The 20 Best Seafood Restaurants on Long Island
Although there are many different types of restaurants in Long Island serving various cuisine from across the globe, one of the best options when dining out in Long Island is seafood restaurants. This is because restaurants in Long Island are fortunate enough to have a fresh supply of fish and seafood from the surrounding waters, and this is something of which they take advantage. There is a huge diversity in terms of what each of the restaurants offers, with regards to the style of the cuisine, the atmosphere of each eatery, and the price points. If you are a fan of seafood and you are dining out in this area, here are the 20 best seafood restaurants in Long Island to help you choose the best eatery for you.
20. Canal Cafe
One of the most laid-back seafood restaurants you will find in Long Island is Canal Café. It is so casual that the guests even eat from paper plates. Despite the very casual nature of this canal-side café, the food is of a very high standard. Regardless of whether they choose to eat indoors or outdoors at this restaurant, the diners are encouraged to relax with a drink. There is live music most days, so it is great for hanging out with friends to combine dining with entertainment. The only downsides that have been noted by former guests are that the location on Newton Road is tricky to find, and parking is sometimes tricky.
19. Crabtree’s
Crabtree’s is one of those restaurants that is suitable for almost any occasion. On the one hand, this restaurant is casual enough for fun meal out with friends or for family dining. On the other hand, it is sophisticated enough to make it worth visiting to celebrate a special occasion or for a romantic meal. The interior of the restaurant is bright with white tablecloths, and the menu features a wide range of Mediterranean fare. There is also the option to eat outside in the lovely gardens. This restaurant is located on Jericho Turnpike in Floral Park.
18. Psari
Fans of both seafood and Greek cuisine will love Psari, which is a Greek restaurant on 36th Avenue that specializes in seafood dishes. The highlight for many diners is taking a trip to the raw bar, which boasts a good selection of raw seafood. Inside this restaurant, there is a bright and attractive dining space. There is also outdoor seating on the sidewalk if you prefer al fresco dining in good weather. This restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm seven days a week, so it is just as good as a place to grab a quick lunch as it is to devour an evening meal.
17. Cowfish
Considered one of the most stylish seafood restaurants in Long Island, Cowfish has a sophisticated interior with rustic furnishings. Diners have the option to sit outside on the patio area where they can enjoy views across the canal as they dine. Cowfish is owned and operated by the same people who own Rumba. However, the menu is completely different. The focus is on American fare, with a variety of seafood options, burgers, and salads. There is also a separate sushi menu for those who enjoy raw seafood. There is a boat docking area to encourage people to arrive by boat, and the restaurant supplies a boat to take people to try their other restaurant, Rumba, if they wish.
16. LIMANI
Mediterranean cuisine featuring seafood is what you will find on the menu at LIMANI. Inside this restaurant on Northern Boulevard in Roslyn, the décor features colorful mosaic tiles and a large bar. This restaurant is slightly different to other restaurants in the area because the diners get to handpick their fish. Former guests say that there is a very welcoming atmosphere as the staff are friendly and attentive. Furthermore, they say that the portion sizes are generous, and the prices are affordable.
15. The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille
A nautical-themed riverfront grill, The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille boasts a dockside seating area with fantastic views as it is located on West Avenue in Patchogue. This waterside haunt has something for everyone as it serves both meat and seafood options, most of which are cooked on the grill. If the quality food and the waterfront location are not enough to tempt you to eat at this restaurant, then perhaps the live bands will create the ambiance you look for when you are dining out.
14. Popei’s Clam Bar
Sometimes, you simply want delicious seafood without all the frills. If you just want to grab a tasty bite to eat, then head for Popei’s Clam Bar on Wantagh Avenue in Bethpage. Described by the owners as a family-style mainstay, the options on the menu feature a variety of broiled and fried seafood. There are also all-you-can-eat specials. From Monday to Thursday, Popei’s is open from 11 am to 10 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the opening hours are 11 am to midnight. The opening hours on Sunday are shorter as it opens at noon and closes at 10 pm.
13. D.J.’s Clam Shack
If you are a fan of clams, one of the best places to try is D.J.’s Clam Shack. This restaurant has such an excellent reputation that it has even featured on Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives’. Although the fried clams are the highlight of the menu, there are plenty of other seafood options on the menu. Some examples include lobster rolls and the clam chowder. This restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients.
12. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams
Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams has been ranked as one of the best seafood restaurants in Long Island by Jaguar Freeport. Open since 1939, the local favorite is located on North Long Beach Road. They claim to have discovered the perfect way to fry seafood and say that their fried clams are the best in Long Island. Several varieties of clams are available, along with dishes such as clam strips, seafood bisque, and clam chowder.
