City Island Diner

I had a lovely conversation with an outgoing, elderly couple who drove in from Rhode Island for the day because they saw the movie City Island with Andy Garcia. Prior to the movie they've never heard of City Island before. During our conversation they mentioned having breakfast at the City Island Diner. This convo piqued my interest as I've never been, so why not check them out.

Fast forward to an early Sunday morning, I felt comfortable walking in to pick up my order from this quaint little diner housed on the corner of City Island Ave. City Island Diner has an old school feel, is fairly small with a few four top tables, plus counter seating. This particular morning seemed filled with locals, as the moderately loud banter flowed amongst all that were there.

I called ahead to place my order of crispy, well done Corned Beef Hash, Poached Eggs and Whole Wheat toast. Corned Beef Hash is not something I have often and thought it a good opportunity to try here. Ten to Fifteen minutes later I picked up my simple yet perfect breakfast. With one slight exception of the same ol', same ol' obligatory diner potatoes. I was hoping the potatoes would have some flair, but they had none and were like most I've tried in the past. No biggie, as the other two items were exactly as ordered and satisfied my poached eggs, corned beef hash needs.

I'm glad I took the time to speak to the lovely elderly couple from Rhode Island. For that I thank them. When the mood hits, I'll patronize City Island Diner again.

like another reviewer said, I believe all these 5-star reviews are probably either paid for or given by friends or family.. Idk, maybe the standards of the people leaving these great reviews is just really low. who knows...but what I do know is it's definitely not anywhere near a 5-star diner. I love a good diner, with fresh made simple dishes, and while they have the 'simple' part down, the quality (on many different dishes I got over the years) is poor. last time I went there, I got an egg salad sandwich with a tiny cup of a side pasta salad to go...after I got home and opened it up (only 5 minutes later), I found not even a small spoonful of egg salad, with nothing else, no lettuce, etc. and bread soggy. tiny cup of pasta salad was exactly cooked macaroni and mayo, nothing else...wtf? was the cook really lazy or incompetent that day? and all this for $7.95. so after I went back to complain, with sanwich in tow to show them, I was insulted - by the owner no less - that how dare I complain about the quality of the food, instead of refunding me and apolgizing. and this coming from the same person who confided in me that her business had been down by 50% in the last number years...wonder why.

Small but compact diner offering a large selection of good food to eat.
Back to eat here after 30 years.
Had a great omelet and decaf.
Great service.
Friendly atmosphere.
If you are not going to the seafood places on City Island go here for good solid food.

Here right now. The potato pancakes!!!!
One word, FAB-U-LOUS! With apple chutney.
O M Goodness.

It was around 1:30 on a cold and snowy afternoon when I came across the City Island Diner at the corner of Fordham Street and City Island Avenue. I walked inside and couldn't believe how intimate and cozy the interior looked. While I normally would have sat at one of their tables, their counter looked so inviting that I took a seat next to one of the diner's " regular " customers. While I looked at their expansive and very detailed menu, I noticed that the guy to my right was about to start eating what looked like a fabulous soup. I did t even ask what it was, but I immediately ordered a cup and was soon enjoying their homemade carrot soup that was absolutely fabulous! I ended up ordering their chicken Caesar salad that was served in such.a large bowl, I could have easily taken half of it home for dinner. The chicken was warm and delicious, the greens fresh and the dressing delicious. The owner's son, James was helpful and my waitress, was friendly and made we wish I lived in the neighborhood, so I would become a " regular " too! Their desserts looked wonderful too and they were selling a honey cake to raise money for the Ukrainian refugees. Naturally I bought a piece of the cake and it was so delicious, it melted in my mouth! They are famous for their breakfasts and also make lattes and cappuccinos! I'm looking forward to returning to check out the other appetizing menu items!

This has to be one of the worst establishments I ate in. The place is dingy and old looking and needs major renovations. The waitress was the worse
part , she was either mad, annoyed we came in to eat or just too old. No
personality not at all friendly. I was afraid to even ask her a question about the menu. She reminded me of the walking dead, no lie. The food was so-so, I din't care for my wrap "gross" left half of it but my niece said her wrap was ok. Better places to eat on the island skip this one ! It'obvious these 5 star reviews are from people that were asked to post them either friends or family members.
Stay away !!

A local famous spot with only ten tables. I sat at the counter and watched the cooks in action. Had an omelette with ham, mozzarella, and tomatoes with homemade fries and a muffin.

They have a small counter for quick coffee and pastry orders.

I can see why locals flock here: Staff knows regulars names and orders and the decor feels like grandma's house with its woodside paneled interiors.

Food was good and comforting. Coffee was sufficient. Will come back the next visit.

Racist!!! So this actually happened. Today July 9th 2022 11:30am. I go have breakfast with my two sons ages 4 and 10 which we normally do every Saturday or Sunday for the past 10 or so years. Today there credit card machine didn't work so they where asking customers to go to the ATM. Cool, so they give me my bill ($47.00) and instruct me to go to either chase or the ATM at the laundry mat. I choose to go to Chase as to not pay the $3.00 ATM fee. I notice that I left my phone and ask my son to get it off the table. The waitress (Black curry hair with glasses) takes my phone from my son and states that "when you pay the bill you can have the phone. Im gonna hold it as collateral to make sure you pay the bill" My son is 10yrs old. Now as We sitting there I see ALL THE WHITE FAMILIES go to the ATM or bank without leaving any collateral of any kind. But the Fucking Brown Family needs to leave collateral. That is fucking bullshit. I would never go back to that place and you shouldn't either. Why would the brown family have to leave collateral. Are whites more trust worthy that Hispanics or Blacks. FOH.

Came here for dinner as one of our regular places was closed. We had a really nice dinner. I was surprised because I figured it would be regular diner food. My shrimp basket had fresh juicy shrimp, homemade tartar sauce and steak fries with coleslaw. All yummy. My sis had the thanksgiving plate; it was filling and really homey, even the veggies were well seasoned. We also had yummy mozzarella sticks.


The service was great, the ladies were really sweet. I'll definitely be returning :)

What happened to City Island Diner? I came for lunch/breakfast and the food was just bearable. I know it is super fresh as I saw them cook it. There was loud talking among the staff, combined with the ever-present music (which I was told they can turn off but never did) coupled with the staff and some of the patrons yelling at each other (nicely) across the restaurant. I used to come here, pre-pandemic days, and the food was amazingly good. There was no interfering music or overly loud speaking from the staff. When I asked the person at the register, he just shrugged and said that they got busy all of a sudden. Actually there were only three tables, including us, occupied. Sadly one of my treats on City Island I will not be going back. It was nuts.