Alba

- 1880 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305

Introduction / Overview

Discovering a truly authentic, affordable, and high-quality ethnic restaurant in New York City is a major win, and for Staten Islanders, **Alba** is precisely that hidden gem. Located on Hylan Boulevard, this establishment operates as a full-service **Mediterranean restaurant** specializing in the rich, flavorful cuisine of the Balkans, particularly **Albanian** dishes. It has quickly become a local favorite, with patrons praising it as their **"absolute favorite restaurant on the island"** due to its outstanding food and unbeatable value.

Alba is a destination for both the local **Crowd** and curious **Tourists** drawn by high ratings and word-of-mouth. While the menu proudly features its authentic roots by being primarily in Albanian (with helpful staff always ready to assist with translations and recommendations), the quality of the cooking speaks a universal language. From tender slow-cooked meats to hearty soups and delectable desserts, Alba offers traditional **Comfort food** that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly well-priced. The commitment to customer experience is evident through the **outstanding service** noted in customer reviews, even going above and beyond to ensure a successful dining experience for newcomers to the cuisine.

Location and Accessibility

Alba is conveniently situated on the major corridor of Hylan Boulevard, ensuring it is a practical stop for dining or takeout. The precise location is:

1880 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA

The restaurant is designed with customer ease in mind, offering multiple accessibility features, which is essential for any modern New York dining establishment:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible seating

For guests arriving by car, parking is readily available and convenient:

• Free parking lot
• Free street parking

This strong combination of central location and easy parking/accessibility ensures that a visit to Alba is always hassle-free.

Services Offered

Alba is a versatile **Restaurant** offering a full suite of dining services tailored to the needs of the New York consumer, prioritizing convenience and comfort:

• Dining Options: Provides a welcoming space for **Dine-in** meals, featuring **Seating** and **Table service** in a **Casual, Cozy** atmosphere.
• To-Go Services: Offers **Takeout** and **Delivery** options, ensuring that authentic Albanian flavors can be enjoyed at home or the office.
• Comprehensive Meal Times: Open for **Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**, covering every meal of the day.
• Reservations: **Accepts reservations**, allowing patrons to plan ahead, especially for larger groups or peak dining hours.
• Family-Friendly: Recognized as **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs**, making it an easy choice for family outings.
• Specialty Offerings: The menu includes specific classifications like **Halal food**, **Vegetarian options**, and **Healthy options**, catering to diverse dietary needs.
• Hot Beverages: Known for **Great coffee** and offers a range of traditional beverages like **Espresso** and **Qaj** (tea).
• Onsite Services: The option for **Onsite services** suggests a willingness to accommodate various customer needs beyond simple dining.

Features / Highlights

What elevates Alba beyond a typical Mediterranean spot is its commitment to authentic regional specialties, impressive affordability, and exceptional customer relations:

• Authentic Albanian Focus: Serves **local specialty** dishes that are hard to find elsewhere, such as **Pasul, Grosh**, and different preparations of **Burek** (Meat, Cheese, Spinach). The menu, while in Albanian, ensures an authentic experience.
• Must-Try Signature Dishes: Customer reviews consistently highlight specific, amazing dishes that are absolute must-orders, including **Qebaba (Kebap)**, which is described as tasting **"nothing short of amazing,"** and **Mish vici ne furre (veal in the oven)**, noted for its **"tender texture and superb flavor."** The **Gullash (beef stew)** is also a personal favorite of one devoted customer.
• Unbeatable Value: A major highlight is the restaurant's extreme affordability, with a group of four enjoying five dishes and drinks for a total cost of approximately $26 per person, including a 20% tip, with **"delicious leftovers"** remaining.
• Halal and Diverse Offerings: Offers **Halal food**, making it an inclusive dining option. The menu also features popular quick bites like **Lamb** and **Chicken Gyro** sandwiches, as well as American-style **Hamburger** and **Cheeseburger** options.
• Exceptional and Personalized Service: The staff's willingness to go **"above and beyond,"** patiently explaining the Albanian menu and providing personal recommendations, turns a first-time visit into a successful and memorable dining experience.
• Unique Dessert Selection: Provides traditional Albanian and Mediterranean desserts, including **Trileqe, Kadaif, Baklava**, and **Rice Pudding (Oris Me Qumsht)**, offering unique sweet finishes.

Contact Information

To enjoy the highly recommended, authentic cuisine and exceptional service at Alba, use the following contact details:

Address: 1880 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA

Phone: (718) 667-1343

Mobile Phone: +1 718-667-1343

Patrons are encouraged to call ahead for reservations, especially for dining during popular **Lunch** or **Dinner** hours.

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure that combines authenticity with incredible value, **Alba Mediterranean Restaurant** is a clear choice. This is not just another Mediterranean spot; it is a genuine experience of Albanian cuisine delivered with warmth and generosity. What truly sets Alba apart is the trifecta of must-try dishes: the succulent **Qebaba**, the tender **Mish vici ne furre**, and the comforting, favorite **Gullash** stew. The fact that this high-quality, memorable food is offered at such an **affordable** price point—allowing groups to feast and still have **leftovers to savor later**—makes it a truly exceptional find.

Choosing Alba means supporting a local business that places a high value on hospitality, ensuring that even a language barrier is transformed into a charming, personalized service experience. Whether you’re a **Local** or a **Tourist**, a first-timer or a regular, Alba promises a cozy atmosphere, delicious **Halal food**, and a taste of the Balkans that is unparalleled on Staten Island.

Alba

1880 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA