New York real estate: New Dorp, Staten Island

By Kristen V. Brown | Special to amNewYork

April 10, 2008

Created By You on New Dorp Lane is a popular birthday party venue, with friendly staff and an assortment of ceramic pieces waiting to be painted. (Katya Pronin)

Wander off Hylan Boulevard onto any of New Dorp's smaller streets, and the vibe is much more small-town hamlet than big-city living. With small boutiques, long-standing mom-and-pop eateries, big trees and old-fashioned street lamps, much of New Dorp has retained its old-world charm.

"I love it here; you feel like you're in the country," said Anna Collin, a resident and business owner. "You never feel like you live in New York City."

That's not to say it's completely withstood the tests of time: New Dorp Lane now boasts both a tattoo parlor and a comic book store.

One of the first permanent European settlements on Staten Island, Niewe Dorp, Dutch for "new town" was established in 1671 to replace Oude Dorp (Old Town). The town also played an important part in the American Revolution -- in the summer of 1776 Sir William Howe and his brother Admiral Richard Howe set up camp with 40,000 soldiers. They then called a meeting with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams with the hope of averting a war.

One of New York's most famous families -- The Vanderbilts -- also set up shop in the area when they first arrived from Holland in 1650. It was from New Dorp that a 16-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt, later known as the "Railroad King" first tried his hand at transportation as an operator on the Staten Island Ferry.

Today, New Dorp retains touches of its country charm and its close-knit community, with narrow tree-lined streets, and waterfront bungalows lining New Dorp Beach. "We've grown old here," said Rose Sgarlato, owner, with husband Joe, of the Hidden Cottage coffee shop on New Dorp Lane since 1998, "The same people come in and sit in the same place from when we first opened."

As with many city neighborhoods, the demographics have shifted. Once a largely Italian-American community, with some Irish and Polish-Americans, the area recently has seen an influx of immigrants from just about everywhere. "The people here have changed," said Joe Sgarlato, "Now there are Russians, Asians, Mexicans -- but it's good. You need that change."

Find it:

New Dorp is defined by Bancroft Avenue in the north, Tysen's Lane in the south, Moravian Cemetery, S. Railroad Avenue and the High Rock Park Conservation Area in the west and New Dorp Beach in the east.

To Eat:

New Dorp is Staten Island's foodie haven -- with choices ranging from upscale Indian and sushi to the quintessential neighborhood pizzeria.

eXcellent sushi

With high ceilings and a luxe interior, eXcellent sushi is one of New Dorp Lane's chic eateries where locals come to see and be seen. Savory house favorites include the coconut shrimp, and the Sam Sam roll, named after manager Sam Leforest. And if you're not a sushi fan, the kitchen menu is extensive, as well as the innovative drink list.

366 New Dorp Lane

718-667-5362

Brioso

The Staten Island Advance voted this Italian restaurant "Top Overall Restaurant" in 2006 for their expansive and authentic Italian menu -- and while New Dorp surely isn't lacking in Italian cuisine, this is some of the best. With a fully stocked bar, it's also a great place to grab a drink.

174 New Dorp Lane

718-667-1700

Lento's