22 Fun Places to Eat in Long Island: Foodie Favorites & Local Legends

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Long Island is more than just beautiful beaches—it’s one of the ultimate islands in New York for food lovers. From iconic seafood shacks serving buttery lobster rolls to elegant farm-to-table bistros in charming towns, Long Island’s dining scene is a feast of flavors. Picture yourself enjoying fresh oysters by the waterfront, devouring classic New York pizza at a cozy spot, or indulging in decadent desserts at a trendy café. Known for its fresh seafood, Italian specialties, and creative twists on comfort food, this New York gem is packed with fun dining experiences. These 22 must-try spots showcase the unique vibe and unforgettable flavors of Long Island, making it a true foodie paradise. Get ready to explore where locals love to eat!

👉 Pro Tip: Explore Long Island’s wine country with the Long Island Wine Tour from NYC! Visit top vineyards, enjoy curated tastings, and learn about local winemaking. Perfect for wine lovers, this tour is a relaxing and flavorful escape from the city. Sip, savor, and unwind!

Unique Restaurants in Long Island

Long Island’s unique restaurants offer a feast for the senses, blending delicious flavors with unforgettable atmospheres. From dining in historic speakeasies to enjoying cuisines from Germany and Eastern Europe, Long Island’s food scene is simply incredible. Dive into this journey of taste and discover the hidden gems in Long Island that make dining truly special!

1. Plattduetsche Park

• 📍 Location: Franklin Square
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German / Beer Garden Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Huge authentic beer garden, German beer selection, schnitzel/bratwurst focus, lively events/festivals.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Beer garden lovers, German food fans, outdoor group hangs, Oktoberfest vibes, and lively atmosphere seekers.

Get a taste of Bavaria at Plattduetsche Park. This place boasts a massive, fantastic outdoor beer garden that feels straight out of Munich, especially during their lively festivals! It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends under the trees.

Expect classic, hearty German fare. Crispy schnitzel (Wiener or Jäger) is a must-try. Flavorful bratwurst platters with sauerkraut and potato salad, or giant pretzels with beer cheese, are also excellent. And of course, liters of German beer!

2. The Shed Restaurant – Westbury, NY

If you’re looking for a true brunch haven, The Shed Restaurant in Westbury is my go-to pick. This spot has a farmhouse-chic vibe, complete with cheery yellow accents, shiplap walls, and an open, sun-splashed dining room that feels like summer all year. The standouts? Don’t leave without trying their Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes – thick, fluffy, and piled high, they’re practically a local legend. Their Chicken & Biscuits with sage brown gravy comes in at a close second. The vibe is always lively, with a buzz of happy diners and a playlist filled with throwback hits. It gets packed, especially on weekends, so nabbing a reservation is smart. If you’re into shopping, you’re just minutes from the Roosevelt Field Mall. Personally, I was blown away by the friendly staff who somehow remember you even after just one visit.

3. Charlotte’s Speakeasy

• 📍 Location: Farmingdale
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cocktail Bar / Speakeasy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden entrance (behind bookshelf!), Prohibition-era vibe, craft cocktails, intimate setting, required password/reservations.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy fans, craft cocktail lovers, unique date nights, intimate hangs, and feeling in-the-know.

Shhh… can you find the secret? Charlotte’s Speakeasy in Farmingdale offers an authentic Prohibition-era experience, complete with a hidden entrance behind a bookshelf (you’ll need the password!). Inside, you’re transported to the 1920s with vintage decor.

The focus is on expertly crafted cocktails. A well-made Old Fashioned or a classic Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon, honey) are fantastic. Unique house creations, perhaps a lavender gin fizz, also showcase their skill. Getting in is part of the thrill!

