What are the best waterfront restaurants?
Long Island is home to dozens of outstanding waterfront restaurants, where diners can enjoy fresh seafood, spectacular harbor views, sunsets over the water, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re overlooking the Long Island Sound, the Great South Bay, or one of the island’s many harbors and marinas, waterfront dining is one of Long Island’s signature experiences.
In Short
Long Island’s waterfront restaurants range from casual dockside eateries and seafood shacks to upscale dining destinations overlooking harbors, bays, and the Atlantic coastline. Many combine fresh local seafood with panoramic views, making them popular destinations for both residents and visitors.
What Are the Best Waterfront Restaurants on Long Island?
With hundreds of miles of coastline, Long Island offers no shortage of memorable waterfront dining experiences. Restaurants overlooking marinas, beaches, harbors, and bays provide guests with scenic views while serving everything from fresh seafood and steaks to Italian cuisine, sushi, and classic American favorites.
Many waterfront restaurants feature outdoor patios, docks for arriving by boat, live music during the summer, and spectacular sunset views. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual lunch by the water, there are excellent choices across both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
If you’re looking for a place to start, popular waterfront favorites include The Buoy Bar in Point Lookout and Claudio’s Restaurant in Greenport. Both have become well-known destinations for waterfront dining, offering beautiful views, fresh seafood, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Quick Facts
| Looking For… | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Waterfront Views | Restaurants overlooking harbors, marinas, bays, beaches, and the Atlantic coastline. |
| Popular Nassau County Restaurant | The Buoy Bar – Point Lookout – https://buoybarli.com |
| Popular Suffolk County Restaurant | Claudio’s Restaurant – Greenport – https://claudios.com |
| Popular Cuisine | Fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, sushi, burgers, and classic American fare. |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring through fall for outdoor dining, harbor views, and spectacular sunsets. |
Editorial Note: Recommendations on this page are chosen independently by the LongIslandGuide.com editorial team based on reputation, visitor experience, and local significance. Featured businesses do not pay for placement, and inclusion should not be interpreted as a ranking of all businesses on Long Island.
Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood beside a marina, watching boats cruise through the harbor, or dining outdoors as the sun sets over the water, Long Island’s waterfront restaurants offer some of the island’s most memorable dining experiences. With exceptional locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, there’s a waterfront table waiting for every occasion.
