Latest Cheap Eats restaurant reviews

Bakuto pork ramen at Bakuto in Lindenhurst.

Herb & Olive

Herb & Olive, Manhasset: Soul-satisfying food and elegant surroundings make this Greek cafe-market a singular experience.

Bakuto

Bakuto, Lindenhurst: It's three stars for this utterly original ode to Japanese bar culture. 

Vincent's Clam Bar

Vincent's Clam Bar, Carle Place: With its huge portions and modest prices, this Italian restaurant is an island stalwart for good reason.

Taco El Chingón

Taco El Chingón, Bellmore: This tiny, unassuming takeout spot is run by a Mexico City transplant, and is cooking some of the best regional Mexican food on Long Island.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club, Rockville Centre: The menu here hits up pretty much every breakfast tradition, from griddle classics to Southern biscuits to new-age bowls. "Between the buns" items such as fried chicken and waffles, a monte cristo sandwich and even a burger make a nice segue into lunch. 

Bayview Kitchen

Bayview Kitchen, Amityville: This eatery brings Caribbean flavors to comfort food staples, and serves maybe the best shrimp and grits you've ever had.

Dirty Taco and Tequila

Dirty Taco and Tequila, Rockville Centre: This taco joint impresses with a creative menu, fresh ingredients, a fun atmosphere and fair prices.

Bayou Jones

Bayou Jones, Merrick: This southern-Cajun-Creole restaurant has a storied pedigree, decent food and an atmosphere that nearly begs you to make it YOUR place.

Rangsit 11

Rangsit 11, Hicksville: This new eatery brings exceptional, if not always timely, Thai to Long Island.

Mission Taco

Mission Taco, Huntington: At this stylish new eatery, tacos are stuffed to the gills and imbued with all kinds of inventive toppings, while craft cocktails are first rate.

Blu Mediterranean

Blu Mediterranean, West Babylon: At this Turkish restaurant, the elegant decor is a match for refined cooking.

Coche Comedor

Coche Comedor, Amagansett: This restaurant will change your expectations about Mexican cuisine on Long Island. It's fresh and inspired, and makes the familiar eateries seem tired.

Whiskey Down Diner

Whiskey Down Diner, Farmingdale: This new diner is hot and contemporary with lots of booze.

Lazy Lobster

The warm Connecticut lobster roll with tarragon citrus butter, coleslaw and shoestring fries at Lazy Lobster in East Rockaway.

Mi Viejito Pueblito

Mi Viejito Pueblito, Huntington Station: It may be just a tiny storefront, but big time delights await here.

Blue Wave

Blue Wave, Williston Park: This Shanghai specialist goes way beyond soup dumplings.

Snaps American Bistro

Snaps American Bistro, Rockville Centre: At Snaps' second location, an exceptional burger can be had on Thursday evenings, with specials on other nights as well.

Coco Palace

Coco Palace, Great Neck: Bored with Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine? Long Island's first Yunnan restaurant offers Chinese food of depth and subtlety.

I Am Nacho Mama

I Am Nacho Mama, Hicksville: This food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant stands out in Hicksville.

Cafe Al Dente

Cafe Al Dente, Oyster Bay: Cafe Al Dente has reopened at a new location in downtown Oyster Bay, still specializing in homey, Italian-American fare, with a few side trips.

Bistro 25 East

Bistro 25 East, Blue Point: Two months after opening, this spot has found a devoted following for dishes that combine pan-Asian flavors with gastropub standards.

Kitchen Melody

Kitchen Melody, Great Neck: Most of Long Island's Sichuan restaurants are raucous, bustling eateries; this one serves the regional cuisine in an elegant, subdued setting.

Ravello Ristorante

Ravello Ristorante, Huntington: This Italian and Italian-American eatery is good and often better. It's situated in the former site of Il Vecchio Forno, a pizza specialist in Huntington.

Taino's Cafe & Lounge

Taino's Cafe & Lounge, Coram: Depending on the time of day (or night), this spot can feel like a restaurant, a busy bar or a disco -- but there's always plenty of mofongo, the hearty, garlicky Caribbean plantain dish.

Kababjees

Kababjees, Hicksville: This Pakistani meat specialist also scores with spectacular potato dishes.

The hot pot with rolled beef and lamb, lettuce, greens, mushrooms, shrimp and tofu at Xiao Si Chuan in Setauket.

F.A.N. Authentic Chinese Cuisine

F.A.N. Authentic Chinese Cuisine, Deer Park: This spiffy and friendly eatery is a great place to enjoy the splendor of Sichuan cuisine.

Streats Food + Drink

Streats Food + Drink, Cedarhurst: Streats is the casual, inexpensive offspring of three-star Doma Land + Sea and Italian-New American Cork & Slice, both also situated in Cedarhurst.

