11 Schulyer Street, St. George, Staten Island

This Saint Georgian Spaniard will sweep you away with its serene setting, warm lighting and delectable, generously-sized tapas for bite-sized tabs. On my most recent visit, the clams and chorizo and fish taco tapas were unassailably sublime and satisfied my voracious fall weather appetite. The clams and chorizo delivered flavors that were both comforting and exciting. The clams’ aromatic sweetness provided an interesting counterpoint to the chili-spiked smoky chorizo. The fish taco was less complex but exuded freshness and the taco was adequately crisp.

Left: Fish Taco; Right: Clams and Chorizo

Beso’s entrees also score very high marks for quality and price. Lavishly laden with a vast medley of sea food treasures, Beso’s paella means business. The entrees are so rich that Beso’s desserts are barely feasible unless sharing.  Beso might consider expanding their dessert menu to include some lighter alternatives.

While they may not all be able to furnish wine pairings, the waitstaff is courteous and welcoming. Despite the low ceilings, the acoustics positively lend themselves to heartfelt, intimate conversation or family gatherings. The cavernous layout, rustic brick interior adorned with tasteful Spanish crafts and artsy of posters highlighting contemporary Spain and the generous table spacing also make Beso an excellent low-key destination for a first date.

A note to inveterately outer-borough-travel-adverse Manhattanites: this place is totally worth the trip. 
So seize these waning days of mild weather and get thee to South Ferry. This exceptionally, civilized 
no-fee, twenty minute boat ride with phenomenal views is the perfect primer for the hearty respite from the madness that Beso will deliver. Oh, and when you arrive, Beso’s a stone’s throw away from the ferry!

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