Top Long Island restaurants have taken note to the growing popularity of Instagram. By creating powerful presentations, accentuating outdoor views and tailoring menu items to trends, a restaurant can make mouths water with one photograph. I asked some of Long Island’s biggest foodie influencers for their input on the best locations to document edible experiences. From lobster rolls and cheese pulls to waterfront views and vintage ambiance, these are Long Island’s most Instagrammable restaurants.
Related Content: 5 Ice Cream Combos to Try at Spoons
Best View of the North Shore: Whale’s Tale, Northport
image: @foodwithavu
@foodwithavu loves a great dish and an equally impressive overlook. A view of the Long Island Sound, pub grub ranging from fresh, raw oysters to barbecue quesadillas and a “locals-only” vibe make Whale’s Tale a neighborhood gem. The homemade sauces and sangria don’t hurt either. Phone: 631-651-8844 | Address: 81 Fort Salonga Rd Click to taste
Best Brunch: Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails, Merrick
image: @ichewsu
Diners looking for the ultimate Insta-brunchporn menu can’t go wrong with Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails. Instagram foodie @ichewsu recommended going for the tasty omelettes and fluffy mascarpone stuffed pancakes, huge and plated for viral Instagram posts. Buyers beware, brunch at this tiny Merrick Road restaurant tends to fill up fast—arrive early and skip the wait! Phone: 516-868-5338 | Address: 1810 Merrick Rd Click to taste
Greece on the North Shore: Kyma Restaurant, Roslyn
Be transported to the Mediterranean at Kyma, which doesn’t disappoint in ambiance or execution. @whiskeyandaprons noted the uniquely Greek inspired decor. The white interiors, accented by beach-y art and plants, evoke feelings of Santorini. Cerulean blue accents and a charming outdoor dining space give the prospective Instagrammer plenty to work with when staging a selfie, food or group shot. Phone: 516-621-3700 | Address: 1446 Old Northern Blvd Click to taste
Cheese Melts and Pulls: Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails, Massapequa Park
image: @travellongisland
@travellongisland knows a thing or two about where to find some great food on Long Island. One look at the mouthwatering photos of everything from pasta to burgers proves this. The foodie influencer loves that Mercato of Massapequa Park serves up cheese porn in the form of eggplant capellini, smothered in melted cheese and dripping with #droolworthy appeal. Phone: 516-308-3582 | Address: 4958 Merrick Rd Click to taste
Time Warp: Morning Rose Cafe, Bellmore
image: @emdee_eats
The couple behind @emdee_eats recommended this place for a cozy lunch date. Morning Rose feels like a traditional Victorian bed and breakfast, serving upscale breakfast, brunch and lunch options like king cakes for him and avocado toast for her. Phone: 516-221-5010 | Address: 317 Bedford Ave Click to taste
Cocktails Worth Gramming: Verde Kitchen & Cocktails, Bay Shore
image: @whiskeyandaprons
@LIEats likes Verde Kitchen and Cocktails for the ultimate #mixology shot. Verde has been lauded for its impeccable food presentation since its opening, but the drink menu is hardly overshadowed. @LIEats loves the Blueberry Margarita, but one click of its cache (#verdekitchenandcocktails) reveals beautifully garnished drinks made with fresh ingredients. Phone: 631-665-6300 | Address: 70 E Main St Click to taste
Sushi to Dine For: 110 Japan, Huntington Station
image: @thenewyorkdines
@TheNewYorkDines knows a thing or two about sushi presentation. From colorful sushi doughnuts and towering sashimi presentations to layered liqueur shots like the Cookie Monster and Melon Ball, everything at 110 Japan seems like it was designed for social media distribution. Phone: 631-673-6666 | Address: 179 Walt Whitman Rd Click to taste
Panoramas on the East End: Gosman’s
image: @baniandchai
A full, panoramic view of Montauk Harbor makes for the perfect photo-op. @baniandchai skipped the coffee for a Dark ‘n’ Stormy here, capturing beautiful weather and equally eye-popping drinks at the Topside Cafe. Beautifully garnished Bloody Marys, fresh fish and well-presented dishes make for perfect #foodiegrams, but be sure to order the lobster roll if you’re #eatingfortheGram. Phone: 631-668-5330 | Address: 500 W Lake Dr Click to taste