It’s Not About the View—It’s About the Experience
Over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered some incredible Hidden Gems right here on Long Island—places I’ve been dying to write about. And while Long Island is full of beautiful beaches and scenic views, these Hidden Gems aren’t about location or aesthetics. They’re about food, passion, and the kind of local spots that don’t get the hype they deserve… but absolutely should.
These are restaurants and eateries that may not be on your radar yet, but once you find them, you’ll wonder how they weren’t. Each one offers something special—whether it’s old-school authenticity, family-run charm, or a totally unexpected dining experience.
In no particular order, here are some of my favorite hidden gems on Long Island.
Sapori Del Vallo – Farmingdale
Old-School Italian, Hidden in Plain Sight
Sapori Del Vallo is the definition of a hidden gem. Located inside a warehouse building in Farmingdale, this Italian market and small restaurant is easy to miss—but unforgettable once you find it. From the moment you walk in, it feels old-school in the best way possible, serving up real Italian food made with tradition and care.
Sapori Del Vallo is an authentic Italian specialty grocery store and eatery known for its fresh, handmade pasta and imported Italian goods. You’ll find specialty meats, cheeses, olive oils, dry pasta, and pantry staples that you don’t see everywhere. There’s also a small restaurant where they serve pizza, sandwiches, and classic pasta dishes that truly showcase the quality of their ingredients.
This place is unlike anywhere else on Long Island and absolutely worth the visit. If you go, do yourself a favor and order one of their pizzas—and their meatballs are a must.
Address: 111 Milbar Blvd, Farmingdale (Look for door numbered 111 and you’ve found it!)
Hours:
Weekdays: 9am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–3pm
Sunday: 10am–2pm
Shuga Pie Shop – Babylon Village
A Sweet Surprise Through a Takeout Window
Shuga Pie Shop is one of those spots you’ll walk right past if you don’t know it’s there—which is exactly what makes it such a hidden gem. Tucked away in an alley in Babylon Village near Swell Taco, Shuga Pie Shop serves their famous Shuga Pies through a small takeout window.
A Shuga Pie is similar in style to a whoopie pie (a cake sandwich), but they take it to the next level with inventive, rotating flavors like Espresso, Orange Creamsicle, Banana Pudding, and more. The flavors change daily, and the shop is only open three days a week, making every visit feel special and exciting.
It’s the perfect dessert to bring to a family gathering, a friend’s house—or just to treat yourself. Look for the takeout window in the alley—you’ll be glad you did.
Address: 135 Deer Park Ave, Unit 3, Babylon, NY 11702
Hours:
Thursday: 1pm–6:30pm
Friday: 12pm–6:30pm
Saturday: 11am–6:30pm
Mabella – Commack
An IYKYK Italian Favorite
Everyone has their favorite Italian spot, but there’s something about Mabella that makes it truly special. Tucked away in a strip mall in Commack, this family-owned and operated restaurant is one of those if you know, you know places.
Most nights, you’ll find owner Frank in the kitchen while his wife Maria greets guests at the door. Their kids often help out too, making it a true family business. The food is comforting, flavorful, and made with love—each dish tasting like it came straight from a family recipe passed down through generations.
Dining at Mabella feels like discovering a little off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Italy. The specials are exciting, the portions generous, and everything has that unmistakable homemade touch that keeps people coming back.
Address: 169 Commack Rd, Commack, NY 11725
Closed Tuesdays
Bennett Shellfish – Montauk
A Seafood Legend with a Wishing Well
Bennett Shellfish is not your average seafood market—and that’s exactly why it’s a hidden gem. Located at a home on South Debussy Road in Montauk, this long-standing local favorite is known for incredibly fresh, locally caught seafood, including clams, oysters, and their famous “2-for-1” lobster roll special.
To enter, you’ll walk toward the left side of the house, past a sign that reads Bennett Shellfish. There’s a park across the street, and in the front yard, you’ll find the legendary Montauk Wishing Well. Built with stones that glow under the moonlight, legend says that if you make a wish there under a full moon—with only love in your heart—it may just come true.
