Northport is an upscale village located on the North Shore of Long Island, within the town of Huntington. It is known for its Victorian-era village center and picturesque waterfront. With a rich cultural scene, people flock here in the summer to dine at Northport’s best restaurants, go to a show at the famed John W. Engeman Theater, and visit the art galleries and boutique shops along Main Street.
Northport combines the tranquility of a small town with the cultural offerings of a bustling city, making it a beloved destination for both residents and visitors. While it has long been popular for families visiting for the day, the Northport Hotel opened in 2023 and provides an opportunity to stay and enjoy the town for longer.
From celebrity hangouts to a popular vineyard, there are dining options that are guaranteed to please everyone. Here is my guide to the best restaurants in Northport.
Robkes
Robkes isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Northport, it is probably the most beloved as well. And that’s because it’s been family owned for decades. And when you visit, you will quickly see that the environment makes it feel like the owners, staff, and long-time regulars are all family as well. It’s been around so long that the owner’s grown son Louie now runs the day-to-day operations.
This Italian focused restaurant serves up a menu of pasta, seafood, and various house specialties. But just as popular as their dining in menu, are the rotating half tray specials to take home and feed the whole family.
It’s pretty busy most nights here as well as Sunday afternoons. Robkes doesn’t accept reservations, so the bar area fills up quickly with people waiting for tables as well as those looking to dine at one of the limited bar seats. This is generally where we sit, and Janice loves the espresso martinis here because they include Bailey’s to make them creamy.
Now my honest take about Robkes is that the food is good, but nothing extraordinary. But Louie is very active on social media and has done a good job attracting celebrities and athletes to dine in. I’m not swayed one way or another on this, but it has created a buzz that has led to some people labeling it as an overrated restaurant on Long Island. Its cash only policy also leads to some detractors. But Robkes is the restaurant we dine at most often here and love. I suggest going and deciding for yourself.
Del Vino Vineyards
When Huntington native, Frederick Giachetti bought an old farmhouse and former apple orchard in 2012, he had grand plans to turn it into a vineyard and winery. While it took over two years to get the appropriate approvals and permits and then millions of dollars for renovations, the dream became a reality when Del Vino Vineyards finally opened in 2018.
Now Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling grapes used for their white wines are grown on this 11-acre property. The red wines are made from grapes sourced mostly from Napa. Del Vino makes just eight wines – three reds, three whites, plus a Moscato and a Rosé.
White Wines
- Alto: Chardonnay
- Ventola: Sauvingon Blanc
- Bobina: Pinot Grigio
Red Wines
- Suprema: Red Blend
- Ultimo: Cabernet Blend
- Grande: Super Tuscan
The tasting room is more of a restaurant than a place to sample and learn about the wines before purchasing bottles. Though they do offer flights. Most people will sit for a dinner with several pasta dishes and pizzas.
Del Vino has now become a destination for people across Long Island and a closer alternative for those coming from the city. Reservations are highly encouraged, if not mandatory during the busy season, though the bar is available for walk-ins. I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of here for a while.
Birdie Bar
The success of their family-owned Robkes led the brother-sister duo of Louis and Mia Selvaggio to team up and create their own restaurant. And so, Birdie Bar was born in 2023. The 2nd floor dining room has a golf theme, as a tribute to their brother Paul, who is a golf pro at Westchester Country Club.
Meanwhile, the bar and several tables for dining can be found on the bottom floor. The menu has no specific cuisine focus. But it ranges from bar type foods like wings, nachos, and the burger to pricier options like tuna tartare and the Tomahawk pork chop. But the French dip made with caramelized onions, Gruyere, and jalapenos is perhaps their most popular item.
While you are likely to find something on the menu to suit your taste, it’s really the cocktails and happy hour that lure me back here each time. Their “Early Birdie” menu is offered until 6pm with discounted smaller plate items and $10 cocktails. And so, the bar quickly fills up after opening at 4pm each day.
