|
|
|
|
THE BONWIT INN
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Long Island, NY
Come for the coffee, stay for the whole meal.
by Scott Kessman
Extending east of Manhattan into the cold waters of the Atlantic, Long Island is probably best known to travelers for its superb East End wineries and trendy Hampton nightclubs. But those of us who are fortunate enough to live on Long Island are also aware of the large variety of fantastic cuisines and eclectic eateries that seem to be populating the landscape in ever-greater numbers.
Practically every ethnicity is eagerly represented, from hearty English pub food, to tongue-burning Thai, classic Italian, exquisite French, and the many spicy-sweet flavors of the Orient, not to mention an old-fashioned American staple of the culinary world; a thick, tender steak, cooked to mouth-watering perfection. Bypass the chain and franchise eateries, and you’ll easily find a culinary jewel just waiting to serve you a meal you wont easily forget.
The following collection of great restaurants represents some of the best to be found on Long Island in Western Suffolk and Nassau County. The perfect combination of great food, elegant atmosphere and comfortable dining ambience, and friendly, knowledgeable staff serve to make these restaurants noteworthy.
THE BONWIT INN
(631) 499-2068
1 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy
Commack, NY 11725
A Long Island landmark for decades. The Bonwit Inn specializes in fine Continental cuisine, and sits proudly on the corner of Motor Parkway and Vanderbilt Parkway in Commack. While the outside décor has been somewhat modernized, the inside is representative of a luxurious mansion, with a comforting, traditional atmosphere. The menu is admirable, and while the Bonwit Inn steers away from anything too creative or impressive, you’ll find security and familiarity with most of the offerings. Moist crab cakes, fried calamari, and mussels in a spicy tomato sauce grace the appetizer section, and for dinner, you’ll find delicious fare such as pan seared Chilean sea bass, Filet mignon, T-Bone steak, butternut squash ravioli, and pecan crusted chicken, among many other gourmet treats to choose from. It can be difficult to make a decision when presented with so many mouth-watering choices. The Bonwit Inn also has a second floor that can be utilized for large gatherings, parties, weddings, and other group events. Reservations at this highly popular restaurant are recommended.
Lunch - Monday thru Saturday
11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Dinner - Monday thru Thursday
4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Brunch - Sunday 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Average price per person: $30
VINTAGE PRIME STEAKHOUSE
(631) 862-6440
433 N. Country Rd
St. James, NY 11780
Long Island has an abundance of steak houses, not to mention the chain eateries where a bevy of oversized yet somewhat bland steaks can often be ordered. But if you’ve got a bit of spare cash and a taste for exquisite, unmatched steaks and other prime cuts of meat, then kindly allow Vintage Prime Steakhouse in St. James to serve you one of the finest meals you’ll ever have. The restaurant sits in what appears to be a medium-sized colonial house, similar to many of the dwellings you’ll see in St. James and neighboring towns. Inside, you’ll find the décor resting comfortably somewhere between a hunting lodge and an upscale wild-west saloon. The staff is especially knowledgeable about the menu, and be sure to ask about the specials. While the prices may appear to be rather high, you’ll find out why when you begin your meal. Portions are large, steaks and chops are done to utter perfection and melt like butter on your tongue. Seafood is fresh, and appetizers and desserts are like forbidden treats. Vintage Prime is well respected among steakhouse aficionados on Long Island, said to be better than popular chain steakhouses like Peter Luger’s and others.
Please call (631) 862-6440 for hours
Average price per person: $40
THE GATSBY
(631) 581-1900
712 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751
For the ultimate indulgence in fine gourmet dining at semi-affordable prices. Be sure to check The Gatsby in Islip, ideal for romantic dates, special occasions, or just a great night of elegant eating. This beautiful historic mansion turned restaurant is quite large, capable of seating intimate tables of two and entertaining large groups in private rooms. Never mind the overlarge, overly comfortable dining chairs in dining room two, or the magnificent bar area, or even the very friendly and attentive staff. While all those elements help to create the mood of a wonderful dining experience, it is the eclectic menu and delicious fare that completes the evening. The menu may seem somewhat sparse at first, but the wide range of variety and flavors more than makes up for it. From tuna sashimi appetizers, to a warm beet napoleon salad, to autumn spiced pork tenderloin or miso marinated Chilean sea bass for dinner, and Crème Brulee or Chocolate Souffle Cake for dessert, topped with a fine list of after-dinner drinks and cordials, and you’ll leave The Gatsby a wholly satisfied person. The Gatsby also offers Prix Fixe dinners and a 4-course wine dinner on Wednesdays. If you fancy bringing a date here, ask to be seated in the cozy nook adjacent to the wine cellar.
