Looking for an oyster fix on Long Island this summer? Well, you’re not alone.
For the uninitiated, oysters are a favorite seafood staple for a reason. Not only do they provide an impressive array of health benefits from vitamins and minerals to antioxidants, they are also essential to the ecosystem, helping to clean our waterways.
And with numerous venues, from seafood restaurants and specialty bars to food trucks featuring the delicious, nutritious aphrodisiac-like seafood delicacies, you can find a variety of spots from Nassau County to the Hamptons to indulge in savoring your favorite seafood that’s become synonymous with sun, fun and waterside dining.
Here are eight recommendations:
CATCH OYSTER BAR
Catch Oyster Bar in Patchogue is a father-and-son collaboration that serves local sustainable oysters and seafood along with a selection of cocktails and drinks. 63 N. Ocean Ave., Patchogue, 631-627-6860, catchoysterbar.com
SUNSET CLUB
Located on Beach in Sea Cliff, the Sunset Club is equal parts Hampton’s summer vibes, top-quality fresh seafood, and creative cocktails, all brought together by third-generation restaurateur Rustan Lundstrum. Menu highlights include a raw bar with local clams and oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and tuna tartare with hoisin, sweet chili, avocado, and wonton chips, summer salads, and sandwiches including a Maine lobster roll and a steak sandwich. 494 Prospect Ave., Sea Cliff, 516-289-4983, thesunsetclub.fun
DURYEA’S ORIENT POINT
One of Montauk’s top waterfront dining spots, Duryea’s Orient Point features indoor and outdoor seating and its own private beach, with a 3,000-square-foot restaurant space that highlights the waterfront location. The menu highlights include a raw bar with Peconic Bay, Oysterponds, and Peeko oysters as well as crisp seafood salads, platters and cocktails. Managing partner Steven Jauffrineau oversees operations while executive chef Philippe Corbet is the culinary director. 40200 Main Rd., Orient, 631-323-2424, duryeas.com/pages/duryeas-orient-point
LOUIE’S PRIME STEAK & SEAFOOD
Louie’s of Port Washington has been a Long Island staple since 1905. Featuring not only a curated raw bar with West Coast and Blue Point oysters but also the freshest seafood as well as dry-aged steaks, chops and salads. Diners can enjoy signature cocktails all while basking in the beautiful waterfront view. 395 Main St., Port Washington, 516-883-4242, louiessince1905.com
SALT & BARREL
Since 1937, Salt & Barrel has featured a vast array of oysters from all over the country by working with purveyors, fishermen, and farmers to bring the best quality product possible to the plate. They offer seafood-inspired menus both in their speakeasy bar and elegant dining room, serving locally sourced provisions wherever possible to maintain consistent freshness. The chef is a luminary in his field and his passion for awakening the palate with bold, fresh flavors shines through with every bite. The venue also features a full line of craft cocktails, boutique wines and American whiskies. 61 West Main St., Bay Shore, 631- 647-8818, saltandbarrel.com
WATERZOOI
For more than 20 years, Waterzooi kitchen in Garden City has taken pride in being Long Island’s only Belgian bistro, with an innovative menu, sophisticated service and impressive beer list. Its oyster offerings include Blue Points and Kumamotos along with an array of fresh seafood, moules pots, salads, steaks and burgers. 850 Franklin Ave., Garden City, 516-877-2177, waterzooi.com
E.B. ELLIOT’S
Established in 2003 to bring a unique dining and entertainment experience to Freeport’s Nautical Mile, E.B. Elliot’s offers oysters and a whole lot more, from pastas, seafood and steaks to an impressive list of wines, beers and specialty cocktails. They also offer catering and party packages. 23 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport, 516-378-8776, hibiscusonthemile.com
THE OYSTER LOVER FOOD TRUCK
How about an oyster bar that comes to you? The Oyster Lover is Long Island’s premier mobile oyster raw bar, sourcing the freshest oysters from Long Island’s community of aquafarms. The Oyster Lover is committed to helping seafood lovers indulge in direct-from-the-sea delicacies beyond the restaurant setting. The story of the truck is a family affair rooted in a husband’s passion for aquafarming and a wife’s dedication to service and sustainability. Their direct sea-to-truck model helps New Yorkers reap what aqua farmers sow. Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties, several options include full-service and DIY raw bars for indoor and outdoor events for freshly shucked East Coast oysters. They also offer oyster-shucking classes. 631-209-7911, theoysterlover.com
