Staten Island’s best outdoor dining part 1: Water views and European cafe feels on the South Shore

Editor’s note: This is the first in a four-part series exploring Staten Island’s best outdoor dining. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.

— The escape from New York City is real on the South Shore. Decades ago, the drive along Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road toward Tottenville took travelers through one of the most bucolic parts of New York City. Still, one can feel transported in this softer side of the Big Apple.

Here are our picks of places. Angelina’s — 399 Ellis St.; Tottenville, 718-227-2900; Angelinasristorante.

com When not used for catered affairs, the breezy glass house on the water or a seat on the wrap-around patio offer stunning perches for sunsets and ship-watching. Annadale Terrace — 801 Annadale Rd., Annadale; 718-967-5900 ; AnnadaleTerrace.

com Stavros Bakousis created his dream restaurant with many sunny and shady spots in the ground-level garden section, on a sun-washed terrace or breezy rooftop patio. Coral Bay Cafe — 722 Rockaway St., Tottenville; : 718-356-3501; Coral Bay Cafe menu on Whereyoueat.

com A sunken front patio area is a stone’s throw from Crescent Beach and a nice place to take in the sea air. DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant — 7324 Amboy Rd., Tottenville; 718-227-7200; DelucasItalian.

com A front garden along the sleepier part of Amboy Road offers a European cafe feel. Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor — 441 Clarke Ave., Richmond; 718-280-1442; Eggersicecream.

com The nearby historic courthouse and surrounding village is a fitting backdrop for the old-f.