Where to Eat on Staten Island This Weekend: 3 Must-Try Spots for Flavor, Culture & Comfort

Discover 3 must-try Staten Island restaurants for unforgettable weekend dining. A flavorful local guide to hidden gems and iconic eats!

Whether you're planning your weekend and wondering where to eat on Staten Island this weekend, or you're just craving something different, you're in the right place. This weekend dining guide features three must-try eateries in Staten Island that deliver unforgettable flavors and local charm.

These picks aren’t just based on reviews—they come with personal experiences and real-life tips to make your weekend outing even better. Let’s dig in.

1. Lakruwana: A Journey to Sri Lanka Without Leaving Bay Street

📍 668 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10304
🕒 Weekend Buffet, BYOB

If you’ve never had Sri Lankan food—or if you have and can’t get enough—Lakruwana needs to be on your radar. Tucked into a colorful and cozy space on Bay Street, this spot is like stepping into another world.

The first time I went, I didn’t know what to expect. I love trying new cuisines, but I’d never had egg curry or jackfruit cutlets before. Turns out? I’d been missing out.

Their weekend all-you-can-eat buffet is the real deal. You can sample everything from deviled chicken (a spicy, tangy dish with layers of flavor) to dhal (a comforting lentil stew), and their string hoppers are a fun twist on noodles. Bonus: it’s BYOB, so bring your favorite bottle and settle in.

Why It’s Worth a Visit:

• A one-of-a-kind experience on the Staten Island restaurant scene
  
  
• Eye-popping decor with traditional Sri Lankan flair
  
  
• A buffet that’s ideal for first-timers wanting to try everything
  
  

Pro Tip: Come hungry and save room for dessert. If watalappam (a rich coconut custard pudding) is on the rotation—grab it.

2. Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria & Restaurant: Thin Crust Heaven Since 1960

📍 1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314
🍕 Old-school vibes, modern flavors

This is a Staten Island food scene legend for a reason. If you live here, chances are Joe & Pat’s has already been part of your life—Friday dinners, birthdays, or post-game pizza nights. But if you haven’t been lately, this weekend’s your chance to rediscover it.

Since 1960, Joe & Pat’s has served up thin-crust pizzas that strike the perfect crunch-to-chew ratio. The vodka pizza is a staple—creamy, zesty, and unforgettable. I brought a cousin from Brooklyn once, and he looked stunned after his first bite: “Wait, this is Staten Island pizza?” Yup. And it's top-tier.

What to Expect:

• A nostalgic, family-friendly atmosphere
  
  
• A full menu including pastas, seafood, and Italian classics
  
  
• Loyal regulars and speedy service
  
  

3. Enoteca Maria: Grandmas from Around the World

📍 27 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301
🧑‍🍳 Home-cooked Italian by real nonnas

Now this is a concept you don’t find just anywhere. At Enoteca Maria, a rotating cast of real grandmothers—yes, actual nonnas—cook their beloved family recipes for the restaurant's guests. One evening might feature dishes from Naples, another from Sicily.

There’s no fixed menu—what’s available depends on which nonna is in the kitchen. But that’s half the charm. You’re not just eating; you’re being welcomed into a story, a culture, and a family.

The pasta is handmade. The hospitality is heartwarming. The flavors are unforgettable.

Why You Should Go:

• Every visit brings something new
  
  
• A cozy, intimate space with a big heart
  
  
• National acclaim (yes, The New York Times has written about it)
  
  

Pro Tip: Check their website or Instagram to see which nonna is cooking. And make a reservation—this place fills up fast.

Planning Your Staten Island Food Tour

Feeling ambitious? Turn this into a Staten Island food tour:

• Friday Late Lunch or Dinner at Joe & Pat’s—start strong with iconic pizza.
  
  
• Saturday Night Buffet at Lakruwana—spice up your weekend with Sri Lankan delights.
  
  
• Sunday Dinner at Enoteca Maria—end your weekend with comforting, handmade Italian meals.
  
  

Between meals, take a walk through the Staten Island Greenbelt or stroll along the Staten Island waterfront. Trust me, you’ll want to walk off some of those delicious bites.

Where to Eat on Staten Island This Weekend? These Are the Top Picks!

People don’t always think of Staten Island as a foodie destination, but those of us who live here—or take the time to explore—know better. From traditional Italian to bold global flavors, the Staten Island food scene is full of surprises.

So if you're wondering where to eat on Staten Island this weekend, skip the generic chains and head to these local legends. Whether you're looking for flavor-packed Sri Lankan, old-school pizza, or an Italian meal cooked by someone's grandma, you'll find it here.

Go hungry. Bring friends. And leave room for dessert.

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