STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — With Shrimp Ajillo, paella platters and a stunning sangria, a new Spanish restaurant has opened in Richmond Valley, bringing rich flavors and a family touch to Staten Island’s dining scene. Sazón, which means “flavor” in Spanish, has taken over the space at 286 Richmond Valley Road, shifting from a former American format to a Spanish repertoire.

The 80-seat restaurant, operated by restaurant industry veteran Sammi Demiri and his daughter Lily, features a bar, booth seating, and tables that can accommodate larger groups. Attached to Sazón is a party room for private events that hosts up to approximately 130 guests. Later in the season, outdoor dining will be an added highlight on the front patio.

“We’ve been in the restaurant world now for 36 years,” Demiri said. “I’ve been in New York for 20 years in business and in Lehigh Valley for the past 10 years, but I live here, so this was a nice thing to come and join the team.”

“Along with Scottie Maurer, Demiri said he is fortunate to have Chef Lalith “Lali” Rathnayake on board.

At Sazón, Chef Lali brings international experience, having worked in Dubai at Hotel Atlantis’ two-star Michelin brasserie Rostang . His resume lists time on a cruise line and various Manhattan seafood-centric eateries. He moved to Staten Island to work as a corporate chef for the IOP Hospitality Group, a locally-owned entity that manages the Vanderbilt, Grand Oaks Plaza and the Grand Oaks Country Club.

Chef Lali’s culinary approach at Sazon blends his expertise in fish dishes with detailed pastry work for which he also is known.

Sazón menu features traditional Spanish dishes with some American influences. Appetizers range from $10 to $14.95, while entrees start at $22 and go up to $35.95 for lobster dishes. Chicken dishes are priced between $23 and $28.

Signature dishes include paella for two, featuring lobster tails, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Other menu highlights include shrimp with garlic, white wine, capers and Spanish paprika, plus sizzling and garlicky chorizo. Sammi is particularly proud of the veal Villeroy stuffed with manchego cheese, chorizo, mushrooms, and topped with a cognac sauce. Zarzuela is another standout — squid-ink linguine with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a zesty plum tomato sauce.

Sazón’s house-made sangria, available in both red and white varieties, is served by the glass for $10 or by the bottle for $39. This is Sammi’s proprietary recipe made from good wine cask-aged with dried fruits.

“We want to stay where people can come back to visit twice a month, not just for special occasions,” Demiri explained. “Our prices are very fair, probably the fairest in Staten Island. We focus on the food, pricing, and customer service.”

The restaurant, which opened about six weeks ago, is already seeing repeat customers. Demiri noted that they’re still waiting for their new sign and awning, which should be installed soon.

Sazón is open daily starting at 4:30 p.m., closing at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Sunday hours are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant plans to add outdoor dining options as the weather warms up.

The space has seen several incarnations over the years, previously operating as 286 South and before that was slated to become DaddyO’s, a barbecue spot that never opened.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance/Silive.comFood Editor. She can be reached at .