Da Damaso

If You find yourself in a charming Great Kills neighborhood of Staten Island, a world away from the city's frenzy, don't shy away from Da Damaso on Amboy Road. Tucked away like a hidden treasure, you spot this gem, a little Italian restaurant that delivers a taste of Salerno. The charming atmosphere and aroma of home cooking with the scent of family welcome greets you at the door, pulling you into a cozy space that feels less like a restaurant and more like a family's gathering. ​The menu is a love letter to the owner's hometown of Salerno, with dishes you won't find at your typical Italian-American joint. Each plate is a masterpiece of authentic, high-quality ingredients. Every dish we have tried so far tasted like it was made with a secret family recipe passed down through generations. ​What truly sets Da Damaso apart is the warmth of the family who runs it. They treat every guest not just as a customer, but as a long-lost relative returning home. The owner’s son, who served us shared stories about the dishes. This isn't just a meal; it's a full-on cultural experience. You leave feeling not only incredibly satisfied but also like you've been adopted into a new Italian family. The owner/chef, his wife (that cooks as well) and the oldest son who always greets you with the smile are incredibly charming people. ​If you're looking for an authentic taste of Southern Italy without the plane ticket, Da Damaso is the place. It’s an unforgettable experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Salerno.

Stepping into Da Damaso feels comfortable. The atmosphere feels homey. The staff makes you feel like family and other guest really enjoyed taking about their Italian experiences. The food was delicious, fresh, and flavorful. The portions were perfect . Definitely will be going back

4 of us decided to try this little spot out for a birthday dinner. Right from the start the host/waiter was very accommodating. Made us feel as if he had just invited us into his home to have family dinner with his family. And what a dinner it was, absolutely delicious appetizers. From a mixed bruschetta plate to 3 large meatballs and more. Each offering was delicious. Our entrees did not disappoint either. From a huge chicken parm plate to the special chicken milanese. We all ate till we could not fit in another bite although we wanted to. Absolutely recommend stopping in for a bite as you will leave full with a smile on your face. (Dont forget to bring your own bottle of wine 😀)

My husband and I first discovered this place when we were driving down Amboy road. We were excited to see a more unique Italian spot open up. The food is nothing short of amazing here. The father & son, who are the owners, are also extremely kind and welcoming, and his father is the chef! The first time we dined, we ordered the chicken parm with pasta and a "special" dish which was gnocchi with pesto and burrata. We also ordered the berry tiramisu, which was so light and fluffy with the perfect amount of moisture and sweetness from the fruit. For our second visit, we decided to order burgers ( the owner told us that making burgers was a tradition for them in their hometown of Salerno, Italy). My husband ordered the double stacked burger with cheddar, roasted potatoes on the bottom of the burger, and greens. My burger was AMAZING and something I've never had before on a burger; it was a single patty with burrata, pesto, mortadella, cherry tomatoes, and fries on the side. EVERYTHING WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD. The food is so fresh and flavorful. After eating here both times, nothing felt too heavy. The restaurant is quaint and the ambiance is relaxing. The tv screen toward the back of the restaurant displays a tranquil view of the waters of Salerno/coast to set the vibe. We will certainly be returning. Although still growing, there is no doubt that this place will become extremely successful. Run!!! Don't walk to Da Damaso. You will not regret it!!

Absolutely delicious! Da Damaso never disappoints! I had the burger and fries and it was next level. The bun was perfectly toasted with a beautiful crust, the patty was juicy and flavorful, and the cheese melted just right. Fresh tomato and greens gave it a nice crunch, and the fries were golden, crispy, and addictive. You can tell everything is made with care and quality. This place has real flavor — highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something unforgettable!

Went last night on word of my friend. The food is very good, unpretentious and made with care and love. A little mix of Italian-American and true Sothern Italian .Started with a Salerno styled arancini which I loved: classic and nicely balanced, a cold appetizer platter got us further in the mood and then we were treated to a wonderfully prepared lasagna(!) made in the southern style with bechamel and hard boiled eggs, quite a surprise for me as it was pure love on a plate. A perfectly grilled medium -rare bone-in ribeye was a great choice tonight too. Again, prepared with care and an 'italian eye'. The Salerno born chef/owner and son run this 3 week old establishment and are ernest and all to happy to please their guests. A nicely presented and purely enjoyable tiramisu ended our meal in style. I recommend Da Damaso if you are looking for an honestly prepared meal with zero attitude. Bring your wine as they await a license.

It's almost impossible to find an outstanding espresso here in the US. The coffee here is exactly the same as in Italy. If your from Italy or visit often, you know what I mean. So first if your looking for authentic Italian espresso, look no further. Now the food. This business is a family affair. The whole family helps and there are no other employees. The Damaso family is here for only a couple of years and the food is a step back in time when ingredients mattered more than cost. The food is fresh and the specials change daily. The pics below cannot capture how flavorful the lasagna with bechamel really was. The meatballs are tender and delicious. DaDamaso does not serve these gigantic American portions. The food is expertly prepared and made with love. The welcome I get is incredible and I feel like part of the family now. Go to this new hidden gem before everyone finds out about it.

Da Damaso has been an authentic Italian experience 3/3 times I’ve dined here. The owners are beyond friendly and will take the time to help you choose your order. The food is exceptional - it’s all prepared fresh by the owners, making it feel as if you’re a guest in their home! We have tried several specialty paninis, eggplant blanco (MUST try it), lasagna, polpette di melanzane, and of course, the homemade almond & hazelnut cocoa cake with espresso. I am looking forward to many more special meals at Da Damaso!

I have dined at Pierogi Island twice in the last three months and i have got to say the food is outstanding. I had the polish platter the first time then the second Ukrainian borscht with ruskie perogies (potato and cheese) and they were best thing to have on a winter day. The service is top notch as the staff is friendly and prompt. The restaurant is small but nice and cozy giving it an intimate ambiance.

Cute spot, the spinach and cheese pierogis were delicious. I'd definitely will keep coming back for those.

Tried Pierogi Island for the first time and everything we had was great. The Borscht was delicious but I'd especially recommend the polish platter. The kielbasa was delicious and had a great mustard on it. The hunters stew was excellent as well. Nice cozy interior for sit down service with a good atmosphere. Convenient location and short walk from the SIR train station