Here are three new restaurants to try on Long Island this month!
BONITA MEXICAN STEAKHOUSE & LATIN-INSPIRED GRILL
This new, 3,000-square-foot restaurant opened back in January, and combines a diverse culinary experience which draws inspiration from Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba.
The quaint, neon-colored spot emphasizes speciality dishes, such as Argentine skirt steak, fresh fish, various tacos, plantains, and everything in between. The restaurant boasts a large vegan selection as well, featuring fajitas, bowls, fresh hummus and more.
Its bright, art-filled, tropical atmosphere pairs perfectly with warm summer nights and a wide-range of Spanish-style drinks.
49 Rte. 25A, Rocky Point, 631-849-2344, bonitamexican.com
ELAINE’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
No, this brand-new East Setauket restaurant doesn’t have anything to do with that Elaine’s. But that doesn’t make any difference.
This Italian restaurant is inspired by owner Elaine Micali’s memories of her mother cooking Sunday dinner in Brooklyn, and her husband Enzo’s own Sicilian ancestry.
Described as “elevated casual,” the restaurant is located near the picturesque waters of Long Island Sound, and offers dishes such as Bronx meatballs, antipasti, pastas, fresh seafood, and more. The beautifully adorned bar features a variety of artwork, and the restaurant itself has the personal touch of family photographs scattered throughout.
The married couple’s passion project is open Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday, at 3 p.m., for Sunday dinner.
316 Main St., East Setauket, 631-678-1950, elainessetauket.com
BAR CLEMENTINE
Bar Clementine is inspired by happy hour in Paris, a ritual which serves as a moment when the hustle and bustle stops.
The team at Bay Shore’s The LakeHouse, has opened its long-awaited sister restaurant. Its casual yet elegant cocktail bar offers bistro-inspired fare such as clams, tuna tartare, caviar, and deviled eggs, along with full entrees and a variety of salads.
This sophisticated dining establishment’s signature drink, consisting of Aperol, vanilla, egg whites, and lime, is a delicious twist on that childhood sweet treat: the Creamsicle.
The kitchen is open 4 – 9:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:30 on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open every day until 10:30 p.m., except Friday and Saturday, when it is open until midnight.
553 Main St., Islip, 631-277-2753, barclementineislip.com
