Recently attended a birthday event here. We were situated in the semi-private dining area in the back of the restaurant, where you enter from the rear parking lot door. The tables were situated in a U shape which made it easy to carry conversation across the room and for folks to address the whole group at one time. We were about 20-25 people. There was enough standing room for us to chit chat in the beginning before we all sat down for the meal. The party menu was 3 courses. There was hot and cold antipasto served family style to start - caprese salad with prosciutto and roasted red peppers, stuffed clams, stuffed mushrooms, eggplant rollatini and calamari. The apps were all really good. This was followed by a pasta course - a large portion of penne in red sauce. For entrees we had a choice between 3 proteins - I went with the chicken parm. The chicken parm was heavy on the salt but still good. The hosts brought in a birthday cake which they cut and served for us. The servers went around often, refilling water pitchers and clearing plates / taking drink orders. I had two glasses of pinot grigio - they were very generous pours. This party room area is perfect for smaller, more casual parties. It had a very homey feel. They also have a decent sized parking lot behind the restaurant which made parking a breeze. read more

La Fontana Restaurant - Chicken Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Ate there for years.... Always well satisfied.,,, no complaints Highly Recommend .... The only disappointment I had here... Is when they are closed.... read more

I had put up photos of this restaurant - Staten Island's La Fontana - and am now following that up with a review. I wanted to eat a bodacious Italian dinner and was specifically looking to eat this dinner on Staten Island after crossing the harbor on the Staten Island Ferry. I was able to land on this restaurant by looking at search engines and checking out if it could be reached by transit provided for within the MTA tourist transit card. It fit the bill. Walking from the nearby Staten Island Railway station, La Fontana is not too far. The building looks like a big stucco home given that stucco could make it look more Mediterranean. Before embarking on this review, I will take a brief detour because it's relevant. However, it will not affect my rating. When you go into a restaurant or coffeehouse, it's taken for granted that you will accept the demographics and pulse of the locale. You wouldn't go into a theoretical "Cheers" and expect to find polished people. You'd go in expecting backslapping types. Ditto for other sorts of places on the continuum of food and beverage. I will continue. In line with current events, I heard some spirited conversation from the bar upon walking in to the tune of "she's not likeable and that's why she's not going to win." Here's where the demographics come into play. The borough of Staten Island has a significant Italian(-American) population - hence tribe - and it becomes more pronounced as you head south on the island. That said, it's a more upwardly mobile suburban rendition of Italian-Americans than those from other NYC boroughs and some hamlets in Northern NJ. And, with that, come the all-too-predictable political leanings. That could mean that the person implicitly being championed is a certain "billionaire cafone." That could also hinge on that said individual exhibiting the same type of braggadocio that the audible folks are capable of because you can't expect them to completely leave the "yo" and the "yuk yuk" in the boroughs their roots might be in. It just so happened that I was seated just on the other side of the bar and could hear the conversations over there. I immediately asked to be reseated. They didn't ask questions, quickly obliged, and I got to sit where it was nice and quiet. Consistent with this, the service and timing were close to seamless throughout the meal. The menu was quickly provided to me, water and my soft drink arrived, as did a bread basket, and my order was taken. All the courses were delivered at a good pace. Not only that, this restaurant has also been around for a long time, has a steady following, and, with the more relaxed vibe of the neighborhood, the service was low key and conscientious. The food from every course in the meal was to my liking. Keep in mind that this is an Italian restaurant that leans slightly Italian-American in both what they offer and in the portions ... which are satisfying. Bring it on. It's not one of these trendy bistros where the owners and staff could possibly be annoying in a self-regarding way and their portions be small. The savory bread basked was full and I finished it off. I believe I skipped lunch and was hungry. They brought me some more bread. The salad was hearty and the robust ingredients were tasty. The plate of pasta - penne "alla Fontana" - was presented in a tomato cream sauce and, with mushrooms, prosciutto, shallots, and peas, it's very close to boscaiola sauce, which is one of my favorites. Lastly, the dessert was also very good. I saw several desserts on the menu; however, with the prix fixe menu, one was limited to choosing from among three. With one being chocolate, it was an easy pick and it really capped off the meal. La Fontana's pricing, given the geographic location, was palatable. I walked out of the restaurant a satisfied customer and, with all that food in my stomach, it was good that I had to walk back to the nearby Oakwood Heights railway station for a train that would take me right into the Richmond Staten Island Ferry terminal. When you're at this station and on the train, and not seeing water or the Verraz(z)ano, you might forget you're in a far-flung part of NYC and think you're somewhere in rural Pennsylvania. Getting closer to Richmond, however, will snap you out of that feeling. Again, I will not factor in the bar talk I heard upon walking in. If I ever came back, I would just avoid the bar area! With La Fontana dialing in the food, the portions, appropriate pricing, the amicable service, and that aura of being the kind of long running, popular Italian restaurant you'd expect in the Tri-state area around NYC, it seems to score on all the ingredients that make for 5 stars. read more

