Best restaurants on Staten Island in 2022, according to Michelin
Best restaurants on Staten Island in 2022, according to Michelin
In the realm of legit restaurant evaluations, the Michelin Guide is considered the most prestigious. A mere mention of a business can launch a small-town eatery into a stratosphere shared globally by fellow illustrious establishments. Staten Islanders have three such locations in their midst, all on the North Shore, under the designation of Bib Gourmand.
And such it is for Enoteca Maria of St. George, Sagara Food City of Tompkinsville and VINUM of Stapleton. The trio will maintain their previously designated statuses for 2022.
Enoteca Maria -- 27 Hyatt St., St. George
Michelin inspectors called out owner Joe Scaravella and his cookbook, “Nonna’s House: Cooking and Reminiscing with the Italian Grandmothers of Enoteca Maria” (Atria Books, 2015), co-authored with Elisa Petrini. It also said, “With its Carrara marble and lively vibe, most foodies flock here for a certain authenticity that is rarely sacrificed.” It noted the world-wide cooking of its rotating nonnas in particular “Nina from Belarus” plus two staple dishes named for their architects Lasagna di Adelina and torta di vaniglia di Melissa.
Enoteca means “wine bar” in Italian. There are Italian staples on the menu that have evolved since the restaurant opened in 2007 with different a different nonna from Italy each night. The “Nonnas of the World” regimen was launched in 2015.
Sagara -- 98 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville
During COVID, the Sri Lankan spot switched over from an ala carte format to pickup only. It now operates its kitchen with a grocery store in the former seating area. The restaurant takes its name from co-owner Sagara Hewabajgamage. He and wife Anuradh tend the restaurant with a small staff — Chef Sanjeewa Warusavithana and Sunil Peiris in the kitchen.
Michelin says, “Visit Sri Lanka by way of Sagara, where the island nation’s rich cultural diversity is on full display.” They recommend fish cakes, mas paan, and fritter-like dhal vade” and the hearty entrees. It calls dishes “compelling” with high praise for lamprais, a meal served wrapped in a banana leaf with vegetables, protein, plantains, a fish cutlet and eggplant.
VINUM — 704 Bay St., Stapleton; 718-448-8466, Vinumnyc.com
The guide calls VINUM a “bijou” with kudos for wines by the glass and the unexpected decor which makes it feel like an osteria in Italy.
It notes, “The menu is designed for sharing, making the salumi and cheese platters a prevalent choice....Chef Massimo Felici’s passion for baking and pastries is clear in the house-made breads, and carries through to desserts that are worth getting excited over.” Compliments come for specials and a shout out that “every item is made with equal care and authenticity.”