4. The Cuban

The Cuban brings a dose of Old Havana glam to Garden City. Step inside and you’re greeted with colorful tilework, palm wallpaper, vintage Cuban posters, and a live salsa duo every Friday night. This spot is a total party, filled with laughter, mojitos, and the alluring scent of slow-roasted pork. Don’t skip their Croquetas de Pollo or the outrageously good Churrasco Steak topped with chimichurri. The must-try drink is their fresh Guava Mojito, which honestly tastes like vacation in a glass. Plan for a longer dinner, especially if you catch live music – the rhythms are infectious. You’re steps away from The Adelphi and Miracle Mile shops if you need a post-meal stroll. My tip: sit near the open kitchen if you love people-watching – the energy’s contagious.

5. Witches Brew

• 📍 Location: West Hempstead
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Coffee House / Vegetarian Cafe / Desserts
• 🔥 Standout Features: Quirky witchy/gothic decor, cozy/dim atmosphere, vegetarian/vegan focus, amazing cakes/desserts, cash only.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Coffee/tea lovers, dessert fanatics, vegetarians/vegans, unique cafe vibes, and late-night hangs.

Step into a cozy, dimly lit world at Witches Brew in West Hempstead. This long-standing coffee house embraces a quirky, witchy/gothic aesthetic with eclectic decor, creating a unique and comfortable atmosphere. They’re famous for incredible cakes and desserts.

Their artichoke dip served with pita bread is a popular savory snack. The nachos are also a good shareable. For sweets, their rich chocolate peanut butter cake or a slice of vegan chocolate cake are legendary. Remember, it’s cash only!

6. Cabo RVC

When you need a taste of the West Coast without leaving Long Island, Cabo RVC in Rockville Centre nails the SoCal beach party vibe. Think twinkling string lights, surfboard art, and colorful Dia de los Muertos murals. The party doesn’t stop here, especially with tableside guac and those dangerously good giant margaritas (lime or spicy mango – your call). Their Fish Tacos, topped with house slaw and crema, are legendary. I also love their loaded Nacho Mountain – massive, cheesy, Insta-worthy. Expect loud music, a playful crowd, and sometimes even a live DJ. Pro tip: Catch happy hour for drink specials, and swing by nearby RVC’s Main Street after for indie boutiques. I always leave wishing my night was just beginning.

7. JBBQ & Shabu Shabu

• 📍 Location: Bay Shore
• 💲 Price range: $35 – $60 per person (All-You-Can-Eat options common)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku) / Shabu Shabu (Hot Pot)
• 🔥 Standout Features: DIY grill-your-own meat (Yakiniku), interactive hot pot (Shabu Shabu), AYCE options, fun group dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Interactive dining fans, groups/celebrations, meat lovers, hot pot/BBQ enthusiasts, and fun foodie experiences.

Get ready to cook your own feast at JBBQ & Shabu Shabu! This spot offers two fun, interactive Japanese dining styles. Choose Yakiniku and grill marinated meats at your table. Or opt for Shabu Shabu, swishing meats and veggies through flavorful boiling broth.

They feature All-You-Can-Eat options. For Yakiniku, marinated kalbi (short ribs) or thinly sliced bulgogi are must-haves. For Shabu Shabu, choices like prime beef or assorted seafood cooked in a savory broth are excellent.

8. The French Workshop

This European-style bakery in Garden City is the type of place that makes you rethink what a croissant is supposed to taste like. The French Workshop bakes their pastries fresh daily – you’ll want the signature Pistachio Croissant and a delicate Raspberry Pistachio Tart (they’re almost too pretty to eat). Grab a latte and post up at one of the marble tables surrounded by Parisian-style art and brass fixtures. The space is bright, bustling, and perfect for a leisurely breakfast or snack break. If you swing by on a Saturday morning, be prepared to queue – everything’s worth the wait. You’re footsteps from Garden City’s adorable shops and Adelphi University. If you’re a dessert snob like me, this spot will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into Montmartre.

9. Standard Rec

• 📍 Location: Patchogue
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Activity/Drinks focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Arcade Bar / Casual Pub Fare / Drinks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Retro arcade/pinball games, lively bar atmosphere, casual food options, fun social spot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Arcade game lovers, casual group hangs, fun date nights, retro gamers, and drinks with entertainment.

