Part cafe, part wine bar, part dessert stop—and completely unlike anything else on Long Island
One of my favorite parts of my job is discovering places that feel truly different—and that’s exactly what I found in Northport Village. Tucked right across from the John W. Engeman Theatre is Moksha Cafe, a spot that quietly opened and has already made a big impression on me.
Northport is known for its scenic waterfront park, lively dining scene, walkable Main Street filled with local shops, and its vibrant arts culture. Moksha Cafe fits seamlessly into that landscape while offering something completely unique.
From Cafe Portofino to Moksha Cafe
Moksha Cafe occupies the former space of Cafe Portofino, which had seen several owners over the years. When Joe VanRoten and his wife Robyn took over in May 2025, they approached the transition with care and respect.
Rather than coming in loud and changing everything overnight, they took their time. They maintained what longtime customers expected while getting to know the community. Over the first few months, subtle updates to the decor and menu slowly introduced Northport to the Moksha Cafe concept—and it worked beautifully.
Not Just a Cafe—And Not a Bar
What makes Moksha Cafe so special is that it isn’t like any other place on Long Island. It isn’t just a coffee shop, it isn’t just a restaurant, it isn’t just a dessert spot, and it isn’t just a bar—yet somehow, it’s all of those things in one thoughtfully curated space.
Joe is a Level II Sommelier, and his background in the beverage industry shines throughout the menu. Moksha seamlessly blends high-quality coffee, wine, and creative cocktails under one roof. You can stop in for a morning espresso, meet a friend for lunch, grab a drink before a show, come back after dinner for dessert, or even enjoy Dry January with their impressive no-ABV cocktail options.
As Joe puts it, “There are places in the village to have a full multi course meal, but we aren’t one of those places. We are a low key, small bites type of place that aims to feel like an extension of your home.”
My Visit to Moksha Cafe: The Vibe Says It All
From the moment I walked in, Moksha Cafe felt comforting, calming, and unmistakably local. Unlike big chain cafes that somehow feel chaotic the second you walk in, the energy here felt just right.
Maybe it was the local art for sale on the walls, or the warm smiles behind the counter—but it felt familiar in the best way. It’s one of those places you walk into and instantly feel like you belong.
Drinks That Truly Stand Out
The menu instantly impressed us, and choosing what to order was no easy task.
For drinks, we tried:
All Along the Campfire (Hot) Caffeine Free– made with marshmallow, graham cracker, and mocha with the option to add espresso. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavors were perfectly balanced. This one is a must-order.
Crème Brûlée (Cold) – espresso, vanilla, caramel, milk, and sweet cream. As someone who doesn’t normally drink coffee, this one nearly converted me.
Raspberry Lemonade – and no, not just lemonade. It wasn’t overly sweet or artificial at all. This is the kind of drink I would stop in just to grab before walking Main Street in the summer.
Lunch That Hits Every Note
For lunch, we shared two items—and both were standout dishes.
The Burrata Bomb Sandwich features burrata, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, and pesto. Every bite was layered perfectly, the portion was just right, and it’s one of those sandwiches that simply hits.
The Pesto Flatbread came with pesto, tomato, mozzarella, arugula, balsamic, and prosciutto. It was beautifully presented and ideal for sharing or enjoying as a meal. They also offer a margherita flatbread and a sweet-and-spicy version with hot capicola, banana peppers, and hot honey.
The portions left us full—but not uncomfortably so—and you can truly taste the quality of the ingredients.
More Reasons to Keep Coming Back to Moksha Cafe
Moksha Cafe offers:
Charcuterie and cheese boards (perfect with wine or to-go for summer concerts at the harbor)
Fresh baked goods including croissants, donuts, muffins (GF), scones, and OH Crumbs sourdough products (organic cookies/gluten-free cookies/organic scones/organic sourdough bagel)
Breakfast favorites like the Fast Break Egg Sandwich and avocado toast (eggs served until 3pm)
Desserts like seasonal affogato and evening bun à la mode—making it a perfect after-dinner stop Thursday through Saturday
Their beverage menu also includes curated red and white wines, kava cocktails, low-ABV cocktails, no-ABV cocktails, beer, hard cider, and kombucha.
Final Thoughts: Just Go
If you’re looking for a truly unique spot to add to your must-try list, Moksha Cafe deserves a top spot. Come for breakfast, grab a coffee, stay for lunch, stop in for wine, or swing by after dinner for dessert—just go.
This is the kind of place Northport needed, and once you visit, you’ll understand exactly why.
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This meal was kindly provided complimentary for review purposes. At Going Local Long Island, our goal is to highlight local businesses while sharing genuine, honest experiences with our readers. The restaurant did not preview this article before publication and had no input or influence over what was written.
