This was my first visit to the marina several weeks ago and I was very impressed. The floor to ceiling windows offer an incredible view of the marina from everywhere in the restaurant and gives the place a feeling of serenity. Some of the food I tried would rival some of the best Manhattan steakhouse and seafood restaurants. The food was perfectly prepared and plated beautifully The seafood tower as an appetizer was very impressive with right off the boat fresh tasting clams, oysters, very large shrimp and lobster. The tuna tartare had a very unique and delicious sauce and was mounded on an absolutely delicious fried disk. My other two stand out appetizers were the seafood salad and, a surprise, what they call an Italian eggroll With really delicious Italian red sauce. If you are a lobster bisque lover this lobster bisque was to die for. The Châteaubriand was cooked exactly as ordered, medium rare with house made barbecue sauce and Demi glace which were both excellent with a roasted garlic bulb creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. The very fresh angry red snapper came on top of broccoli rabe and was topped with very fresh premium crab meat. The best part of this dish for me was the ring of gnocchi around the fish that were like little pillows of softness. The variety of desserts are homemade and all were delicious. If you happen to be there on a nice day and the tiki bar is still open, it is definitely worth sitting out there for a cocktail and a dessert and coffee. I can’t wait to go back there in several weeks for my birthday.
Overview
Located at 154 Mansion Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308, Marina Cafe Restaurant & Tiki Bar is a popular local gem that blends delicious food with a laid-back, tropical atmosphere. Known for its stunning views and vibrant tiki bar, this restaurant offers a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink while soaking in the ambiance of Staten Island’s waterfront. Whether you’re out for a casual lunch with friends or a night out with family, this spot ticks all the boxes for a great dining experience.
As soon as you walk into the Marina Cafe, you're welcomed by a charming yet unpretentious vibe. The waterfront location creates a relaxed, vacation-like feel, which is just what you need when you want to unwind. The spacious outdoor seating area near the water makes it an ideal place for a summer meal, with the sounds of the water lapping against the docks in the background.
The menu at Marina Cafe Restaurant & Tiki Bar features a great mix of seafood dishes, classic American diner fare, and tropical-inspired cocktails. From fresh seafood platters to hearty burgers and salads, there's something for everyone. A standout item is the fish tacos, perfectly seasoned and served with a tangy slaw that’s hard to beat. For those in the mood for something a little more indulgent, the juicy steak and the fried shrimp are top-notch, prepared with care and bursting with flavor.
What really sets the restaurant apart, though, is its tiki bar. It’s not just a place to grab a drink, but a whole experience. The bar serves up a variety of tropical cocktails, including piña coladas, margaritas, and mojitos, each served with a creative twist. Whether you’re sipping a drink on the deck or hanging out inside, the tiki-inspired cocktails are a great complement to the laid-back vibe. There’s also a fine selection of local beers and wines, making it easy to find something that suits your taste.
For those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, Marina Cafe delivers on all fronts. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that everyone feels like part of the family. The restaurant often has live music, especially during the weekends, which creates a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal and a drink. The combination of great service, delicious food, and fun ambiance makes Marina Cafe a local favorite.
One of the best things about Marina Cafe Restaurant & Tiki Bar is its versatility. Whether you’re looking to relax with a drink, celebrate a special occasion, or enjoy a quiet meal with loved ones, the restaurant accommodates all kinds of diners. The outdoor seating area is also perfect for those who prefer to dine alfresco while taking in the scenic views.
Another reason to visit this spot is its consistent positive reviews. Locals love the wide variety of dishes, the freshness of the seafood, and the overall inviting atmosphere. The large portions are another draw, as patrons often leave feeling satisfied and happy. Many regulars return time and time again, which speaks volumes about the overall experience at this charming eatery.
Overall, Marina Cafe Restaurant & Tiki Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing drink with friends or a family dinner, the restaurant offers a great mix of delicious food, a lively atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings. If you're in the Staten Island area, it's definitely worth a visit.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as women-ownedService options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Live music âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Quiet âś“ Romantic âś“ Trending âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Lunch reservations recommended âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ Parking âś“ Valet parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
One of the best Italian spots on the island AND good views ? It's hard to find a place that does both but this one hits the mark. Growing up on SI there have been so many parties and dinners here especially during the summer for the tiki bar, the drinks are well made for the price! I would definitely recommend if you haven't been !
We started with the dragon shrimp and meatballs. Both were great! The shrimp was our favorite but meatballs were really tasty as well. They also gave us bread with the sesame crackers I love. Then we got the pasta di vincenzo and the short rib. The eggplant pasta wasnt our favorite but not bad. The short rib was very good but tasted a bit like stew meat not what i expect from short rib. Would still get it again just know to expect a more stewy short rib. For dessert we got the creme brule and apple tart. The creme brulle was really good but the apple tart crust wasnt our favorite
Food was mediocre. We ordered the dry aged rib eye steaks but the meat was more chewy/ striated than rib eye cuts should be. Minimal marbling. Mashed potato was lumpy and looked microwaved. Broccoli was bland and seemed like it was simply steamed. The service was also mediocre- it is apparent they’re not bothered about hospitality and “wooing” customers as the location is the main attraction. In summary, the price tag is literally for the beautiful waterside view and location. The restaurant has large glass windows so no matter where you sit you get a great view and feel of the natural sunlight.
Drinks and vibes were on par for a casual setting, nothing to write home for us about. Appreciated the drink menu but found the cocktails were not particularly well balanced, and very spirit forward.
Love there food and great service. Love their seafood pasta.. my favorite
This staple restaurant is a classic in Staten Island. Came to the tiki bar to sit outside and catch the breeze. Our waitress (wish I remembered her name) was super friendly gave great recommendations and followed through with checkups. We started with calamari (a little cold) and the lobster and carb sliders (no food presentation) then ordered the tuna steak and salmon, they were cooked well and taste was good, they were able to substitute the sides. I didn’t like the paper plates and plastic cup service. This is a tiki bar so there was a crowd on the younger side but played the music at a decent volume for patrons to hear one another during dinner.