Summer is in full swing, which means restaurants are opening their outdoor areas to let the sea breeze and amazing views shine alongside their delicious cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian, Latin, Barbeque or classic American, these top Long Island restaurants have something everyone will enjoy. So gather up your friends, family, (and pups too!) and prepare to enjoy mouth-watering food, crisp cocktails, and incredible ambiance in these 10 top dining spots this summer.

1. The Refuge

The number one spot on our list is The Refuge. Hands down, you just can’t find a better atmosphere, happy hour or menu. From 4 p.m. -7 p.m. every weekday, they give you a reason to celebrate. Enjoy $5 wines, beers, sangrias, $6 classic margaritas & Refuge Sours, $7 Flavored Margaritas & Kentucky Mules, plus they are famous for their signature cocktails that will rock your world. After you’re done sipping, dive into their Italian-American and Latin menu which includes crowd favorites such as “angry shrimp” tacos, ropa vieja nachos, and rigatoni & meatballs (and plenty of vegan options too!).

Barkin’ Brunch

The Refuge is also a hot spot for Sunday brunch offered weekly from 11 am – 3 pm serving up banana Nutella French toast, omelets, pizzas, apple crumb pancakes and so much more. The best part? Your pup is invited to brunch too. The Refuge even offers treats and a special dog menu to give your pup the ultimate royal treatment. You just won’t find this anywhere else! Grab your dog because it’s “Pawty Time”!

Weekly Happenings

On Thursdays, you can enjoy “Rose & Reggae” complete with specials and live music. The outdoor area is a huge wooden patio that’s sheltered by trees and umbrellas, making it a perfect place to hang during the day or night. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights come and have a seat on the couch for “Couples Therapy!” It’s not your typical date night, it’s new and exciting to put some extra romance in your relationship as you dance to the DJ and have a fabulous dinner. The Refuge is the real deal, come and see it for yourself! It may just become your favorite new happy hour, date night, or brunching spot.

2. Barba Bianca

Located in one of the East End’s most iconic waterfront locations of Preston’s Wharf, Barba Bianca used to be a former coal shack. Well, it’s now been given new light. The 40-seat umbrella lined outdoor deck has gorgeous views of Shelter Island. Guests are welcome to dock if traveling by boat. Their rotating menu focuses on local seafood with unique Italian twists from Liguria, Puglia, and Sardegna. Barba Bianca sources all of their food from North Folk, coming from all farms and fisherman within just a 5-mile radius. The menu truly captures how local fisherman in Italian seaside regions dine like at home. If that’s not authentic, we don’t know what is.

3. SALT on the Water

SALT is one of Long Island’s newest waterfront restaurants. SALT is not only known for enticing customer’s with their spectacular views and phenomenal cuisine but also for their attentive staff and management who go above and beyond. Regular’s who visit SALT love their American/Seafood menu featuring oysters, burgers, lobster rolls, lobster risotto, and baked clams. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, the coconut margarita or peach sangria is sure to please. For dessert, sink your teeth into their famous pineapple upside-down cake. Guests are welcome to come by land or sea. They are open every day for lunch and dinner, brunch is every Sunday, and happy hours during the weekdays offer live music. It’s simple, casual waterfront dining done right.

4. Nicky’s on the Bay

Salty air, fresh seafood, laid back vibes, and famous sunsets are the name of the game at Nicky’s on the Bay. This waterfront restaurant serves up all your classic seafood favorites such as calamari, clams, lobster, fish, and plenty of delicious sides. The outdoor patio has tons of seating and umbrellas. Before or after dinner check out their brand new rooftop bar! There’s often live music playing to set the mood for this relaxing restaurant.

5. South Shore Dive

If you’re looking for a cozy spot where all the local’s flock, make sure to check out South Shore Dive. A pub and kitchen restaurant that has an awesome outdoor patio filled with lounge-style seating, twinkling lights, and picnic tables. Grab some oysters and beers, a breakfast burrito, or a giant pretzel along with one of a kind cocktails you just can’t find anywhere else. They also have plenty of fun, weekly events and a late-night menu that’s available until 1 a.m.

6. La Fine

Located inside the historic Montauk Manor, La Fine has an incredible outdoor patio serving up Italian American dishes that will make your taste buds super happy. Enjoy cheesy garlic bread, baked ziti, linguini, spaghetti and meatballs, cannolis, cheesecakes and more. Special days of the week include “Wine Down Wednesdays” and “Sauce Down Sundays”. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stop at La Fine for first-class service, live entertainment, and a gorgeous Italian atmosphere.

7. American Beach

American Beach offers modern, American dishes inspired by the fishing and farming industries in local North Folk. The menu showcases local, high-quality meals that everyone will love. Top dishes include linguine with clam sauce, BeechBurger on a pretzel bun, and the buttermilk fried chicken. The outdoor seating area features cushy seats at tables and rows of stools that frame a bar situated underneath a huge tree. The patio is opened in the cooler months as well and provides a cozy fireplace for gathering with friends.

8. Swingbelly’s Beachside

After going through the wrath of Superstorm Sandy, Swingbelly’s Beachside has undergone 2 renovations and 5 different owners in recent years. After their most recent reopening, you can truly feel the passion and love they put into the restaurant. Their meat is slow-cooked in a rotisserie pit fueled by hickory, cherry, and apple woods. All of their sides and sauces are made from scratch. Swingbelly’s is a laid back place where you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a cold beer and wings after a long day at work. They offer specials Monday – Thursday, and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

9. Fisherman’s Catch

Get this – Fisherman’s Catch is owned entirely by fishermen! That’s rare to find. So, it’s no wonder raw and cooked seafood are their specialties. Enjoy the waterfront on the outdoor dining deck that overlooks Reynold’s Channel. A few favorites include dill-crusted salmon and the “Fisherman’s Catch” which includes half lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, market fish, and mussels all served over piping hot linguine. Yum. If you time it right you can catch a beautiful sunset after dinner.

10. Ocean

Winner of the Diner’s Choice award in 2019, Ocean is an undeniably gorgeous location filled with waterfront views everywhere you look. There are multiple levels and plenty of tables in their outdoor seating areas. Palm trees line the restaurant giving you the vibes that you’re on a tropical paradise vacation. Views aside, the culinary highlights are also sure to impress as they serve up sushi, raw bar, full dinner menu, Sunday brunch, and Thursday lobster nights. The sunset lounge offers live music, steel drum bands, and Instagram worthy cocktails. Again, you have to see Ocean’s view for yourself, because… wow!

Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the summer, you won’t be disappointed dining at any of these amazing outdoor restaurants in Long Island.