkovaZelkovaBurnt orange to russet tones.
Foliage information sourced from ILoveNY.com and NYC Parks.
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Dining and Cooking