In an age where restaurants are often housed within strip malls and outdoor shopping plazas, Basilio Inn, the age-old iconic dining spot “with character," stands alone with its unique style — for more reasons than one. Situated off the beaten path on Galesville Court in Arrochar, original founder Basilio Giovannini opened the doors to the charming old-world eatery in 1921 when Arrochar, South Beach and Midland Beach served as a hub for those who opted to spend summers at the Staten Island seashore.

There, residents danced the nights away and enjoyed all the amenities the communities had to offer in the area that was once referred to as the “Riviera of New York City.” In fact, Maurizio Asperti,  the current owner of Basilio Inn, recalled the building once served as home to a carriage house built during the mid-1800’s.