50 best restaurants on Long Island
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Wait, top 50 restaurants? That’s right — FeedMe’s annual list of Long Island’s best restaurants has gotten shorter. Yet, the dining scene is better than ever. Food critics Andi Berlin, Erica Marcus, Marie Elena Martinez and Scott Vogel have been so invigorated that they were inspired to winnow 100 great restaurants to 50 extraordinary ones.
Choices reflect Long Island’s diversity of geography and cuisines, price points and formality. From the grandest steakhouse to the humblest noodle shop, the best restaurants not only serve great food but deliver personality, style and charm.
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Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
'Frozen'
See Elsa, Anna and Olaf in a magical production of the Disney film on stage. Audience members will be taken on an adventure as one sister tries to find her voice and the other tries to use her powers. When Through April 13 Cost $35-$104.50 The Gateway 215 S. Country Rd., Bellport 631-286-1133 thegateway.org
Credit: Linda Rosier
Hicks Nurseries' Flower and Garden Show
The 20,000-square-foot greenhouse has eight gardens designed under this year’s theme, "Spring is in the Air." Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt to search for items in each garden. Those who are looking to get a jump on their spring gardening can pick up some plants for sale. When Through March 30 Cost Free Hicks Nurseries 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury 516-334-0066 hicksnurseries.com
Credit: Getty Images/Artur Didyk
Salsa Fest
Listen for Afro-Cuban beats at a festival featuring the top names in salsa. Headliners include Peruvian singer Josimar y Su Yambú and former Grupo Niche member Javier Vásquez along with performers from Cuba and Venezuela. Dancing is encouraged. When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $92.40 Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury 516-247-5200 westburymusicfair.org
Credit: Ed Betz
Yellow Brick Road
You’ll have to look twice as Gerald Brann takes the stage in a full-on tribute to rock star Elton John. Resembling John, you’ll also be treated to array of costumes along with songs performed by Brann and the band Yellow Brook Road. Hits concertgoers will hear include “Rocket Man,’ “Candle in the Wind” and “Your Song.” When 4 and 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $65 The Suffolk 118 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-727-4343 thesuffolk.org
Credit: Ballet Long Island/Debra Klipstein
Princess Tea Party
Kids are invited to dress up in their favorite princess outfit for a themed tea party. The event begins with a stage performance featuring princesses followed by a photo op after the ballet performance. Tea, lemonade, cupcakes and cookies will be served in the Princess Tea Room complete with royal decorations. All children must be accompanied by an adult. When 1 p.m. April 5 Cost $25 per person Ballet Long Island 1863 Pond Rd., Ronkonkoma 631-737-1964 balletlongisland.com
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Patchogue Family YMCA 5K
Form a team with friends and family or do the 5K walk or run solo at Shorefront Park. After the race stick around for awards, prizes, refreshments and giveaways. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Community Food Distribution Program. When 9 a.m. April 5 Cost $30 in advance, $35 day of Shorefront Park 49 Smith St., Patchogue 631-891-1800 events.elitefeats.com
Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
All Kids Fair
The fair features more than 80 vendors with fun activities including a puppy party, face painting, nature crafts, karate lessons and meet and greets with a princess or spider hero. A dental area will focus on smiles and oral health. When 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost $5 in advance, $10 at the door Huntington Hilton 598 Broadhollow Rd., Melville 516-621-1446 allkidsfair.com
Credit: Getty Images/R. Diamond
The Wallflowers
The Grammy-award winning rock band featuring lead singer Jakob Dylan performs a mix of folk and alt rock with songs from their most recent album, “Exit Wounds.” The opening act is acoustic musician Jackson Melnick. When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $38.75 The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington 631-673-7300 paramountny.com
Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
Spring Dog Festival
Leashed dogs are allowed in designated areas in the historic gardens that are usually off limits to pets during the Spring Dog Festival. Attendees will find a variety of local dog-related vendors selling products and services for pups. All activities are included with general admission to the gardens. When 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost $18, $8 ages 7-17 Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury 516-333-0048 oldwestburygardens.org
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/artisteer
Easter Egg Hunt
