Cucina Fresca, a hidden gem in a local strip mall

BYOB, a real treat on Staten Island. Yeah, bring your own. 

On the table, as soon as you come in, Mussels Marinara and little pizza triangles with homemade "pizza dough-ish" bread, grated cheese & olive oil. I am liking this already.

I don't usually enjoy mussels, but the smell was so intoxicating and inviting that I had to eat these. I soaked the sauce up after eating a few, with the bread. It was just fantastic. Probably the best mussels in red sauce I've ever had, aside from my Dad's.

Mixed greens with goat cheese, craisins and walnuts. Balsamic vinaigrette over the top.

Not just baked clams here. Perfectly seasoned breadcrumb, just enough olive oil, and the clams themselves were tender and delicious.

             
Frutti Di Mare. Exceptionally tender calamari, fresh & delicious clams, mussels and              shrimp in an excellent spicy sauce over spaghetti, naturally. Loved it!

Homemade Pappardelle with mixed seafood, including seared scallops, in a red sauce.

                     

Veal Chop Milanese with roasted potatoes and onions.

DESSERT

                    Tartufo with raspberry sauce. Can't go wrong with this.. EVER.

Lightly toasted Angel Food Cake with chocolate syrup, a drizzling of Kahlua, fresh mixed berries, toasted nuts and fresh whipped cream.

A great meal in a small but quaint location. The owners, A husband and wife team, are wonderful, as is the entire staff. Extremely professional and accommodating. 

Be sure to make a reservation. 

   Cucina Fresca         

2110 Richmond Road 

Staten Island, NY 10306

(718) 667-5151