Level up your night out in Patchogue at Standard Rec! This spot combines a fun bar atmosphere with a solid collection of classic arcade games and pinball machines – think Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. It’s perfect for unleashing your inner kid.

Grab a craft beer or cocktail. Their house specialty wings, crispy and tossed in a signature sauce, are a popular choice. Loaded tater tots or classic sliders also hit the spot between high scores. Standard Rec offers a guaranteed fun time.

10. Gingerbites Haitian Bistro

If bold flavors are your thing, Gingerbites Haitian Bistro in Elmont is a must. This family-run spot pulses with Caribbean flair, from the colorful walls to the reggae playlist that never stops. Their Griot (crispy marinated pork) is the real deal, and the Pikliz (spicy pickled slaw) packs a punch. Don’t miss the Joumou Soup – a traditional, fragrant beef and squash soup that’s pure comfort. The dining room is intimate but lively, with hand-woven basket lights and cozy nooks. Portions are big, so bring a friend to share. Belmont Park is a short drive away if you’re feeling lucky after your meal. I was genuinely touched by how much pride goes into every plate – you can taste it.

11. Betterman Distilling Co.

• 📍 Location: Patchogue
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Drinks/Tasting focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Distillery Tasting Room / Craft Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Local craft distillery tasting room, cocktails featuring their own spirits, tours/events available.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft spirit fans, cocktail lovers, supporting local producers, unique tasting experiences, and pre/post dinner drinks.

Sip hyper-local spirits at Betterman Distilling Co. in Patchogue. This spot isn’t just a bar; it’s the tasting room for a local craft distillery, offering the chance to sample their unique gins, vodkas, and whiskeys made on Long Island.

The best way to try them is in an expertly crafted cocktail. A unique gin & tonic featuring their own gin is a highlight. A classic vodka martini or a seasonal whiskey concoction also showcase their spirits. They offer tours and tasting events.

12. MO’NELISA Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Sea Cliff’s MO’NELISA is what you get when old-school Italian meets coastal cool. The interior is all exposed brick, cafe lights, and eclectic art, giving it a welcoming, neighborly atmosphere. Their Burrata Pizza is a revelation (with cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, and burrata that oozes), and the homemade Cavatelli with Sunday Sauce will have you plotting your next visit. There’s a beautiful bar for sipping bold reds and, in the warmer months, a small but charming outdoor patio. Main Street in Sea Cliff is a short walk away, perfect for a post-dinner stroll past historic Victorian homes. The pizza oven aroma alone is reason enough to sit at the bar and soak in the scene. I always walk away ready for a long nap.

13. Birdies Indoor Golf and Cocktail Bar Long Island

• 📍 Location: Patchogue
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40+ per person (Golf sim fee + drinks/food)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cocktail Bar / Light Bites / American Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Indoor golf simulators, craft cocktails/bar, social/activity-based venue, upscale lounge feel.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Golfers (year-round!), group activities, unique date nights, corporate events, and combining sports/drinks.

Practice your swing year-round at Birdies in Patchogue. This unique spot combines upscale indoor golf simulators with a full cocktail bar and lounge. Rent a bay with friends, play famous courses virtually, and enjoy drinks and food brought right to you.

They offer a solid selection of craft cocktails, like a “Birdie Palmer” (their take on an Arnold Palmer). Appealing bar bites such as flatbreads or sliders, or casual American fare like burgers, are perfect for sharing between swings.

14. Tula Kitchen

If you think healthy food is boring, Tula Kitchen in Bay Shore is out to prove you wrong. This boho-cool eatery has mosaic lamps, floor pillows, and hand-painted walls that channel Moroccan meets Brooklyn loft. Their Sweet Potato Gnocchi is earthy and addictive, and the Tula Bowl (grilled salmon, greens, brown rice, avocado, and lemon-tahini) is as photogenic as it is filling. Vegetarians (and vegans) will be thrilled by the plant-forward menu, but carnivores can happily dig into the grass-fed burgers. Live acoustic music brings extra charm on weekends. After, head over to Fire Island ferries for a sunset view – they’re just minutes away. I always leave feeling like I did my body and soul a favor.

