Vida

I happened on this place by chance. I’d heard that the intersection where it is located was once the epicenter for a growing arts scene in Stapleton (Muddy Cup, Van Duzer Days, etc.). Anyway, I was on my way to the new Hashtag Bar, only to find they (still) weren’t open. I turned around, and there was Vida. There was something cute and authentic about its façade, its door was ajar, and some nice music was audible from the street. It was very inviting, so I ventured in.
The interior was as cozy as the exterior was inviting; a nice balance of homespun and tidy.
I started with a chocolate stout that was awesome, and had the Mexican Duo for my meal, which was really good. The owner (? Manager? Chef?) told me that she has the chilis especially shipped from a friend in New Mexico («you can get anything in New York, but for some reason you can’t get these particular chilis, so…»). I finished with the brownie sundae and a macchiato, each good.
The food was very good (if not exceptional), and I will definitely return to try the rest of the menu. But the overall experience of the place was terrific. As others have said, «a Staten Island gem.»

Very upset with the management Vida. I made reservation for 10 people to celebrate my BF Bday. We all showed up at 8pm to find the restaurant is closed till the 19^th. The least that management should have done was call me to advise me of the closing. Now where do I take a party of 10 for dinner at the last minute. Poor poor poor customer service on the part of Vida.

They have been redeemed!!! Took my husband for his bday dinner and except for the super small overpriced Vida bites the food was delish. The Grecian shrimp dish was to die for.

Had dinner at Vida last night. Food was delicious and the atmosphere was comfortable.

A litlle «crunchy» but still very good. Love the braised shortribs.

Great place, great service. Very friendly staff and the food didn’t disappoint. I had a spicy margarita that was called the kick in your pants — delicious! Definitely recommend.

Nice little place; food was good and loved the décor. Seems like Staten Island is gradually getting some nice little hip places, especially on the north shore. Pissed I had to work, otherwise I would have tried some of their beers. Cheers!

AMAZING! The food was fresh, gorgeously arranged and mouth-​watering delicious. They were so friendly and our group had the best night out we can remember in ages!
The Mexican Duo had a southwestern flair and was incredible. The gumbo brought back memories of the Deep South. The lentil rice dish was crazy delicious. The deserts were just ridiculous. (Our table had key lime pie, chocolate mouse, bread pudding and the brownie sundae.)
We can’t wait to go back again! Highly recommend this gem.

Always love finding hidden gems. Thru bus travels I encountered a lasting impression @ Vida Restaurant. Thank you Chef Sylvia for your hospitality & great food.

WOW… Great food and service!

I first heard about this restaurant on the food network about 8 years ago then finally tried it out three years later.
I LOVE this place. Very cozy, nice staff.
Food is delicious!

After moving to Staten Island, I was a little late to discovering Vida, but once I did was very impressed. Finally — excellent food! It was the best restaurant on Staten Island, imho. The only restaurant that was good enough to stand on its own merits and without the caveat «for Staten Island» I found myself having to use to describe most dining experiences. When I heard they were closing, I was brokenhearted, but then quickly learned it was only temporary. Phew!
Sadly, their reincarnation with more of a Mexican focus is nothing on par with their old offerings. I’ve gone twice, and both times the old wonderful Vida was gone. And considering how empty the dining room has been on prime eating-​out nights, I’d say I’m not alone in this opinion. A few old menu dishes (or specials that would have been more fitting for the old menu) are still being offered, but this merely makes the whole dining experience very disjointed; schizophrenic. They had such an amazing groove before — unique, excellent dishes. I can totally imagine the amazing food they used to offer must have taken a lot of time, money and energy, and the new menu has more interchangeable ingredients among dishes. But if I wanted Mexican, sadly I know of at least two or three other restaurants that offer better. I’ll refrain from naming competition because I really want Vida to figure things out!
Last year I would have given Vida 5 stars and wished I could have added more! But now, it has moved way down the list of restaurants I want to go to. It has lost its focus and no longer seems to prioritize amazing taste above all else. I’m back to brokenhearted…

Was there for the first time and would def go back, very cozy look and feel, waitress was a delight and helpful, staff is attentive and very nice, food came out in a timely manner and was delicious, nice vegan food.

Always one of my favorite’s on SI. Everything I’ve ever had has been excellent. Love the space and location. Vida is a must go to on SI.

Eaten her a couple of times and I would love to go back. Very cozy inside, menu is nice and specials are always interesting and delicious. My friends through me a bridal shower here and it turned out beautifully.

12/​30/​2008
This is another great resturant for Staten Islanders who appreciate not gonig to the mall and dont like fast food. Authentic dishes for reasonable proces. My friend and i ordered the Calamari as an app. and it was delicious. The bottle of wine we got was amazing; we finished it rather quickly. Thats a good sign: ]
As an entrée I got the eggplant rolls with goat cheese and spinach. It was really really good. My friend ordered the chicken franciese which she enjoyed as well. The ambience is nice however the tables for 2 are all jammed to the left side of the resturant. they need a little bit of a better floor plan.
I will definately go back.

Nice ambiance, great waitress…, but the food was nothing special — not anything you’d want to go out and pay for. There’s some sort pf glass work business next door and we heard them hammering through the wall the entire time we were in the restaurant.
Vida is nice, but it’s more like a house, not a restaurant. My soda was flat (it came out of a big bottle), the steak was bland, my husband’s pasta was tasteless… But the music was good!

I recently wrote a review on Vida for Zagat’s 2013 survey and realized I should also give them props on Unilocal!
As a Staten Islander (and avid foodie), I’m always looking for places with creative dishes that are still true to their ethnic roots. Vida fulfills this standard. I especially love the eggplant rolls. They always have interesting specials, too. The staff is super nice and you can tell they care about the food they are serving because they will discuss dishes at length if you ask. I appreciate this. The décor is inviting and pretty.
When I have a visitor that is not from the island I try to bring them to Vida. And its only a walk away from my house; how lucky am I?!

Lovely and quaint.
The food is delicious, with strong international flair. Exciting specials and wonderful service.

Wanted to try some place different with an eclectic menu… Although the choices onthe menu were different — the food lacked flavor.
The mussels app was tasty — chicken n pork burrito entrée was mediocre. I had better at adobe blues– much more flavor.
My bf’s dish was Also soso.
Drinks: we had the sangria– that’s not made to order– huge punch bowl on the counter (hmm) and no fruit! Yes, that’s the sad truth.
The service and ambiance was excellent, its cold near the door.
I think the food is 3 stars — i was just expecting more flavor after reading the other reviews.