95 Best Restaurants in Long Island, New York

Fans of this restaurant say that it really is a little piece of Italy, from its casual rustic-style interior to its Venetian-inspired dishes and specials like the pasta with octopus ink sauce, tagliatelle with seafood and preserved lemons, and Tuscan-style New York Strip with olive oil, lemon, oregano, and broccoli rabe. If you're inspired by the local wine culture, you'll be pleased with the extensive wine selection, stored in its temperature-controlled, glass enclosed wine room.

With an array of meat-free dishes like seared organic seitan with vegetables and Thai peanut sauce and sesame-crusted tofu with coconut basmati rice, this place is loved by vegetarians and vegans. Tula also offers healthy and delicious organic chicken, turkey burgers, and seafood dishes. The interior is funky—a little bit Moroccan and a little bit gothic—with bright red walls, pillowed banquettes, and wrought-iron candelabras. Try one of their artifully prepared cocktails, and save room for the "rockin'" vegan cupcake. The entertainment roster ranges from solo singer-guitarists to jazz bands.

A wall of windows provides stunning views of the Great South Bay at this restaurant known for its seasonal, seafood-focused menu and raw bar. Modern small-plate dishes such as Peking duck tacos join traditional favorites like filet mignon and Mantattan clam chowder, and the menus are designed to appeal to a variety of personal tastes and budgets. Sushi (available weekends) has made a splash, and The View has become a favorite Sunday brunch spot. In warm weather patio dining is available, and the happy hour and party crowds swell on weekends, with live bands to entertain them on Saturday. The restaurant is 3½ miles west of Sayville. To be sure of eating here on a weekend, reservations are advisable.

Husband-and-wife team Terry and Lisa Harwood create casual but sophisticated dishes, and their staff provides exceptional service. Diners can savor daily specials and staples such as steak frites, miso-glazed salmon, and Montauk black bass. Simple yet elegant, the interior features pale walls, exposed beams, white tablecloths, and light streaming in through the large windows. In warm weather you can dine alfresco under tiki lights.

Reasonably-priced mouthwatering Italian food make this down-to-earth eatery a popular choice. Sure, you can get a pepperoni pie here, but you can also try the Magnum with roast pork, bacon, and pineapple or the Mr. Tang with Asian-style duck, cilantro, mozzarella, and goat cheese. Forget ordinary salads; here they have fire-roasted portobello mushroom salad and crispy artichokes with green goddess dressing. In addition to Italian favorites, entrees include tandoori grilled chicken with curried couscous. Sunday brunch is popular here, and they host lots of fun, special events all year long. Enjoy your pie at outdoor tables in summer. The service here is friendly and especially welcoming, but is not consistently attentive when it get busy.