Unearth The Voyage
Long Island has always been a food lover’s dream, but 2025 is shaping up to be the best year yet for unforgettable dining. From historic inns serving farm-fresh menus to waterfront spots where fishermen own the kitchen, these restaurants blend tradition with innovation. Whether you’re hunting for a special-occasion splurge or a cozy neighborhood gem, this list has something for every palate and every celebration.
1. North Fork Table & Inn — Southold
Chef John Fraser’s crew works magic with whatever the North Fork grows or catches that week. Tucked inside a beautifully restored house, the restaurant feels intimate yet polished—no stuffy big-city attitude here. Each tasting menu reflects the rhythm of the seasons, so your spring visit will taste completely different from a fall dinner.
Reservations disappear fast, especially around holidays. OpenTable is your best bet, but plan weeks ahead if you’re eyeing Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve. The prix-fixe feasts are legendary and sell out in days.
Expect creative flavor pairings, local wines, and a pace that lets you savor every course.
2. The 1770 House — East Hampton
This East Hampton treasure has been feeding guests since the 1700s, and it still knows how to impress. Upstairs, you’ll find refined seasonal American dishes served in a dining room that feels like stepping into history. Downstairs, the tavern serves comfort classics—including a meatloaf so famous it has its own fan club.
Two moods under one roof mean you can dress up for an anniversary or keep it casual on a weeknight. Either way, the kitchen takes its ingredients seriously, sourcing locally and changing the menu with the calendar.
Reservations are smart year-round, but the upstairs books faster on weekends.
3. Nick & Toni’s — East Hampton
Since 1988, Nick & Toni’s has been the gold standard for Hamptons dining. The wood oven turns out whole fish with crispy skin and smoky flavor, while the produce comes from farms you could bike to. It’s Tuscan cooking filtered through Long Island’s best ingredients, and the wine list is as serious as the chef’s knife skills.
Scoring a table here—especially in summer—is a badge of honor. Locals and visitors alike treat it as a marquee reservation, so book early or be ready to eat at off-peak hours.
The vibe is warm, not snooty, even when the dining room is packed with familiar faces.
4. Tellers: An American Chophouse — Islip
Housed in a beautifully repurposed old bank, Tellers makes every meal feel like an event. The soaring ceilings and original vault details add drama, but the real star is the beef—dry-aged to perfection and cooked exactly how you want it. This is classic American steakhouse cooking done at the highest level.
Sunday brunch has become a local tradition, drawing families and friends for everything from eggs Benedict to prime rib. The menu covers all the steakhouse bases: raw bar, jumbo shrimp cocktail, creamed spinach, and towering desserts.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays when the dining room fills fast.
5. Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar — Huntington
Perched right on Huntington Harbor, Prime delivers views that rival the food. Sunsets here are spectacular, especially from the outdoor deck, and the menu covers all the date-night favorites: fresh sushi, perfectly grilled steaks, and enough surf-and-turf combos to keep everyone happy. It’s the kind of place where celebrations feel natural.
The kitchen doesn’t pick a lane—it does seafood and beef equally well, so picky groups always find common ground. Cocktails are strong, the wine list is thoughtful, and the staff knows how to pace a special meal.
Book ahead for weekend dinners and any time you want a waterfront table.
6. Blackstone Steakhouse — Melville
Blackstone brings big-city steakhouse glamour to Long Island, and it doesn’t cut corners. The raw bar glistens with oysters and shellfish, the wine list runs deep, and yes, they serve actual Kobe-certified beef for those ready to splurge. Every detail—from the lighting to the plating—feels designed to impress.
Celebrations and business dinners find a natural home here. The energy is lively without being loud, and the service team knows the menu inside out. Portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to share.
Reservations fill up quickly on Fridays and Saturdays, so don’t wait until the last minute.
7. King Umberto — Elmont
King Umberto has been a neighborhood institution since 1976, and it’s easy to see why. The Sicilian pies alone are worth the trip—thick, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. But the red-sauce classics—lasagna, chicken parm, baked ziti—are what keep families coming back generation after generation.
This isn’t the place for trendy small plates or molecular gastronomy. It’s honest Italian-American cooking done with care and consistency. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, the kind of spot where everyone feels like a regular.
Reservations are a good idea on weekends, especially if you’re bringing a big group or celebrating a family milestone.
8. Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House — Bridgehampton
Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his signature style to this elegant Bridgehampton inn, and the result is a year-round dining destination. The menu changes with the seasons, leaning heavily on local farms and fishermen. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available, so you can visit morning, noon, or night.
The setting is as polished as the food—airy, bright, and effortlessly chic. It’s fancy without feeling fussy, and the staff strikes the perfect balance between attentive and relaxed. Whether you’re staying at the inn or just dining, the experience feels special.
Book early for summer weekends and holiday meals when demand spikes.
9. Inlet Seafood — Montauk
Six local fishermen own Inlet Seafood, so when the menu says “catch of the day,” it really means it. The seafood here is often just hours out of the water, prepared simply to let the freshness shine. Perched over Block Island Sound, the two-story space offers sunset views that stretch for miles.
Featured on Long Island’s new Seafood Cuisine Trail, Inlet has become a must-visit for seafood lovers and tourists alike. The vibe is casual and beachy, but the quality is serious. Expect generous portions, friendly service, and flavors that taste like summer.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season and weekend evenings.
10. The LakeHouse — Bay Shore
Set right on the Great South Bay, The LakeHouse masters the art of polished New American dining. Stone fireplaces warm the interior in cooler months, while the deck over the water is unbeatable in summer. The menu balances fresh oysters, house-made pastas, and classic mains like steaks and seafood.
It’s versatile enough for a romantic dinner or a group celebration, and the views never disappoint. The kitchen sources responsibly and changes offerings with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. Service is professional and attentive without hovering.
Weekend reservations book up fast, so plan ahead if you want a waterfront table at sunset.
