March Madness: Long Island Restaurants

It's that time of the year, #MarchMadness! But with a twist, Long Island Restaurants edition.

Come join my followers and I in finding out which Long Island restaurant ranks supreme. Voting will begin on @Food_of_Long_Island Instagram stories on Monday, March 14th. Please keep in mind this bracket is just for fun.

Not familiar with all the listed restaurants? Continue reading to learn more!

La Parma II (Huntington)

In 1984, La Parma became one of the first family style restaurants on Long Island, NY, and was an instant success. Over the years they have enjoyed pleasing many customers; as well as TV personalities, movie stars, and sports figures who have become part of the La Parma Family.

Vincent's Clam Bar (Carle Place)

From artisan pizzas to an array of salads, pastas, seafood, and Italian specialties, the menu at Vincent’s is as diverse as it is delicious. Oversized portions of innovative and creative dishes as well as traditional favorites are prepared in an open kitchen in full view of everyone dining. It’s recommended that you leave some room for dessert because the homemade cannoli’s, tiramisu, napoleons, apple pie and fired table side crème brulee are well worth the wait.

Pulcinella (Massapequa)

Experience the authentic taste of Southern Italy, right in Massapequa, Long Island at Pulcinella. Their family-owned and operated restaurant is the perfect location for a casual dinner, formal dining, or private event.

Positano (Williston Park)

Positano Pizza & Ristaurante was established in 1993. It started with a boy who lived in Naples, Italy. Tony started as a dishwasher working his way up in local restaurants and the Amalfi Coast. His greatest memories were when he worked in a town called Positano. Growing a deep passion for food, he came to the U.S. to have the American dream to own his own restaurant. His dream became reality and now Tony owns a family operated business.

Robke's (Northport)

Robke's has been the go-to Italian restaurant in Northport since 1971. Their menu features a great variety of classics and new-age favorites. They are most famous for their delicious fish, pasta, and steak dishes.

That Meetball Place (Farmingdale)

Their concept began years ago when they realized the simplicity of the meatball, and how it is a comfort food cherished across all age groups and cultures. So many of us grew up with our Grandmothers making Sunday dinner where “The Meatball” was the simple and delicious focal point of the entire meal! Their chef has taken his inspiration from those fond memories of food and family and with the freshest ingredients has developed meatballs, salads & sides to satisfy everyone in your family.

Patrizia's of Hicksville (Hicksville)

Founders, chefs and brothers, Giacomo and Gennaro Alaio were both born in Naples, Italy and came to the United States when they were just 8 and 10 years old to live in Brooklyn with their grandparents. Coming from a long line of restaurateurs, they were brought up in the restaurant business and always managed to find odd-jobs after school in their father's pizza shop. In the summer months, Giacomo would go back to Naples and work in his cousin’s restaurant in the Spanish Quarters of Naples. He decided to bring the authentic and simple recipes of the Neapolitan cuisine back to New York and in 1991, they opened up their first Patrizia's restaurant in the Bronx. Through their passion and commitment to serving delicious, authentic Italian food, using only the finest and freshest ingredients, Giacomo and Gennaro have succeeded in opening ten more restaurants located throughout the Tri-State area.

BC Bistro

BC Bistro (Floral Park)

BC Bistro Restaurant and Bar is a casual fine dining experience that offers an American cuisine with a European flair, culminating with the finest desserts from their very own Buttercooky Bakery. Their eclectic dinner menu is constantly updated with the freshest ingredients from land and sea, serving only the finest cuts of meat, seafood flown straight from costal shores and farm to table produce.

Rustic Root (Woodbury)

Rustic Root is intimate, inviting, casual and friendly. They are chef created, chef inspired and chef driven. They specialize in craft food and signature cocktails using local ingredients.

Ella's (Huntington)

Ella's in the heart of Huntington Village and features exceptional Wood Fired Pizza, Locally Sourced Produce, unique New American dishes, and innovative takes on Basque country fare. Ella's bar has an extensive cocktail program with a bar team that will craft anything you can dream up.

Charred Brick Oven (Seaford)

Charred Brick Oven is devoted to providing their customers with the best experience accompanied with even better food!

Americano Pie Bar (Islip)

Enjoy a fun brunch or a delicious dinner at Americano Pie Bar. Besides serving high quality dishes, they host great events you are sure to have fun at.

1653 Pizza Company

1653 Pizza Company (Huntington)

A Coal Fired Pizzeria and Cocktail Bar in the heart of Huntington Village, Long Island. They serve delicious coal fire pizza combinations such as The Bronx Bacon made with vodka sauce, bomba chili and house made bacon jam or the Mortadella made with mozzarella, pistachio pesto, mortadella, stracciatella cheese and pistachio dust.

Nunzi's (Farmingdale)

The owners of Nunzi's created their restaurant to keep their passing grandfathers traditions alive. You will eat with them, drink with them and laugh with them. Families and friends all enjoying delicious food, fine drinks, good music and making memories.

The Ivy Kitchen & Bar (Huntington)

They have always prided theirselves on a commitment to excellence and quality in everything they do. They buy only the best ingredients and craft nearly everything from scratch with time-honored recipes handed down from one generation to the next.