They’re cash-only, hours change seasonally, and everything about Bennett Shellfish feels like a true Montauk experience.
Address: 2 South Debussy Road, Montauk, NY
ECC Eatery – Patchogue
Gourmet Comfort Food Without the Fuss
ECC Eatery may look unassuming from the outside, but inside you’ll find some of the best breakfast and lunch on Long Island. Owned by Chef Charles Drayton, this Patchogue gem delivers chef-crafted comfort food that’s elevated, thoughtful, and still affordable.
What makes ECC such a hidden gem is that you don’t expect gourmet-level food from such a low-key spot—but Chef Drayton takes every dish to the next level. From house-made artisan breads (especially the sourdough) to his breakfast and lunch offerings, everything is done with intention and skill.
Don’t leave without trying the focaccia egg sandwich—or the classic roll option for my fellow Long Islanders who love a good BECSPK. This is absolutely worth the drive, even if you don’t live near Patchogue.
Address: 140 River Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772
Hours: Open 7am-4pm (Thursday-Tuesday)
Closed Wednesdays
Nicky’s Clam Bar – Bay Shore
Don’t Run to the Ferry—Stop Here First
Located in the parking lot of the Fire Island ferry terminal in Bay Shore, Nicky’s Clam Bar is a place you’ve probably rushed past more times than you can count. And every time, you were missing out.
Nicky’s has been in business for over 35 years, and for good reason. Their seafood is some of the best I’ve ever had. The baked clams are unlike any I’ve tasted—rich, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. They’re also known for their steamers, and if you’ve never tried them, this is the place to do it.
They even offer food to go for the ferry and serve breakfast during the summer months. While they’re closed until March, make sure to keep Nicky’s on your radar when they reopen.
Address: 99 Maple Ave, Suite A, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Open Seasonally
The Sunset Club at Tappen Beach – Sea Cliff
A Vacation Vibe Without Leaving Long Island
The Sunset Club at Tappen Beach is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation. Located right on the water in Sea Cliff, this seasonal spot offers fresh seafood, creative cocktails, live music, fire pits, and some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll see on Long Island.
What makes it a hidden gem is that once you’re there, it feels like you’ve left Long Island entirely. In the summer months, it’s one of my favorite places for a date night or dinner with friends—especially as the sun sets and the fire pits light up.
Address: 494 Prospect Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579
Open seasonally
Pasta Project – Inside Gino’s Pizza, Farmingdale
A Business Within a Business
The Pasta Project is one of the most fun hidden gems on Long Island. Located inside Gino’s Pizza in Farmingdale, this “speakeasy-style” pasta concept serves fresh, made-to-order pasta that’s finished in a massive wheel of Parmesan cheese.
You can build your own bowl or choose from signature options like Truffle Mushroom, Alla Norma, or Holy Sunday. And don’t skip dessert—the gelato-stuffed bomboloni are reason enough to visit. I love this spot because it’s truly a business within a business, and the experience is just as memorable as the food.
Address: 331 Main St Suite B, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (Inside Gino’s Pizza)
Hours: check with business
Otherside Wine Bar – Glen Cove
Cozy, Historic, and Perfect for Wine Lovers
Otherside Wine Bar is tucked away inside the historic JH Coles Homestead in Glen Cove and comes from the team behind Southdown Coffee. As the name suggests, it’s located on the “other side” of Southdown—which makes it easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
This natural wine bar and restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates, entrées, and burgers in a warm, cozy atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for date night or a relaxed dinner with friends who appreciate great wine and a laid-back vibe.
Address: 149 Glen St Suite 2, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Closed Sundays & Mondays
Go Find Your Own Hidden Gems
These are the places that remind me why I love exploring Long Island’s food scene. The tucked-away restaurants, the family-run spots, and the unexpected dining experiences are what make eating local so special.
If you’re looking to break out of your routine and discover something new, I can’t recommend seeking out these hidden gems enough. Support local, try something different, and you just might find your new favorite spot along the way.
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