11. The Jolly Fisherman
Open for almost six decades, The Jolly Fisherman has an established reputation in Long Island. It is a family-run establishment with a nautical-themed interior and a warm and welcoming vibe. There are large windows form the dining room that overlooks a pond and lush gardens. Although the menu is simple, each dish is prepared to perfection. You will find this restaurant on Main Street.
10. View
It is no wonder that this restaurant is called View because it boasts impressive views across Great South Bay. However, the food is also pretty impressive, and lobster is the highlight of the menu. Expect to see dishes such as mango lobster tail, lobster lollipops, and Caribbean lobster dinners. If you are not a lobster fan, you can take your pick from the other seafood options on the menu, such as the saffron-shrimp risotto.
9. The Steam Room
A well-established Long Island seafood restaurant, The Steam Room has been delivering excellent customer service and serving fresh fish for more than four decades. This eatery is famous for its chowders, which are popular even in hot weather. Other than the chowders, the rest of the menu consists of American seafood classics. The specials are frequently changed according to what is available locally and seasonally, so you could potentially try a different meal each time you visit. Located by the marina, this restaurant stands out from the competition because it becomes an open-air venue in the summer months. From Monday to Friday, this restaurant on Broadway in Port Jefferson is open from 10 am to 10 pm. On Saturdays, it is open between 9 am and 10 pm. The opening hours on Sundays are from 9 am to 9 pm.
8. Rumba
The menu at Rumba has a Caribbean twist as tropical flavors are added to seafood classics. Some examples of dishes on this menu include a coconut seafood risotto and shrimp tacos with mango and passion fruit. The Caribbean theme continues beyond the menu and into the décor in this restaurant, which boasts barrels and wooden accents. On a sunny evening, guests can sit on the deck and enjoy views of Shinnecock Canal.
7. H20 Seafood & Sushi
If you are a sushi fan, then the best venue to try in Long Island is H20 Seafood & Sushi. There are two locations in Long Island; one on West Main Street in Smithtown and another on West Main Street in East Islip. Both restaurants have nautically-themed décor. From the entrée menu, one of the most special items you can order is the lobster thermidor. The separate sushi menu showcases a wide array of fresh seafood. H20 Seafood & Sushi is open between 5 pm and 10 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the opening hours are 5 pm to 11 pm. There are shorter opening hours on Sundays as it is only open from 3 pm until 9 pm.
6. Spiro’s
Foodies who are true seafood enthusiasts should try the offerings of Spiro’s on Patchogue Drive. Only the freshest seafood is served at this upscale restaurant, and it is famous in the area for its mussels appetizer. All the meals are presented in an Instagram worthy manner. Diners at this restaurant enjoy drinking creative cocktails with their seafood.
5. Noah’s
Located on Front Street in Greenport, Noah’s serves tasty seafood small plates. Examples of items you may find on their menu include Maine-style lobster rolls with garlic butter, spicy prawns, calamari, and crab cakes. There is the option to eat outdoors on the patio, which is a lively space.
4. Salt & Barrel
Long Island Pulse has named Salt & Barrel as one of the best seafood restaurants in Long Island. This was the first oyster bar to open in Long Island, and it serves oysters that have been sourced from across the globe. In addition to the freshly shucked oysters, there is also an interesting menu of creative seafood dishes. This is a large, modern restaurant on West Main Street that is also known for its cocktails.
3. Seafood Barge
The views across Peconic Bay are one of the outstanding features of Seafood Barge. It has one of the strongest reputations of all the restaurants in Long Island, and it is a popular option for people who are celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a romantic meal. It is an upscale option with simple and elegant décor. Examples of dishes you will find on the menu include roasted Atlantic halibut, salmon niçoise, and seafood bouillabaisse.
2. Frisky Oyster
A modern and sophisticated restaurant, Frisky Oyster has fast become a trendy hot spot in Long Island. It is predominantly a seafood restaurant, and the seafood ingredients are combined with unusual and surprising flavors. For example, there are dishes such as seared scallops with confetti tomatoes and dandelion greens, or grilled snapper with mussels and lemon-basil jam. There are also some meat options on the menu, and the desserts have contributed to this restaurant having an excellent reputation.
1. Nautilus Café
According to 10 Best, the best seafood restaurant in Long Island is Nautilus Café. This restaurant is located on Nautical Mile in Freeport, and it is known for both its outstanding food and its excellent customer service. Just some examples of the dishes you can expect to find on the menu of this seafood restaurant include pecan-crusted orange roughy, sautéed brook trout, jumbo lump crab cakes, and broiled marinated scallops. Landlubbers will also find something on the menu to suit their taste buds, with options such as duck in port and raspberry sauce or prime rib.