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Staten Island has its gems, and the view from the Marina Cafe overlooking the Great Kills Harbor is one of them. The up-market, nautical-themed dining room has sea blue walls broken up by dark wood, moody glass shell lights, and wavy booths filled with Staten Island families enjoying the hearty portions. Seafood platters hold such rich combinations as a smooth filet of sole stuffed with crab, spinach, artichoke and cream, paired with crab-stuffed breaded shrimp. The real treat, however, is the dockside patio bar, which overlooks the full marina and the lush Great Kills Park, and hosts live music on summer weekends. To suit the mood, you can slurp down a dozen blue point oysters with sangria, or indulge in a giant steamed lobster with an ice-cold beer. — Matthew Benjamin

For more casual dining, the bar offers almost the full menu plus wraps, sandwiches and burgers.

Maryland crab cake, $22