15. The Village Lanterne

• 📍 Location: Lindenhurst
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German-American Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cozy German pub atmosphere, great German beer selection, hearty schnitzel/sausages, friendly local vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food lovers, beer enthusiasts, cozy pub nights, casual dinners, and trying schnitzel/bratwurst.

Find a cozy corner brimming with German charm at The Village Lanterne in Lindenhurst. This spot nails the welcoming feel of a traditional German pub, complete with wood accents. It’s known for its excellent selection of German beers on tap.

Expect classic German-American comfort food. Huge, crispy schnitzel platters (Wiener or Jäger) are a must-try. Flavorful bratwurst with sauerkraut, or satisfying potato pancakes with applesauce, are also fantastic. The atmosphere is warm and friendly.

16. Tocolo Cantina – Garden City

Tocolo Cantina is what would happen if a hipster Brooklyn taco joint and an upscale cantina had a baby. The vibe here blends rustic wood, leather banquettes, and a neon pink taco sign that’s begging for selfies. Their Birria Tacos are the clear winner (they come with a chili-laced dipping consommé that’s pure magic), but the street corn with chipotle aioli is a close runner-up. Creative tequila cocktails like the Tamarind Margarita make every meal feel like a fiesta. The restaurant is right inside the Gallery at Westbury Plaza, so you can window-shop after you eat. It gets crowded fast, especially for dinner, but if you snag a happy hour seat at the bar, you’re in for a fun night. I couldn’t stop thinking about those tacos for days.

17. Hometown Bake Shop

• 📍 Location: Centerport / Huntington 
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bakery / Cafe / American Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Homemade baked goods (cakes/pies/cookies), cozy cafe atmosphere, breakfast/lunch options.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sweet treat lovers, pastry fanatics, casual breakfast/lunch, and cozy coffee breaks.

Get ready for a sweet escape at Hometown Bake Shop. This beloved local bakery and cafe is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth, serving up incredible homemade cakes, pies, cookies, and pastries alongside delicious breakfast and lunch options. The aroma of fresh baking is irresistible!

Trying one of their famous layer cakes by the slice (flavors rotate but are always amazing) is essential. Their crumbly scones, decadent brownies, or classic chocolate chip cookies are also fantastic. For savory, their quiches or breakfast sandwiches are popular.

18. Dirty Taco + Tequila

This isn’t your average taqueria. Dirty Taco + Tequila in Wantagh channels street food energy with edgy graffiti art, Edison bulbs, and music blaring everything from hip-hop to 80s pop. Tacos steal the show – their General Tso’s Chicken Taco and Nashville Hot Chicken Taco are quirky, crave-worthy, and go perfectly with a house-infused jalapeño margarita. The space is close quarters but that just makes the vibe electric. Service is fast, laughs are frequent, and there’s always something new on the rotating taco menu. You’re close to Jones Beach – makes for the perfect end to a sun-soaked day. My personal advice? Come hungry and bring your wildest foodie friends. The menu is full of surprises.

19. Pierogibites and more

• 📍 Location: Hicksville
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Polish / Eastern European / Pierogi Specialist
• 🔥 Standout Features: Huge variety of pierogi fillings (savory/sweet), other Polish classics (kielbasa/bigos), casual/takeaway.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pierogi lovers, exploring Polish food, casual comfort eats, budget-friendly meals, and trying unique fillings.

Your pierogi dreams come true at Pierogibites and more in Hicksville! This spot specializes in the beloved Polish dumplings, offering an amazing variety of fillings beyond standard potato and cheese. They are pillowy perfection! It’s typically a casual spot.

Trying a mix of their pierogi is essential – savory options like sauerkraut & mushroom, meat, or spinach & feta are great. Sweet fruit-filled pierogi (blueberry or cherry) are perfect for dessert. Grilled kielbasa sausage is also a must.

