ATIK: A Restaurant Reinventing The City Island Waterfront

Forbes

10-07-2025

View of ATIK from the water on Eastchester Bay ATIK
ATIK, a new dining spot on City Island (Bronx), New York, is poised to lead the island's revitalization for future generations.
In the past, City Island was best known for its large seafood restaurants, often with nautical themes, that drew generations of diners seeking a respite from the hot concrete and stale air of the boroughs during the summer months. The island, a stone's throw from Orchard Beach, once dubbed the 'Riviera of the Bronx,' drew families and large groups of party-goers celebrating various milestones.
Portofino, the restaurant that previously occupied the space at 555 City Island Avenue, serving seafood and Italian fare, closed when its owner retired after a two-decade run. Seizing an opportunity, Rafael Robles and Josh DeCuffa partnered to create ATIK and reimagine City Island's culinary landscape.
DeCuffa has been a lifelong resident of City Island. In the 40s, his grandfather founded the City Island Marina and Jack's Bait and Tackle, which still serve boaters and fishermen today. Rafael Robles is the owner of ATIK's next-door neighbor, Vistamar Restaurant and Lounge, a bustling Latin-fusion hotspot.
The partners spent a year and a half renovating the antiquated 5,500-square-foot space from top to bottom to create the ambiance of a welcoming Mediterranean island villa. Guests enter unobtrusive double doors from the street and walk past a long hallway, passing a wine wall and an attractive counter display of fresh vegetables and fish that appear to have just been caught. A Unique Setting In NYC
View from the patio at ATIK Jerome Levine
City Island is a unique destination in what may be one of New York City's most unappreciated boroughs. Connected to the land by the City Island Bridge, a causeway-style bridge, it feels more like a part of the water than it does of the Bronx.
The narrow strip of land comprising City Island is only 1.5 miles in length and one-half mile wide at its widest point, making it less than one-half square mile in total area. The small community has a distinct maritime feel, with bait shops, marine suppliers, and working boatyards on its main street, City Island Avenue, with a mix of time-worn private cottages and mid-century dwellings on the densely populated surrounding blocks.
While small businesses once thrived here, most have given way to the popular eateries that dominate the island, making it a mecca for food enthusiasts. ATIK's Refreshed Dining Experience
Contemporary dining room at ATIK ATIK
Unlike many City Island restaurants that evoke a bygone era, ATIK offers a fresh, contemporary ambiance. Its bright and clean decor couples the island's inherent charm with a modern, trendy style, appealing to the millennial and Gen Z diners often found in Manhattan's popular eateries. Incredibly photogenic, it is picture-perfect for Instagram and TikTok.
The sophisticated, tastefully furnished dining room features sand-colored stucco walls adorned with Greek and Roman busts and vases, and nicely spaced tables with chairs and banquette seating. The light-colored woods of the furniture almost blend into the cool, gray stone floors. Three massive, tree-like sculptures made of pale wood rise to the ceiling, dividing the room from the inviting bar.
But from the moment one enters the space, one's eyes are drawn to the expansive water views behind the windows at the end of the room. On a clear day, the Manhattan skyline comes into view behind the boats docked in the floating pier in the marina.
It's hard to decide whether to take a seat in the air-conditioned dining room or to sit on the airy patio on Eastchester Bay with tables under yellow-and-white striped beach umbrellas. The restaurant also offers a 'dock-and-dine' experience with free docking for boats navigating Long Island Sound. Beyond Seafood Alone: A Creative Menu
Oysters at ATIK ATIK
Executive Chef Jose Castillo's menu is eclectic, offering a variety of choices to suit every palate. Modern Mediterranean cuisine is prepared with a contemporary twist and beautifully plated. The humble, Dominican-born chef worked his way up the ranks before landing at Toro Toro in Miami and then Tambo 22 in Boston.
Guests choose their meals from iPad menus that display descriptions and photos of each dish, organized by categories. The Raw Bar includes American Wagyu Carpaccio, Hamachi Tiradito, and Siberian Sturgeon Caviar.
Among the appetizers are Eggplant Croquettes in Pomodoro Sauce, Little Neck Clams Cooked in Wine and Garlic, and Pan-Seared Maryland Crab Cakes. Main courses include pasta, vegan, meat, and fish options. Two standouts for meat lovers are the Braised Beef Short Ribs with Truffled Corn Polenta and the Skirt Steak with Porcini Risotto.
General Manager Ricardo Monegro, who grew up in Tarrytown, Westchester County, and worked at Blue Hill at Stone Barns and The Castle at Tarrytown, oversees operations. He has created a warm, friendly and professional camaraderie among staff, who go out of their way to ensure clients are pleased with every plate coming out of the kitchen.
Monegro works closely with Agustin Matos, who oversees the interesting wine list, identifying gems from small producers across Europe and northern California.
Given its relaxed atmosphere, rich maritime history, and spectacular views of Long Island Sound, Eastchester Bay and NYC, City Island will always lure new visitors to its island setting.
ATIK is likely only the beginning of a nascent Latin-Mediterranean fusion culinary revival that is waiting to emerge and beckon future generations. It's hard to beat the sunset views over the water, sipping on a Tiramisu Martini at the quartz cocktail bar at golden hour.