If you’d suggested a decade ago that Rockville Centre was Long Island’s seafood capital, you might have gotten a skeptical chuckle. Yet, this village now boasts the South Shore’s most compelling catch, with spots serving everything from classic clam bars to innovative crudo counters. So, grab a bib, skip the drive to the coast, and prepare to discover where locals reel in the freshest plates.
The Davenport Press
$$$ | (516) 248-8300 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a memorable dinner that feels like a special occasion, The Davenport Press will transport you to another era while satisfying every craving. Order the succulent lobster tail with drawn butter or the perfectly cooked prime rib with horseradish cream. Both of those come with generous sides of roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes that’ll remind you of a classic steakhouse experience.
The white tablecloths and eclectic decor create a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your meal, while the attentive service ensures every detail is handled with care. At around $40-$50 per entrée, you get excellent value for the quality and portion sizes. This charming spot has clearly earned its reputation as a local favorite through consistently delicious food and warm hospitality.
DJ’s Clam Shack Wantagh
$$ | (516) 900-1400 | WEBSITE
DJ’s Clam Shack is a quintessential Long Island seafood joint. The outdoor dining area is perfect for a summer evening, with string lights casting a warm glow over the picnic-style tables. It’s worth braving the tight parking to celebrate the season with a hot lobster roll that’s truly a must-try, a generous portion of crispy coconut shrimp, and a bowl of New England clam chowder that’s rich and satisfying. The baked clams are another standout, arriving fresh and perfectly seasoned.
While the smash burger might not meet purist expectations, the friendly staff and the overall vibe more than make up for it. This is the kind of place that impresses even the toughest critics.
Ben’s Crab Uniondale
$$ | (516) 340-6050 | WEBSITE
Skip the standard seafood fare and just order the seafood boil at Ben’s Crab Uniondale. It has the perfect amount of spice in each bite and comes with corn and potatoes. You can get it mild or extra spicy, but ask for the sauce on the side. That way you won’t have to deal with the messy aftermath of trying to clean your hands with a single napkin.
A Taberna
$$ | (516) 432-0455 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want something reliable or a comforting seafood soup to savor after a long day. In those cases, there’s A Taberna in Rockville Centre. Is it better than the dozens of other seafood spots scattered across Long Island? Absolutely. But there is something welcoming about knowing exactly what to expect when ordering the fresh seafood soup or the favorite Chicken A Taberna. The generous portions and reasonable prices—think $25–$35 for most mains—make it an excellent choice.
The updated decor with warm lighting and personal touches adds to the family feel, though the acoustics can make conversation tricky. Still, dishes like the monkfish with champagne sauce and shrimp are highly recommended, and the desserts are often described as wow!
Peter’s Clam Bar
$$ | (516) 432-0505 | WEBSITE
Typically waterfront seafood spots can be hit or miss, but Peter’s Clam Bar is a sure bet for fresh catches and friendly service. The clam strips and oysters make for a great start, and the lobster grilled cheese is a lovely indulgent treat. The crab cake platter and Chilean sea bass are solid options for a satisfying meal, and many regulars recommend asking for scampi sauce on the side. While it can get busy, the wait is worth it for the well-seasoned food and scenic water views.
The outdoor seating right on the water offers a chance to see wildlife, and parking is available in two nearby lots. It’s a favorite for families or anyone looking for good seafood in a welcoming atmosphere, with large portions and fast service making it a reliable choice.
Fuji Cajun Seafood
$$ | (516) 548-7525 | WEBSITE
Like its welcoming counterpart in Rockville Centre, Fuji Cajun Seafood is where you can find lots of comforting dishes like top-notch Cajun fries, fresh seafood, and homemade home fried rice. The friendly staff and kind owner make it ideal for calming a restless family before heading home, or if you just need to revive yourself with something hot like coffee or tea.
Cassariano Italian Eatery
$$$ | (516) 280-8990 | WEBSITE
Cassariano Italian Eatery is one of the best spots in Rockville Centre to grab a truly memorable Italian meal. Just know that the prices lean toward the higher side, so be prepared for a bit of a splurge if you’re on a tight budget. We also love how the manager is so hands-on and welcoming, so you can almost convince yourself you’re dining with family instead of at a restaurant.
Ben’s Crab Oceanside
$$ | (516) 665-9912 | WEBSITE
Ben’s Crab Oceanside feels like a classic seafood joint where you’d celebrate a promotion or just treat yourself after a long week. The only difference, of course, is it’s in a strip mall. The upbeat R&B soundtrack and lively atmosphere help alleviate that eating-in-a-parking-lot feeling, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable (for seafood, anyway).
You can get a seafood boil with shrimp, mussels, and potatoes to feed two people for around $35, or you can try the Cajun shrimp pasta or soft shell seasonal offering as individual plates. The Cajun salmon with its perfectly cooked flaky texture is also great when you want something flavorful, but also don’t want to get your hands messy from a boil.
Toto’s
$$$ | (516) 783-6484 | WEBSITE
You can enjoy Toto’s fantastic seafood and steak dishes at their Jones Beach Hotel location, which has a more attractive front area with great decor conveniently situated near the entrance. Enjoy a pleasant meal and savor the homemade gin cocktail you need to try before it inevitably becomes the talk of the town at one of the comfortable tables. Or, relax and watch the occasional lively party in the back area in between bites of the absolutely delicious surf & turf.
Hungry Monster Tasty Pot（巴肚妖美味锅）
$ | (516) 472-0672 | WEBSITE
A Hungry Monster Tasty Pot is a Hungry Monster Tasty Pot, and the one in Rockville Centre isn’t much different than the others. But one extra thing that this location has in common with its other spots is its mala xiang guo, which is an excellent way to enjoy a meal with friends for a fraction of Manhattan prices.
Bangkok Avenue
$$ | (914) 303-3388 | WEBSITE
Sometimes all you want after a long day is a comforting Thai meal that hits all the right notes. That’s exactly why you should head to Bangkok Avenue, a cozy spot tucked away in Rockville Centre. The generous portions always have a perfect balance of vibrant flavors, and make for a satisfying dinner that feels both elegant and approachable. If you’re looking for a rich umami experience, go with the green curry that comes with tender seafood and a complex blend of herbs and spices.
Bonbino’s
$ | (516) 764-9237 | WEBSITE
There’s a cozy, family-owned vibe in this pizzeria, making it ideal for grabbing a quick slice after work or just enjoying a meal before you have to head out for the evening. You’ll find pizza classics like crispy, perfectly charred pies with the right balance of cheese and sauce, but we also really like the tasty garlic knots, even when not heated properly, and the variety of pastas and salads.
Secret Thai Kitchen
$ | (516) 868-6198 | WEBSITE
Secret Thai Kitchen opens its doors in Freeport at 11am. And if you arrive right when service begins, you’ll catch the kitchen staff prepping fresh herbs and vegetables with meticulous care. Secret Thai is one of our favorite Thai spots in all of Long Island, so naturally, the Freeport location delivers consistently. An order of the classic Pad Thai is always a smart choice, but they also have excellent curry veggie puff balls if you want something lighter than a full entrée.
Red Crab Juicy Seafood
$$ | (516) 442-4687 | WEBSITE
If finding a lively seafood spot is your first priority after a long week, grab a seat here, plus a few strong drinks, crispy fries, or that generously portioned shrimp po’ boy. Enjoy them while you become unironically hypnotized by the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling energy that plays great music while projecting images of bustling weekends and satisfied customers.