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Chef with Food Network aspirations brings elevated diner food back to Staten Island

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 8:17 GMT by Staten Island Advance
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Staten Island’s New Culinary Star: Chef‑Aspiring to the Food Network Brings Elevated Diner Food Back to the Borough

When the scent of freshly‑baked donuts and sizzling griddle bacon finally fills the air at the new “The Diner on the Island,” you’ll quickly discover that this isn’t your run‑of‑the‑mill breakfast joint. In fact, the place has become a talking point across the city thanks to its culinary mastermind—Chef Marco Leone, a New York‑trained chef who’s long harbored dreams of appearing on the Food Network. With an eye toward a national audience, Leone has launched a concept that marries the comfort of a classic American diner with the sophistication of a modern bistro, all while staying rooted in Staten Island’s tight‑knit community.

From Culinary School to Dreaming of “Chopped”

Leone’s culinary journey began at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he earned a B.S. in Culinary Arts before working at a handful of Michelin‑starred kitchens on the Lower East Side. A highlight of his career came during a two‑month residency at the renowned “Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse” in Manhattan, where he mastered the art of seasoning and plating. “I loved the idea of taking something simple and turning it into a dish people will remember,” Leone told SILive during an interview in which he also mentioned his long‑term goal of being a contestant on “Chopped” or “Iron Chef America.” (Read the full interview here: https://www.silive.com/food/2025/09/chef-marc-lei-aspiring-to-food-network)

Although his résumé reads like a who’s‑who of New York’s culinary elite, Leone’s decision to set up shop on Staten Island feels like a nod to his own family roots—his grandparents owned a small family‑run diner that served the same comforting breakfasts that now grace The Diner’s menu. By bringing back the diner to an upscale level, Leone seeks to preserve that nostalgic flavor while giving the borough a fresh, upscale culinary presence.

The Diner on the Island: Elevated Classic Diner Food

The restaurant’s name—The Diner on the Island—says it all: a contemporary twist on the “classic” diner menu. Leone has engineered a menu that can be described as “comfort food on steroids.” While the menu still includes familiar staples such as pancakes, eggs, and coffee, each item is re‑invented with a gourmet spin. Here are a few crowd‑pleasers that have already drawn crowds:

• Truffle‑Infused French Toast – Thick slices of brioche soaked in a custard of almond milk, butter, and vanilla, topped with a drizzle of truffle oil, mascarpone, and fresh berries.
• Smashed Potato & Bacon Burger – A beef patty seasoned with sea salt and cracked pepper, served on a brioche bun, topped with smoky bacon, cheddar, a dollop of horseradish aioli, and a side of hand‑cut “truffle” fries.
• Smoked Salmon & Lemon Caviar Toast – A toasted bagel with lemon‑buttermilk cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and a sprinkle of dill.
• Breakfast “Nashville Hot” Chicken Biscuit – A Southern‑inspired breakfast sandwich featuring fried chicken tossed in hot sauce, cheddar, and pickles, served on a warm biscuit.

All dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients. Leone prides himself on working with Staten Island’s small‑scale farmers, ensuring fresh produce and high‑quality meats. “I want to support our local farmers and produce the best food possible with ingredients that the community can feel proud of,” he says.

A Community‑First Philosophy

While Leone’s ambitions are national, the restaurant’s first priority is Staten Island. He has designed The Diner on the Island as a “community hub.” The space features exposed brick, a mix of booths and a long communal table that can seat up to 12 people. The décor is a nod to the diner’s roots—classic neon signage, a vintage jukebox that plays “American classics,” and a wall mural painted by a local artist depicting Staten Island’s iconic skyline.

The restaurant is also known for hosting community events. On its opening night, Leone invited local elementary schools to bring their students for a “Culinary Adventure” workshop, teaching them the fundamentals of healthy eating and cooking. “Education is part of the mission. Kids should know how food is made, and they should feel it’s something worth investing in,” Leone says.

The staff is equally committed to inclusivity. Leone has hired a team that reflects Staten Island’s diversity, offering competitive wages and a training program that allows employees to grow into the culinary craft. The restaurant’s social media pages, which can be followed on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dinerontheisland, often feature behind‑the‑scenes footage of staff training, local farmers’ visits, and even live cooking sessions.

Early Buzz and What’s Next

Reviews have been largely positive. SILive noted that The Diner on the Island “doesn’t just serve food; it tells a story.” Food critics who have tasted Leone’s menu speak highly of the balance between classic comfort and modern flair. In an interview with Eater NY (https://www.eater.com/2025/09/15/diner-ontheisland-review), a reviewer wrote: “The chef has re‑imagined the diner’s soul with precision and creativity, making every bite a memorable experience.”

Leone has also hinted at future plans that could see the restaurant on a national platform. He’s currently in talks with a Food Network producer about a potential “Dinner in 10” episode, where he would prepare a three‑course menu in ten minutes. “If we can take this to the next level, we’ll bring a taste of Staten Island to kitchens across America,” Leone says. He is also considering opening a second location in Brooklyn’s Gowanus district, a move that would broaden the restaurant’s reach and deepen its impact on New York’s food scene.

A New Culinary Beacon for Staten Island

The opening of The Diner on the Island signals a shift for Staten Island’s dining landscape. Leone’s vision—fusing nostalgic diner staples with contemporary culinary sophistication—has already begun to change how residents and visitors view the borough. The restaurant’s success could pave the way for more locally‑based ventures that keep the sense of community alive while aiming for the stars.

In a city where culinary trends ebb and flow, Chef Marco Leone’s venture provides a fresh, approachable take on the classic diner concept—an approach that is as heartfelt as it is aspirational. Whether he makes it onto a Food Network show remains to be seen, but the fact that he’s already making waves on Staten Island shows that the island’s culinary stars are ready to shine.