Violette's- Staten Island

tamberdi

I’ve seen Violette’s in Woodbridge, but Staten Island is where it started, so I had to go see the original for myself! What I love about this group is that no two locations feel the same. The lighting, the building, and even the menu change from place to place. @violettesrestaurant has more dark and cozy cellar vibes, with private seating areas tucked all over. It works for date night, girls’ night, or a big party. We started with the smoked mac and cheese: cavatappi in a smoked gouda béchamel with crushed Ritz and pretzel on top, finished with truffle. Then came the mussels, which are in a lobster bisque sauce instead of the usual white wine, with Yukon Gold potatoes and a dash of chili oil for heat. You’ll want to try the bread combined with that sauce. The mini lobster rolls are made with lobster and shrimp salad, plus a lemon-tarragon aioli. They’re a couple of bites each and so fresh!! The scallops surprised me. They’re seared over pistachio ajo verde and charred corn, with a lime-corn crema and a brioche lace on top that cracks like a chip. I’ve never had scallops with that combination of flavors, and other restaurants should be taking notes. My favorite was the shrimp cavatelli, because the pasta is housemade, so it’s soft and a little chewy. Here they toss it with sweet Argentinian red shrimp, Sungold tomatoes cooked down until they melt in your mouth, and a shrimp butter sauce, with breadcrumbs on top. If I had to eat at one restaurant every day for the rest of my life, this would be it. Every dish has its own personality, and the whole place is so comforting. If you know the password, there’s a hidden speakeasy called The Button Room. The private rooms go from a tiny wine room for five up to a ballroom-size space, so it’s a good pick for a birthday or a shower too. Have you been to either location? Tell me where I should go next. Violette’s 📍 2271 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 #statenislandeats #statenislandfood #nycfoodie #nycfoodies #nycdatenight

kriseatsnyc

@violettesrestaurant is one of the most beautiful restaurants on Staten Island. They’re known for their unique event spaces and excellent service. Highly recommend their brunch!