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I'm a regular here any cant believe I have never posted a review. Great local Italian restaurant with very good food. The sauce doesn't leave you with acid heartburn some places do and not overloaded with garlic and onions. They have a great weeknight dinner special for $27 which gets you an appetizer, main course and dessert. My go to is the chicken parm which is always nice and crispy but still juicy on inside. Opted for the spumoni this week. Also great fresh Italian bread read more

La Fontana Restaurant - a slice of cake on a plate - Italian Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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Food is great. This place has been around for a long time. Highly recommend. Service was good. I recommend their Ceasar Salad made table side read more

Went with a large group after a burial which we call a repass. The place needs a makeover. It smelled musty. The food was Not good. On the hot appetizer there was a stuffed mushroom a baked clam eggplant rolatini and mozzarella corrozza. The only thing that was edible was the mozzarella. The other things were dry and had a tang. Next up was pasta, that wasn't bad. Then salad, also not bad. Dinner options were veal franchaise, a chicken dish and salmon. They weren't terrible but after the appetizer having a tang, I couldn't eat much. I asked for a simple piece of grilled chicken which was awful. How do you mess up that? I wish i could un eat what i did consume. I wouldn't recommend this place at all. read more

I'm only giving this rating one star because there is nothing lower. When I arrived at the restaurant and parked in a spot in front of the restaurant, I was told by the gardener (in a very nasty manner) to move because he had to work there. He had blocked the whole front of the building with his truck and equipment. He said there was a parking lot in back. As I tried to back out of the spot onto Richmond Road where there was non-stop traffic, he was obviously annoyed that I wasn't moving fast enough. Now, for the inside.....There was only one other table occupied in the side room and we were asked if we had a reservation. Ok, we didn't have one but duh! the place was empty. We were then pointed towards the table. We sat for a while and the waiter came walking over with a pitcher of water. I turned the water glass over thinking he would pour the water into our glasses. He just put the pitcher in the middle of the table. Food was mediocre. I had broiled sole which had no taste at all. The string beans were hard; mashed potatoes were good. Dessert was a cake roll or rice pudding. Good choices. I don't know how their coffee is but I had tea. How can you make a bad cup of tea? Ask them, the water was like hot tap water. The teabag floated on top of the water. Will never go back and will NOT recommend this place. read more

We totally forgot about La Fontana for years. So happy to have been back. The food was delicious. The decor may be a little dated but the service and food were amazingly delicious. The grouper special was mouthwatering. We were so full but just had to order the cheesecake. Can't wait to go back. And tbh, not super expensive. read more

La Fontana Restaurant - Grouper - Italian Near Me - Staten Island, New York

We ordered the meatballs for appetizer and fettuccini alfredo and manicotti for entrees. Everything tasted homemade and good. Great table setup. The staff was attentive and courteous. They even included a special 'candle' in the desert that looked more like a roman candle for my grandson's birthday! He loved it! read more

A nice place. The food was delicious and the employees were very nice and friendly. I felt like I was dinning with family. Thomas ran the show and couldn't have made us feel more relaxed and at home. I would highly recommend this place read more

