Marmar

- 370 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary escape to the Levant without leaving the borough, Marmar Restaurant on Staten Island is a highly recommended destination. As a premier Mediterranean restaurant, Marmar specializes in authentic Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, filling a niche for high-quality Middle Eastern flavors in the West Brighton neighborhood. Described by customers as a "gem," this establishment successfully blends an elegant, classy atmosphere with an unfussy, relaxed dining experience, making it perfect for both intimate dinners and larger celebrations.

Marmar is celebrated for its commitment to fresh, authentic food. The menu is a delightful journey through traditional dishes, featuring an extensive selection of homemade cold and hot Appetizers, expertly grilled Entrees, and classic Syrian-style favorites. The owners, who trace their recipes back through generations, ensure that the food is not just prepared, but truly "made with love." This focus on quality ingredients and family tradition is evident in popular items like their scratch-made cold meze and their tender, spiced grilled meats, all prepared using Halal meat, adhering to a commitment to purity and tradition.

Beyond the delectable food, Marmar is renowned for its inviting ambiance and exceptional staff. Patrons frequently highlight the lively ambiance and the courteous staff who work diligently to ensure every guest is satisfied. The dining options cater primarily to Dinner and Dessert needs, with customers praising the ability to host parties and the generally great environment. Marmar provides all necessary modern service options, including Dine-in, Delivery, Takeout, and even convenient No-contact delivery.

The restaurant’s success lies in providing Staten Islanders with an authentic, high-quality, and culturally rich dining experience that saves them the trip (and the toll) to other NYC boroughs for similar cuisine.

Marmar Restaurant is situated at 370 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301, placing it centrally in the West Brighton area. This is a convenient and accessible location within the borough, making it a favorite for local residents and a worthwhile destination for those traveling from other parts of Staten Island.

The restaurant is designed to be fully accommodating, offering multiple ways for New Yorkers to enjoy their food, regardless of their schedule or preference. The main service types available are:

• Dine-in: For a full, relaxed meal experience within its beautiful interior. The restaurant features comfortable Seating and has been noted for its pleasant and refined ambiance, created with natural materials like stone and brick walls, topped by elegant chandeliers.
• Outdoor Seating: A significant highlight is the presence of an Outdoor garden area. Reviewers have described this as a "perfect outdoor set up with fresh air and COVID safe," creating a lovely, open-air environment for dining, which is highly prized in the city.
• Takeout and Delivery: For those busy weeknights or for entertaining at home, Marmar offers rapid Takeout and dependable Delivery services, including the option for No-contact delivery, ensuring convenience and safety.

Furthermore, the venue is known to Accepts reservations, a key feature for New Yorkers planning a special occasion or dinner, ensuring a table is ready upon arrival.

Marmar is dedicated to offering a full range of dining and hospitality services, making it a versatile choice for any occasion:

• Comprehensive Meal Services: Provides full menu options for Dinner and a decadent Dessert menu. While the main focus is dinner, the extensive menu of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches works well for earlier dining or substantial Takeout.
• Appetizer Variety (Meze): Offers an impressive range of both Appetizers Cold and Appetizers Hot, including the highly recommended Mar Mar Combo ($17.00) which allows sampling of favorites like Hummus, Baba Ghanough, Lebneh, and Muhamara.
• Full Entrée Selection: Features robust, authentic main courses from the grill and kitchen, such as Lamb Chops ($26.00), Filet Mignon ($23.00), and traditional Syrian stews like Bamiatan (okra stew) and Fasoulea (bean stew).
• Quick and Casual Options: For a faster or lighter meal, the Sandwiches section is excellent, offering options like Shish Tawook Sandwich and Falafel Sandwich for quick, flavorful bites.
• Specialty Pies and Bread: Unique menu items like Lahma Ajin and Spinach Pie offer patrons an authentic taste of savory Middle Eastern pies.
• Family Dining Focus: The dedicated Kid's Menu with items like Kid's Chicken Fingers ensures that the restaurant is a welcoming place for families.
• Live Entertainment: On select evenings, particularly Saturday nights, the restaurant enhances the dining experience with a traditional Middle Eastern belly dancer performance, creating a truly immersive cultural event.
• Catering for Events: Customer reviews mention holding awesome small parties at Marmar, indicating the restaurant is well-suited and equipped to host and cater group events.
• Beverage Selection: The menu includes traditional Middle Eastern drinks like Ayran (yogurt drink) and Arabic Coffee, alongside standard American favorites.

Marmar Restaurant distinguishes itself in the competitive New York dining scene with several key features that appeal directly to the local market:

• Authentic Syrian and Lebanese Cuisine: The food is rooted in family recipes, offering a genuine taste of the Levant, which is less common than generic "Middle Eastern" fare. Dishes like Habrat Neyeh and Kibeh Neyeh (raw meats) are notable for their authenticity.
• Unbelievable Outdoor Garden: The beautiful, well-maintained outdoor seating area is a major highlight, especially for New Yorkers looking for a spacious and fresh al fresco dining spot. It has been specifically noted as a "perfect outdoor set up."
• Classy Yet Unfussy Ambiance: The interior design uses natural elements (stone, brick) and elegant lighting (chandeliers) to create a refined atmosphere that is welcoming and relaxed, not stuffy—a perfect balance for Staten Island diners.
• Commitment to Freshness and Quality: Customer reviews repeatedly confirm that the food "was made fresh" and "delicious," with meats being Halal, underscoring a high standard of ingredient quality and preparation.
• Stellar Meze Selection: The extensive list of homemade cold appetizers, including the must-try Muhamara (a red pepper and walnut dip), is a major draw for traditionalists and those seeking shareable small plates.
• Weekend Live Entertainment: The addition of a traditional belly dancer on Saturday nights transforms a simple meal into a cultural event, offering a unique and memorable night out.
• Highly Rated Staff and Service: The staff's polite, friendly, and hardworking nature is consistently mentioned in positive reviews, confirming a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

To experience the authentic flavors and unique atmosphere of Marmar Restaurant, New York patrons can use the following details:

Address: 370 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 556-2220

For a first-time visitor to Marmar, or a New Yorker looking for the definitive experience, the most highly recommended items are those that best represent the restaurant’s authentic Syrian and Lebanese roots. Starting a meal with the appetizers is essential. The Mar Mar Combo ($17.00) is worth choosing, as it offers a tasting of four homemade cold meze, including the highly-praised Muhamara, allowing patrons to sample the fresh, homemade dips and spreads that are a point of pride for the establishment.

For the main course, any of the grilled items are a strong choice, emphasizing the fresh, high-quality Halal meats. The Marmar Mixed Grill ($25.00) is worth choosing for those who want variety, as it typically includes a mix of expertly seasoned and grilled meats like Filet Mignon, Shish Tawook (chicken kabab), and Kufta. The Lamb Chops ($26.00) are a premium, customer-favorite choice for a tender and flavorful cut. Seafood lovers should consider the Fried Red Snapper ($26.00) or Marmar Grilled Fish, which are praised for their fresh preparation and traditional Syrian spicing, often served with a wonderful rice and almond side dish.

Lastly, no meal at Marmar is complete without a traditional dessert. The warm, cheese-filled pastry, Knafi ($9.00), served with rose water, is repeatedly highlighted as being baked perfectly and a must-try. Pair this with traditional Arabic Coffee for a truly authentic, satisfying conclusion to your Dinner at this unique Staten Island gem.

Marmar

370 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA