Long Island

Picturesque Waterfront Dining on Long Island

June 1, 2026 | What To Do

By: Ashley Rea

There’s something special about dining by the water. Maybe it's the sunset reflecting off the bay, the boats drifting past your table, or the way a sea breeze somehow makes every cocktail taste a little better. As the days get longer and summer settles in across Long Island, waterfront restaurants become some of the most sought-after reservations of the season. Whether you're planning a casual lunch by the docks, a golden-hour dinner with friends, or a weekend outing that feels like a mini vacation, these destinations pair great food with some of the best views on Long Island..

Inlet Seafood Restaurant

Credit: Inlet Seafood Restaurant

Located right on the water overlooking Lake Montauk, this year-round favorite serves locally sourced seafood with front-row views of fishing boats coming and going throughout the day. From freshly shucked oysters and lobster rolls to seafood platters and daily catches, the menu is rooted in the waters just beyond the restaurant's docks. It's the kind of place where a leisurely lunch can easily turn into sunset cocktails and dinner. With its relaxed East End energy and unbeatable setting, Inlet feels like the kind of summer stop that belongs on every Montauk itinerary.

Salt on the Water

Credit: Salt on the Water

Set along the waterfront in Merrick, Salt on the Water delivers the kind of laid-back coastal atmosphere that makes summer dining on Long Island so appealing. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, sushi, steaks, and handcrafted cocktails while taking in panoramic water views from the expansive outdoor dining area. Whether you're arriving by car or pulling up by boat, Salt offers a vibrant setting that feels like an escape without ever leaving Long Island. Between the scenic views, lively atmosphere, and versatile menu, it's an easy choice for everything from casual lunches to special occasions throughout the season.

The Buoy Bar

Credit: The Buoy Bar

Perched on the water in Point Lookout, Buoy Bar has become a go-to destination for anyone looking to soak up the best of Long Island summer. The menu features fresh seafood favorites, sushi, burgers, and seasonal specials, while the bar keeps the energy going with frozen cocktails, signature drinks, and live entertainment. With boats cruising by, music in the air, and a lively atmosphere that feels equal parts relaxed and festive, Buoy Bar delivers the kind of dining experience that keeps guests lingering long after their meal is over.

Claudio’s Greenport

Credit: Claudio’s Greenport

A waterfront dining roundup on Long Island would not feel complete without Claudio’s in Greenport. Overlooking the harbor in the heart of the North Fork, this longtime destination pairs fresh seafood, dockside cocktails, and unbeatable views with the lively energy that has made it a seasonal staple for generations. Guests can settle in for lobster rolls, oysters, local catches, and sunset drinks while watching boats pull in and out of the marina. Whether you arrive by car or dock your boat nearby, Claudio’s delivers the kind of classic waterfront dining experience that keeps people coming back summer after summer.

Long Island summers are fleeting, which is exactly why waterfront dining feels so special. It's about more than just the food—it's the sunsets, the boats in the harbor, the sea breeze, and those evenings that somehow stretch a little longer than expected. Whether you're planning a date night, gathering with friends, or simply looking for a reason to spend more time by the water, these restaurants deliver some of the best views and dining experiences the island has to offer.

Tags:
What To Do