20. Catch Oyster Bar

If you adore seafood, Catch Oyster Bar in Patchogue is like heaven on a plate. This beachy, nautical-themed spot offers up a raw bar that’s second to none – don’t miss the Bluepoint oysters or the spicy Tuna Tartare nachos. The cocktails, like their cucumber-lime gimlet, are light and dangerously refreshing. The vibe is breezy and casual, with whitewashed walls, rope accents, and an airy patio for warm weather dining. Live acoustic sets happen on weekends and, if you’re lucky, you might nab an outdoor table at sunset. There are local art galleries and shops nearby if you need to walk off your meal. I absolutely love how it feels like a mini vacation every time I’m here.

21. Burgerology

• 📍 Location: Multiple LI Locations (Patchogue, Huntington, Rockville Centre, etc.)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gourmet Burgers / Over-the-Top Milkshakes
• 🔥 Standout Features: Creative gourmet burgers, insane/Instagrammable milkshakes, lively atmosphere, craft beer/cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Burger fanatics, milkshake lovers, Instagram food seekers, casual fun meals, and indulgent cravings.

Study the science of deliciousness at Burgerology! With multiple Long Island locations, this popular spot takes burgers and shakes to a whole new, epic level. Expect a huge menu of creative gourmet burgers piled high with inventive toppings. Go big or go home!

Their absolutely insane, over-the-top milkshakes, loaded with candy, cake, and cookies, are showstoppers. For burgers, “The Einstein” with bacon and mac & cheese, or the spicy “Volcano,” are popular. Add a lively atmosphere and good craft beer.

22. Big Daddy’s Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Massapequa
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cajun & Creole / Southern / New Orleans Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Funky New Orleans/Mardi Gras decor, flavorful Cajun/Creole dishes, live music/events, lively atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: NOLA food fans, lively group dinners, fun date nights, experiencing Cajun/Creole flavors, and festive vibes.

Let the good times roll at Big Daddy’s in Massapequa! This spot brings the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of New Orleans right to Long Island. Expect funky, colorful decor reminiscent of the French Quarter and Mardi Gras, creating a lively, party-like atmosphere.

The menu features classic Cajun and Creole dishes. Dive into some spicy jambalaya with chicken and andouille sausage. Rich gumbo, or flavorful crawfish étouffée (when in season), are also fantastic. Wash it down with a Hurricane cocktail!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Long Island

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Long Island? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Long Island’s best restaurants.

What food is Long Island known for?

Long Island is renowned for its seafood, thanks to its extensive coastline. You can’t miss trying the fresh clams, oysters, and the famous Long Island duck. Also, the local wineries are a must-visit, offering some fantastic local wines. For a real taste of the island, I recommend hitting a seafood shack by the shore. There’s nothing like enjoying fresh seafood with a sea breeze!

Does Long Island have restaurant week?

Yes, Long Island has its own Restaurant Week. It usually happens twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. During this week, participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus. It’s a great opportunity to try out some high-end restaurants at more affordable prices. Keep an eye on their official website for dates and participating restaurants.

Is Long Island famous for seafood?

Absolutely! Long Island’s seafood is a highlight, thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The area is particularly known for its fresh clams, oysters, and scallops. Seafood lovers should definitely check out the restaurants in towns like Oyster Bay and Montauk for some of the freshest catches.

Is it expensive to eat in Long Island?

The cost of eating out in Long Island can vary. You’ll find a range of dining options, from budget-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants. While some high-end places can be pricey, there are plenty of cheap eats in Long Island, especially in casual dining and seafood shacks. My tip: explore local diners and family-run businesses for good value.

What is unusual about Long Island?

Long Island is unique for its diverse range of dining experiences within a relatively small area. You can enjoy everything from beachside seafood shacks to elegant vineyard restaurants. The island’s geography, with its mix of bustling towns and serene coastal areas, also adds to its unique charm. Plus, its rich history is reflected in some of the historic eateries and speakeasies.