2017 is coming to a close, but some Long Island restaurants are just starting to heat up. From Italian and Mexican to brunch and comfort fare, get ready to have a standing date every Friday night with a new restaurant. Opened this past fall, these five spots are the perfect way to kick-start the New Year.
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Besito Mexican Restaurant, West Islip
image: besito mexican restaurant
ICYMI Besito opened its first South Shore outpost in September with a new menu that also launched in Huntington and Roslyn. A tad smaller than the other locations, the new Besito makes up for it with the décor. It puts patrons in a getaway state of mind with native pieces like eucalyptus poles reminiscent of the ceilings found in some of the finest haciendas in Mexico. The new culinary dishes are the ultimate plus. Guests have been raving about the roasted sweet potato tacos, fish tacos and sonora ribs in particular. Phone: 631-620-3222 | Address: 399 Montauk Hwy Click to taste
Bella Cucina Pizzeria Restaurant, West Islip
image: carl corry
No need to travel to Brooklyn for a taste of delicious thick crust pizza. New Italian restaurant Bella Cucina has a Brooklyn slice with cooked tomato sauce placed on top of mozzarella on a thick Sicilian pie. A sprinkle of garlic adds the perfect zesty kick. There is also a delicious margherita pizza made with a thin crust and a hearty rice ball filled with chopped meat, green peas and mozzarella. Phone: 631-482-9555 | Address: 424 Montauk Hwy Click to taste
Flo’s Luncheonette, Patchogue
image: flo’s luncheonette
Brunch lovers, listen up. Flo’s of Blue Point is back in Patchogue as of October and all its delicious recipes have come along for the ride. I’m talking the signature Flo Burger made with American cheese and bacon, pancakes and stacked omelettes. Phone: 888-356-7864 | Address: 38 West Main St Click to taste
The Shed, Huntington
image: facebook.com/pg/theshedrestaurantny
A new casual, warm eatery, The Shed is all about delivering fresh American comfort food. The space is bright and playful with white woods and natural finishes amidst edgy artwork. Fresh and simple, the menu features standouts like the chicken sandwich topped with a pickle and homemade buttermilk dressing. There’s also the Shed bowl made of roasted chicken, wild rice, arugula, radish, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, goat cheese and spice honey vinaigrette. Phone: 631-385-7433 | Address: 54 New St Click to taste
Real Food, Real People, Huntington
image: facebook.com/pg/realfoodrealpeopleco
Specializing in the use of whole foods and real ingredients, this new Huntington eatery prides itself on making each dish as “healthy as humanly possible while keeping it fun and visually appealing.” Best sellers range from the Thai peanut zoodle bowl and rainbow salad bowl to the vegetable garden wrap and salted caramel truffle. Phone: 631-425-7325 | Address: 249 Main St Click to taste