One steakhouse on this list makes its own bread and its own ice cream, right on the premises. That’s serious effort for the courses that come before and after the steak.
I love that kind of kitchen stubbornness.
The surprises don’t stop there. Another spot gives ramen a cacio e pepe makeover inside a renovated landmark farmhouse.
A third lets you twirl handmade pasta beside a quiet pond.
This corner of New York packs signature fried chicken, wood-fired ovens, harbor sunsets, and Oaxacan mole into one long, tasty stretch. A few dining rooms sit right on the water.
One glows by candlelight on a historic village corner, which sounds like the perfect setting for a long dinner.
I can’t think of a better excuse for a road trip with snacks in the back seat. So which table are you grabbing first?
1. Copperhill
Ramen and cacio e pepe walked into a farmhouse, and somehow it became one of the best dishes in Williston Park. That mashup tells you a lot about the playful kitchen at Copperhill.
The restaurant lives inside a renovated landmark farmhouse, complete with a porch. It’s an old building with a fresh attitude, serving locally sourced New American food.
Start small and snack your way in. Marinated olives and blistered shishitos make easy openers for the table.
Devils on Horseback brings sweet and salty together in one bite. Grilled octopus is another menu highlight worth claiming before anyone else does.
The Ramen Cacio e Pepe is vegetarian, and so is the Arugula Fig salad. In fact, Copperhill keeps a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu.
Sunday is the day to plan around. Brunch runs from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, then dinner picks back up at 5 PM.
Mondays are closed, so don’t show up hungry that day. Tuesday through Saturday, the doors open for dinner at 5 PM.
The mood shifts between casual and romantic, which makes it work for date night or a family meal. High chairs and changing tables help with the little ones.
Parking is pleasantly painless, thanks to a free lot on site. A private dining room is available if you’re planning something bigger.
Reservations are recommended for brunch and dinner. Saturday evening tends to be the busiest stretch of the week.
Address: 234 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596
2. Wild Honey Restaurant
Candlelight, a historic corner address, and baked oysters in the town literally named Oyster Bay. Wild Honey basically wrote its own invitation.
The restaurant sits at 1 East Main Street, right in the middle of this North Shore village. Inside, creative New American dishes arrive by candlelight in a snug, romantic room.
Seafood fans have plenty to circle. Spinach and truffle baked oysters, iron skillet mussels, and hoisin and soy glazed shrimp all appear among the highlights.
Craving something cool and fresh? The Havana ceviche and the seared ahi tuna tower bring a lighter, brighter angle to the menu.
Meat lovers aren’t left out. Baby back ribs share the spotlight with seared Faroe Island salmon.
Vegetarians can go for the goat cheese ravioli. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody has to order three side dishes and call it dinner.
Save room, seriously. Ice cream pie is one of the desserts that gets attention here.
Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday starting at noon. Dinner runs nightly, with weekend evenings drawing the biggest crowds.
Sidewalk seating is a treat on nice days, and dogs are welcome outside. Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs too.
The dining room is on the snug side, so booking ahead is smart. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially Friday through Sunday.
Address: 1 E Main St, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
3. Foster Restaurant
Fried chicken is the signature dish at a restaurant described as sophisticated, and your stomach will understand the logic immediately. Crunchy outside, juicy inside, served in a room that still feels fancy.
You’ll find this American restaurant in Sea Cliff, a small village on the North Shore of Long Island. The menu leans into comfort food, but it doesn’t stop at the obvious.
Miso glazed bone marrow is one of the highlights, which is a bold move for a starter. Small plates are on offer too, so sharing a few around the table is easy.
Plant-based eaters aren’t stuck with a sad side salad here. Foster offers both a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu.
Chilly nights get a boost from the fireplace, which feels like the ideal backdrop for a plate of chicken. In nicer weather, you can grab a seat outside instead.
Bringing the whole crew? Kids get their own menu, and high chairs and changing tables are ready to go.
Dogs are welcome outside, so your furry sidekick can tag along on patio nights. A private dining room handles bigger celebrations.
Weekday dinner starts at 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday open at noon, which makes room for brunch and lunch.
Night owls, take note: Friday and Saturday service runs until midnight, with late-night food on offer. Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch, especially on weekend evenings.
Free street parking is usually easy to find nearby. That leaves more brainpower for the real question: dark meat or white?
Address: 39 Roslyn Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579
4. Felice Roslyn
Follow a narrow path, and suddenly you’re eating pasta beside a pond. Felice Roslyn might have the most peaceful patio on Long Island.
The outdoor seating sits right next to Roslyn Pond in historic Roslyn. Inside, the dining room keeps things refined and romantic.
Handcrafted pasta is the star of this Italian kitchen. Felice Carbonara, Fettuccine alla Bolognese, and Pappardelle Salsiccia are all on the highlights list.
Not in a noodle mood? The Milanese and the Paillard di Pollo cover the crispy and the light, depending on your appetite.
