Spotlight | Basilio Inn

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. October is Italian American Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Italian Americans' values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we take you to the historic Basilio Inn on Staten Island!

It is hard to imagine a 103-year-old restaurant being a hidden gem. But the Basilio Inn on Staten Island's southeast shore is just that.

Basilio Giovannini, an immigrant from the Piedmont area of Italy, bought a carriage house built circa 1850. In 1921, he transformed the site into a comfortable eatery, adding a vegetable garden, grape arbor, and a bocce court like the countryside restaurants of his home. This arguably makes the Inn the longest-running restaurant on Staten Island. Soon, it became a gathering place for Italian immigrants from all over New York. The retreat served as a haven where Italian immigrants could play bocce, indulge in homemade wine, and dance.

Today, the Basilio Inn retains its character under the guidance of its owner, Naples-born Maurizio Asperti. Before Maurizio, his father was the proprietor. When his father fell ill and could no longer run the historic nook, he made Maurizio promise that he would continue the family business. He still regales customers with tales of his father's maritime adventures or advises them on the wine selections. His wine list features affordable, decent bottles he's personally taken the time to sample. He also gives the restaurant's Facebook page his personal touch.

A Google Reviewer said, "The food is fresh, the atmosphere is small and intimate, and the service is impeccable! Even though it was our first visit, it felt comfortable and familiar. The owner, who was so kind and easy to speak with, came over quite a few times to our table to make recommendations, give some background on the dishes, and speak about his time in Italy. The martinis were fabulous! This is a wonderful place!"

Not surprisingly, the current menu features dishes from different regions of Italy. In season, the chef uses peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, assorted squash and their blossoms, cucumbers, figs, and herbs from their own garden. The menu includes pasta, and desserts are made in-house. There are also homemade goat cheese and Basilio's own vinegar.

Diners are wise to partake in traditional favorites like Fried Calamari, Veal Piccata, and fresh mussels. But the menu offers more. Fresh garlic, lemon, and wine flavors perfectly suit the sizable Shrimp Scampi, and the Rigatoni Carbonara bathed in a creamy parmesan sauce embraces the smoky flavor of thick slices of sautéed pancetta. Have you tried Spiedini alla Romana? It is a soft cake of gently fried mozzarella in a lemony sauce of capers, tomato, and just enough anchovy. Even if you don't like anchovies, this might change your mind!

But remember to save room for the house-made Tiramisu. "Wow, what a find! The best Italian food I have had in a while, and the tiramisu was the best I've had! Thank you for understanding that Italian food should be friendly and affordable," noted one Yelp user.

Broadway Stages encourages everyone to explore the rich history and culture of Italy and its immigrants to the U.S. While museums and libraries can tell you a lot, the true soul of a culture must be experienced. The Basilio Inn tells much of this story in the food it serves but also captures the spirit in its service and atmosphere. So, if you can't make the journey to Italy soon, stop by the Basilio Inn Tuesday through Saturday, 3 to 10 p.m., or on Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m. And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!