Hands down, my favorite Italian restaurant on the island! I have been there several times and never disappointed. Bar service is excellent. Try a Cosmo! Dinner is always exceptional. Any and every pasta dish is recommended but my favorite is linguine with clam sauce. Finish it with a stuffed veal chop. OMG! Service is quick, friendly and accommodating. Price fixe menu a bargain! read more

Such a great family establishment. Love the ambience. The servers r phenomenal. They really know how to treat you right. Food is always a 10/10! read more

The service was horrific. They served stale cake and over charged us and got an attitude with us for saying we were over charged. Never going back read more

Fabulous food and service. One of the few restaurants that do a table side Caesar salad.Prices are reasonable, and portions are adequate. Parking lot is tiny, and you should have a plan b if you can't find a parking spot. We didn't have any drinks so I can't say if they're a generous free pour, or a measured shot. No booths, but a respectable distance between the tables. We'll definitely be back. read more

I was there for a repast luncheon. On the way out a waiter dropped a big tray of used dishes and food stuff in front of me. I proceeded to fall on the broken dishes and oily food scraps. Being an older person, the fall made it impossible for me to stand up. A family member lifted me onto two chairs and called 911. A patron, who was a nurse took care of me till the EMS arrived. NOBODY from this establishment came over or spoke to me. My husband called from the hospital and spoke with their mananger. He asked for a copy of the accident report because it would help us with our copays, we were using our own medical instead of filing a suit. The manager said they don't fill out reports and during the call Mr. Wolferberger didn't even ask how I was doing. any breaks,was I ok? NOT A WORD of caring or concern. I called the owner Mr. Fauci when I had completed physical therapy and wanted to make him aware of the non caring of his employees for this incident. I wanted nothing from him and that's what I got, , He said he'd talk to his employees so this doesn't happen again. Horrible reaction to something that should have never habe happened . The employees caused the accident and he didn't care. Highly recommend you don't give your business to this establishment. read more

I am extremely disappointed with my experience here. A bug was found in a drink and in the food served. Things happen however management insisted there was no bug and they did not see it and did not offer an apology or any reparation. The waiter was dismissive stating it was impossible. Nothing is impossible and no customer desires to find insects in their meal. We turned down the remainder of the food that was paid for and left. Dine at your own risk. read more

La Fontana Restaurant - There is a bug in the food and in a drink. management said they didn't see it . No offer was made to discount meal or even offer an apology. - Italian Near Me - Staten Island, New York

**Writing on behalf of my sister** If I can give no stars I would, well maybe 1/2 just for the Broccoli Rabe, it actually had garlic and a miniscule amount of taste. I decided to order out tonight because it was late and I didn't have much time to cook so I ordered an order the following: 2 pieces of fried chicken cutlets (plain) 4 pieces of fried Veal (plain) Side of Broccoli Rabe Side of Asparagus Total = $90 (For What??????) I never complain about cost, however $90 for what exactly? I understand Veal is expensive but for 4 small pieces defiantly shouldn't be more then $30. Then aside from the cost, the asparagus sat in oil and lacked flavor. The fried chicken cutlets had absolutely NO flavor, not salt, not cheese, NOTHING. The Broccoli Rabe was swimming in water but like I said earlier in my review it had some flavor of garlic. Needless to say I will never order out from this restaurant again and will not ever go into the restaurant again. The last time we sat in for dinner it smelled like mildew and was not worth it. What I don't understand is why it looks so busy every night, how do they stay in business? read more

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Had the best brunch with my friends. We had Marcus as our waiter and he was amazing! He was so attentive and friendly.

