Port Jefferson’s dining scene whispers promises of perfect meals, but finding the right spot can feel like a solo mission. The crowded tourist traps, the tables set for four, the quiet panic of choosing wrong. Forget the stress. Because the village’s best bites await, whether you’re flying solo or with your crew. These are the 20 places that make every meal here feel like the main event.
Local’s Cafe
$ | (631) 807-3949 | WEBSITE
You’ll find Local’s Cafe right in the heart of Port Jefferson, and it’s a useful spot to know about whether you’re a local or just passing through. Part cozy breakfast nook, part casual coffee shop, Local’s Cafe does its best to be whatever you need it to be. It shines particularly bright if you’re looking for some quiet time with French toast and coffee. Get the vegan pancakes which are reasonably priced and satisfying, with fresh pastries on the side.
RUVO
$$ | (631) 476-3800 | WEBSITE
The biggest pro of RUVO is genuinely fantastic Italian-American food, with the downside that, like most popular Port Jefferson spots, the weekend crowds make it a logistical challenge. Dining here for lunch is a good way to get around it, as it’s much easier to snag a table during the midday hours, which is actually the best time to experience the cozy atmosphere anyway. The portions are perfect for casual meals too (get the calamari fritti and the classic meatballs).
TOMMY’S PLACE
$$ | (631) 473-8778 | WEBSITE
On breezy evenings, small crowds gather at the entrance of this Port Jefferson restaurant and inside, every table and barstool is taken. Settle in among the relaxed locals and order the giant pretzel with dips and the highly recommended fish and chips. The crispness of the batter surprises you, and the fish itself is flaky and tender.
Enjoy it at the wooden bar, head over for a pint from their extensive tap list, and savor it while sitting at one of their comfortable booths, with a cold lager in hand.
Pasta Pasta
$$ | (631) 331-5335 | WEBSITE
A plate of Pasta Pasta’s penne ala vodka is a perfect meal any night of the week. The low-key Italian restaurant in Port Jefferson is a bustling hub of couples, families, and groups of friends. Call ahead, as a free table—even for two—is not a given. It’s the pasta dish you should pay the most attention to. The carefully made broth is a savory tomato base, and you can get it topped with tender chicken, fresh basil, as well as piles of mushrooms, garlic, and creamy parmesan cheese.
Southdown Coffee – Port Jefferson
$ | WEBSITE
At Southdown Coffee, students settle in with laptops and locals grab a quick breakfast while remote workers linger for hours with a maple spice latte. And everyone enjoys the cozy, bustling atmosphere that fills this popular breakfast and lunch spot. The straightforward interior of this cafe in Port Jefferson is an added bonus to what is a consistently good experience.
This place is all about coffee—some of the best in the area, maybe with a delicious cinnamon cardamom knot or that famous egg sandwich described as ‘pickled to perfection’ on the side.
Nantuckets
$$ | (631) 509-4848 | WEBSITE
Nantuckets is a cozy seafood spot in Port Jefferson. Settle on the patio with your pup and dig into one of their generous plates. The menu stays consistent but their take on crab cakes is great when you order it, and you should absolutely follow the suggestion for extra napkins from the friendly server Skylar who delivers lobster rolls and spoons crème brûlée onto dessert plates.
Barito Tacos & Cocktails
$$ | (631) 828-8808 | WEBSITE
Barito is what happens when someone turns a really good taco into a feast—and somehow makes it better. This hidden Port Jefferson spot requires a climb up some stairs, but you’ll gladly make the trek for a bite of the barbacoa Dorito crunch wrap: tender beef, crunchy chips, and spicy sauce so flavorful and satisfying you’ll consider asking for seconds immediately.
The massive nacho platter with shredded steak is a grown-up party snack (in a good way), and the shrimp bowls are excellent, especially with extra lime for squeezing. The colorful lighting and throwback music add to the fun summer vibe, while the reasonably priced margaritas keep things lively. It’s a comfortable place to dine with plenty of natural light and views of the harbor, perfect for sharing huge portions with friends.