Avo Taco

Avo Taco, New Hyde Park: Avocados are one of the main attractions at this bright and shiny nouveau taqueria and bar.

El Encanto

El Encanto, Mineola: This Peruvian restaurant is on its way to being professional, but consistently charming.

Rice Thai

Rice Thai, North Patchogue: This tiny restaurant seats 16 diners in a storefront space, but the cooking is big-time.

Cheng Du

Cheng Du, Franklin Square: This Chinese restaurant aims to please both authentic Sichuan and American-Chinese palates.

Stirling Sake

Stirling Sake, Greenport: This Japanese restaurant stands out with a creative menu and extensive sake selection.

Lazzat

Lazzat, Wantagh: This family-run restaurant takes a warm, homestyle approach to Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Avli the Little Greek Kitchen

Avli the Little Greek Kitchen, North Bellmore: This Greek takeout spot, the third in a growing chain, conjures bold flavors in tight quarters.

NoaMar Market

NoaMar Market, Babylon: Explore the marvels of Spanish cuisine at this charming, all-day cafe, tapas bar and market.

El Matador Restaurant

El Matador Restaurant, East Patchogue: Ever since chef Juan Alvarado moved from El Salvador to the U.S. at age 16, he has worked in restaurant, turning out cuisine ranging from Salvadoran and Colombian to Spanish, Italian and Mexican. His first restaurant, El Matador, brings together all of those influences, as well as family: Alvarado's daughters, Emily and Melanie Alvarado, run the front of the house.

The Gourmet Whaler

The Gourmet Whaler, Cold Spring Harbor: This Main Street eatery is a refreshing spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Pomodorino Rosso

Pomodorino Rosso, Valley Stream: This boisterous new Italian eatery serves inventive dishes and has a veteran pizza maker on staff.

Mamoun's Falafel

Mamoun's Falafel, Syosset: This venerated falafel chain, which started in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, has opened its first location on Long Island.

North Tavern

North Tavern, Wading River: This new eatery brings a something-for-everyone menu and casual style to Long Island at the former address of Fiesta Mexicana and Amarelle.

Virgola Oysters & Wine Bar

Virgola Oysters & Wine Bar, Patchogue: This oyster-and-Italian wine bar may jumpstart the ritual of aperitivo in Patchogue's ever-growing foodscape.

Rothchilds Coffee & Kitchen

Rothchilds Coffee & Kitchen, Great Neck: This bright, refreshing breakfast and lunch spot mixes Middle Eastern and American.

Deccan Spice

Deccan Spice, Deer Park: This South Indian restaurant rewards repeat visits.

Mattitaco

Mattitaco, Mattituck: A North Fork food truck owner and CIA-trained chef combined forces for this cozy, colorful spot, where cheeseburger tacos share the menu with dirty fries and grilled Mexican street corn.

Bunker Hill American Taproom

Bunker Hill American Taproom, Wantagh: In spring 2018, a longtime watering hole was transformed into this gastropub with an enviable beer list and plenty of inventive bar snacks.

Dang BBQ

Dang BBQ, Islip: This exuberant eatery serves classic barbecue with over-the-top variations.

MB Ramen

MB Ramen, Huntington: Superstar chef Marc Bynum showcases an East meets American South twist on ramen with mixed results.

Hatch

Hatch, Huntington: This brunch place is a cheerful but loud affair with great cocktails, large portions and a buzzy vibe.

Mithaas

Mithaas, Hicksville: This bright Indian-food cafe next to Apna Bazar has an encyclopedic menu that cinches together foods from across India. Start with a dosa and end with a creamy mango lassi for dessert.

Broadway Market

Broadway Market, Rocky Point: This handsome, airy new spot brings comfort food to a new level.

Irving's World Famous Pastrami

Irving's World Famous Pastrami, Woodbury: This new pastrami eatery comes with a family history and unusual pastrami dishes.

The Inkan

The Inkan, Garden City Park: This charming new restaurant-bar brings a taste of Peru to Long Island.

Addy’s BBQ

Addy's BBQ, Elmont: This barbecue joint puts an American twist on halal cooking for young people who want a well-made, diet-approved cheeseburger.

Sam’s Sushi Bistro

Sam's Sushi Bistro, Farmingville: At this new sushi spot, there's plenty of raw fish but it's the Chinese-influenced dishes that impress.

Saigon Casa

Saigon Casa, Port Jefferson Station: At Suffolk County's only Vietnamese restaurant, adventurous eaters can indulge unfamiliar flavors --- plus signature dishes like pho and banh mi.

Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar

Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar, Bay Shore: Downtown Bay Shore has a new destination for food and drink from the owners of nearby Verde Kitchen & Cocktails.

