Long Island is famous for fancy real estate, beaches and preppy clothing. What many don’t realize is that Long Island has some of the best cuisine around. Some of my favorite places to eat are on Long Island. Growing up there, I never realized how fortunate I was to have such delicious selections right nearby. Now that I attend college seven hours away, I miss my favorites. The restaurants vary from snack bars to full-service establishments. So for everyone living on Long Island or visiting, here’s a list of places you must taste.
1. Rosa’s Pizzeria, Huntington
I live near Huntington, so I always stop into Rosa’s whenever I’m craving their addicting pizza (which is quite often.) Rosa’s is probably one of the few pizza places where you can get a variety of different types of pie. From there famous Buffalo Chicken pizza to their chicken Caesar slice, Rosa’s has it all. If you’re a fan of garlic knots, I recommend that you try Rosa’s. They are the best!
2. Bonanza’s, Oyster Bay
It may be a small shack, but it packs food with a punch. For a quick delicious bite to eat, I recommend Bonanza’s. They have a variety of unique Italian ices that are to die for. If you’re in the mood for hot dogs, hamburgers and cheese fries, this is the place to go. Their food is amazing and the atmosphere is fun. It’s close to the road and nearby families and homes.
3. The Burger Spot, Garden City
This cute burger place has good quality food that hits the spot. If you like crinkling French fries and big hamburgers, this is the place. The atmosphere is cute and they offer takeout! When it comes to gourmet fast food, there's no better and it's most affordable.
4. Besito, Huntington
This Mexican restaurant has wonderful food, deep selections, and excellent service. The setting is cozy and sophisticated. They have a variety of Mexican entrees and margaritas. I recommend the pomegranate and mango margarita. Their guacamole is the best and their tacos are spicy and fresh. It will all make your head spin!
5. Golden Dolphin, Huntington
This newly renovated American seafood diner has delicious options. They’re often busy, so if you’re eating with a group of people, get there early. You may have to wait. If you’re ready to go into a food coma and like bread baskets, this is the place. It’s more than seafood – the menu is deep with beef, steak, and burgers. Their breakfast is a great choice to start your day. Their options are endless and everything is well prepared and served quickly.
6. La Parma- Oceanside, NY
This family-style Italian restaurant has delightful food and big portions. If you enjoy comfortable, classy settings, go to La Parma. The service is great. I recommend the pizza and chicken parmesan! The menu has traditional pastas, spaghetti, and lots of Italian entrees. The deserts are totally worth trying.
7. Prime- Huntington, NY
This high-end restaurant has delectable food. It’s a perfect place to go on a date or to get drinks with friends. The restaurant is rather large. It has several bar areas, a dining room and a deck looking over the Hunting Harbor. This is a fun place to spend your weekend nights. If you’re hungry earlier, their brunch is charming!
8. Buckram Stables Café, Locust Valley
Saddle up and treat yourself to delicious traditional American food. This restaurant is cozy and well -decorated with an equestrian theme. If atmosphere is important to you, you need to visit Buckram. The booths are decorated like high-end stable stales, with a toy train that circles overhead. The restaurant also has a back patio for summer eating. Along with the dinner, the breakfast is incredible. When I want to sit down and enjoy traditional American fare, I visit Buckram.
9. Woodbury Deli, Huntington
When people talk about food on Long Island, they often mention the delis and one of a kind bagels. If you want to experience a great deli, I recommend the Woodbury Deli. Woodbury offers a terrific egg sandwich every morning and the grill is fired-up early. The service is quick and the orders are accurate. For lunch, they have sandwiches that will make you want to return and take an extra helping for the ride home. If you’re hungry and don’t feel like getting out of bed, that’s ok because they deliver.
10. Little Vincent’s, Huntington
Little V’s is pizza heaven. Their options are limited, but their pizza is incredible. This is the place to get a great thin-crust pizza. It’s a great place to grab a quick slice or get take out. They are famous for their cold cheese pizza. It’s a hot slice of pizza topped with cold, shredded Mozzarella cheese. At first I kept my distance, but then I tried it and was most surprised. The cheese instantly melts in your mouth and something amazing is born.
If you’re on Long Island and want mouth-watering food, I hope you choose one of these restaurants. When it’s time to eat, you can’t go wrong with these gems.