Dinner is alway great at this restaurant. The chef is Willing to make just about anything you request. Food is fresh. They always have specials. The staff is great very nice and helpful. Always a great place for dinner read more

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Wanted something different then the usual places for our special Anniversary (35 yrs)! First. They made us feel special with everyone wishing us well. The food was delish .......wanted to try Spadini because it is a fave thing of mine. Had some onion soup snd my husband had shrimp cocktail. For main course we both had veal spadini romana (veal with prosciutto and mozzarella. All were done to perfection! The menu was varied with plenty of choices in each category. The alcohol drinks were also great. Jeff was one of the wait staff. Ty fir a treat if dessert! Prices very reasonable. Worth the try......we will go back. read more

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The food was mediocre. The pasta was lukewarm and on the cold side. The chicken parm and mozzarella and carozza were just okay. The lemon sorbet was better than the food. It was a fun party but the food wasn't worth the money. The service was slow but they seemed understaffed. read more

La Fontana Restaurant - Lemon sorbet - Italian Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Honestly, the prices are nothing abnormal but the actual portions make the prices high. The customer base for this restaurant is honestly indicative of Staten Island in the worst way. Just kinda a less than meh experience. read more

Recently attended a party at the RESTURANT and we had a variety of apps and entrees so I can comment on the various things I tried which were all VERY GOOD!!! Meatballs were fantastic , as was the mozzarella carozza, stuffed eggplant , calamari along with a great chick pea green salad. The entree of pork loin with roasted peppers was very tasty as was the chicken franchaise. The drinks were also very good but a special mention of the Pastascio Martinee. Will definitely return as this is old school italian food done Right!!! read more

We went to the new one in Annandale & it was absolutely amazing first the decor was very simple but very nice & we had a onslaught of great dishes. From the octopus to the calamari to the meatball crazy good & then I had the stuffed pork chop cause that what I go for a meat stuff w/ goodies !!!! & it was awesome sauce pasta my daughter had was pretty amazing too & then dessert was crazy good we will be back no doubt about it crazy good service food was outstanding read more

La Fontana Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Well I've been looking for a new Italian restaurant since the last debacle at my usual spot. This place has been here for decades, and I did eat here over 20 years ago and I don't remember why its been so long since I came back, but glad I did. For starters the appetizers were awesome, baked clams and a fried cheese ball in sauce. The dinners were also spot on. There were 4 of us and we all had something totally different and were all happy. The wine prices weren't bad also, as so many places try and hit you over the head for a few extra dollars. Even the bread was excellent. And to top it off, the staff made the night. At no point did I have to wait and look for someone or ask for something twice. They were pleasant and eager to please us. read more

When you open the door and walk in the smell of mildew, mold is disgusting The restaurant is dark and run down.. The woman's bathroom smells of urine. Should I say more? The food is Not Good. Will never go back The only thing that was good was the bread. read more

We had a repast lunch this past weekend and everyone can't say enough how nice it was. When I called to plan it last minute, they were very pleasant and even though the number of guests and the weather was uncertain, they were accommodating to our every need. The setup outside under the tents was perfect. The food was delicious and the service was great! We couldn't have had a better dining experience after such a difficult morning so everything was much appreciated - thank you! read more

For this most recent stop on my Italian restaurant tour in Staten Island we went for dinner with 2 friends on Saturday evening to LaFontana a family run restaurant in business for many many years. We were politely greeted by the hostess and were seated. The table was a little wobbly but they immediately remedied it. The restaurant was busy with a couple of graduation parties but we received excellent service from a friendly interested waiter. Sorry I didn't get his name. I had the shrimp parm and it was excellent. All of us were very pleased with our dinners. The prices were fair and we were not charged an additional amount for using a credit card. read more

I very recently was a guest at a fixed menu Bereavement dinner here and it was very poor service. I understand restaurants had a big blow thrown to them during this pandemic and I truly sympathize, but don't take a dinner like this if you can't handle it. I know my relative booked this in advance and they had plenty of time to get the people they needed to give proper service and food. The service was so bad, people were getting up to see if they could get water for themselves. The two waiters that were there basically disappeared and the food was very mediocre. I have a very strong feeling they only had two men there who did the cooking and the serving. They put stale bread on the table, the food was horrible and the desert was actually sour. We were able to get one pitcher of water and a glass of soda before they disappeared into thin air. What a disappointment. read more

Once again my family gathered together to celebrate at La Fontana and it met all our expectations. The food is always good but the service and special attention is what I think keeps us coming back. We love the feeling of being the only family in the restaurant. Thank you again read more

