Recommended Restaurants on Eastern Long Island New York (NY)

At one time most locals could have recited the menus of our restaurants by memory. No more! The growing popularity of the North Fork has caused a tremendous increase not only in the number of dining establishments, but also to the variety of their offerings. We can now boast that within our boundaries you can find the oldest restaurant with continued family ownership in the US and also a new trendy spot with European and cosmopolitan flare.

Some of our restaurants can host weddings of small to medium size. (Those establishments capable of hosting large weddings are also listed on the Venue/Catering Page.) Others are ideal choices for small intimate gatherings. Remember to check "Insider's Advice" to get suggestions and perhaps a special promotion!

When you enter Digger's, you know you are in a lot of people's favorite "digs." The sounds are friendly and the pub atmosphere of half paneled walls and low lighting makes daily stress just fall away when you enter. But don't think this is "just another pub." Although you can order hamburgers and sandwiches, and the best corned beef and cabbage you ever had, I can attest to their chef's talents on far more complicated dishes. If you are lucky enough to visit on a day they are offering rack of lamb, order it! Digger's also has a large room to the side of the restaurant / bar area that is used for parties. In fact, when I gave my husband a surprise "25 years before the Bar" party, (he's a lawyer, not an alcoholic), I held it at Digger's. It's prices are reasonable and the food is fabulous.

The dining room at Indian Island Country Club has an ambience that is intimate yet inviting and totally avoids the clichés so often found in Golf Club restaurants. The tables, decked in crisp white cloths and hunter green napkins, are spaced to allow for privacy but there is more than enough room for larger groups. Don't think that because I started with the décor, that the food takes a back seat. The menu is diverse and offers fare for all tastes. It's famous for its pan fried oysters but the marinated sirloin is an equally good selection. This wonderful location offers panoramic views of the golf course and the Peconic River making this a perfect choice for lunch or dinner or Sunday Brunch. Indian Island Country Club also hosts weddings, showers, post wedding brunch gatherings, rehearsal dinners and more. See their listing under "North Fork Venues" and be sure to visit the website. (See also: Catering and Activities)

The Jamesport Manor Inn has risen from the ashes of the fire in 2005 and is now totally reconstructed as an exact replica of the Dimon Mansion of the 1820's.  Graced with architectural details including three dining room fireplaces, it is perhaps one of the most beautiful restaurants on the East End.  Executive Chef David Intonato, having worked and trained under famed chefs from Star Boggs to Michelin Star Chefs in Belgium and France, consistently offers expertly prepared and sophisticated local cuisine.  Vegetarian dishes are available and there is an extensive wine list.  Private dining rooms are available and the skills of owner Matt Kar of famed Christopher Michael Caterers are brought to bear for private parties and business events.  There is no more romantic spot to celebrate a special date than Jamesport Manor Inn.

The Portly Grape Inn and Restaurant
305 North Road
Greenport, NY
631-477-4500
www.theportlygrape.com

Whether your dinner plans are grand or casual, the Portly Grape has the place for you. For an elegant dinner with posh service, a reservation in the Fine Dining Room will fit the bill. For a more relaxed meal, head to the Grill Room, and when you’re ready for a libation, you’ll find the Martini Lounge to be quite comfortable. For larger celebrations make plans to hold your party in the private party/wine tasting room that can accommodate parties from 8 – 25 people. The Portly Grape is a special place for your intimate dinner for two, a rehearsal dinner, or a bridal shower and bachelor party.

The Pridwin Hotel
Shelter Island, NY
631-749-0476 or 800-273-2497
www.Pridwin.com

Whenever I find myself in need of a mini vacation, Shelter Island tops the list as a destination choice. Though a five minute ferry ride from Greenport, I am transported to another world and one of my favorite things is enjoying lunch or dinner at The Pridwin Hotel. Lunch on the deck overlooking Crescent Beach might be a chilled soup, salad, and fresh fruit. Dinner in the dining room is a gourmet event offering the freshest seafood, imaginative cuisine and a wonderful selection of Long Island wines. Their website presents menus, but you have to go there to experience the taste and the romance.

Aptly named in honor of the whaling history of the harbor village of Greenport, Scrimshaw's superb location on the wharf is only matched by its multi cultural menu selections.  Owner/Chef Rosa de Carvalho Ross (Lo San) melds her Asian background of British Hong Kong with American fare.  Local seafood, Long Island's own Crescent Duck, and farm fresh produce are used to create wonders such as spring rolls of duck confit with napa cabbage, scallops and oysters dishes, and roasted beet and lentil salad.  An extraordinary restaurant with views overlooking Greenport Harbor makes Scrimshaw a great choice for tourists and the fresh menu keeps them and locals coming back for more!  Planning a wedding or party?  Scrimshaw also does catering!

This restaurant's advertisements really tell it all: "You'll come for the view, and return for the food." The tables are arranged right along the windows facing LI Sound and the beach is right below you. The seating area is long rather than deep, so even if you don't get a "window" seat you have just as fine a view; sunsets are spectacular. My favorite menu items are the shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, and broiled flounder, but my husband, Jay, likes the steaks. The Soundview Restaurant is just as appropriate for a romantic dinner for two (in warm weather, you can dine outside on the waterfront deck), as it is for a bridesmaid luncheon, a rehearsal dinner, or just joining friends and family. When you are totally saturated with food and views, retire to the piano bar for an after dinner drink! I send my guests there all the time for dinner and they are all pleased. Pricing is good. (See Caterers and Hotels Motels & Inns)

There are so many reasons I love this restaurant: the food, the location, the ambience and the people. Last time I was there I had a stuffed artichoke and the lobster special; it was to die for! The restaurant is situated on Mattituck Inlet and surrounded by a lush, green lawn. The dining room is arced so that there are water views from every table. This is a lovely location for weddings, rehearsal dinners, or any special celebration. Finally, you are treated so nicely when you are there. The Pennacchia family welcomes you like family. Visit their website; you'll want to visit them!

There is no more romantic spot on the East End. Intimate and charming with magnificent views of the bay, Trumpets on the Bay defines fine dining. The continental menu affords choices for every taste, but certainly sea food lovers will be enthralled. Chef's specials are creative and enticing and Long Island favorites like duckling are perfectly prepared. Indeed, this restaurant is gorgeous in the warm weather, but even in winter the fireplace makes for a cozy ambience. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch are wonderful all year round. The only disappointment you might experience is your inability to get a table, so be sure to call for reservations. The word is out and you will not want to miss the experience of dining at Trumpets on the Bay. This fine restaurant is only a short drive from Riverhead and North Fork Wine Country.