Blue

Blue reigns as the most happening restaurant and lounge on Staten Island, helped along by its waterfront setting (quite close to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden) and clubby exterior—a white hacienda framed by an attractively landscaped lawn. The Mediterranean menu includes slow-roasted lamb shank with risotto, chicken Malaga and branzini with herb sauce; every Sunday there's a fun clambake. Chef and owner Julian Gaxholli's Staten Island portfolio also includes Bayou, which serves Cajun-Creole specialties, and Beso, a Spanish-Mexican hot spot near the St. George ferry terminal.