When it comes to culinary exploration, Huntington Bay is a treasure that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. Nestled along Huntington’s picturesque north shore, this elegant waterfront community blends old-world charm with a quietly adventurous food scene. Let’s take a tour up and down the winding roads, from buzzing sidewalk cafés and artisanal bakeries to cozy seafood bistros with sunset views. Whether you’re searching for casual bites or a splurge-worthy dinner, Huntington Bay serves up something special for every palate.
Waterfront Dining: Fresh Flavors with a View
It’s only fitting that some of the area’s most memorable meals come with sweeping vistas of Huntington Harbor. Along East Shore Road and Bay Avenue, you’ll find local institutions where the cuisine is as impressive as the scenery.
- Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar (117 New York Ave, at the edge of Huntington Bay and Huntington Village)
- Overlooking the marina, Prime has earned its reputation as the go-to spot for celebratory dinners and date nights. Their menu is a harmonious blend of New American and classic steakhouse fare, with standout sushi rolls, perfectly seared steaks, and fresh oysters. Insider tip: snag a table on the dockside patio at sunset.
- *Cuisine:* New American, Sushi, Steakhouse
- *Price Range:* $$$
- Finnegan’s (5 Wall St, just south of the Bay)
- More than a century old, this Irish-themed pub is beloved for its hearty fare and neighborly feel. Tuck into a shepherd’s pie or their legendary fish and chips, washed down with a pint of local ale.
- *Cuisine:* Irish, Pub Grub
- *Price Range:* $$
Café Culture & All-Day Eats
For a leisurely breakfast, midday pick-me-up, or catching up with friends, Huntington Bay’s café scene is quietly vibrant. While the area is primarily residential, the northern stretch of New York Avenue, especially as it meets Bay Avenue, is sprinkled with local gems.
- Southdown Coffee (228 New York Ave)
- This airy, indie café roasts its own beans and serves up photogenic lattes, flaky pastries, and avocado toast that’s become a town staple. Locals swear by their “barista’s choice” pour-overs and the friendly, community-focused vibe. Grab a seat on the patio when the weather’s nice.
- *Cuisine:* Coffee, Bakery, Brunch
- *Price Range:* $
- Kerber’s Farm Express (135 New York Ave, near the bay entrance)
- Branching out from their namesake farmstand, Kerber’s Farm brings its homemade pies, breakfast sandwiches, and seasonal treats into the heart of Huntington. Their classic egg sandwich on a biscuit, paired with house-brewed coffee, is a local morning mantra.
- *Cuisine:* Farm-to-Table, Bakery
- *Price Range:* $
Sweet Treats & Bakeries
A walk or drive through this part of town will lead you to nostalgic bakeries and dessert destinations that locals keep in their regular rotation.
- Carvel Huntington Bay (207 New York Ave)
- Nothing says ‘Long Island summer’ like a swirl of Carvel’s soft-serve. Grab a flying saucer or indulge in a made-to-order ice cream cake. It’s the sort of place that makes lifelong memories for families and old friends alike.
- *Cuisine:* Ice Cream
- *Price Range:* $
- Buttercooky Bakery of Huntington (495 New York Ave, a short drive from the bay)
- Known far and wide for their show-stopping cakes and European pastries, Buttercooky is the place to pick up a rainbow cookie, fruit tart, or a box of flaky mille-feuille.
- *Cuisine:* Bakery, Pastries
- *Price Range:* $$
Hidden Gems & Local Institutions
No guide to Huntington Bay would be complete without uncovering a few off-the-beaten-path treasures. Here, you’ll find flavors that reflect both the area’s traditions and new culinary creativity.
- Sandbar (55 Main St, just south of Huntington Bay proper)
- This upscale eatery, a quick drive from the water’s edge, wows with inventive takes on seafood and American classics—think grilled branzino with preserved lemon or lobster mac n’ cheese. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.
- *Cuisine:* Seafood, Contemporary American
- *Price Range:* $$$
- Fado (8 Gerard St)
- A warm, intimate Portuguese spot with a loyal neighborhood following, Fado serves up soul-warming plates of seafood rice, flame-grilled octopus, and sweet custard tarts. Their wine list, featuring hard-to-find Iberian bottles, makes every meal an occasion.
- *Cuisine:* Portuguese
- *Price Range:* $$
Food Trucks & Seasonal Finds
While the stately blocks of Huntington Bay proper are largely residential, don’t miss the pop-up food trucks and seasonal events nearby. The Huntington Farmers Market (just south of the Bay at Main St & New York Ave) draws food trucks and stalls on weekends—think wood-fired pizzas, fresh crepes, and local cheeses.
- Rolling in Dough Brick Oven Pizza Truck
- A summer staple parked at the market or by the harbor on event nights, they sling crisp Neapolitan pies with heaps of fresh basil and hand-torn mozzarella right out of their truck.
Distinctive Food Traditions
Huntington Bay reflects the melting pot culture of Long Island, so you’ll find both time-honored dishes (clam chowder and lobster rolls, especially in summer) and newer trends like poke bowls and vegan salads at spots overlapping with surrounding neighborhoods.
Food traditions here revolve around the bay itself: summer lobster bakes, autumn cider and donuts from nearby Kerber’s Farm, and winter hot chocolates from Southdown Coffee after a windy bay walk. Locals love community events like the Huntington Lighthouse Music Festival, which brings additional pop-up specialty foods every season.
Planning Your Huntington Bay Food Tour
The best way to savor Huntington Bay is to set aside an afternoon for a casual stroll or drive, stopping at a handful of these standouts along the way. Parking is manageable, and most establishments are close enough to hop between, especially around the intersections of New York Ave and Bay Ave.
*Morning*: Start with a flaky pastry and a cappuccino at Southdown Coffee.
*Afternoon*: Walk the shoreline, then treat yourself to Carvel or Buttercooky for dessert.
*Evening*: Reserve a table at Prime for a luxe waterfront dinner, or pop over to Sandbar or Fado for a laid-back gourmet feast.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the area’s understated vibe fool you. From market pop-ups to high-end dockside dining, Huntington Bay rewards the curious foodie with culinary surprises at every turn. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the North Shore, consider this your invitation to dine—and linger—where the bay meets the best of Long Island eating.