We here on Long Island are proud of many things, and it’s not just our beautiful sunsets or The Hamptons. We have unreal food—so unreal that taking a trip to NYC may not even be worth it. Whether it’s fro-yo or sushi, bagels or pizza, Long Island is full of amazing eats that are delicious and Insta-worthy alike. Below is a list of items that everyone who lives on or visits Long Island must try (don’t worry, you can thank me later).
1. Fro-yo from Yogurt & Such, Greenvale
Photo courtesy of @toastedtable on Instagram
Yogurt & Such is probably the largest foodie tourist attraction to the Island. Just ask any basic white girl who goes weekly to get a chocolate-vanilla swirl with unlimited toppings (cough, cough…me).
2. Bagels from Bagel Boss, Various Locations
Photo courtesy of @nyceeeeeats on Instagram
I mean, come on. We are Long Island. We are bagels.
3. Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice from Toku, Manhasset
Photo courtesy of @foodrageous on Instagram
One does not go to Toku and not order spicy tuna on crispy rice. It’s just not how life works.
4. Rainbow Milkshakes from Diner by the Sea, Long Beach
Photo courtesy of @sillyxsylvia on Instagram
Spend a day at the beach and stop by Diner by the Sea to get these outrageous milkshakes. Black Tap who?
5. Lobster Roll from Clam Bar, Amagansett
Photo courtesy of @rachlmansfield on Instagram
We may not be considered part of New England, but that still doesn’t mean we can’t make a damn tasty lobster roll.
6. K-Mac Sliders from Kotobuki, Roslyn
Photo courtesy of @fatpplproblems on Instagram
Forget the sushi pizza and the sushi burger—the sushi slider is way Long Island does it. Sushi rice and spicy tuna sandwiched between two wonton crackers? Yes, please.
7. Croissant French Toast from Maureen’s Kitchen, Smithtown
Photo courtesy of @littlehippiechef on Instagram
Oh, and it’s stuffed with Nutella, bananas, and strawberries. Yeah.
8. Pizza from Salvatore’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, Port Washington
Photo courtesy of @mikiworldiva on Instagram
You have not tasted pizza until you’ve tasted Salvatore’s.
#SpoonTip: Get extra garlic bread and dip it in the greek salad dressing when you’re there.
9. Italian Ices from Ralph’s, Various Locations
Photo courtesy of @s_k_e_e_z on Instagram
Summer = Ralph’s. I mean literally, you (unfortunately) can’t get it any other time of the year.
10. Frozen Hot Chocolate from The Witches Brew, West Hempstead
Photo courtesy of @_delysh on Instagram
Who needs Serendipity when you have The Witches Brew? Not to mention the other decadent, chocolatey desserts that are available and so worth the calories.
11. Tacos from Lucharitos, Greenport
Photo courtesy of @heidelah on Instagram
Taco Tuesday can be everyday at Luncharitos. And honestly, we kinda want it to be that way.
12. S’mores Pancakes from Landmark Diner, Roslyn
Photo courtesy of @onehungrygal on Instagram
We always want s’more of these pancakes (bet you’ve never heard that s’more pun before).
13. Skillet Omelet and Hashbrowns from Thomas’s Ham ‘N’ Eggery Diner, Carle Place
Photo courtesy of @3girls_1fork on Instagram
Omelets + hashbrowns = a match made in heaven. Thomas’s Diner does it right.
14. Dessert Bagels from A&S Bagels, Franklin Square
Photo courtesy of @aandsbagels on Instagram
With cream cheese flavors like Oreo, chocolate chip, twix, and birthday cake and bagel flavors like French toast and rainbow, breakfast can be dessert everyday.
15. Açai Bowl from Nooks & Kindles, Various Locations
Photo courtesy of @badhangrybitches on Instagram
Do you see that peanut butter dollop? This açai bowl is super trendy and definitely not messing around.
16. Berry Pie from Briermere Farms, Riverhead
Photo courtesy of @twoweirdoughs on Instagram
Now you could go berry picking at Briermere and bake a berry pie yourself, or you can just buy one of their delicious pies without the hassle. You choose.
17. Wraps from Joni’s, Montauk
Photo courtesy of @toastedtable on Instagram
Joni’s is probably one of my favorite spots on Long Island. Everything is super fresh, mainly organic, and absolutely delicious.
18. Soft Serve from Marvel Frozen Dairy, Long Beach
Photo courtesy of @danielleeisenman on Instagram
This one is a no-brainer. And with all the sprinkles, please.
19. Pizza from Little Vincent’s, Huntington
Photo courtesy of @foodondrugs on Instagram
I dream of that shaved cheese. Dream of it, I tell you.
20. Ice Cream with Homemade Cookie Dough from Scoop Du Jour, East Hampton
Photo courtesy of @jonnydrubel on Instagram
If you don’t get a giant slab of homemade cookie dough on your ice cream, then did you really go to Scoop Du Jour? I think not.
21. Table-Side Guacamole from Besito, Roslyn
Photo courtesy of @foodnfest on Instagram
At Besito, guac is prepared right in front of you, just the way you like it. Take that, Chipotle.
22. Vegan Thai Elephant “Wings” from The Purple Elephant, Northport
Photo courtesy of @thepurpleelephantrestaurant on Instagram
A vegan restaurant? Is this L.A.? No, this is Long Island, and we can be just as trendy.
23. Milkshakes from LT Burger in the Harbor, Sag Harbor
Photo courtesy of @lindsayweycer on Instagram
These milkshakes are big enough to feed a small army. But it’s not like we’re complaining.
24. Nutella Crepe from Baci Gelato, Roslyn
Photo courtesy of @foodcitybitch on Instagram
Hands-down, there is nothing better than thin dough filled with Nutella. You can try to make crepes yourself, or you can just go to Baci and get this delicious one—I think you know the answer.
25. Disco Fries from South Edison, Montauk
Photo courtesy of @southedison on Instagram
Disco Fries is South Edison’s late-night gem—french fries topped in crazy things like short rib and buffalo-fried chicken. Make sure to visit after 11 p.m. on weekends for these babies.
26. Spaghetti from Vine Street Cafe, Shelter Island
Photo courtesy of @bellasprague on Instagram
Thick-cut noodles. Tomato sauce. Parmesan cheese. Need I say more?
27. Frozen Yogurt from Buddha Berry, Various Locations
Photo courtesy of @goget.em.nyc on Instagram
Endless gourmet toppings (I’m talking endless, people) and amazing yogurt flavors from Buddha Berry are the real reason we go out East.
28. Seafood Platter from Louie’s Oyster Bar & Grille, Port Washington
Photo courtesy of @mannychaw on Instagram
Because we’re right around water, we know seafood. And I mean know it. Stop by Louie’s for great food, water views, and the occasional celebrity spotting (Fun Fact: Meet The Parents was filmed here).
29. Lobster Mac & Cheese from Waterzooi, Garden City
Photo courtesy of @imkayla
Like I said, we know seafood. We also know cheese. And good pasta. So when we combine all three, magical things happen.
30. Iced Coffee from Sweetie Pies on Main, Cold Spring Harbor
Photo courtesy of @carolinestfrancis on Instagram
Oh come on, everyone has seen that logo on some Instagram account or another. With tons of different iced coffee flavors and tasty pastries, this will be your new go-to instead of Dunkin’.
31. Matzo Ball Soup from Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen, Various Locations
Photo courtesy of @matzbabe on Instagram
Our matzoh game is strong. We don’t mess around.