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Long Island’s coastal culture doesn’t stop at beaches and boats. The region is known for its fresh seafood, caught and prepared locally. Nestled amidst the coastline lies a treasure trove of culinary delights, from waterfront eateries to elegant restaurants all offering the best ocean-to-table experiences. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a visitor seeking the quintessential taste of the Atlantic, check out this top 10 list of must-eat seafood spots from west to east.
In Huntington:
Prime
outdoor dining at Prime
Located right on Huntington Harbor with boat accessibility, guests at Prime can dine with a view as they choose from an array of raw bar favorites, like blue point oysters, little neck clams, and lobster cocktail, along with Mizu Sushi, and steaks and chops like filet mignon and parmesan-crusted veal chop. The menu also includes a variety of surf & turf options, as well as mouth-watering desserts and a top-tier cocktail menu.
In Bay Shore:
Verde Kitchen and Cocktails
Verde's shrimp tacos
Since opening in Bay Shore in 2014, Verde Kitchen & Cocktails has become one of Long Island’s most talked about Mexican restaurants. Specializing in creative Mexican food and tequila, they put a spin on traditional dishes like their acclaimed fish tacos, “Tacos Pescado,” and shrimp tacos, “Tacos Camerones.”
In Smithtown:
H2O Seafood & Sushi
one of H2O's specialty rolls
Culinary creations from Executive Chef Dayven Alonso make H2O Seafood & Sushi stand as a beacon of excellence on Long Island. In the heart of Smithtown, this restaurant is celebrated for its masterfully crafted sushi, and fresh seafood. A few of their crowd-pleasing entrees include the hazelnut-parmesan crusted Montauk swordfish, the everything crusted Montauk tuna, and the flounder oreganata. They also offer the shareable H2O Seafood Tower, which consists of blue point oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, colossal crab meat, and tuna tartare.
In West Sayville (and Plainview, Huntington, Westbury):
The Shed
baked clams at The Shed
The Shed restaurants are one of Long Island’s hottest lunch spots, serving up American food. At the Sayville location, they make a New England lobster bowl, consisting of chilled lobster salad, pickled veggies, greens, cucumber, avocado, corn, radish, and lemon. Another seafood staple is the glazed salmon, with spinach, corn, peas, dill butter, and topped with a sweet mustard glaze. Between The Shed’s rustic-chic atmosphere, and the delicious comfort food, you leave the restaurant already wanting to come back.
Heading towards LI’s East End…
In East Moriches:
Lily’s Seaside at
Silly Lily Fishing Station
lobster roll and coastal-inspired cocktails at Lily's Seaside
Lily’s Seaside is right on the water, rich in history, and probably the most relaxed stop on the list. Customers are invited to grab a seat— kids and dogs are welcome— and head towards the yellow building for casual window service. They have everything from MTK lobster stew to fried clams to lobster and shrimp rolls.
On the North Fork
In Greenport:
Nookies at the Silver Sands Motel
1950s nostalgia at Nookies
Step into a 1950s time capsule at the corner of the Silver Sands Motel in Greenport, at Nookies. Open Wednesday-Sunday, they serve homey, vintage diner vibes and great food. Some of the best seafood options include their local market fish and chips, and the oyster chowder. For something a little different than your usual, try the seasonal fish croquettas, served with dill, lemon, and tartar sauce, of course.
In Orient Point:
Duryea’s Orient Point
fried red snapper at Duryea's Orient Point
Duryea’s Orient Point location is a seaside gem known for the chic and beachy ambiance and freshest seafood. They offer an extensive raw bar and interesting cuisine, like the Spanish Octopus appetizer served with muhammara, capers, fried chickpeas, tomato and onion salad, fresh herbs, and light yogurt dressing. Be sure to try the fried 3 ½ pound red snapper with your date, it’s big enough to share.
On the South Fork
In Sag Harbor:
The Restaurant at Baron's Cove
seafoood tower at Baron's Cove
The Restaurant at Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor offers classic American food. They value local connections, so they source vegetables, fish, and meats from a variety of farmers and artisans across Long Island’s East End and beyond. The lobster rolls are raved about, and so is their tuna tartare from the raw bar section.
In Montauk:
Navy Beach
lobster hand rolls at Navy Beach
Navy Beach Montauk is an ever-popular beach restaurant on the East End. It’s located on a private beach right on the sand. For a small plate, try the lobster hand rolls: served on a taco stand, they consist of sushi rice, nori, avocado, sriracha mayo, edamame, chilled soba noodles and lobster. If you’re looking for a larger plate, try the grilled sea scallops. Be sure to reserve a table to enjoy coastal cuisine while watching a beautiful Montauk sunset.
Duryea’s Montauk
fresh fish and veggies at Duryea's Montauk
Unlike the Orient Point location, Duryea’s in Montauk does not accept table reservations and is a walk-ins-only establishment. The menus are similar, but not all items are the same! Exclusive to the Montauk menu is the whole grilled octopus, served with olives and green romesco, and also the 2-pound market fish, straight from the fishmongers.
For more information on Long Island's best seafood, check out more restaurants here.