Seafood shows up in style too. Branzino al Cartoccio is baked in parchment, and the Carciofi e Calamari Fritti pairs fried artichokes with calamari.
Dessert has an obvious answer. Tiramisu is a highlight, and it pairs nicely with a coffee and a pond view.
Weekend brunch starts at 11:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Weekdays open at noon, with service running until 10:30 PM daily.
Planning a party? A private dining room and catering are both options here.
Parking can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes. There are free and paid options nearby, but spaces fill up.
Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings are the busiest times, so book early for that pond-side table.
Address: 1382 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576
5. LIMANI
Whole fish for two on a Tuesday night? At LIMANI, that’s not showing off.
That’s just the menu doing its job.
This upscale Greek-Mediterranean restaurant sits on Northern Boulevard in Roslyn. The space is big and chic, and the menu leans hard into seafood.
Fagri for two is a headliner, built for sharing across the table. Octopus salad and lobster pasta keep the ocean theme rolling.
Lamb chops are another highlight, and they’re a classic Greek move. Filet mignon covers the steak crowd without any fuss.
Start with Limani Chips, a crispy vegan snack that’s hard to stop eating. The Athenian salad brings a fresh, vegetarian option to the opener lineup.
Dessert gets a Greek touch too. Karidopita, a walnut cake, is on the highlights list and worth the extra bite.
Lunch starts at 11:30 AM daily, which makes a midday feast totally doable. Fridays and Saturdays run until 11 PM.
Reservations are required, so don’t just wander in and hope. Weekend evenings are especially busy.
Valet parking makes arrival easy, and there’s a free lot as well. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are allowed outside.
Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs. A private dining room handles bigger gatherings, from birthdays to business dinners.
Address: 1043 Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576
6. Aunt Jake’s
Pasta class graduates, meet your final exam. Aunt Jake’s started with a New York City pasta class experience before bringing that passion to Huntington Village.
The Huntington location turns those lessons into a full-service Italian restaurant. Handmade pasta leads the way, backed by fresh seasonal dishes.
Seasonal cooking means the menu can shift as the year moves along. That gives you a good reason to come back more than once.
One highlight to know by name is the Hot Honey Burrata. Sweet, spicy, and creamy is a hard combination to argue with.
Vegetarians can relax here. A full vegetarian menu is available, so pasta night works for the whole table.
Plan your visit carefully, because Monday and Tuesday are closed. Dinner runs Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 10 PM.
Weekends are the sweet spot. Saturday and Sunday open at 11 AM, with brunch on the schedule.
The mood is casual, which suits a lazy Sunday or a laid-back dinner. Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates.
Hosting something special? A private dining room and catering services are both options.
Reservations are accepted, which is handy on busy village nights. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot and street spaces nearby.
Address: 10 New St, Huntington, NY 11743
7. Luca Steak
Most steakhouses buy the bread rolls and the ice cream. Luca Steak makes both from scratch, right on the premises.
That from-scratch attitude covers the whole meal, from the bread basket to the final scoop. This modern fine dining steak restaurant takes its kitchen seriously.
The cooks use cutting-edge techniques and source ingredients extensively. Translation: expect steak night with a few surprises.
The space is new to Huntington Village and has a polished, comfortable feel. A fireplace adds a nice glow on cooler evenings.
Creative plates are part of the plan here. Wagyu steak tartare and Mangalitsa pork have appeared on the menu.
Tuna is another highlight, so seafood fans have something to aim for. A full vegetarian menu means non-meat eaters aren’t stuck with bread alone.
Though, honestly, homemade bread is a pretty good consolation prize. Just leave space for that house-made ice cream.
Dinner is the main event here, and since the restaurant is new, it’s smart to check current hours before you go.
Outdoor seating is available too. Reservations are accepted, which is smart for a special occasion.
Parking is usually simple, with a free lot on site. Huntington Village sits just outside, so a stroll after dinner is easy.
Address: 417 New York Ave, Huntington, NY 11743
8. The Fifth Season Restaurant
Sunset over Port Jefferson Harbor comes free with dinner. The Fifth Season just adds the food, and it’s very local.
This locavore American restaurant overlooks the harbor from East Broadway. Window seats offer a front-row view of the water and boats.
The menu changes with the seasons, so dishes can rotate. That’s the beauty of cooking around what’s fresh.
Local ingredients show up by name. Fried local clams, local burrata, and braised Brandt Farm short ribs are all on the highlights list.
Braised Point Judith calamari brings in more seafood flair. Pan seared Pacific sea bass is another standout on the dinner side.
Vegetarians have solid choices, including housemade potato gnocchi and a Mediterranean plate. Full vegan and vegetarian menus are available too.
A fireplace adds charm when the harbor gets chilly. The room has a quiet, romantic mood that suits date night.
Timing is key here. Dinner runs Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4 PM, and Sunday and Monday are closed.
