STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Each year his restaurant reopens for spring, Maurizio Asperti takes a photo of his 105 year old restaurant, Basilio Inn. He saves it for a Christmas card. And it’s almost that time again, as the proprietor and host of one of the most aged restaurants in New York City will open for 2026 this weekend.
“Barring any disruptions like a snow storm, pandemic, political disaster…Basilio will be open this Saturday,” said Asperti. He admitted that some snow had to be brushed from walkways around the restaurant but temperatures in the low 40s on Thursday will help with the process. At the very least, Asperti said the historic setting offers diners an escape from the city’s fast pace.
“I’m shooting for Saturday but keeping my fingers crossed,” he said.
Asperti just came back from a rainy Italy to endure a snowy Big Apple. His approach to the new season will be on hyper-locally sourced foods including a maximization of his own gardens around the bucolic South Beach property. The property includes a bocce court, outdoor dining areas, gardens, and a vineyard. Asperti said he hopes to see more guests dining outside as warmer weather arrives…