Despite having a long history of Black culture throughout the borough, Staten Island has a drought of Black-owned restaurants. The community has seen many come and go over the years. Staple eateries and cafeteria-style lunch houses like Chez Adja, Feed Ya Soul, and other favorites have disappeared as time has passed; leaving a culinary hole in the heart of the community.
With nine percent of Staten Island residents identifying as African-American, the neighborhood has opportunities for growth amongst Black restauranteurs and entrepreneurs. However, there are three Black-owned restaurants in Staten Island for travelers to check out when visiting. These restaurants have survived as others have exited the culinary scene. They’ve continued to show up, cooking the best grilled, barbecued, fried, and seafood delights that keep the community coming back for me. Here are a few Black-owned restaurants to explore in New York’s Staten Island.
Shaw-nae’s House
Perhaps the most popular Black-owned restaurant in Staten Island, Shaw-nae’s has been a staple in the local community. They serve up some of the best soul food on the East Coast. The menu is inspired by the owner and chef’s grandmother, who taught her how to cook as a child. Now, Shaw-nae Dixon is a Staten Island legend whose food inspires and encourages change. A self-proclaimed food alchemist, Shaw-nae has curated a menu full of soul food favorites with a twist. From smothered turkey wings and shrimp and grits to fried fish and chicken, they have it all. Shaw-nae’s brings southern soul classics to New York City in the best way.
- Location: Staten Island, NY
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Wings with Sugar Daddy Sauce
- Before You Go: Shaw-nae’s is super popular among celebrities and corporate brands, having catered to top names like Carol’s Daughter, Ford Motors, Yves Saint Laurent, and more.
Mona’s Cuisine
Mona’s Cuisine specializes in African and Caribbean cuisine. They keep all of your favorites on deck at this family-owned establishment. Online reviews exclaim about the decor, ambiance, and vibes at Mona’s. Guests are convinced that the chef in the back has blessed hands that keep them coming back for more good eating. Mona’s has an extensive menu covering many aspects of African cuisine. Traveling foodies are sure to find something their taste buds will love at this Staten Island eatery.
- Location: Staten Island, NY
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Stewed Fish & Shrimp
- Before You Go: This restaurant has varying hours so be sure to call ahead to make sure they’re open before you go.
Holland Bay Restaurant
To get authentic, Caribbean cuisine straight from the islands, Holland Bay is the only place to go in Staten Island. Each day the restaurant has different specials for guests to choose from. They have it all from jerk chicken and oxtails to shrimp sandwiches and beef red pea soup. For folks who love Caribbean patties, Holland Bay has three different flavors to choose from and the plates are loaded with food.
- Location: Staten Island, NY
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Curry Goat
- Before You Go: Holland Bay is authentic Caribbean cuisine and travelers won’t find it better in Staten Island than this eatery.
Although there aren’t many to choose from, these three restaurants in Staten Island are holding it down for the Black-owned food scene. Be sure to add them to your list of culinary adventures to embark on the next time you’re in town.
