Since the onset of COVID-19 three years ago, restaurants, not just on Long Island, but worldwide faced unprecedented challenges for nearly two years. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and capacity restrictions significantly impacted their operations. Many establishments shifted to takeout and delivery services to survive, accelerating the adoption of digital platforms.
Health and safety protocols became paramount, with increased sanitation measures and contactless dining options.
The industry witnessed the closures of numerous beloved eateries, while others adapted by redesigning spaces and embracing outdoor dining.
Supply chain disruptions affected ingredient availability, leading to menu changes. Despite these hurdles, resilience and innovation have marked the industry’s response, fostering a new era of adaptable and tech-savvy dining experiences.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants, in no particular order, that we have visited with friends and family or worked with since the COVID restrictions lifted and are happy to help support and promote their new or continued success.
The Pacific Street Pizza Co.
The Pacific Street Pizza Co. is an Italian Restaurant serving up classic favorites that has recently opened following the COVID-related closure of their family’s long-time pizzeria, Attilio’s Pizzeria in Roslyn Heights being closed. Pacific Street Pizza is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is plenty of parking in the lot directly behind the pizzeria, located at 38 Glen Cove Rd., in Greenvale, just north of Northern Boulevard. Visit www.pacificstreetpizza.com or call 516-231-1950 to place an order or for more information.
Tous les Jours
Tous les Jours, a French-Asian bakery café chain offering more than 300 artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts baked in-store daily, has opened its ninth New York state outpost in Great Neck, at 41 Great Neck Road and can be reached at (516) 570-6204. The location is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.tljus.com for more information about Tous les Jours, or to view the full menu and find your nearest location.
Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s
Not to be confused with another similarly named establishment out east, Bobby Q’s of Freeport has recently opened its second location in September. The first and still existing restaurant on Main Street in Freeport survived through COVID and has sort of taken on a more on-the-go feel since it opened in 2017. Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s, at 365 W. Sunrise Highway in Freeport, is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Bobby Q’s on Main Street is open Tuesday through Saturday, with an abbreviated menu. Visit www.bbqeastofharlem.com or call 516-460-8056 for menus and more information.
Zorn’s of Bethpage
Zorn’s of Bethpage is still family-owned and operated by Merrill S. Zorn, Peter Zorn’s only granddaughter. In 2019, Merrill took on a massive undertaking by moving the entire business into a brand new 8,000-square-foot store at the same address in Bethpage. She designed the new building by listening to customers ideas and suggestions for the space. The new building pays tribute to the history of Zorn’s with historic photos and memorabilia used as decor. Zorn’s of Bethpage is located at 4321 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage. Visit www.zornsofbethpage.com for details.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, famous for its unmatched dining experience and steaks served on 500-degree sizzling plates, announced its newest location in Melville last year. With more than 150 restaurants, Ruth’s Chris has been in business for more than 57 years. While Ruth’s Chris’ USDA Prime steaks and their signature sizzle may have put the restaurant on the map, guests can also enjoy fresh seafood, scratch-made side dishes and desserts, craft cocktails and choice wines, served with the sort of hospitality that would make its namesake proud. The new Ruth’s Chris restaurant is located at 881 Walt Whitman Rd. Visit RuthsChris.com/restaurant-locations/melville/or call 631-371-3545 for reservations and more information.
Il Mulino Long Island
Tucked unassumingly into the flash and glamour of the Gold Coast’s Northern Boulevard is the wildly popular and upscaled, but discreet, Il Mulino Long Island. This restaurant is one of dozens in the brand’s repertoire, a fixture in Roslyn, for nearly 20 years. The menu, a nod to the Abruzzo region in Italy, just east of Rome, is known for its culinary variety and richness. Il Mulino, located at 1042 Northern Boulevard in Roslyn, is open seven days a week for dinner; there are lunch hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Visit www.ilmulino.com/long-island or call 516-621-1870 for menus and reservations.
Nomiya Station
The newest addition to the Restaurant Collection at Roosevelt Field Mall, Nomiya — which translates to ‘saloon’ — stands as the area’s first izakaya. Nomiya has a seating capacity of 75, as well as outdoor seating, on the west side of Roosevelt FIeld Mall (630 Old Country Rd., in Garden City). Visit www.nomiyastation.com for the menu.
Louie’s Manhasset Restaurant
Located just steps away from the bustling train station, Louie’s Manhasset Restaurant has been a staple in the community for nearly 60 years, celebrating another milestone in less than a year. Louie’s Manhasset Restaurant is located at 339 Plandome Road, in the heart of the hamlet. Visit www.louiesmanhassetrestaurant.com or call 516-627-0022 for more information.
Bacaro Italian Tavern
You have either eaten at Bacaro Italian Tavern in Massapequa Park, know someone who has or need to move it up on your list of must-places to try. The food, service and atmosphere are all in alignment and have made it one of the most notable, bustling Italian restaurants on the island. Bacaro Italian Tavern is located at 1020 Park Blvd. in Massapequa Park. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the more popular Friday and Saturday dinner hours. Visit www.bacarony.com or call 516-798-1555 for more information.
Kama Asian Fusion
New kid on the block, Kama Asian Fusion in Wantagh has been a great surprise to many. The talented and Michelin award-winning chef, Peter Beck has Every once in a while, a restaurant comes along that is so modest that it is imperative for you to try it for yourself to understand what makes it so spectacular. That restaurant would be the newest addition in Wantagh, Kama Asian Fusion, led by Chef Peter Beck. It is located at 1929 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Visit www.kamafusion.com or call 516-804-6100 to make a reservation.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
NYC Restaurateur Tal Sheinman has opened the fourth franchise location of the already popular Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. This new location opened on April 24, in founder and creator, Stratis Morfogen’s hometown of Garden City at 684 Stewart Ave. (previously Mac & Melts). This place is a nod to the historic cafeteria-style automat food service. Visit www.brooklyndumplingshop.com for details.
Publicans
Publicans on Plandome Road serves up some fantastic comfort foods and terrific atmosphere, whether or not you partake in alcohol. Publicans offers a full lunch and dinner menu, including soups, salads, appetizers, burgers, wings, tacos and plated entrees. The pub is located at 550 Plandome Rd. in Manhasset. Visit www.publicansmanhasset.com or call 516-627-7722 for more information.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas in Garden City regular hosts amazing chef-inspired wine-paired dinners with incredibly delicious winemakers and amazingly talented chefs in addition to its regular lunch and dinner menus. Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is located in The Gallery at Westbury Plaza (1002 Old Country Rd. in Garden City). Visit www.spuntinowinebar.com or call 516-228-5400.
Small Batch
Small Batch offers locally sourced, expertly prepared Rustic American fare, by Tom Colicchio. Colicchio’s seasonally changing menu showcases Long Island’s bounty. This gem is located on the west side of Roosevelt Field Mall (630 Old Country Rd. in Garden City) among the complex’s growing collection, Restaurant Row. Visit www.smallbatchrestaurant.com or call 516-548-8162.
Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers
Ben’s Kosher Deli is a family-owned and operated restaurant and delicatessen that has been serving up the finest authentic New York Kosher delicatessen and eastern European comfort foods since 1972. Customers love Ben’s homemade soups, hot pastrami, fresh-cut coleslaw, baked knishes and crunchy all you can eat pickles. All of Ben’s soups, salads, sandwiches and dinners are freshly prepared. Ben’s has five convenient locations: Three on Long Island in Carle Place, Greenvale and Woodbury, one in Bayside, Queens and one in Boca Raton, Florida. Visit www.bensdeli.net or call 516-742-3354 for more information.
