Everything You Have to Eat in Long Island (Must-Try Local Dishes)
Be honest—food is a big reason to visit Long Island. This place knows how to satisfy cravings from crispy pizza slices to buttery lobster rolls. You’ll find local spots that locals actually love and seafood so fresh it tastes like the ocean. Navigating where to eat can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back. This guide covers everything you have to eat in Long Island, from quick bites to sit-down meals worth your time. So, loosen that belt a notch, and let’s get started.
Fresh-Shucked Oysters (Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market)
There’s something special about slurping down an oyster just a few feet from where it was harvested. This dockside oyster bar keeps things simple—just fresh, briny goodness served with a view.
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Website: https://littlecreekoysters.com
- Location: 211 Carpenter St, Greenport, NY
- Phone: 1 631-477-6992
Sicilian-Style Pizza (Bellagio Pizzeria Restaurant & Catering)
Some pizzas make you pause, and then there’s this one. Thick, crisp-edged, and packed with flavor, this Sicilian slice is a local staple. One bite, and you might find yourself ordering another whole pie.
- Price Range: $$
- Website: www.bellagiopizzali.com
- Location: 1249 Melville Rd, Farmingdale, NY
- Phone: 1 631-777-8282
Lobster Roll (Jackson Hall American Bar & Grille)
A good lobster roll should be stuffed with sweet, tender lobster meat—not drowned in mayo. That’s exactly what you’ll find here. The Long Island-style lobster roll is a must-try, served alongside a strong lineup of cocktails and craft beers.
- Price Range: $$
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: https://jacksonhallny.com
- Location: 335 E Main St, East Islip, NY
- Phone: 1 631-277-7100
Fried Hot Chicken Sandwich (Small Batch)
Crispy, spicy, and stacked high—this isn’t your average chicken sandwich. Fried in chili oil, topped with spicy aioli, and balanced with bread-and-butter pickles, it’s the perfect mix of heat and crunch.
- Price Range: $$
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: www.smallbatchrestaurant.com
- Location: 630 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY
- Phone: 1 516-548-8162
Bagel (A&S Bagels)
A Long Island morning isn’t complete without a bagel, and A&S knows how to do it right. Their poppy-seed bagel, paired with freshly made scallion cream cheese, is a classic combo that’s hard to beat. It’s no surprise they were voted Best Bagel Shop in 2022.
- Price Range: $
- Website: www.aandsbagels.com
- Location: 761 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY
- Phone: 1 516-326-9288
Grilled Wings (Changing Times Pub)
Not all wings need deep-frying. These charred-to-perfection wings are smoky, crispy, and packed with flavor. They pair well with an ice-cold beer and a laid-back night with friends.
- Price Range: $$
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: https://changingtimespub.changingtimespubs.com
- Location: 1247 Melville Rd, Farmingdale, NY
- Phone: 1 631-694-6462
Southern Fried Chicken (Zorn’s of Bethpage)
Serving Long Island for more than 75 years, Zorn’s keeps things old-school with crispy, skinless fried chicken cooked in non-trans fat, cholesterol-free oil. Their homemade sides, like mac and cheese and chicken pot pie, make it a full meal worth savoring.
- Price Range: $$
- Website: www.zornsofbethpage.com
- Location: 4321 Hempstead Tpke, Bethpage, NY
- Phone: 1 516-731-5500
Deli Sandwich (Cherry Valley Deli)
Deli sandwiches are serious business on Long Island. This spot stays open 24/7, stacking Philly cheesesteaks, chopped cheese sandwiches, and loaded wraps all night long. If you’re stopping by for lunch or a late-night bite, you won’t leave hungry.
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Website: www.cherryvalleydeliandgrill2.com
- Location: 168 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY
- Phone: 1 516-292-3381
Clam Chowder (White Cap Fish Market & Restaurant)
This isn’t just soup—it’s a warm, creamy bowl of fresh clams, potatoes, and rich broth. Locals swear by it, and it’s the kind of comfort food that keeps you coming back.
- Price Range: $
- Website: www.whitecapfish.com
- Location: 120 Main St, Islip, NY
- Phone: 1 631-581-0125
Cannoli (Buttercooky Bakery)
A crisp shell, creamy ricotta filling, and just the right touch of sweetness—that’s what makes a good cannoli. Buttercooky Bakery keeps it classic, serving them fresh daily. They pair perfectly with an espresso or a slow afternoon break.
- Price Range: $
- Website: www.buttercookybakery.com
- Location: 217 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY
- Phone: 1 516-354-3831
Cold Cheese Pizza (Little Vincent)
A Long Island original, this slice is served straight out of the oven with a heap of cold shredded mozzarella on top. It might sound unusual, but the contrast between the hot crust and cool cheese makes it one of the most talked-about pizzas in town.
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Instagram: @little_vincents
- Location: 329 New York Ave, Huntington, NY
- Phone: 1 631-423-9620
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