When you think about the best foodie towns on Long Island, Bay Shore might not be the first one on your list, but it should be. With ample parking and amazing restaurants lining Main Street and beyond, this town is a culinary force to be reckoned with. Whether you want to watch the sun set over the water or you just want to people watch on Main Street, there’s a restaurant waiting for you. For your next date night, try out one of these restaurants. Your stomach will thank you. 

Tula Kitchen

A photo posted by Tula Kitchen (@tulakitchen) on Feb 6, 2013 at 12:50pm PST

When you want a satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating, Tula Kitchen is a solid bet. Thanks to a menu full of healthy organic ingredients, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, regulars flock here in droves. Nothing is rushed in this ambient environment and with each dish being made to order, customers get to enjoy lengthy conversations with one another. Recommended plates: Mediterranean platter for two, turkey meatballs with zucchini & squash spaghetti, and Tula’s earth moving dream bar. Eat here.   

Tullulah’s

Have you ever looked at a menu and wanted to try a little bit of everything? Well, Tullulah’s understands this and ditches the notion that entrees are everything. Here, dinner consists of three or four small plates off of a seasonal menu that can be eaten solo or shared. The laid back atmosphere is undecidedly cool and the black-clad wait staff is incredibly helpful as you try to navigate this new way of thinking and eating. Recommended plates, winter menu: Mac-N-Cheese, Chorizo, Potato Gnocchi, and Scallops. Eat here.

Verde Kitchen & Cocktails When locals first saw that the old glass atrium in the back of Verde’s was being refurbished, they started talking. As weeks went by and the windows filled with freshly grown herbs and edibles, people needed to know more. As it turns out, the atrium is now one of the most romantic spots to ditch the kids and grab a bite to eat with your spouse. Or, wait until dusk and snatch a seat up by the windows for a really great view of the bar and Main Street. Don’t miss their Wednesday night taco tastings where you can sample innovative tacos like Duck Blood Orange Mole, Fried Oyster, Grass Fed Ribeye, or Cauliflower Carnitas. Recommended plates: Mexican Street Corn, Queso Fundido, Pescado Tacos, and Lavender Mint Mojito. Eat here.

The Lake House

A photo posted by The Lakehouse Restaurant (@thelakehouse_restaurant) on Jul 16, 2015 at 6:46am PDT

 

 

 

If you are in the mood for a romantic dinner, then The Lake House is where you will want to be. This cozy restaurant serves up beautifully plated New American dining right alongside charming water views of Lawrence Lake. It’s the perfect place to unwind over an intimate meal for two. (Have kids? Bring them to the Sunday brunch where they can enjoy Nutella Stuffed Banana Pancakes!) The Lakehouse will close Easter Monday and as they prepare to open in late spring/early summer at their new location: 135 Maple Avenue. Recommended plates: Wild Mushroom Risotto, Pan Roasted Prime Filet Mignon, Warm Cinnamon Donuts. Eat here.

Corks & Taps

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, head on over to Corks & Taps. This newcomer opened up this past winter and has been a welcome addition to Main Street ever since. Serving a variety of food from flatbread pizza to burgers, this restaurant has something for everyone. The wait staff is upbeat and loves making suggestions about which craft beer or specialty cocktail will go best with your meal. Tip: Head over early to snag a coveted seat by the fireplace and avoid the bar crowd. Recommended plates: Tomato Caprese, Portobello Fritters, and The C&T Burger. Eat here.