Dress in your holiday finest and join in on a family-friendly Easter egg hunt for kids 11 and older. Families can take photos with the Easter Bunny at the gazebo. All are invited to bring a basket or bag to collect eggs. When 11 a.m. April 12, arrive by 10:45 a.m.; rain date: 2 p.m. April 13, arrive by 1:45 p.m. Cost Free Village Green 361 Main St., Farmingdale 516-987-5001 farmingdalenychamber.org
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Bunny Trail 5K
Run, walk or hop this Bunny Trail 5K where you’re also invited to wear bunny ears. The event meanders around the trails of the park and ends with snacks and treats from All Round foods. A free kiddie run kicks things off at 9 a.m. When 9:30 a.m. Cost $38.98 Bethpage State Park Polo at the Park area, park at Bethpage State Park playground, Plainview Road and Manchester Drive, Bethpage events.elitefeats.com/25bunnytrail
Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
'Escape to Margaritaville'
The musical stage comedy production features classic hits by Jimmy Buffett including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “It’s Five O-clock Somewhere,” “Margaritaville” and more. When 7:30 p.m. April 11 and 8 p.m. April 12 Cost Tickets start at $40 CM Performing Arts Center CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale 631-218-2810 cmpac.com
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Earth Day 5K
Runners or walkers are invited to celebrate Mother Earth by participating in a 5K around Eisenhower Park. The run takes participants through tree lined-bike trails. Post-race runners can enjoy treats from All Round Foods. The day kicks off with a free kiddie dash at 8:30 a.m. When 9 a.m. Cost $38.98 Eisenhower Park Field 2, East Meadow events.elitefeats.com
Credit: Brittainy Newman
Dinosaur egg hunt
An exhibit featuring robotic and skeletal life-size dinosaurs explores topic such as dino traits and how they adapted to different environments, and offers hands-on interactive activities. There will also be live animals including snakes, emus and turtles in natural settings and kids can participate in a dino dig. When Nature festival and dino egg hunt: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18-19 Cost $15, $12 for ages 1-13 Center for Science Teaching and Learning 1450 Tanglewood Rd., Rockville Centre, 516-764-0045 cstl.org
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Easter Bunny at The Shoppes
Dress in your spring finest for a photo with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy the bounce house ($5 per token) or take a ride on the carousel ($5 per token). Guests can bring non-perishable food items to help local families in need. When 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost Free The Shoppes at East Wind 5768 Rte. 25A, Wading River 631-846-2372 eastwindlongisland.com
Credit: Daniel Goodrich
Rascals 60th Anniversary
The legendary '60s rock band pulls into town sparking notes of nostalgia. The Rock and Roll and Grammy Hall of Famers perform with two of their founding members, Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish. Sing along to hits including “Groovin,” “People Got to Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.” When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $63 Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts 71 E. Main St., Patchogue 631-207-1313 patchoguetheatre.org
Credit: Newsday/Candice Ruud
'Cold Beer on a Saturday Night'
Think summer and enjoy the beachy country sounds of Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown. Dance and sing along as Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band cover popular country tunes. When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $20 The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington 631-673-7300 paramountny.com
Credit: The Washington Post via Getty Images/The Washington Post
Sarah Silverman
The Emmy award-winning comedian, actress and former writer for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” comes to Huntington on her “Postmortem” tour. When 7 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $66 The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington 631-673-7300 paramountny.com
Credit: Newsday/Steven Sunshine
Arbor Day Festival
The Arbor Day Festival focuses on the value of trees and environmental conservation. Activities include a tree seedling giveaway, meeting Smokey the Bear, planting trees and “Ask the Experts” sessions during plant clinics. There will be face painting, a blowup slide, jugglers, a scavenger hunt and more. When 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost $30 per carload Planting Fields State Historic Park 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay 516-922-9210 plantingfields.org
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
EJ Autism 4-Mile Run
