They say secrets are no fun, but frequenters of hidden Long Island restaurants would disagree. Nestled on side streets in town’s with bustling Main Streets or housed in unassuming buildings, these eateries are like a hidden treasure chest for foodies.
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Le Vin Wine Bar, Tapas and Coffee, Lake Grove
Malls tend to be a hub for national chains and food-court fare, but Chef Guy Reuge’s latest venture bucks the trend. Inside, the small space, cozy booths with plush pillows and dimmed lights offer a respite from the busy mall scene. The pulled pork with apple chutney and red cabbage slaw warms the soul on a chilly day, as does the spot’s mulled wine that has notes of cinnamon. Go
Red Rooster Bistro, Cutchogue
Off the winery-beaten-path, Red Rooster is a place to escape the chaos. image: facebook.com/redroosterbistro1
In-the-know North Forkers may have mixed feelings about including Red Rooster Bistro on this list. Sure, it fits the bill—it’s off the Sound-Avenue-beaten-path on Depot Lane in Cutchogue and plates like the Red Rooster Burger made with bleu cheese and pepperjack cheese are worth ditching New Year’s Resolutions. But the eatery adorned with red rooster paintings and statuettes is one of the few hidden gems left on the North Fork (read: short lines during busy season). Sorry, regulars, that burger was too good not to tell the masses about. Go
Cork & Kerry, Rockville Centre
Bespoke cocktails are for the ordering at this RVC gem image: facebook.com/corkandkerryrvc
Rockville Centre has a burgeoning dining and business scene. Cork & Kerry joined the ranks in 2016 but blink and you’ll miss this speakeasy-style bar housed in an actual house. Inside, the black walls, dark wooden accents and creative cocktails made using fresh-squeezed fruits and house-made syrups transport guests back to the Prohibition era. Go-to mix drinks like vodka-cranberry are of course available, but live a little and spring for the Put Your Rosy Red Glasses On, made with thyme-infused vodka, raspberry syrup, lime-orange blossom water and egg whites. Go
Verde Wine Bar & Ristorante, Deer Park
Verde Wine Bar & Ristorante is a must for foodies with a wild side
Deer Park may not carry the same night-out cache as nearby Huntington, but Verde Wine Bar & Ristorante is a must for foodies with a wild side. Dare to feast on one of Chef James Ahearn’s favorite dishes, rabbit leg. It’s served with kuru squab, broccoli rage and green peppercorn jus and offers a seemingly new flavor with each bite. For the fainter of heart, there are Italian favorites like ravioli and ziti. Go
Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant, Huntington
Colorful drinks make even the darker days a little brighter image: facebook.com/oaxacamexicanfood
This hole-in-the-wall eatery looks modest on the outside and inside, inviting customers to come as they are, even if who they are has a 5:00 shadow at 10am. But what the no-frills joint lacks in decor, it more than makes up for with authentic Mexican cuisine. The chorizo and chicken taco is a spicy-tooths’ delight and the carne azada is unexpectedly tangy with hints of lime and orange. Go
Osteria Leana, Oyster Bay
Uova in Purgatorio; housemate raviolo. The eggs at Osteria Leana may be in purgatory, but everything else is honest eating designed to please.
Small, simple and straightforward, Osteria Leana is a breath of fresh air. The restaurant is cozy and sleek, with clean lines, a 10-seat communal table, a modest bar and fresh flowers throughout the restaurant. The approachable setting extends to the menu, which focuses on doing all the little things deliciously rather than reinventing the wheel. The pastas, meats and fish, like the pan-seared cod served on a bed of minestrone, are cooked to such perfection they serve as a reminder that sometimes, it’s good to keep it simple. Go