Sempre Fame Gourmet Grill & BBQ Catering

Sempre Fame Gourmet Grill & BBQ Catering, Floral Park: This neighborhood eatery serves top-flight barbecue and over-the-top sandwiches.

Barito Tacos & Cocktails

Barito Tacos & Cocktails, Port Jefferson: Hidden on top of a Starbucks in Port Jefferson Village, Barito Tacos & Cocktails sets itself apart with unusual offerings in the American Mexican genre.

365 Noodle Bar and Grill

365 Noodle Bar and Grill, Hicksville: This authentic Chinese restaurant specializes in the casual eats of Beijing.

Talluci's Pizzeria

Talluci's Pizzeria, Farmingdale: This chic pizzeria impresses with pies, pasta and more.

La Bonita Tacos & Tequila

La Bonita Tacos & Tequila, Coram: La Bonita Tacos & Tequila is a cheerful, low-key oasis for Mexican comfort and margaritas.

Spicy Home Tasty

Spicy Home Tasty, Commack: This stellar new Chinese restaurant highlights the sophisticated cuisine of Sichuan.

Simply Thai

Simply Thai, Copiague: Simply Thai impresses with authentic cooking and warm service.

Vienna of Roslyn

Vienna of Roslyn, Roslyn: Nightclubs are rarely, if ever, known for their food -- but this eatery named after the popular Billy Joel tune is not dialing it in.

Elijah Churchill's All-American Barbecue House

Elijah Churchill's All-American Barbecue House, Northport: At the revamped Elijah Churchill's, the kitchen won't win any barbecue competitions, but it's hard not to have a lively evening when a local band is in the house and the bar is well-stocked.

Yum Yum Dumplings

Yum Yum Dumplings, Centereach: This Chinese dumpling shop offers soulful fare at an incredible price.

The Shed

The Shed, Huntington: The Shed may not call itself a luncheonette, but it has all the hallmarks of a modern one, including a lively active bar.

Everest Himalayan Cuisine

Everest Himalayan Cuisine, Bellmore: Long Island's first Nepali restaurant offers peak hospitality.

Pita House

Pita House, Medford: Pita House offers diners Turkish food 101.    

La Vicharra Grill

La Vicharra Grill, Glen Cove: This spot brings the singular cuisine of Peru to Long Island.

The Local

The Local, Babylon: At first glance, The Local may look like a sports bar -- but this airy spot is turning out some of the best sandwiches on the South Shore, alongside an impressive tap list of mostly European beers.

DJ's Clam Shack

DJ's Clam Shack, Wantagh: North meets South at DJ's Clam Shack, the Wantagh offshoot of the Key West original.

Mamey Taquería

Mamey Taquería, Babylon: Babylon's newest taqueria is a tiny, bright spot far from the village's main drag -- and its carnitas tacos are worth seeking out.

Kebab House

Kebab House, Hicksville: At this Afghan restaurant, the food hits that sweet spot between familiar and exotic.

Robke's Country Inn

Robke's Country Inn, Northport: Robke's Country Inn has been serving up Italian classics for decades, but a new audience is discovering its huge portions, heavy pours and rollicking vibe.

Ben's Crab

Ben's Crab, Oceanside: An Indonesian immigrant, who fell in love with Lousiana style seafood in a bag, is sharing it with Long Islanders.

Umberto's

The Long Island pizza restaurant has a location in Fort Lauderdale offering specialty dishes, pies and more. 

Cafe Bethel

Cafe Bethel, Freeport: Cafe Bethel features a "goliath" taco that immigrated from a small mountain town in the Honduras to this Central American restaurant in Freeport.

Basil Cafe & Restaurant

Basil Cafe & Restaurant, St. James: This resurrection of the beloved Zar Cafe retains the same charming ambience, with dishes that exude complex layers of spice.

Choopan Grill

Choopan Grill, Selden: Afghan family recipes passed down from generation to generation are the highlight at this eatery.

Kabayan Grill

Kabayan Grill, East Meadow: Housed in an former Taco Bell, the bright, no-frills Kabayan Grill joins the handful of Filipino eateries on Long Island offering staples such as lechon, sisig, lumpia and siningang.

Swell Taco

Swell Taco, Patchogue: It's all about the surf-centric vibe at the second location of Swell Taco, an offshoot of the Babylon eatery.

Olde Trading Post Tavern

Olde Trading Post Tavern, New Hyde Park: This new neighborhood tavern specializes in old-fashioned hospitality.

Henley's Village Tavern

Henley's Village Tavern, Brightwaters: This new gastropub in the heart of quaint Brightwaters offers craft cocktails, clever twists on bar food and "scratch kitchen" dishes that take advantage of seasonal ingredients and the chef's creative whims.