Stroll or run a jigsaw 4-mile run through the local neighborhood with a scenic start and finish on the Great South Bay. Also featured is the John McGorry Irish Mile (1.27). Race awards will be presented in all age groups with a post-race party with raffles at Shandon Court (115 E. Main St., East Islip). A kiddie fun run for ages 14 and younger steps off at 9 a.m. at Marina Park. When 9:30 a.m. Cost $33.80; $5 for kiddie run Marina Park 333 Bayview Ave., East Islip events.elitefeats.com
Credit: Daniel De Mato
Long Island Ducks
The home team is back and takes on the Lancaster Stormers for a full weekend of baseball. Beginning Friday they’ll also host a T-shirt giveaway, continuing Saturday with a fireworks spectacular, and on Sunday, there will be family-friendly activities including a pregame catch on the field and the chance for kids can run around the bases postgame. When 6:35 p.m. April 25 and26 and 1:35 p.m. April 27 Cost Tickets start at $17 Fairfield Properties Ballpark 3 Court House Dr., Central Islip 631-940-3825 liducks.com
Credit: Getty Images/Anna Moneymaker
Yo-Yo Ma
Join cellist Yo-Yo Ma for an afternoon of conversation and music. The event will be moderated by "PBS News Hour" correspondent Jeffrey Brown. Listen to personal stories along with musical performances. When 3 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $35 Tilles Center 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville 516-299-3100 tillescenter.org
Credit: Ed Betz
Shining Star
Shining Star: Earth Wind Fire tribute band performs songs made famous by the Grammy-award winning band. The dance floor will be open and the theater filled with the iconic band's chartbusters including “September,” “Let’s Groove” and “Boogie Wonderland.” When 7 p.m. Cost Tickets range $29-$49 The Suffolk 118 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-727-4343 thesuffolk.org
Credit: Jack Roman Photography
'Branching Out'
This live theatrical production geared toward neurodiverse audiences features kid-friendly music and activities. Children are invited to be part of the action and embrace adventure while exploring the four seasons. Participation is optional. When 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. April 5-6 Cost $20 Tilles Center for the Performing Arts 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville 516-299-3100 tillescenter.org
Credit: Randee Daddona
Dune Day
Help stabilize beach dunes by planting dune grass. Hands-on volunteers are needed to work alongside town officials. No early registration is required, just show up dressed appropriately and dig in and plant. When 10 a.m.; rain or shine Cost Free Tobay Beach Concession stand on the south side off Ocean Parkway, Massapequa 516-677-5943 oysterbaytown.com
Credit: Newsday/Candice Ruud
Neil Diamond tribute
Performer Neil Forever pays homage to music icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Diamond, performing the singer's greatest hits accompanied by a 14-piece ensemble. Listen for classics including, “Cherry, Cherry,” “Coming to America” and “Sweet Caroline." When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $38.75 The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington 631-673-7300 paramountny.com
Credit: Ed Betz
'12 Angry Men'
This live drama courtroom production focuses on 12 members of a jury deciding the fate of a teenage boy accused of murdering his father. Each performance will be followed by a Q&A with judges and other members of the judicial system. When 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Cost Starting at $25 The Suffolk 118 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-727-4343 thesuffolk.org
Credit: Daniel Goodrich
Gaelic Storm
Calling itself a “true working-man’s band,” this Irish rock band led by frontman Patrick Murphy stays true to its Celtic traditions. The Billboard World Chart toppers, who performed in the film "Titanic," welcomes the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band as special guest. When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $46 Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts 71 E. Main St., Patchogue 631-207-1313 patchoguetheatre.org
Credit: Morgan Campbell
Lindenhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade
The annual celebration steps off from Fireman’s Park and heads west on Hartford Street to Wellwood Avenue, ending at the middle school. The parade will include marchers, pipe bands and parade participants who will pass the reviewing stand on the northeast side of the intersection of Wellwood and Hoffman avenues. When Noon; rain date; March 30 Cost Free Lindenhurst Northeast side of Wellwood and Hoffman avenues 631-942-2835 lindenhurststpatricksparade.org
Credit: Danielle Silverman
Supershow Long Island
The show floor features more than 20 vendors selling comic books, action figures, collectibles, retro games and more. Special guests include inker artist Keith Williams, artist James Rodriguez, writer Dennis Knight and members of Sheek Visual Arts. The price of admission includes 10 power cards to play in the arcade. When 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost $17.89 Dave & Buster's 1504 Old Country Rd., Westbury 631-673-7300 eventbrite.com
Credit: Howard Schnapp
Long Island Nets
