Long Island is filled with amazing restaurants and foodie towns many of us have never even been to! How often do you find yourself being a repeat offender to the same spots in your area? Get out of your comfort zone and out of your town and check out the best towns for Dining on Long Island!
We recently polled the members of our Going Local Long Island Facebook Community about their favorite foodie towns on Long Island and here are the results:
Top 10 Towns for Dining on Long Island
10. Riverhead
Coming in at number 10 on our poll of Best Towns for Dining on Long Island is Riverhead, NY. Riverhead is the gateway to the East End of Long Island and offers a varieties of restaurants to try like Farm Country Kitchen. This unique, rustic eatery is nestled on the banks of the Peconic River and offers fresh ingredients in every dish. You’ll find homemade soups, sandwiches, wraps, salads and entrees served up in a colonial home built in the late 1800’s. Other local recommendations include: Tweed’s Restaurant, FUNCHOS, Turkuaz Grill, Haiku Sushi and Maple Tree BBQ.
9. Garden City
Garden City, NY ranked 9th on our poll and offers amazing restaurants like Seasons 52, Novita, and Plancha. In addition, Waterzooi has been been a local staple and has been serving up some of the best mussels, fries and beer on Long Island for over 20 years. Another great dining option, Small Batch by Tom Coliccio for Long Island, serves upscale farm to table cuisine.
8. Montauk
Located at the East End of Long Island, you’ll find Montauk, NY coming in at number 8 on our poll. Known as a popular summer destination, this beach town serves up options like 668 The Gig Shack, The Dock Bar & Grill, and local staple, Shagwong. Another great option is Maverick’s Montauk. They serve fresh, imaginative food inspired by one of the most stunning natural backdrops on the East End.
7. Rockville Centre
Next on the list is Rockville Centre who has a great restaurant scene that can satisfy any palate. With options like Meet Izakaya Ramen & Bar, Salsa Mexicana, and Aperitif Bistro Wine Bar, you can’t go wrong. For upscale American dining, check out George Martin The Original or Chadwick’s. RVC is also home to many Italian restaurants including Mangia Bene, Dodici, and Viaggio.
6. Farmingdale
Farmingdale has put itself on the map as a great restaurant destination on Long Island by adding so many great places to check out. One of the best additions is 317 Main Street featuring “Chopped” Champion, Chef Eric LeVine. In addition to great food, distinctive cocktails and unbeatable entertainment, you can also dine at The Chef’s Table for an opportunity to interact with Chef Eric and watch him work his magic. There are also plenty of Italian restaurants in Farmingdale including Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar, Tre Scalini, and Vico. Other great recommendations include Harley’s American Grille, The Villager, and Palmer’s American Grille.
Keep Reading for The Top 5 Towns for Dining on Long Island
5. Babylon
Coming in at the #5 spot on our poll of Best Towns for Dining on Long Island, is Babylon. Babylon is a super local, charming town with a great food scene on the South Shore. If you’re looking for a waterview, head to Tres Palms. If you’re looking to be transported, head to Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar and sit outside under their romantic lighting. If you’re looking for a fun vibe, head to Swell Taco or The Brixton. No matter what you seek, Babylon has something for everyone.
4. Bay Shore
Bay Shore has a TON of amazing restaurants and has totally earned a spot on this list. If you’re looking for views of the Great South Bay, add The Lake House, Captain Bill’s and Nicky’s on the Bay to your list. If you’re looking for new, fun spots to try, check out Goody Two Shoe’s and Sweet Jane Cocktail Bar. More great suggestions are Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar, The Linwood, and Verde Kitchen & Cocktails.
3. Northport
There’s something about walking down Main Street in Northport Village that makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Recently named one of the safest towns in America, Northport has that small town feel, but packs a punch when it comes to their dining options.
Salted. On the Harbor is a top choice for locals in the area with harbor views and a killer menu. If you’re a lover of wine, head to The Wine Cellar on Main where you can even order from the Salted menu on certain days! If you love oysters, head to Rockin’ Fish for some of the best in town and great outdoor dining. Other great spots include Bistro 44, Main Street Cafe, and Maroni’s.
2. Patchogue
Coming in at #2 in our poll is Patchogue, NY. Patchogue has become a foodies dream offering up so many amazing local eateries in one place! On Main Street alone you’ll find local favorites like Whiskey Neat, RHUM and Dirty Taco & Tequila. Catch Oyster Bar is THE spot for oysters and Bobbique is your go-to BBQ spot. If you’re looking for a water view and delicious mussels, head to The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille!
And the #1 Town for Dining on Long Island is…
Huntington!
Winning the top spot in our poll by a landslide, is Huntington, NY. Huntington offers over 40 eateries in a mile radius making it the best town for Dining on Long Island.
If you’re looking for an upscale meal on the water, Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar offers up a ton of outdoor seating right on Huntington Harbor. If outstanding Italian food is on your list, The Farm Italy or local favorite, Joanina, are your top spots. In addition, restaurants like IMC, Besito, SUR, and NOEMA are all great spots for a Saturday night out. Local spots like Angelo’s, Edoardo’s and Piccolo are must hits when in Huntington, but there are so many more you don’t want to miss!
Best Towns for Dining on Long Island Conclusion
Long Island has so many great foodie towns and more importantly local restaurants we should support! We hope this article put some new local towns and eateries on your list of places to try and for more articles about Eats on Long Island, Click HERE!
Photo Credits: all photos in this article were sourced from the Instagram accounts of the above mentioned restaurants