STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Advance/SILive.com is visiting businesses around the borough that are new, under new ownership, or have new offerings, like serving alcohol for the first time.
This stop: Villa Monte in Tottenville.
About the business
What type of restaurant is it?
Villa Monte South in Tottenville is a family-owned and operated Italian pizzeria and restaurant.
When did it open?
Villa Monte opened its doors in 1984; however, Joe Graziano has owned the Villa Monte in Tottenville since August 2024.
Where is it located?
7001 Amboy Road, Tottenville
What are the hours of operation?
Villa Monte South is opened Sunday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
When did it receive its liquor license?
Graziano noted the restaurant has always had a liquor license, but it received its full license about five months ago.
“Come September, we’ll have a full stocked bar,” said Graziano. “Still have beer, and guests can order anything from the bar currently. … We have anything people ask for.”
Does it sell or serve beer, wine, mixed drinks and/or hard liquor?
Villa Monte South sells a wide range of drinks, from beer, wine, mixed drinks, to hard liquor.
The restaurant also offers cappuccinos, among other coffees.
What are the most popular appetizers, entrees and desserts?
Villa Monte in Tottenville has more than just pizza.
Graziano noted there are several appetizers that are popular including the calamari which can be either fried or chili flavored. Another popular appetizer includes the Mozzarella Carozza, traditional mozzarella sandwiched between Italian bread, breaded and fried served with tomato sauce or with vodka sauce and mushrooms.
Among the popular salads:
The Jenny: Romaine, diced fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, balsamic mushrooms
Grilled chicken: Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, olives, with balsamic sautéed mushrooms
Graziano noted that the grilled chicken salad is a hit with many customers.
“We’ve had people call for occasions ordering half trays of it. One in particular, we had a customer order a tray before she was going away and said she was going to have it warmed up in the hotel,” said Graziano.
As far as entrees, there are many popular options including chicken parm, Francese or Marsala.
Graziano explained that there were recently two customers who ordered chicken Francese heroes.
“They had their last bite in their hand and they said they couldn’t fit but they had to because it was so good,” Graziano explained.
Another popular dish is Zuppa di Pesce.
Zuppa di Pesce consists of mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp sautéed in garlic and oil, with the choice of mild, spicy red, or white sauce.
Graziano expressed that there are customers who come from Manhattan twice a month just for the dish.
As far as desserts, popular options include cannoli, tartufo, and tiramisu.
The cannolis that Villa Monte offers its customers come from a famous place in Brooklyn that has been standing for 100 years, where they supply cream and shells, Graziano noted.
What are some items people should try?
Graziano noted everything on the menu is worth trying.
“The thing about us,” Graziano stated. “You don’t know what you’re going to get until you try it. Everything we have is top of the line and fresh. It will compete with any high-end Italian restaurant on Staten Island.
“We had a customer who came in and ordered two to three full trays of shrimp Francese,” said Graziano. “The woman has been calling nonstop thanking us. She told us she had 90 people coming and wanted leftovers. She ended up telling us that during the party she made a plate for herself to save for the next day.”
Does the restaurant offer use for private parties?
Villa Monte offers private party packages and space.
The restaurant is often a location for Little League pizza parties, but has also hosted several occasions including first birthdays, christenings, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners and more.
The room off to the side, near the bar, can hold 50 people. Parties can have the full appetizers and entree courses.
Does the restaurant take catering orders, if so how can a customer place the order?
Villa Monte offers catering opportunities which can be made either in person or over the phone. Anything on the item is available for catering.
What makes this business stand out?
Graziano stated that Villa Monte South is a landmark restaurant on Staten Island.
“The original one opened in 1984,” said Graziano. “So, when you say the name, people know Villa Monte. We have a lot of competition in the area, but no one can beat the old world charm that this place has.”
Graziano also expressed that those who haven’t tried Villa Monte yet, should definitely do so soon.
“You won’t regret it. You’ll have great food, great service,” said Graziano. “We have employees who have been here over 20 years, and when someone walks in they know them by name and that’s a great feeling.”
“[Villa Monte] is a staple on Staten Island, and it’s going to stay.”
How to get in touch with the business
Phone number, social media handles, website
(718) 984 – 9886 VillaMonteSouth.com