Tues-Thurs – 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sat – 4:00pm – 3:00am
Sun – 2:00pm – 9:00pm
Average price per person: $35
SHOGUN
(516) 889-8866
4556 Austin Blvd
Island Park, NY 11558
Shogun is a perfect pairing of a Japanese hibachi steak house and a sushi bar, with a separate room for more casual dining. The quieter room, where paintings of geisha’s adorn the walls and subtle Japanese elements add lightly to the décor, also features a small tatami area, whereby you can remove your shoes and be seated on the floor, a whimsical touch for those seeking a more authentic Japanese dining experience. The hibachi room is always in action, where hibachi chefs prepare and serve up delicious hibachi steaks, scallops, shrimps, and chicken, while at the same time providing entertainment in the form of high-reaching flames, spinning knives, and their own special blend of humorous comedy. The hibachi grill is an ideal treat for families, especially for children, while in the other room, you can order from a large selection of sushi and other traditional Japanese dishes, such as udon and soba noodles, tempura, yakitori, negimayaki, and of course delicious teriyaki dishes. The vast selection of sushi rolls and sashimi can serve as an appetizer or a filling meal. For dessert, fried ice cream is a classic Japanese treat. The restaurant is not as large as other hibachi grills, so reservations are recommended.
Average price per person: $25
SITAR
(631) 271-8600
665 W Jericho Turnpike
Huntington, NY 11743
Long Island has a few standout Indian restaurants, and Sitar is unarguably one of the best. The spicy aroma of Indian cuisine is the first to greet you as you walk through the door into this large, stylishly decorated establishment. The air is thick with the heavenly scent of Indian spices, and you can already taste it before you’ve even been seated. Sitar’s menu is quite extensive, offering traditional Indian dishes featuring goat, lamb, beef or chicken, various curries, tandoori, biryani, and much more. If you’ve never had Indian food before, do yourself a favor and visit Sitar on Sunday, where you’ll be able to sample from a quite a few dishes at the all-evening buffet. The menu also offers a variety of cross-cultural dishes, touching upon Thai, Japanese, and American cuisine with touches of Pan-Asian flavor. Your Indian dining experience can further be enhanced by live Indian music on Friday evenings, and astrologers on Saturday evenings. Be sure to order a basket or two of delicious Naan bread to go with your meal, with garlic naan being an excellent choice.
Monday through Sunday - 12pm - 11pm
Average price per person: $25
THAI ANGEL
(631) 348-2555
1812 Veterans Hwy
Islandia, NY 11749
Adventures into exciting cultural cuisine will continue with Thai Angel. Thai Angel’s dining room is somewhat large, but the dark red walls coupled with myriad objects of native Thailand help to impart a warm, cozy feel to this restaurant. Thai Angel entered the Long Island restaurant scene with great reviews, and has yet to disappoint. The owner of Thai Angel, who is also the chef, takes great pride in his craft, preparing and serving a vast array of traditional Thai dishes bursting with spicy flavor. Presentation is also a factor of the dishes, but the meal is not sacrificed in lieu of it. Portions are plentiful, and it is hard to resist a round of appetizers once you’ve sampled a few. The Thai Spring rolls are light and heavenly, and the subtle spiciness of Chicken Satay dipped in warm peanut sauce is soothing. Be sure to order a Thai Iced Tea with your meal, a creamy drink that is instantly refreshing. The menu boasts traditional Thai curries and dishes, along with a creative selection of American/Thai fusion. When you visit Thai Angel, be prepared to spend a bit of time there, as service can be slow, especially when busy, but this is only because the chef takes the time to prepare the meals properly in order to keep the various flavors of other dishes from mingling together, thus preserving the authenticity of the dish. It’s well worth the short wait.