Families can request high chairs, and kids get their own menu. Outdoor seating and a private dining room are both available.
Reservations are recommended, especially if you want a window view. Arrive early and catch the light over the marina in this pretty corner of New York.
Address: 34 E Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
9. Joey Z’s Restaurant
A filet mignon quesadilla is the kind of menu idea that makes you stop scrolling. At Joey Z’s, it’s a signature dish.
This casual Mediterranean spot sits on Main Street in Port Jefferson. The menu is huge, covering gyros, panini, and Greek, Italian, and American entrees.
Indecisive eaters, good luck. With that many directions, you might need two visits just to narrow it down.
Breakfast is a big deal here too. Doors open at 9:30 AM daily, and the Country Omelette is a highlight.
Don’t skip the house salad, which the restaurant proudly calls famous. It’s also vegan, which is a nice bonus.
Butternut squash soup is another vegan pick. Full vegan and vegetarian menus give plenty of options beyond the classics.
Portions run large, so arrive hungry or plan for leftovers. Your lunch tomorrow will be grateful.
Pups get a nice perk at this spot. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, so your four-legged friend can tag along.
Families are well covered, with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. Delivery and takeout work for lazy nights at home.
Sunday mornings into afternoons get busy, so plan accordingly. Service wraps at 8:30 PM most days and 7:30 PM on Sunday.
Address: 217 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
10. Captain Bill’s
Ordering seafood while staring at the water feels a little like cheating, in the best way. Captain Bill’s makes that easy on Ocean Avenue in Bay Shore.
This seafood and steak specialist lives in a charming waterfront building on Long Island’s South Shore. Water and marina views come with the meal.
The broiled seafood platter is a highlight for anyone who can’t pick just one thing. Pan seared Shinnecock sea scallops bring a local name to the plate.
Pasta fans should look at the linguini with lobster and shrimp. Horseradish crusted grouper adds a little zing to the fish lineup.
Craving a classic starter? Oysters Rockefeller is on the highlights list and fits the waterfront setting perfectly.
Steak lovers get filet mignon, so mixed groups won’t argue. A full vegetarian menu covers the plant-based crowd too.
Sunday brunch kicks off at 11:30 AM. Lunch starts at noon the rest of the week.
Planning a bridal shower or party? A gorgeous waterfront room and a private dining room make this a popular pick for events.
Valet parking and an on-site lot both help on busy nights. Weekend evenings tend to draw the biggest crowds.
Kids get their own menu, plus high chairs when needed. Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch.
Address: 122 Ocean Ave, Bay Shore, NY 11706
11. Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine – Patchogue
Mole on salmon? Ruta Oaxaca says yes, and adds a tropical twist while it’s at it.
This Mexican restaurant sits on East Main Street in downtown Patchogue. Traditional mole is the calling card, rooted in the flavors of Oaxaca.
The Salmon con Tropical Mole is a must-know highlight. It shows how the kitchen plays with classic sauces.
Grilled octopus is on the list too, and it’s a strong pick for sharing. Sweet Prawn and Callos de Hacha brings shrimp and scallops together.
Fresh guacamole is an easy way to start. It’s vegetarian, and a full vegetarian menu has more options.
Brunch fans should eye the Ribs and Eggs. That’s a breakfast plate with serious ambition.
Save room for dessert. Coffee flan gets plenty of attention, and it’s a smooth way to finish.
Doors open at 11 AM every day of the week. Service runs until 10 PM Monday through Saturday and 9 PM on Sunday.
The patio is a nice perk when the weather is good. Dogs are welcome outside, and kids get their own menu.
Thursday through Saturday evenings get busy, so dinner reservations are recommended. Downtown Patchogue is easy to explore before or after your meal.
Address: 30 E Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772
12. Nick & Toni’s
Since 1988, a wood-burning oven has been the heart of one of the most famous dining rooms in the Hamptons. Nick & Toni’s still keeps that fire going.
The restaurant sits on North Main Street in East Hampton, on Long Island’s South Fork. The setting feels like a fashionable farmhouse with plenty of style.
Italian-Mediterranean food comes out of that wood oven and the kitchen around it. The restaurant has long been tied to farm-to-table cooking, including its own organic garden.
Zucchini Fritti is a signature starter and a vegan one too. Crispy, salty, and easy to pass around the table.
Pasta lovers should look at the Local Squid Ink Spaccatelli. The penne is another highlight, and it’s vegan.
Sea bass covers the seafood side of the menu. For dessert, the Nick and Toni’s Tartufo is the move.
Dinner starts at 5:30 PM, and Tuesday is closed. Friday and Saturday stay open until 10 PM.
Reservations are required here, and there’s usually a wait. Book well ahead, especially during the busy summer season in New York’s beach towns.
A private dining room works for special celebrations. Outdoor seating is available on pleasant nights.
Parking is usually easy, with a free lot nearby. That just leaves you to decide how much tartufo is too much.
Address: 136 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937