A Culinary Gem That Delivers on All Fronts
As someone who has spent a ton of time researching and dining at some of the best restaurants across Long Island, I take it as a personal challenge when I hear about a spot I haven’t been to yet. So when The Harrison in Floral Park was recommended to me, I knew I had to check it out.
I live in East Northport and love my local dining scene, but I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for the restaurants in Nassau County. I’m always willing to drive for a great dining experience, and after doing a little research, I had a strong feeling The Harrison would be well worth the trip.
Their online presence immediately drew me in. The website is well-designed, showcasing their menu, upcoming events, and specials. The vibe was exactly what I look for in a restaurant—inviting, stylish, and full of character. The anticipation was real, and I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.
First Impressions: Atmosphere & Ambiance
Last Monday, I met two friends for dinner at The Harrison, and before even stepping inside, I knew I was going to love this place. The red neon sign outside set the tone—it had that cool, modern-yet-classic appeal.
Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by the hostess and manager, which always makes a great first impression. The restaurant’s layout is well thought out, with plenty of space between tables, a lively yet separate bar area, and even a dedicated catering room for private events.
One of the standout features is the open kitchen at the back of the restaurant, where you can watch the chefs in action—a touch I always appreciate. During the warmer months, they offer outdoor seating and Harry’s Corner, where you can enjoy live music. Plus, they have a separate takeout section, with sushi being the most popular to-go item.
Our Meal: A Feast to Remember
With a menu filled with tempting choices, we did what any food lover would do—we ordered a variety of dishes to share.
Sushi: My First Time, and I’m Hooked
Confession: This was my first time having sushi. I’ve always described my diet as an unchaperoned child at a kids birthday party, but lately, I’ve been willing to try anything. And I’m so glad I did!
We started with:
• Crispy Rice – Tempura battered with spicy tuna, eel sauce, spicy aioli, tobiko, and scallions.
• Rainbow Roll – Spicy tuna and avocado topped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and wasabi mayo.
Both were beautifully presented and packed with flavor. If you’re a sushi lover, this alone is worth the trip!
Appetizers That Impressed
We followed up with:
• Roasted Beets & Baby Kale Salad – Organic baby kale, roasted beets, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette. A fresh, vibrant start to our meal.
• Chargrilled Octopus – Served with a fava bean purée. Octopus can be tricky, but this was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
• PEI Mussels Frites – Offered in either fra diavolo or white wine sauce. I’m a sucker for white wine sauce, especially when I can soak up all that delicious broth with bread (or in this case, crispy fries). Speaking of fries…
• Truffle Fries – I’m a HUGE fry person, and these were absolute heaven.
The Entrees: Smash Burger Heaven
The Harrison is known for its smash burger, and as someone with a borderline obsession, I had to try it.
• The Harrison Burger – A Pat LaFrieda proprietary double-stacked blend, smashed and fully dressed with American cheese on a brioche bun, served with crispy fries or creamy coleslaw. This burger was phenomenal—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly executed. I found it very difficult to share.
We also ordered the Pasta Special of the night:
•Pasta with arugula, shrimp, and huge chunks of king crab meat. The portion was generous, and the flavors were spot on.
Exceptional Service at The Harrison
Our server, Will, was exceptional from start to finish. He was welcoming, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations that made our meal even better. He had the perfect balance of being present without hovering, ensuring we never had to ask for anything. His friendly demeanor and top-notch service truly enhanced our dining experience at The Harrison.
Final Thoughts: When Can I Go Back to The Harrison?
I was beyond impressed with The Harrison. Every single dish we tried was fantastic, the atmosphere was welcoming and stylish, and the service was on point. I already have a girls’ night and a date night planned for next month, and I’ll be dreaming about that smash burger until I return.
If you love sushi, burgers, top-notch food, a great ambiance, and a place that makes you feel right at home, do yourself a favor—head to The Harrison. You can thank me later.
Looking for another great spot to try? Click HERE!
Ms. Farrell received a comped meal for her review, but no other compensation was received. The reviewed restaurant did not receive an advance copy of the review and receives no editorial control of the copy.