Most restaurants in Bay Shore aren’t great at being restaurants. They’re either overpriced tourist traps with mediocre seafood, or chains where families settle for predictable menus. But there are exceptions that take their cuisine—and their local ingredients—seriously. These spots have memorable flavors, enough character to make each visit distinct, and serve everything from innovative small plates to classic Long Island clam chowder.
McDonald’s
$ | (631) 647-8472 | WEBSITE
McDonald’s is for the sort of people who prioritize convenience above all else. If you don’t understand this particular brand of efficiency, we have no idea why you’re reading this guide. This fast-food spot has a large parking lot, which takes up almost every available inch of the property, and you can order things like fresh Quarter Pounders with cheese and a nice Filet-O-Fish. Kidding, obviously.
Get some Big Macs, fries, and sodas like everyone else, and enjoy the quick service and family-friendly atmosphere.
Golden Star
$ | (631) 665-5503 | WEBSITE
Golden Star’s egg foo young might be the most comforting dish in all of Bay Shore. At this welcoming Chinese spot, an order of dumplings calls for a side of fried rice with bean sprouts and a few extra napkins for dabbing your chin. This restaurant stays pretty busy with families and regulars during weekend dinners, but for the most part, it’s a relaxed place to settle in on a Tuesday evening, and enjoy a meal in the clean, friendly dining room.
Captain Bills Restaurant & Catering
$$ | (631) 665-6262 | WEBSITE
Captain Bills isn’t explicitly a fine-dining establishment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great spot for a waterfront meal. You should come here to enjoy the marina views and savor plates of the many seafood options on the menu, but just know that when you’re marveling at the perfectly cooked LI Flounder (again), there will probably be a couple sharing dessert at the table beside you. Take a quick look at their selection of linguini dishes, and then order one yourself.
The Pie at Salvatore’s
$$ | (631) 206-1060 | WEBSITE
Whether you can’t find anyone else interested in trying new pizza flavors, or you don’t feel like listening to a friend talk about their latest diet while you’re craving comfort food, keep The Pie at Salvatore’s in mind. This Bay Shore spot is about the size of a small apartment, but it has tastefully decorated older surroundings and a cozy atmosphere, so it’s perfect for flying solo.
Order a fresh Neapolitan pie with mushrooms and some of the classic options, like the Supreme with premium toppings.
Chowder Bar
$$ | (631) 665-9859 | WEBSITE
Don’t come to Chowder Bar expecting white tablecloths and hushed conversations. There’s nothing fancy about this cozy, 35-year-old Bayshore institution, but if you’re fine with that, then the outdoor seating and pet-friendly amenities make it a welcoming place for everyone. They also have a kid-friendly menu, so you can enjoy some relatively affordable New England Clam Chowder while watching families with strollers navigate the easy wheelchair accessibility at the front door.
For dessert lovers, the key lime pie is a standout with its brown and crispy graham cracker crust and creamy filling, and guests often return for the Lemon Ice Box Pie, which is also praised for its delicious crust. Parking is easy to find during the week and in the off season, and there’s valet parking on weekends if you need it.
La Excelencia Bakery & Deli
$ | (631) 273-1449 | WEBSITE
La Excelencia is in the heart of Bay Shore, it opens early every morning, and it attracts plenty of regulars. But it feels like less of a grab-and-go spot than other bakeries in the area. That’s partly because there are no rushed transactions, but it’s also because the focus here is on quality. (That’s especially true with the pastries.) Most people use the clean, bright space as a spot to get coffee and sweet bread while chatting with staff rather than a place to just pick up food.
The Cheesecake Factory
$$ | (631) 969-5780 | WEBSITE
The best seats at The Cheesecake Factory are at the tables near the windows that overlook the mall parking lot. If you’d rather not sit with a view of the asphalt, you can also grab a booth or a table in the center of the dining room. This Bay Shore restaurant has plenty of space, and it’s less crowded during brunch, so you can enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.
The spacious, family-friendly atmosphere is filled with natural light, and, for a place located in a mall complex, all of the food is surprisingly delicious. Get some excellent shepherd’s pie or a wide selection of cheesecakes topped with whipped cream.
Fatfish
$$$ | (631) 666-2899 | WEBSITE
Along the Great South Bay, there are many restaurants that people might confuse. But they couldn’t be more different. Fatfish is a waterfront spot where people who appreciate excellent seafood convene for special occasions. Other places are more like crowded, noisy joints with tables we wouldn’t dare sit at. For a memorable meal, there’s only one correct choice.
On a nice evening, Fatfish fills up and the crowd spills onto the outdoor patio, enjoying the stunning view and meeting up with friends who just arrived for their reservation. It’s a perfect setting—perfect enough that you might end up staying through the live music. If you’re celebrating something, it’s also a good romantic move. The ceviche appetizer and halibut special are delicious, the service is first-class, and the ambiance makes you feel welcomed.
Seated directly over the water, the Branzino and lamb chops were cooked to perfection. The key lime pie was a special treat. Fatfish remains a favorite spot for outstanding food with a lovely atmosphere.
Chubby Deli
$ | (631) 254-2828 | WEBSITE
There are delis, and then there are delis where you can get a Bada Boom panini. That’s Chubby Deli. This popular Bay Shore spot is essentially the opposite of a grab-and-go joint, with a bustling atmosphere and attentive staff who keep things moving. But the best thing about Chubby Deli is the omelette platters, generously sized with those high-quality home fries.
Second-best is the lunch menu of satisfying classics, like the standout mac and cheese with chicken cutlet and mashed potatoes, or the garlic bread sub with breaded chicken, fresh mozzarella, and roasted peppers. The third-best thing is the Chubby Checker with Caesar dressing, a perfect and loaded portion that lives up to the hype.
