Eight million people live in New York City but only five hundred thousand live on Staten Island. As the tiniest borough encompassing only 58 square miles of real estate and a majority of the parkland in New York City, Staten Island is rarely visited by residents of the other four boroughs. Those who do choose avail themselves of the twenty minute free ferry ride leading to our shores, usually like what they see.

Such is the case of Massimo Felici, owner of Vinum Restaurant located at 704 Bay Street in Stapleton. Mr. Felici is a seasoned chef employed by notable New York City restaurants such as Cipriani’s, Giambelli and Da Umberto. Mr. Felici was partner in Da Vittorio restaurant and full owner of Bibollita and La Nonna which closed after 9/11.

Upon visiting the north shore of Staten Island, Mr. Felici knew it was the perfect place for a restaurant that would offer “old world” Italian cuisine and a wide variety of wine by the glass.

Vinum Wine Bar is small, seating approximately 50 people so reservations are recommended no matter which day you decide to visit. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, reservations can be made online at VinumNYC.com or by calling (718) 448-8466.

The menu contains Italian favorites such as Lasagna, egglplant parmigiana and meatballs that are sure to make any Italian grandmother proud. Guests have the option of ordering small plates to share or full dinners. The portions are generous no matter which you order.

Vinum also offers a variety of cheese and meat boards the latter including game such as wild boar and duck breast prosciutto, to be enjoyed with an extensive list of wines served by the bottle or by the glass.

The dessert menu has something for everyone. Gelato, fruit tarts and two types of cheesecakes are all made on premises along with daily baked bread.

The average cost of a meal is $30. Visit Vinum Wine Bar once and you will likely be back again and again.