Dreaming of sipping wine in the French countryside or wandering the food markets of Italy? You can get a small taste of Europe while staying right here on the North Fork — no passport required.
ITALY Start your day at Aldo’s, a charming European-style cafe in Greenport known for its strong espresso and high-quality homemade biscotti. Afterwards, take una passeggiata, a leisurely stroll, around the village and explore the local shopping scene. For lunch, visit Lombardi’s Love Lane Market in Mattituck, where you can browse its sizable selection of imported Italian goods, indulge in a wood-fired pizza or order a custom-made panini to-go. For a family-friendly dinner, make your way to Insatiable Eats in Riverhead, where Sicilian native and chef Marco Barilla prepares a variety of house-made pastas, pizzas and other specialties from different regions of Italy. If you’re looking for a romantic night out, Alpina in Greenport offers gourmet pasta dishes inspired by Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Enjoy dishes similar to those found in Northern Italy in an intimate setting.
BRITISH ISLES Give yourself the royal treatment and spend the afternoon sipping tea in the garden at Special Effects Special Tea House in Greenport. The tea house offers a classic tea service with dainty desserts and traditional fare like lavender shortbread, finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. Is tea not your fancy? Head to Riverhead and create your own pub crawl. Don’t miss out on Digger’s Ales N’ Eats, an Irish pub that’s been serving the local community for over two decades.
FRANCE Experience the charm of Provence with a visit to Lavender by the Bay in East Marion. Immerse yourself in 17 acres of fragrant purple fields and take home a hand-made embroidered sachet filled with the farm’s dried French lavender. Afterward, take a moment to unwind in the enchanting French-inspired garden at Croteaux Vineyards in Southold, where you can savor a selection of still and sparkling rosé flights. For dinner, indulge in traditional French fare like steak tartare and Niçoise salad at Demarchelier Bistro in Greenport.
GREECE Agora Market in Mattituck is a cherished spot among locals for its fresh imported olives, delectable Greek desserts, authentic feta cheeses and savory spanakopita. While you’re there, take a look at the market’s impressive section of Greek-inspired jewelry, kitchenware and gifts. For a casual, family-friendly dinner, consider Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant in East Marion, which has been dishing out hearty portions of delicious Greek food since 1976. For a more cozy, intimate dining experience, Olive Branch Restaurant & Bar in Greenport offers a warm and inviting ambiance with Mediterranean classics like baked stuffed grape leaves and branzino with grilled vegetables.
POLAND If you’re looking for a taste of Polish culture, take a stroll through Polish Town USA, a small neighborhood in Riverhead that was settled by Polish immigrants in the early 1900s. Enjoy a traditional meal at The Birchwood of Polish Town, which has been cooking up Polish specialties like pierogies and kielbasa since 1934. Several Polish delis can also be found in Polish Town, including Euro Deli, known for its delicious and authentic imported sausages, homemade stuffed cabbage, and pierogi.
