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The Best Eats Near Empire Outlets NYC

Empire Outlets, the outlet center and retail destination, is shaking up the North Shore of Staten Island! Shoppers and visitors to New York City can come to this waterfront location for deals on favorite brands, plus dining, entertainment, and special events. Eat at Empire Outlets during your day of shopping (see below), or check out one of the fantastic Staten Island restaurants on our list. Read on for great waterfront views, “Nonnas of the World,” and exceptional Sri Lankan fare at these Staten Island standouts.

EO Eats

On site at Empire Outlets, find a diversity of options for your food mood—with more on the way! Right now, get an espresso shot or two at Starbucks, ice cream at Haagen-Dazs, or a salty pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels. Soon to arrive at Empire Outlets will be an upscale Japanese restaurant named Wasabi, offering sushi and hibachi dining. Fast-casual options MRKTPL, Mamoun’s Falafel, and Shake Shack will also be opening soon on-site as well. MRKTPL will be a food hall featuring artisanal vendors. Mamoun’s and Shake Shack, both founded in Manhattan, will provide excellent Israeli street food and burgers for hungry shoppers. 55 Richmond Terrace, empireoutlets.nyc/restaurants

Pier 76

Acquaint yourself with Staten Island’s incredible Italian cuisine at Pier 76 a short walk from St. George Ferry Terminal. There are plenty of options to choose from, including pasta and paninis, but the pizza is the main event at Pier 76. It’s the sister restaurant of powerhouse pizzeria Joe & Pat’s and offers treasures like the protein-loaded Royal Pier Pizza and the Chicken Fra Diavolo pie. 76 Bay St., 718-447-7437, pier76si.com

Beso

Beso  

There’s a lot to love at Beso, the tapas place just a block from Empire Outlets. Take a date to this candle-lit spot for sangria, ceviche, and other Spanish specialties. The fusion-friendly menu also features an appetizer-sized quesadilla and fried plantains as a side dish. Happy hour offers deals on margaritas, Spanish pizzas, and more. 11 Schuyler St., 718-816-8162, besonyc.com

Enoteca Maria

Well worth traveling for, Enoteca Maria isn’t quite like any other restaurant in the city. At this Michelin-noted spot, you’ll be treated to true home cooking from one of the restaurant’s rotating chefs. These “Nonnas of the World” prepare incredible dishes from various cultures like Sri Lanka or Turkey. The rest of the menu features Italian staples like lasagna bianca and seafood in white wine sauce. Enoteca Maria is cash only. 27 Hyatt St., 718-447-2777, enotecamaria.com/wp/

Blue 

Blue

If you’re looking for a great view, you won’t do much better than the patio at Blue. This pan-Mediterranean restaurant, the sister restaurant to Beso, boasts an open-air terrace with fantastic views of New York Harbor. Rustic and sophisticated, the dining room offers the same view from its expansive windows. For dinner, start with fried artichokes with honey goat cheese dip. Don’t miss the daily dinner specials like shrimp orzo pasta made with pancetta—or the sangria at happy hour. 1115 Richmond Terrace, 718-273-7777, bluerestaurantnyc.com

Lakruwana

Located about a mile from Empire Outlets, Lakruwana is among the best of Staten Island’s many Sri Lankan restaurants. Try their 300-year-old recipe for lamprais, a rice and curry mixture wrapped in banana leaf, or the noodle dish String Hopper Kottu. Plant-based eaters and those with spicy palates will find a lot to love on this menu, and desserts like gooseberry mousse are a must. And if you’re around on a weekend, don’t miss the unlimited buffet for just $14.95, offered all day on Saturday and Sunday. 668 Bay St., 347-857-6619, lakruwana.com

Taqueria El Gallo Azteca

Authentic and affordable, Taqueria El Gallo Azteca is our taco pick near Empire Outlets. Locals love the fresh al pastor tacos, chorizo quesadillas, and carnitas here, plus the spicy green salsa. A true hidden gem, this small shop is located just a half mile from the ferry terminal. Taqueria El Gallo Azteca is cash only. 75 Victory Blvd., 718-273-6404

About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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