The Northport Hotel
In 2006, Kevin O’Neill and his wife, Patti took the first steps to turn Northport into a destination for Long Island residents when they bought a shuttered movie theater on Main Street. They transformed it into a live performance theater, renaming it as the John W. Engeman Theater in honor of Patti’s brother who was killed in Iraq. And it is now an acclaimed theater, casting actors from the Broadway talent pool.
Nearly two decades later, they opened the Northport Hotel directly across the street. Now rather than relying solely on locals who head back home when the performance gets out, people from further away can come stay and enjoy the town for few days.
But as part of the hotel, they also created one of the area’s best restaurants. And while it attracts hotel guests and a large pre-theater crowd, the stylish atmosphere also makes it popular among those who live here.
Appetizers include the intriguing crab & sea urchin pancakes, shrimp & pork meatballs in a Thai peanut sauce, and crab bisque. While the grilled lambchops and lobster risotto are great mains. Though not listed on the website, there is often a pre-theater price fixe menu available.
Maroni Cuisine
Grandma’s meatballs are behind the success of Maroni Cuisine.
Maria and Michael Maroni met in the 1990’s when she was a waitress, and he was a young private catering chef. They were quickly married and opened a French restaurant together in Glen Head. But eventually Michael wanted to get away from fine dining, and they found a small spot here in Northport for a new concept.
In 2001, they opened Maroni Cuisine and began serving meatballs in a signature red crock. The century old family recipe was passed down from Michael’s grandma. In 2007, he went on to beat Bobby Flay on a Food Network throwdown, and business took off.
To keep the dining interesting, they ditched the menu and moved to an ever-changing tasting format that gave Micheal the flexibility to remain creative. Unfortunately, he passed in 2019, but his spirit lives on. And the meatballs remain one of the most famous foods on the north shore.
Cost: The tasting menu isn’t cheap, currently running at $195 per person on the weekends and $175 on Wed/Thurs (or a $140 early bird special for seating at 4pm and out by 5:30). The prices are all-inclusive and include food, wine, beer, dessert, espresso, tax, and gratuity.
Arlo Kitchen & Bar
Arlo Kitchen & Bar represents a collaborative dream turned reality between El Salvadorian born chef Walter Huezo and the backing of the Standard Hospitality Group (behind Mission Taco in Huntington and a few other restaurants and catering venues).
The clear aim is to provide a fine dining experience at an elevated price point. And it offers a menu that includes classic dishes with a modern twist, like chicken Parmigiana and lobster pappardelle, as well as fresh raw bar items and wild-caught seafood.
Arlo is nestled within a forest on a hilltop and has two levels for dining, each with a bar and an outdoor area during the summer. Thursday nights feature a live pianist and Sunday has a jazz brunch.
The Wine Cellar on Main
The Wine Cellar on Main is celebrating its 10th year, offering sommelier-chosen wines along with a selection of local craft beer. They offer a small tapas menu that includes cheese, charcuterie, and some small plates. They also allow you to order from their sister restaurant SALTED on the Harbor or Maroni Cuisine and delivered to you. Artwork by local artists hangs on the walls and is for sale. But my favorite reason to stop by is for the live music from Thursday to Sunday and half priced bottles of wine on Wedensdays.
Copenhagen Bakery + Cafe
Danish immigrant, Flemming Hansen, opened Copenhagen Bakery + Cafe in 1998. He started his career as a teenager in Denmark before getting the opportunity to move to the United States and work at a Danish bakery in the Scandanavian-themed town of Solvang, California.
When he brought his expertise to Long Island, the village of Northport certainly benefitted. The bakery is known for an array of freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes. They have also added more typical breakfast and lunch items, including grab and go breakfast sandwiches. You can also buy prepared foods like quiche, chicken pot pies, and other items for meals at home.
Country Hot Bagels
New York City gets most of the bagel glory, but you can find some great bagels on Long Island too. And Country Hot Bagels has some of the best bagels in the area.
Employees and customers have a lot of great things to say about the owner Neil, also owns the beer store next door. Between beer and bagels, it seems he has a good thing going.