Tara Inn
$ | (631) 828-5987 | WEBSITE
A Port Jefferson sports bar with prime rib for $15 seems as obvious as a diner in a small town. And Tara Inn, a retro-looking, ’70s-inspired neighborhood spot, has hangout-with-friends written all over it. The food is hearty and perfect for a casual dinner or low-effort lunch. Grab a stool at the bar and order a couple of plates.
Our favourites are the prime rib, which comes with generous portions at fantastic prices, as well as the lobster and crab legs, which are delivered quickly by friendly servers. The atmosphere is unpretentious and relaxed, with charming decor that has probably changed little since the ’70s, adding to its cozy vibe. Many customers appreciate the affordable prices, especially the $1 burgers and cheap beer.
The staff, including the owner’s family, go out of their way to make guests feel at home, creating a welcoming environment. Tara Inn is a neighborhood staple and a must-visit for those passing through the area.
Roots Kava Bar
$ | (631) 871-7641 | WEBSITE
This unassuming kava bar tucked away on Long Island is home to some of Port Jefferson’s best herbal beverages. The welcoming space is aesthetically pleasing, and the same goes for the atmosphere. Settle into one of the cozy seats and take your time browsing the menu. Kava single, double, or triple servings are your choices. The single has a mild earthy flavor, the triple a robust muddy kick. Both are top-tier and the vegan snacks, depending on the day, can be good too.
Tiger Lily Cafe
$ | (631) 476-7080 | WEBSITE
A quick stroll from the Port Jefferson ferry terminal, Tiger Lily Cafe is a charming little spot we head to when we just want to hang out with our friends ‘kale’ and ‘quinoa’. It’s open from breakfast through dinner and almost all of the sandwiches and wraps are under $14, which is refreshing in a village—Port Jeff—where waterfront views usually come with a premium.
Grab a seat at one of the colorful tables, make eye contact with your vibrant smoothie, and have a chat with the accommodating staff if you decide you do want some human warmth after all.
Joey Z’s Brooklyn Pizza
$$ | (631) 509-6999 | WEBSITE
This Port Jefferson spot is best described as a much-needed comfort zone. Warmth fills Joey Z’s Brooklyn Pizza’s cozy space from its clean, welcoming interior, and the vibe is like a neighborhood joint meets home cooking. Grab a seat at the counter and dig into their satisfying menu of things like perfect Greek Salad or cream-rich pasta with cheese. The place is friendly, consistently good, and almost nicer to experience with the accommodating staff than without their helpful smiles.
Port Bistro and Pub
$$ | (631) 828-2550 | WEBSITE
Booths curve through Port Bistro and Pub’s bright dining area, along the counter where butterbeer gleams, and also facing the windows that look out onto the village. This beloved American comfort-food spot isn’t just full of holiday cheer, it’s completely charming too. Satisfying burgers and sweet potato fries, followed by crumb cake and a scoop of ice cream. Considering it’s open all day, every day, it’s one of Port Jefferson’s most welcoming family meals.
Sweet Treats Bakeshop
$$ | (631) 682-2892 | WEBSITE
This Port Jefferson bakeshop is a delightful escape from the coastal bustle just outside. A slice of Sweet Treats Bakeshop’s cake is a sit-down, fork-ready kind of indulgence. But if that sounds a little rich, you can always stop by for a cookie and macaroons, which are perfectly balanced treats.
Billie’s 1890 Saloon
$$ | (631) 331-1890 | WEBSITE
Follow the scent of crispy fish and chips in Port Jefferson and you’ll find Billie’s 1890 Saloon, nestled among the historic storefronts near the harbor. A classic American saloon that serves hearty pub fare with modern twists, this lively spot suits groups looking for a fun night out with excellent drinks. Everything is flavor-focused: the cauliflower crust flatbread has a subtle sweetness from the jam topping, and the burgers pair perfectly with ice-cold beer.
