STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Zio Toto closed in June and will soon reopen as Filippo’s, marking a fresh chapter for the long favored Richmond Valley address at 86 Page Ave. Owner Filippo Giuffre, who also runs the Mancini Giuffre salon next door, has transformed the space through a dramatic months-long rebuild.
Zio Toto had operated since 2007 with a white, chic interior and a name honoring Giuffre’s late father, Salvatore—known locally as “Toto.” In Sicilian tradition, Zio Toto means Uncle Toto, a tribute that helped define the original restaurant’s identity.
The new Filippo’s unveils an immersive aesthetic transforming the space into a modern Italian jewel box. Rustic touches meet refinement with wagon‑wheel lighting, gold-toned accents, and coffered metal ceilings casting a warm glow. Slatted woodwork draws the eye upward in clean vertical lines framing a dining room designed around intimate alcoves. At its heart, a striking Italian marble bar—white stone threaded with bold gray veining—anchors the lounge, setting the tone for a sophisticated dining experience.
Opposite the bar, a glass-front refrigerated wine room emphasizes Italian labels. Its gold-metal cabinetry mirrors the glowing slats behind the bar. These panels rotate to section off the lounge, giving the venue the flexibility of two connected but distinct rooms.
The lounge opens to an outdoor dining area, while the main dining room glows with backlit sculptural wall forms, a refreshed coffered ceiling and a blown‑up image of Palermo, Sicily—the owner’s hometown and the visual emphasis of the redesign. Beyond the dining room is a brand-new, fully outfitted kitchen, completing the transformation. An open‑kitchen corner within the dining room is centered on a pizza oven.
As renovations finished last week, Giuffre greeted visitors warmly as he reflected on the scale of the work involved…