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Marina Cafe
154 Mansion Avenue
Staten Island 1-718-967-3077
marinacafegrand.com

Zagat surveyors say the "beautiful" views are sure to "take your breath away," but may overshadow the "tasty, reasonably-priced" fare.

Chef Michael Peluso has been cooking up seasonal favorites at the local seafood joint for the past 20 years. One of his specialties is stuffed tilapia.

"It's stuffed with spinach and a crabmeat stuffing," says Peluso. "It has a little cheese in there to hold it together, and a couple strips over the top and I roasted it and put a little panko breadcrumbs over the top and a little seasoning."

A shaved fennel salad, some rice pilaf, and a few asparagus spears complete the dish.

While Marina Cafe's menu changes twice a year, and includes different daily specials, it stays consistent by offering items with an Italian or Mediterranean flare.

If fish isn't your thing, there are plenty of vegetarian options, like an eggplant parmigiana appetizer that is grilled and filled with marscapone, ricotta, and parmesan and topped with asiago cheese.

The Marina Cafe also offers a prix fixe menu, so during the week diners can sample an appetizer, entree and dessert for $22.

"People can't really afford to pay high prices to go out to eat, so this is something we threw back to the people," says Peluso.

Diners also praise the "attentive" service and say a tiki deck and nightly live music also enhance Marina Cafe's local reputation as a "special place."

Zagat surveyors give Marina Cafe 19 for food, 20 for decor and 23 for service. Expect to pay about $43 for a meal.