Get ready for a weekend of basketball when the Long Island Nets taking on the Cleveland Charge at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The NBA G league affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets takes the court with head coach Mfon Udolfia. When 7 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $28.75 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale 516-231-4848 nassaucoliseum.com
Credit: AllIslandAerial.com / Kevin P. Coughlin
Katt Williams at UBS Arena
The winner of a Primetime Emmy-award for his work on “Atlanta,” the stand-up comedian and award-winning actor continues his “Heaven on Earth” tour at the UBS Arena at Belmont Park. When 8 p.m. Cost Tickets start at $75.85; parking fee starts at $44 UBS Arena at Belmont Park 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont 516-460-8599 ubsarena.com
Credit: Johnny Milano
Oyster Bay Polar Plunge
You’ll be freezin’ for a reason at the plunge in the chilly waters of the Atlantic, which benefits Special Olympics New York. The event starts with a fun fest for plungers featuring music and vendors selling merchandise. Registration beings at 9 a.m. and participants who raise $150 receive a commemorative sweatshirt. When 11 a.m. Cost $25 per plunger Tobay Beach 1 Ocean Pkwy., Massapequa 631-673-7300 specialolympics-ny.org
Credit: Debra Klipstein/Ballet Long Island
Ballet Long Island presents 'Cinderella'
The classic fairy tale takes viewers along on a girl’s journey to becoming a princess with the help of her fairy godmother. When 1 p.m. Cost $25; $15 children younger than 12 Ballet Long Island 1863 Pond Rd., Ronkonkoma 631-737-1964 balletlongisland.com
Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
St. Patrick's Day parade in Patchogue
Bring a chair and line the streets to see marchers on Route 112 and East Main Street for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Marchers will continue west on Main Street and conclude at West Avenue. The lineup includes pipe bands, floats, Irish step dancers, local scouts, twirlers and fire trucks. When Kick off at 12:30 p.m., rain or shine Cost Free Patchogue downtown Main Street, Huntington 631-475-4302 patchoguevillage.org
Credit: Daniel Goodrich
'Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis'
The live show teams up comedian Colin Mochrie ("Whose Line Is It, Anyway?") and hypnotist Asad Mecci focusing on their specialties: improv with hypnosis. Skeptics and believers alike are promised some laughs as volunteers from the audience get the chance to get into the act. When 7 p.m. Cost Tickets range $50-$80 Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts 71 E. Main St., Patchogue 631-207-1313 patchoguetheatre.org
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
Glen Cove St. Patrick's Day parade
The parade begins at Finley Middle School at Forest Avenue and travels south of Dosoris Lane. It then follows Brewster Street to School Street. From there it moves into Glen Street ending at St. Patrick’s Church on Glen Street, where an after-parade party with a full corned beef dinner or pasta takes place. Parking is available at Glen Cove’s downtown municipal parking garages and St. Patrick’s parish lot with shuttle buses available. When Kickoff at 1 p.m., rain or shine; after-parade party: 2:30 to 6 p.m. Cost Free admission for parade; $25 for the after-parade party Downtown Glen Cove and St. Patrick's Parish Hall 235 Glen St., Glen Cove 516-782-7494 glencoveparade.com
Credit: Craig Ruttle
Opening weekend at Adventureland
Spring ushers in the opening of the Route 110 amusement park. Get some thrills on the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, the Fireball, Rattlesnake and Turbulence roller coasters, midway games for prizes, including High Striker and Whack-A-Mole, and long-range basketball shooting. When 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; weekends and holidays through Memorial Day weekend Cost Admission starts at $49.50 ages 2-24; $39.50 for adults; free younger than 2 Adventureland 2245 Rte. 110 / Broadhollow Rd., East Farmingdale 631-694-6868 adventureland.us
ABOUT THIS SERIES
Newsday restaurant critics strive to dine anonymously while reviewing and pay their own way. Editorial decisions are made independent of any advertising and marketing relationships eateries may have with the company; the only thing restaurants could do to get on this list was to blow us away. In this year’s expanded write-ups, we’ve given a sense of every establishment’s history, vibe and ambitions. Menus and prices change frequently — if you are looking for a specific dish or have a firm price ceiling, call ahead.
Credits
Reported by: Andi Berlin, Erica Marcus, Marie Elena Martinez and Scott Vogel
Editors: Shawna VanNess, Jane Lear
Interactive Editor: Meghan Giannotta
Design: Jen Brown and James Stewart
Development: Seming Lin, Mark Levitas, Peter Sekesan, Christopher McLeod, and TC McCarthy
QA: Daryl Becker and Sumeet Kaur
Copy Editor: Estelle Lander
Photo Editor: David Rosenberg
Video Editor: Susan Yale