Migueleño Restaurant
$ | (631) 647-8022 | WEBSITE
This casual Salvadoran spot has a few tables for seating in a modest space that could use some updates, but not so many that you’ll feel cramped. Migueleño is the perfect place if you want a quick, family-friendly meal without any fuss. The atmosphere feels straightforward and unpretentious, with simple furnishings and bright overhead lighting. Although the focus here is on pupusas, you can get the recommended reveltas served quickly with amazing service for around $12-15 per plate.
And it just so happens that a lot of families and regulars come through for a satisfactory meal, though the quality of certain dishes may vary.
Victorian Room
$$ | (631) 969-3655 | WEBSITE
On a typical afternoon, Victorian Room is a quiet, elegant venue in Bay Shore where you can enjoy a rainbow cookie and actually appreciate the beautiful decor around you. But if there’s a bridal shower happening, the warmly decorated space fills to capacity with celebration enthusiasts who are prepared to eat as many hot donuts as it takes to make their event truly memorable. Arrive early if you’re coming for a special occasion, and consider bringing your own flowers.
They welcome personal touches, and there’s a florist just down the street.
Pollo Campero
$$ | (833) 226-7376 | WEBSITE
Pollo Campero is a solid spot right in Bay Shore, so it’s a reliable choice when you’re looking for a convenient family meal, or something actually worth your time, like that legendary Guatemalan fried chicken. But it’d be a good place to grab dinner no matter the occasion.
It always tends to have the right amount of seating, there are plenty of parking spaces including ones that are easy to pull into, and the clean, welcoming atmosphere provides healthy reminders that a satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated. They also have those super chicken empanadas with yuca.
Milano Bean Cafe
$ | (631) 328-1529 | WEBSITE
On Fridays and Saturdays, Milano Bean Cafe brings in a DJ to create a lively vibe that makes the environment even more enjoyable. Even though the setup is classic cozy café—warm decor, carefully curated playlist—you could also bring a laptop and grab a table by the windows. Try the baklava and very decent waffles.
KFC
$ | (631) 665-9559 | WEBSITE
Some people have yet to entrust their fried chicken cravings to a drive-thru that doesn’t care whether they get extra crispy or original recipe. If you’re hanging out with folks like that, get a meal at KFC in Bay Shore. Think of this place as a fast-food joint dressed up like a friendly neighborhood spot, with food like customizable chicken orders and deals that stretch your dollar.
Value-conscious friends will appreciate the prompt service and courteous staff, and you’ll have a nice time watching Jorge the manager greet customers while your food arrives in a jiffy.
Le Dock
$$$ | (631) 583-5200 | WEBSITE
Visiting Le Dock is a culinary adventure in its own right. Unless you snag a table well before sunset, you’ll likely be waiting, but soaking in that golden-hour view is exactly why you’re here. This is a destination spot, which means there’s no shortage of exceptional dishes to draw in folks who might not be totally invested in the sunset spectacle, though you’d be missing out if you didn’t try the Korean fried chicken or the sushi on crispy rice.
Think of the cozy bar ambiance during happy hour as a built-in bonus feature, given the consistently attentive service and the likelihood that the penne vodka with lobster will do something spectacular.
Kismet Coffee Company – Bay Shore
$ | WEBSITE
The Bay Shore location of Kismet Coffee Company is tucked away in a neighborhood with more coffee enthusiasts than your average suburban strip—which helps explain why this cozy shop identifies itself as a destination for serious caffeine lovers (as well as a place for homemade pastries).
But whether you want to sip perfectly balanced cappuccinos surrounded by people typing on laptops or you’re just looking for a spot with friendly staff and limited seating, Kismet is hands-down the best coffee shop in Bay Shore.
Grace Deli
$ | (631) 647-4140 | WEBSITE
Everyone loves Grace Deli. Hours before the lunch rush, this Bay Shore spot fills up with people grabbing tables and ordering their first sandwich. The best seats in the house might actually be at the counter by the front, where you can watch the friendly lady take orders with quick precision. Even on a quiet morning though, this is one of our top choices for eating a big breakfast sandwich. You can specify your bagel, of course, but also whether you want it toasted or plain.
Did we mention everyone loves Grace Deli?
Flour Shoppe Cafe
$$ | WEBSITE
This cozy, family-friendly Main Street cafe is especially great for casual breakfasts and relaxed lunches with friends. Besides enjoying the excellent food, the most important reason to come here is the very good deluxe breakfast sandwich—if you love the one at other local spots, you’ll dig this, too.
But the Flour Shoppe Cafe’s other charms include a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, and plenty of tempting options like the wild mushroom omelette with goat cheese and caramelized onions. And as a proud breakfast and lunch stronghold, they do right by the morning crowd with some very respectable banana crumb pancakes and tasty pastries.
China Buffet City
$ | (631) 274-0888 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving Chinese food, most buffets feel like a chaotic food court, but with less variety and more steam trays. Even though China Buffet City is a reliable spot for a quick meal (wide selection, friendly service), it’s just as satisfying when you’re not in a hurry. That’s because this straightforward restaurant in Bay Shore has very fresh dishes and traditional cuisine like sushi and American-style breakfast items that make it worth visiting for lunch or dinner anytime.
Ends Meat Eats
$ | (631) 245-2900 | WEBSITE
Ends Meat Eats is a cute food truck with friendly ownership and a welcoming atmosphere. As you might imagine, they offer delicious meals like hot lobster rolls, crispy wings, smash burgers (including a lobster topped one), and sides such as macaroni salad and homemade cookies. This place has a compact counter as well as some picnic tables nearby for casual dining, and no matter where you’re sitting or standing, you’ll have a good view of the truck’s colorful exterior.
The owner provides many gluten-free options, and sometimes features live music and music from next door, making it a fun spot to visit.
