A Fresh, Creative Dining Experience in Farmingdale Worth Putting on Your Must-Visit List
Farmingdale has quickly become one of my favorite dining destinations on Long Island. Between its walkable Main Street, lively bar scene, and endless restaurant options, there’s always something new to try. And now, there’s a brand-new spot in town that absolutely deserves a place on your must-visit list: Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails.
The moment I heard it opened, I knew I had to check it out — and after my visit, I can confidently say this is one of the most exciting new restaurants to hit Farmingdale in years.
Background
Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails is the vision of Chef Marc Anthony Bynum, a celebrated local chef and three-time Chopped champion known for his bold, boundary-pushing approach to New American cuisine. Marc blends classic culinary techniques with fresh inspiration, aiming to create dishes that spark conversation, connection, and curiosity.
What began as a friendship more than a decade ago has become a dynamic partnership among Chef Marc Anthony Bynum, founding partner Jeffrey Rumman, and managing partner Louis Lang. Together, the trio brings over 50 years of hospitality experience to Farmingdale.
Jeffrey Rumman leads the front of the house with his signature warmth, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering an unforgettable dining experience from the moment guests enter. When longtime friend Louis Lang joined the team, the three set out to build a space rooted not only in exceptional food and drink, but in community, passion, and creativity.
Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails aims to redefine what it means to dine out — inviting guests to come for the food, stay for the vibe, and leave with a story worth sharing.
First Impressions
Walking into Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails, the atmosphere struck me immediately. It felt modern yet inviting — elevated but somehow still warm and familiar. I didn’t realize then that this contrast would become the theme of my entire meal: refined, creative dishes wrapped in comfort and approachability.
The menu reflected that same balance. There were familiar dishes reinvented in unexpected ways, along with completely original creations I had never seen anywhere else. You can truly feel Chef Marc Anthony Bynum’s imagination in every corner of the menu.
Before ordering, we were greeted by one of the owners, Jeff Rumman, who kindly shared recommendations and made us feel right at home.
Cocktails: Creative, Balanced, and Worth Exploring at Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails
We decided to sample a few drinks to start. The wine flight was a great choice, offering a taste of Cabernet, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and a white blend.
But the cocktails were where the fun really began.
The Cucumber Mint Mule — made with Ketel One Cucumber Mint vodka, ginger beer, and mint — was incredibly refreshing, smooth, and crisp.
The standout, however, was the Blueberry Lemon Drop with blueberry vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and a sugared rim. It tasted like a grown-up version of a childhood summer ice pop, but without any of the sugary heaviness you might expect. It was bright, balanced, and so delicious we literally found ourselves reaching for it at the same time.
Their cocktail menu features 15 unique drinks, and based on what we tried, it’s worth stepping outside your usual order to explore.
Apps: A Burst of Creativity and Flavor
Choosing appetizers wasn’t easy — everything looked tempting — but here’s where we landed:
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
These come battered and filled with mozzarella and Romano, then finished with hot honey. This isn’t something I normally jump to order, but I’m so glad we did. The flavors burst the moment you bite into it. A perfect mix of crisp, creamy, and sweet heat.
Thai Disco Fries
Red Thai chili sauce, coconut cream, peanuts, red onion, scallions, sriracha aioli, and cilantro — a combination that shouldn’t work as well as it does. These were some of the most inventive fries I’ve ever eaten. Spicy, creamy, crunchy, herbaceous — each bite offered something new. Be warned: they pack a kick.
Avocado Hummus
A brilliant creation and combination. Cool, smooth, and refreshing, it was the ideal contrast to the heat from the fries. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a trend across the Island. Simple, clean, and incredibly satisfying.
At this point, the appetizers alone had me excited for what was coming next.
Salads: Fresh, Flavorful, and Beautifully Balanced
Goat Cheese + Walnut Salad
Mixed greens, creamy goat cheese, candied walnuts, sliced figs, red onions, and a maple balsamic vinaigrette.
This salad was packed with flavor in every bite — sweet, tangy, crunchy, and smooth all at once. The figs and candied walnuts added a rich sweetness, the goat cheese brought luscious creaminess, and the maple balsamic tied everything together beautifully. It was fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.
Entrées: Comfort Meets Culinary Craft at Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails
We kept dinner manageable by sharing two entrées:
Lemon Pesto Pasta
Rigatoni tossed with pistachios, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, basil, and topped with burrata. Since one of our guests had a nut allergy, Jeff made sure it was prepared nut-free, and it was still excellent. Light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, with the burrata adding that rich, creamy finish I love.
Brie Burger
An Angus burger topped with brie, bacon jam, and a kimchi pickle on a brioche bun. The layers of flavor were unreal — sweet, savory, tangy, melty — every bite offered something different. Even the presentation was mouthwatering.
Dessert: One Last Indulgence
Although we were full, we couldn’t leave without dessert. Everything sounded incredible — from the Horchata Truffle to the Rainbow Cookie Tartuffo — but we chose the Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Rich, decadent, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, it was everything a flourless cake should be. If you’re a chocolate lover, brace yourself.
Add Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails to Your Must Visit List
With Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails being open for less than a month, I didn’t know what to expect — but I walked out completely impressed. The atmosphere, the service, the cocktails, and most importantly the food all exceeded expectations.
Chef Marc Anthony Bynum’s creativity shines through every dish, and the passion of the team is obvious from start to finish. This is the kind of restaurant you can’t stop thinking about after you leave — and the kind you immediately add to your “must-return” list.
If you’re looking for your next great dining experience on Long Island, make sure to put Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails at the top of your list. Go hungry, go curious, and get ready to be blown away.
Looking for Dining Options on Long Island? Click HERE!
Please note: In exchange for the review, Melissa received a comped meal. Tasting Room Kitchen & Cocktails had no editorial control over the review and we did not furnish or preview any copy before publish.
