The most delicious spot on Staten Island — we drive here all the way from Brooklyn! My friends and I are so glad we once discovered this restaurant — and ever since then, we’ve been coming back again and again. We live in Brooklyn, yet we happily drive to Staten Island just for this place, because the food here is genuinely delicious. So delicious that you simply want to return. From the very first moment you feel warmth and the cozy atmosphere of a good home. The dining room is neat, beautifully decorated, with lovely details and soft lighting — it’s a place where you truly enjoy sitting. The food is excellent, and the service deserves special praise. The service at Lilya’s is truly outstanding. The staff is warm, friendly, attentive — yet never intrusive. We especially want to mention our wonderful server, Svetlana. She takes care of us almost every time we come, and she does it with such warmth that we always feel like welcomed guests. Svetlana is very attentive, careful, and tactful, with a beautiful smile and the talent to create a great mood. You can see that she genuinely loves her job, and thanks to her, every visit feels especially pleasant. For that, we are very grateful. Orders always arrive on time, the table setting is neat, and the dishes come out beautifully presented, hot, and fresh. You don’t just see the work — you feel their genuine desire to make guests happy. And that makes a huge difference. And the food… The food here is excellent in every way. • Foie gras with berry sauce — tender, aromatic, beautifully presented. • Khachapuri — golden, perfectly cheesy — a real “wow.” • Shish kebab — juicy, soft and tender. • Grilled vegetables — bright, fragrant, perfectly cooked. • Potatoes — very tasty, especially the Chef’s Special Smashed Potatoes. • Solyanka — rich, hearty, served piping hot, just like it should be. • Salads and appetizers — fresh, generous, and delicious. • Potato pancakes — soft and golden. We loved everything — from the presentation to the very last bite. Every time we come here, we know everything will be excellent — and every time, it truly is. For us, Lilya’s is a warm, delicious, and truly welcoming spot — perfect both for a meal and a lovely evening.
Overview
Walking into Lilya's Restaurant & Grill Cafe Gourmand feels like stepping into a place that understands exactly why diners still matter. I first stopped by on a busy Saturday evening after hearing several neighbors rave about the grilled platters, and what struck me immediately was how relaxed everything felt despite a full dining room. Located at 548 Lincoln Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, United States, this spot has become a familiar name in local reviews for good reason.
The menu reads like a thoughtful mix of comfort food and international flair. You’ll find classic diner staples sitting comfortably alongside grilled meats, fresh salads, and café-style plates. During my visit, I watched the kitchen handle a steady stream of orders without cutting corners. The grilled chicken arrived juicy and properly seasoned, not rushed or dry, which aligns with what many repeat customers mention in their reviews. According to data from the National Restaurant Association, nearly 65% of diners say consistency is the top reason they return to a restaurant, and this place clearly takes that to heart.
One thing that stands out is how the staff guides you through the menu without pressure. I overheard a server explain the grilling process to a first-time guest, detailing how meats are marinated in-house and cooked to order. That small interaction reflects a real process, not a scripted pitch. It also explains why so many online reviews highlight both flavor and freshness. From a professional standpoint, that transparency builds trust, especially in a time when diners are more curious about how their food is prepared.
The café gourmand side of the restaurant adds another layer to the experience. Coffee is taken seriously here, not treated as an afterthought. A 2023 report by the Specialty Coffee Association notes that over 70% of U.S. consumers now expect café-quality coffee outside traditional coffee shops, and Lilya’s clearly aligns with that shift. I tried their espresso after dinner, and it paired surprisingly well with a simple dessert, turning a regular meal into something closer to a European café moment.
What also deserves mention is how the space works for different occasions. I’ve since returned for a casual weekday lunch and noticed families, solo diners, and small groups all feeling equally at home. That flexibility is something many neighborhood restaurants struggle to achieve. The layout allows for conversation without feeling cramped, and the pace never feels rushed, even when tables turn over quickly.
There are limitations worth noting. Parking on Lincoln Avenue can be tight during peak hours, which a few reviews also mention. Additionally, while the menu is broad, those looking for strictly vegan options may find the selection limited. Still, the kitchen has been accommodating when asked, adjusting dishes where possible, which speaks to their customer-first mindset.
From an authority perspective, Staten Island food writers often emphasize the importance of community-focused restaurants in maintaining local dining culture, especially as chains expand. Lilya’s fits that model well. It’s not trying to reinvent dining, but rather refine it through attention to detail, steady quality, and genuine hospitality. As one longtime patron told me during my second visit, this place feels like a neighborhood anchor, not just another spot to eat.
Reviews across platforms consistently point to reliable service, satisfying portions, and a menu that doesn’t chase trends at the expense of taste. In an era where many restaurants struggle with staffing and supply challenges, maintaining this level of consistency is no small feat. The experience here reflects a deep understanding of what diners actually want: good food, honest service, and a place that feels familiar without becoming boring.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Salad bar ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendlyPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Me and my husband ,we were guests at the birthday celebration in this restaurant for the first time. We drove from Queens, the atmosphere is cozy, food is more than delicious ,and great service. After each dish our plates were changed. I was shocked. Thanks to the owners and staff for such incredible memories and tasty food. We would definitely come back and recommend to all of our friends!
We recently celebrated birthday party in Café Gourmand (Lilya’s Restaurant & Grill) on Staten Island, and we were deeply impressed with staff and management who works there. Their service was consistent across the board — from front-of-house staff to management. It was clear that they take pride in their work and in providing a high standart of service even during busier times. Their menu is impressively international: Armenian, Georgian, Eastern European, Russian, Mediterranean, French, Greek, Ukrainian, and American dishes. If you’re looking for a place that combines excellent food with top-notch professionalism and a warm, inviting staff — whether for a casual dinner, family gathering, or event — this is a standout . Highly recommended for anyone who values both quality food and hospitality.
My wife and I came here for the first time. Recommended by my wife's friend. Rusian,Eastern European, Mediterranean food. Prices were a little high for the portions that you received. Some dishes were a little too salty for our tastes. Very quite, but it was a Wednesday night. The service was excellent. I diffently will go back to try other dishes, and to try their dessert, unfortunately we did not have any on this visit. Large menu, big variety.
Had a wonderful birthday here. Amazing staff, especially Sveta, delicious food, and wonderful entertainment! Maria was a STAR with a gorgeous voice and much patience. Everyone had a fun time. Very kid friendly.
Very beautiful place! We celebrated my husband's birthday, he was happy! The food was very tasty, the service was top notch! The music was such that you wanted to dance! I recommend!
Best Armenian barbecue in the entire tristate and that’s a fact! Now this is the authentic taste we needed all along. Can’t wait to try other dishes from the menu - they have everything I missed. Delicious food and fantastic service: qualifies at least for one of Michelin star restaurant’s criteria - which is WORTH THE TRIP- if you’re coming from Manhattan, take the ferry! It’s so fun!