Even though the world around us looks very different this summer, the Long Island views we’ve always enjoyed haven’t changed. Before the summer ends, consider a night out at one of these eight Island restaurants with outdoor dining and a special view.
Cowfish, Hampton Bays
This resort-style restaurant, located at the entrance to the South Fork, is a destination for surf ’n turf. Along with pretty views of the Shinnecock Canal, Cowfish features a sushi menu and house specialties like the seared ahi tuna (pineapple coconut fried rice, orange puns, wasabi micro greens). Landlocked guests recommend the Danish Baby Back Ribs, served with house-made BBQ slaw and fries. The wine list is full of familiar names: Palmer, Bedell, Paumanok and Mattebella are some of the local bottles on the menu. The signature Home Wrecker cocktail is best enjoyed on the rocks from a canal-side Adirondack chair.
Cowfish is located at 258 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays. | 631-594-3868
Whale’s Tale, Northport
This unpretentious seafood spot serves up marina views to write home about. Set in the Britannia Yachting Center, The Whale’s Tale uses locally-sourced fish in everything from its hand-stuffed specialty tacos to oysters from the raw bar. The bang shrimp tacos, which include fried avocado and ranch, are an uncomplicated yet indulgent dish that pair perfectly with a beer from Harbor Head Brewing Co., which is located within walking distance of the restaurant.
Whale’s Tale is located at 81 Fort Salonga Road, Northport |631-651-8844
Duryea’s Orient Point, Orient
This restaurant build a reputation in Montauk for breathtaking views and to-die-for lobster dishes, so the team opened an Orient Point outpost this summer. The woven cover, white-washed barriers, light-wooden furniture and waterfront backdrop make you feel like you’re in Mykonos—but the lobster roll, served hot or cold, is pure Long Island.
Duryea’s Orient Point is located at 40200 Main Rd, Orient |631-323-2424
Beginnings, Atlantic Beach
This literary-themed restaurant started a new chapter when it opened its patio garden for outdoor dining in June. The cheery orange umbrellas and cafe-style tables make for a happy, intimate setting for diners. Save some room for a happier kind of ending: boozy ice cream cocktails like the day drinker (mango margarita-spiked sorbet, raspberry limoncello sorbet, Prosecco and fruit dummies) and the birthday buzz (cake batter vodka, martini ice cream topped with Prosecco and sprinkles).
Beginnings is located at 1986 Park Street, Atlantic Beach |516-239-7483
Harvest on Fort Pond, Montauk
It’s hard to snag a table at this Tuscan-style restaurant even in November, but it’s worth calling ahead to get a prized reservation for heaping helpings of some of the best Italian around. The fresh burrata makes for a perfect starter. The cheese is soft, rich and creamy, and the beefsteak tomatoes as fresh as can be. As for the 42 oz. porterhouse steak, it’s made for two but so good you won’t want to share.
Harvest on Fort Pond is located at 11 South Emery Street, Montauk |631-668-5574
SALT, Shelter Island
This popular Shelter Island stop has gone high-tech, allowing customers to order online and have food and drinks delivered to their tables. The straightforward menu includes an 8oz black Angus burger that’s hearty, juicy and pairs perfectly with a heaping plate of disco fries. The outdoor patio boasts a view of the sound and lush green surroundings, making a night out here feel like a great escape.
SALT is located at 63 South Menantic Road, Shelter Island | 631-749-5535
Whalers, Bay Shore
This upscale casual spot’s menu is a little modern American, a little Asian Fusion and every bit delicious. The crispy pork dumplings are an indulgent way to start the evening, while the tuna poke makes for lighter fare. Whalers’ version of the lobster roll takes a fun twist with a sweet Hawaiian roll. The outdoor dining deck has views of the Great South Bay that are as Instagrammable as the food’s presentation.
Whalers is located at 124 Maple Avenue, Bay Shore | 631-647-9300
Love Lane Kitchen, Mattituck
For views of one of the cutest streets in Long Island, order ahead for contactless pickup at this quaint cafe, then grab a seat on the patio and enjoy people watching on Love Lane. The comfort-food fare like the fish and chips and grilled pastrami sandwich, in all its salty, melted-cheese glory, meet the current moment. Coffee, beer and wine are also on the menu.
Love Lane Kitchen is located at 240 Love Lane, Mattituck | 631-298-8989