The Bryant (Huntington Station)

This beautiful 10,000 sq ft restaurant has a spectacular bar and an impressive open kitchen. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting with white tile walls, antique mirrors, beautiful woodwork, and comfortable seating.

Dirty Taco & Tequila (Rockville Centre)

Dirty Taco is a hybrid of a Los Angeles taco truck and Miami liquor stand with an authentic urban feel. An interesting twist to a classic Mexican style, Dirty Taco incorporates Asian elements into their menu. Dirty Taco believes in “living clean and eating Dirty”.

The LakeHouse (Bayshore)

Since 2006, The LakeHouse restaurant has been the jewel of Bay Shore, NY. Last summer, co-owners Eileen and Matthew Connors, and Jay Gut have upgraded from a cozy yet elegant lakeside charmer to a brand new dockside treasure. With stunning views, comfortable seating for 100+ guests, two lounge areas, and deck overlooking the Great South Bay, and a garden fire pit, The Lakehouse is touted by many as “one of the best restaurants on Long Island.”

SALTED. On the Harbor (Northport)

Their Chefs Allison Fasano and John Brill have collectively over 40 years of experience in fine dining. Chef Allison Fasano has graced network tv on quite a few occasions with her spunk and her talent. Most notably on Chopped! & Beat Bobby Flay. Allison's Chef partner John Brill who has over 30 years experience in fine dining is the yin to Chef Allison's yang.

Kyma (Roslyn)

Upon arrival you will notice an inviting outdoor dining patio that expresses traditional Grecian elements while maintaining contemporary detail. As you step inside you’ll be transported by the Santorini aesthetic where fresh ingredients hit your senses and human interaction is a refreshing priority.

Bar Frites

Bar Frites (Greenvale)

The atmosphere, comfortable and inviting, makes one feel transported to Northern France with it’s antique mirrors, wooden tables, white tiled walls and big globe lights hanging from the gold colored tin ceiling.

Galleria Ristorante (Westbury)

Galleria Ristorante opened its doors in 1981 and since then has been dedicated to providing the finest Italian dining experience. The quality of their food and service has drawn many renowned names to their restaurant over the years. They prepare their dishes with the greatest care, the freshest ingredients, and a know-how for Italian cuisine that spans decades. Their menu reflects classic Italian favorites as well as signature dishes with their own special twist.

Basil Leaf Café Ristorante (Locust Valley)

The Basil Leaf Café Ristorante, owned by Vito Patronelli, is unlike any fine Italian eatery on Long Island . Nestled in a quaint shopping center between two buildings, their ristorante boasts two separate and equally unique dining rooms. If you are in the mood for a romantic evening with a loved one, cascading floral drapes and soothing green tones would suit your dining experience perfectly. If you are in the mood for a fun night out with family and friends, order a delicious meal in their other dining room. There, you will find a fantastic all brick bar, wood burning stove and vintage photographs adorning the walls.

Churrasqueira Bairrada (Mineola)

Churrasqueira Bairrada Restaurant is an authentic Portuguese restaurant with a quality assortment of meats and signature sides. Experience the deliciousness of their dishes that is sure to please the palate. Churrasqueira Bairrada is New York’s only authentic wood-charcoal restaurant – serving unforgettable, classic Portuguese cuisine.

Havana Central (Garden City)

Boisterous Cuban restaurant serving island staples & cocktails in a retro-Havana setting.

Opus Steakhouse (Jericho)

Located in Jericho, Opus Steakhouse is a refreshing departure from the “typical”, featuring dramatic dining spaces with graceful curved walls, soaring architectural ceilings and an endless panorama of glass providing gorgeous views to lush landscaped grounds and plush outdoor terraces.

Morton's (Great Neck)

Morton's Great Neck is located on the world-renowned North Shore of Long Island, home to some of the finer things in life. Join them in their handsomely appointed dining room for the "Best Steak anywhere," or relax and unwind at their bar with one of their signature Mortinis.

Rare650 (Syosset)

The menu is truly unique, combining tantalizing steakhouse classics with amazing sushi and fresh seafood creations. In addition to serving the finest prime dry-aged steaks, Rare650 has an authentic sushi chef and a fabulous sushi and raw seafood bar.

Trento (Farmingdale)

Modern Italian dishes are served in retro-chic digs with a spacious bar & lounge area.

One10 (Melville)

One10 Restaurant & Lounge is a Modern Italian Steakhouse set in an awe-inspiring 14,000-square-foot space that exudes a contemporary style with a dramatic, yet welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to sit down to an exquisite dining experience, host a world-class social or corporate event, or toast the day at the most unique bar space on Long Island, One10 is at your service.

IMC Restaurant & Bar

IMC Restaurant & Bar (Huntington)

The most glamorous award-winning hot spot on Huntington Village’s sizzling Restaurant Row is IMC Restaurant & Bar, Imperial Meat Company, a chic bistro with a superstar chef and spectacular décor that stakes its claim to culinary excellence by starting with top-of-the-line provisions.