A Greenport institution is back. Iconic restaurant Claudio’s on Main, fresh off an expansion of its outdoor space, will reopen Thursday, May 20 after being forced to shutter for the 2020 season.
“Claudio’s on Main did not open last year due to the pandemic, but we are excited for this year,” said spokesperson Stephen Hall. “For the first time ever, Claudio’s will have outdoor seating of its own on the newly installed veranda accommodating 100 guests. It will make its debut along with Claudio’s new menu by Chef Mike Jenty.”
Inside the space, which was previously known as Claudio’s Restaurant, the first-floor dining room is modern and cheery, with dark hardwood floors offset by bright whitewashed walls and ceilings and brass fixtures. The second floor, which was re-conceived as a wine room showcasing North Fork wine in 2019, has waterfront views, lounge areas and a full-service bar.
The menu will feature familiar Claudio’s favorites including lobster rolls, baked clams and North Fork Oysters Claudio’s (the restaurant’s take on Oysters Rockefeller) plus some new items including fish and chips made with Greenport Harbor porter and scallops a la plancha with roasted oyster and maitake mushrooms, spring vegetables and cauliflower puree.
The flagship restaurant is the latest opening in the ever-growing complex of Claudio’s eateries, including Claudio’s Waterfront, Crabby Jerry’s and Claudio’s Pizza, which debuted earlier this spring offering NYC-style slices and pies at 111 Main Street. Claudio’s Garden, a dockside cocktail garden with lounge seating and live music, is planned to open in June.
Claudio’s, which was founded in 1870 by Manuel Claudio, was long considered the longest continuously family-owned eatery in the United States. The current ownership group — which includes well-know asbestos attorney Perry Weitz and his son David, along with debt relief specialists Ian Behar and Ryan Sasson — purchased the waterfront restaurants in 2018.