The high tops in the bar area buzz with energy, while the quieter tables in the back offer a more relaxed vibe. The upgraded decor feels comfortably familiar, like stepping into a neighborhood favorite where everyone knows your name. Melissa, a stellar addition to the team, crafts an exceptional espresso martini with friendly precision. The service remains attentive without being intrusive, and the reasonable prices—around $15-25 for mains—make it an accessible treat.
Whether you’re there for the lively atmosphere or the consistently delicious food from appetizers to dessert, Billie’s delivers exactly what you want from a local saloon.
Dortoni Port Jeff (formerly La Bonne Boulangerie)
$$ | (631) 473-7900 | WEBSITE
There are 37 cakes in Dortoni’s display case. Actually, we just made that number up, because although their dessert count definitely falls within the bakery-window-display threshold, your priority at this charming bakery in Port Jefferson should always be the celebration cakes. These freshly baked creations have the beauty of something crafted for a special occasion.
Park yourself at one of the cozy wooden tables on a weekend morning to chat with the friendly staff while nibbling on some vibrant pastries and those must-order cakes.
The Secret Garden Tearoom & Gift Shoppe
$$ | (631) 476-8327 | WEBSITE
The Secret Garden Tearoom & Gift Shoppe is something of a Port Jefferson institution, and for those familiar, it’s a go-to for any special afternoon. The Victorian tearoom offers a charming High Tea tower from midday to early evening, so if you’re after a leisurely ladies lunch, or a solo treat on a quiet weekday, this is the place to go.
While it’s not the most elaborate tea service in the world, the fact that you can rely on its delightful scones and cozy garden atmosphere more than makes up for it.
Toast Coffee + Kitchen
$$ | (631) 331-6860 | WEBSITE
Stroll into Toast Coffee + Kitchen on a busy morning and you can guarantee that your hunger will disappear. This breakfast spot’s heartwarming service is well-known, not just in Port Jefferson but all over Long Island, and the food is excellent. Apple pancakes are a fluffy stack of sweet deliciousness, with batter so light it gives up before your fork is put down. The toppings are so rich with cinnamon, fruit, and syrup, that leaving even a bite is a crime. Brioche French Toast is a must.
Salsa Salsa A Burrito Bar
$ | (631) 473-9700 | WEBSITE
Why settle for ordinary when you can cradle a steaming, cheese-dripping quesadilla? A meal at this burrito bar in Port Jefferson comes with a side of pure satisfaction—staff grilling juicy chicken, folding fresh tortillas, and spooning zesty salsa onto crispy corn chips. It’s the perfect, clean-lined space to spend an afternoon with a friend, and the affordable menu includes generous portions for under $15.
Starbucks
$ | (631) 476-3791 | WEBSITE
Tucked along Main Street in Port Jefferson’s historic village, this Starbucks is a coffee shop that goes far beyond the typical corporate drive-thru experience. The enchanting atmosphere here is the cozy, New England-style setting reminiscent of an 1800s fishing village, complete with ample seating and a front window counter perfect for people-watching.
The coffee and drinks are consistent and reliable, and although the familiar Starbucks menu won’t get any hearts fluttering, it’s an easy blank canvas for a me, myself, and laptop mission. With strong wifi, plenty of outlets, clean bathrooms, and friendly baristas like Catherine, it’s a welcoming spot for both relaxing and working.
Chandler Square Ice Cream (Port Jefferson Ice Cream Cafe)
$ | (631) 509-4981 | WEBSITE
Chandler Square Ice Cream is a spot that feels like it wants to spread joy through every creamy scoop. The shop is bright and cheerful, with a classic red-and-white color scheme that feels timeless. This place serves up mood-lifting ice cream, from nostalgic cotton candy to rich monster cookie. It’s consistently popular, especially on weekends, but swing by on a weekday afternoon and grab one of the outdoor benches.
Before long you’ll have a double scoop in one hand and birthday cake sprinkles happily dusting your shirt.