Mon - Fri 11:30am - 3:00pm
Sun - Thu 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Fri – Sat – 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Average price per person: $25
CANTERBURY ALES
(631) 549-4404
314 New York Ave
Huntington, NY 11743
Discreetly tucked on the corner of a side street in Huntington, away from the other restaurants and noisy pubs that populate Main Street, sits Canterbury Ales. Seemingly and old English pub lifted from the old cobblestone streets of London and plunked down here amidst beauty salons and expensive coffee franchises, Canterbury Ales bespeaks of old world charm and good, hearty pub food, without a bunch of unnecessary pizzazz found in many pubs today. An armored knight greets you at the door, and the cozy interior quickly sets the mood for a filling meal of traditional bangers and mash. Of course, you may be more inclined to try the English Brown Stew, an excellent choice for a cold day, or the Shepherd’s Pie, another staple of the English diet. The baked clams appetizer is enough for four, and the burgers, sandwiches, and omeletes are equally filling. Be sure to pick a fine brew to go with your meal, for a visit to Canterbury Ales is hardly complete without a cold mug of ale to wash to down your food.
Mon – Thurs - 11:30am - 11:30pm
Fir - Sat - 11:30am - 12:30am
Sun - 12:00noon-10:00pm
Average price per person: $25
MAMA LOMBARDI’S
(631) 737-0774
400 Furrows Rd
Holbrook, NY 11741
A quintessential stop for fine Italian cuisine, Mama Lombardi’s is often filled to capacity with hungry patrons eagerly consuming the large portions delivered unto them by fast-moving wait-staff. The business can sometimes be a drawback, as service can be known to suffer, but if you’re a patient sort, then you’ll find solace when your meal arrives. Mama Lombardi’s is large and the décor is reminiscent of an Italian villa. Patrons can choose to eat in the main dining area or in the more casual pizza parlor room. Prices can be rather high, but the large portions more than make up for it, and most dishes can easily be shared between 2 or 3 people. You’ll find dishes familiar to most Italian restaurants, along with a few creative specials. Be sure to ask the price of any specials before ordering, and arrive somewhat early if possible to beat the dinner rush.
Call for hours of operation.
Average price per person: $40
LOUIS XVI
(631) 654-8970
600 S Ocean Ave
Patchogue, NY 11772
You’ll feel like royalty the moment you pull up to the stunning mansion, and you’ll dine like kings and queens as well. Excellence of detail is key here, from the exquisite décor to the impeccable wait-staff, to the quality of your meal and your ultimate satisfaction. The menu at Louis XVI rotates seasonally, taking advantage of the climate to prepare and serve fine French-American cuisine that perfectly compliments the weather outside. The fanciful creations by Chef Jean-Claude Teulade escape easy definition, and the menu contents read like decadent poetry. Be prepared to indulge yourself. Louis XVI is far from inexpensive, and certainly not for everyday dining, but it is excellent for special occasions or those rare moments in which you’ll want to treat yourself to a royal dinner in sophisticated style. If you’d like to sample the fare at Louis XVI before fully committing yourself, you can try the very affordable Prix Fixe Menu Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 12-3pm. The menu selections for the Prix Fixe change daily, so you may want to call ahead to find out what you’ll be able to choose from.
Mon - Closed
Tue - Sat Noon -10:00 PM
Sun - 11:30am -10:00pm
Average price per person: $55
THE SCHOONER
(516) 378-7575
435 Woodeleft Avenue
Freeport, NY 11520
Freeport is no stranger to seafood, where many restaurants serve it daily in abundance. Along Nautical Mile, you can’t turn your head with seeing at least three restaurants from which to choose from. But for wonderfully prepared seafood in a fine dining atmosphere, with calming views of sunlit or moonlit waters, head directly for The Schooner. Their menu is pretty standard for a seafood restaurant, with common items such as baked clams, lobster bisque, clam chowder, surf & turf, and various seafood platters. Chicken and pasta can also be had, and a prix fixe menu Sunday through Friday is an alternative to the regular menu, offering a fair amount of tasty choices from both land and sea at a very reasonable price. A hefty luncheon menu also makes the Schooner a good midday stop.
Average price per person: $35
|
|
|
|
|
|