For our New Year’s resolution we resolved to try out some new restaurants that opened up last year.
Prime Burger Bar – After opening locations in Commack and Babylon, the owners dropped in on Plainview. With a proprietary blend of prime chuck, short rib and ribeye steak in their burgers, they offer specialties and build your own. And the milkshakes! Location: 1048 Old Country Road, Plainview, (516) 780-0455.
Guac Time – They came from New York City to Long Island to bring us their fresh menu that features create your own burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and tacos. They also have tacos boxes, three tacos with fish, chicken, avocado, and steak. Location: 412 South Broadway, Hicksville,(516) 465-2042.
Fauna – Fauna opened up in Westhampton Beach last summer replacing the legendary eatery Starr Boggs. The new owner is the group behind Flora also in Westhampton Beach and Cowfish in Hampton Bays. Location: 6 Parlato Drive, Westhampton Beach.
Watermark – Taking over the old Michael Anthony’s spot in Wading River, Watermark opened last year with a stacked menu, specialty cocktails and daily brunch. Location: 2925 N Wading River Road, Wading River, (631) 886-2343.
Vico – Named for a small Italian town on the Amalfi Coast, Vico, an Italian restaurant, opened in Farmingdale last summer. Owner Joe Fortuna already has 317 Main Street and The Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale. Vico features fresh pasta and “pizza by the meter.” Location: 313 Main Street, Farmingdale, (516) 875-8426.
JoJu – Taking a successful New York City restaurant to Long Island isn’t always easy. It’s a trend that has been accelerating recently, with a number of city spots opening up in easterly locales. One of the latest is JoJu, a Vietnamese cuisine restaurant. Specializing in banh mi (pronounced “bon-mee”), these Vietnamese sandwiches, which according to their website is usually composed of a savory meat set against a refreshing slaw and rich condiments all served in a baguette. Location: 43B Main Street, Port Washington, (516) 682-2922.
Nappi’s Nook – Getting high praise for its service and food, Nappi’s Nook is the newest spot for brunch in Nesconset. Location: 204 Smithtown Boulevard, Nesconset, (631) 406-7610.
Toast – Not a new restaurant but a familiar favorite in a new spot. The location has changed hands many times over the years – it was previously Mr. P’s Southern Skillet, which closed in 2019. Before that it was known as LI Pour House. The new restaurant location allows Toast to serve more patrons and do catering. Location: 650 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station.
Brass Swan – This fall, Brass Swan swooped into Roslyn with a fine dining experience featuring classic American fare. Location: 1363 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, (516) 801-4963.
Mezza Luna – Mezza Luna opened in the space of the former Hauppauge favorite Mario Restaurant. Two former staff members of Mario’s launched the new dinner experience. Fred Norden was maitre d at Mario’s for ten years as well as general manager at two other Long Island Restaurants, Drift 82 & Lombardi’s on the Bay. Peter A. Bua, Mario’s son, worked at his father’s business for over 25 years and is well-known by loyal customers who frequented the establishment. After an extensive renovation Mezza Luna finally reopened last fall. Location: 644 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, (631) 273-9407.
Photo: Mezza Luna Facebook page.