A little over the top, in a way only the Staten Island/Brooklyn Italians could accomplish. They serve up very standard Italian fair. They think it's outta this world but to put it kinda harshly, it's simply yet another uninspired kitchy Italian restaurant that you find on every other block here. read more

Eh... Didn't hate it; it was just ok. SERVICE: The staff were very pleasant but could use some polish. The hostess made us wait while she continued chatting with a friend. Our waiter gave inaccurate descriptions of the specials. He also served us the wrong appetizer. The busboy had to be told not to take the plate of food from in front of me - while I was eating it! A second waiter asked if we wanted dessert, yet had no menu and didn't know what desserts were available. FOOD: Clams oreganata were basic; the clams casino was tasty but the bacon was practically raw. Marsala sauce was bland and chicken cutlets were about an inch thick rather than pounded thin. Pork chop special was a thick dry hunk of pork chop; not much flavor and no sauce. Horseradish mashed potatoes were good. No veggies included. Cannolis for dessert were frozen. The food was just ok, the service barely ok. With so many other Italian places in the area, you'd think they'd make more of an effort to be more than just ok. I might give them another try but stick to their regular menu staples (red sauce); we ordered specials which as I said weren't so special. read more

Sucks So out dated waiter said GALAMAD After I corrected him its pronounced calamari. No G Wow its awonder why this shithole hasent been wacked read more

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants years ago (20 to be exact)but when I was diagnosis with Celiac, I never went back. My son also has celiac and he said for his birthday he would love to have fried calamari. When I googled it, la Fontana came up. I called and spoke to someone and asked if they would accommodate gluten-free. To my joy he said we can make almost anything gluten-free as long as we have the flour. He check the kitchen to make sure they had the gluten-free flour and happily they did. We went there for dinner and I couldn't believe how wonderful it was. Thank you laFontana for accommodating us. I can't wait to go back. read more

After kidnapping my best friend and deciding where to go eat we settled here. The waiters ensured our water glasses were never empty and the host was so authentic speaking Italian to us calling us beautiful ladies. I ordered manicotti and it was great. The ricotta was cooked just the way I like. The parking lot is a bit small though so you might need to use the street. read more

spaghetti was under cooked... onion soup some of the onions had black mold on it... when was the food inspector in last or are the paid off like demos like to do... somebody needs to really mop the urine off of the floor in womens room the floor is sticky... and smells worse than a kat horder house... read more

For starters the pasta is way too al dente for my taste, and the sauce is watery and very chunky. The salad had a house dressing that had no taste at all, blah! I had veal francese which was two tiny pieces of veal lost on a big plate. It was served family style and I am not a fan of string beans so I didn't bother with those. The mashed potatoes were red potatoes with garlic and those were the highlight of the meal which is kind of depressing considering it was a 3 course meal. The Chocolate cake and coffee was included, also nothing to brag about All in all there are far better Italian restaurants on the island. I've been here a few times before and I always walk away feeling a pizzeria can do better at much lower prices. read more

This place is also going down in quality. We order 2 specials of the evening and 2 appetizers.. way over salted and one order was under cooked.. returned it then it was over cooked.. way over priced. Poor wine selection... Not too busy, starting to know why. Wasnt happy at all Avoid. read more

Lets see, I liked it. The french fries were a little bit over the top for me. The food was outstanding and the waitors were nice. It's usually crowded. I stopped going there since that day and the whole joint smelt like a bathroom. Matter of Fact I may have seen a baby take a piss as I was standing there. And I left read more

Terrible service, terrible food. Ate there recently and the food tasted old and reheated. The chicken Fontana was terrible. I never in my life had to use all my might to cut chicken. It was beyond tough. I didn't eat it. We waited 20 minutes for menus, another 30 for appetizers, and an additional 45 minutes for our food. Which was awful. I would expect a lot more for the price I paid. I'm not the kind of person to complain becaude I fear for spit in my food But the food was garbage. Never again. Spend your hard earned money elsewhere. read more