Best Restaurants Near NYRR Staten Island Half Course

Excellent bar-style pizza at Lee's Tavern.

The NYRR Staten Island Half takes runners through one of New York City’s most scenic and serene routes, with stunning views of New York Harbor and the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge a glimpse of the starting point of the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon. Tucked into Staten Island’s winding roads and quiet residential areas are staunch eateries full of warmth and character, and they provide excellent opportunities to refuel and recover after a 13.1-mile run.

Pastavino

Housemade paccheri fra diavolo pasta at Pastavino.

Two surges of Italian migration (once in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and another after the completion of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge) have led to Italian Americans being the largest ethnic group on Staten Island. Out of the numerous Italian establishments on the island, Pastavino stands out for their housemade pastas and beautiful views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from the Stapleton Esplanade. The paccheri fra diavolo is a highlight from the selections, its thick tubular noodles sopping up tomato brandy broth topped with fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid. For vinophiles, the wine list is one of the best I’ve seen—in terms of quality and value—in all of New York City.

New Asha

Kingfish curry at New Asha.

Besides Italian, the cuisine Staten Island is perhaps most known for is Sri Lankan. Home to about 5,000 people of Sri Lankan descent, the island boasts several critically acclaimed Sri Lankan restaurants including New Asha, which has been open for over 20 years. While the restaurant provides excellent food, its longevity can most palpably be understood after meeting Viji, New Asha’s warm and affable owner.

After Viji serves you a sumptuous kingfish curry with various sides including yellow lentils, carrots, and cabbage and beets and onion, she’ll take the opportunity to get to know you, where you’re from, and make you feel like you’re in a relative’s home kitchen. Make sure to order a housemade passionfruit juice and take home a maluu paan (Sri Lankan fish bun) for breakfast the next day.

Shaw-Nae’s House

Walking into Shaw-Nae’s House feels like entering into a big family gathering, with visitors chatting on the couches by the entrance and chef Shaw-Nae herself visiting various tables to ask how their night’s been going. Usually, diners have been having an exceptional night after trying Shaw-Nae’s soul food specialties such as smothered turkey legs, oxtail, and chicken wings tossed in her signature Sugar Daddy sauce.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a chicken wing would taste like, I’d recommend ordering the wings. The meat from the turkey leg falls of the bone with ease, and a spoonful of it along with some rice and gravy is a top-tier New York City bite. Wash it all down with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade and do not skip the peach cobbler.

Lee’s Tavern

Buffalo fried calamari at Lee's Tavern.

For a nostalgic slice of Americana—and an excellent slice of bar-style pizza—visit Lee’s Tavern. The establishment, which has been around since 1940, features an antique wooden bar and various decorations and paraphernalia from a time gone by—it’s also an excellent place to catch a sports game. Just as well-known as their pizza is their buffalo fried calamari served with blue cheese—those skeptical of the dish should try it at least once in all its crunchy, spicy goodness.

The pizza itself resembles more of a cracker topped with any number of options including meatball, sweet peppers, and clams and can be finished by one person over the course of a football game. Come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the simpler things.

Royal Crown Bakery

Assorted baked goods at Royal Crown Bakery.

Right off Hylan Boulevard and a short walk from Ocean Breeze Park lies Royal Crown, one of Staten Island’s most storied institutions for Italian cookies, cakes, and assorted baked goods. Like other spots on this list, this family-run establishment treats you like royalty, leading you through their vast array of pastas, sandwiches, and apps.

One of the main draws for the bakery is the soft and spongy bread they use for their copious sandwich selections which include all the cold cut, cutlet, and caponata combinations one can dream of. The chicken vodka parm sandwich is a stellar option paired with a homemade iced tea. Once you’ve packed up your sandwich to go, make sure to take home a cannoli and a mixture of their buttery cookies best dipped in espresso.

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David Paradela is on the internal communications team at NYRR, keeping the staff updated on what's going on in the organization and in the world of running. Prior to working at NYRR, he worked at Wine & Spirits Magazine handling their news and restaurant coverage.