City Island has a new eatery that is a delightful change of pace.
The multi-functional dining facility Scavello’s on the Island officially opened on Thursday, March 5 after extensive renovations to its City Island building.
The restaurant, open Tuesdays to Sundays, will feature brick oven pizzeria. The banquet halls have undergone transformations over the winter, after Paul Scavello purchased the building at City Island Avenue and Pilot Street.
“Even though it was snowing the day we opened, we had a full restaurant,” said Scavello, who added “We have gotten rave reviews” on some of the updated menu, like the pizza.
He explained that the restaurant is expected to be the mainstay of the facility, where patrons come and try the cuisine, and then book a larger catered event like a wedding party.
The eatery features a number of Italian and seafood dishes.
“Anything we have here is of the highest quality,” said Scavello.
He cited an example of the brick-oven pizza, with its imported Italian sauce and top-notch favor.
His place is a dining experience for all seasons and occasions.
Its two banquet rooms, one seating up to 400 people, can come with classic or more modern lighting and themed ambiance, depending on the occasion and tastes, said Scavello.
“We are creating a whole new atmosphere with every event,” the owner said. “Some people like the banquet rooms the way they are; others like to spice it up.”
Scavello’s on the Island’s location had formerly been home to Lido’s Restaurant and Catering for decades.
The building has been completely renovated, but some of the fixtures that had been part of Lido’s remain. The mechanics and roofing of the building have been extensively upgraded, the owner said.
Scavello and his father have run a supermarket on City Island for about 15 years.
In addition, he has a successful catering business on City Island.
Having a following among locals has made it easier for Scavello’s to book in advance of its opening.
“Before you open the doors, to have 40 to 50 parties booked, is a great following,” said Scavello, who added that no one is going to book a wedding party, a ‘Sweet 16’ or a Confirmation without an assurance that the food and service is going to be great.
As was the case with Lido’s, Scavello said that his new place is expected to be a significant part of the community, and the response to the new restaurant and catering facility has been great among City Islanders.
“We are a big part of the community,” said Scavello. “We support them in many ways; we hold functions for the City Island Chamber of Commerce and Community Board 10.”
Scavello’s will stick to providing great food and service, and it has hired locally, working with Monroe College’s hospitality and culinary programs, providing 20% discounts on tuition to students who are also working there.
Scavello said that he has also teamed up with Bronx H.I.R.E., a new initiative started by Senator Jeff Klein and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce to connect people looking for work to real jobs.
Special attention is paid to the staff, as having the right people is especially important for once-in-a-lifetime events like catering.
Every party or affair is different, from the elaborate to the intimate, but the formula is the same, according to the owner.
As he says, “the quality of the food and the service are our keys to success here.”
A parking lot has recently been added to Scavello’s on the Island, just across the street from the restaurant.
For more information about Scavello’s on the Island, contact Paul Scavello at (347) 680-3865 or scave
