In many ways, Greenport is like the Montauk of the North Fork — it’s got plenty of waterfront character, activities to fill a whole day, and a ton of amazing restaurants and bars. If North Fork wineries are your game, then basing yourself in this small village just north of Shelter Island is a great strategy. But be aware: With so many choice eateries, you might find it hard to pull yourself out of town for those afternoon tastings. Here are our picks for the eight best restaurants in Greenport.
Best for Island Vibes: American Beech
What to order: Fluke a la Plancha with toasted couscous
There’s a certain vibe to a Hamptons-area beach restaurant that’s distinctly, well, Hamptons. But some restaurants still stand out with their own scene (looking at you, Surf Lodge), and American Beech has built an eatery with near-equal distinctiveness. What started around a 75-year-old tree (literally) has blossomed into a full-on hotel and restaurant, with the latter serving up island-themed fare in a beautifully designed, 50-guest dining room.
Best for Seafood: Barba Bianca
What to order: The spaghetti con granchio with blue claw crabs
Set in an old coal shack right on the dock, Barba Bianca pays homage to Greenport’s fishing history, both in menu and in location. Pull up by boat (yes, you can dock up right next door) or, you know, by land, and sample a fresh selection of locally caught, Italian-leaning seafood dishes. Be sure to check the seasonal hours before you go.
Best for Craft Brews: Greenport Harbor Brewing Company
What to order: Black Duck Porter
While the folks behind Greenport’s namesake beer company do have a more full-service restaurant in Peconic, be sure to stop by the tasting room in the village where it all started. The tap selection will naturally rotate based on what was recently brewed, but other than that Black Duck Porter up there, be sure to ask about the Longest Night, an oatmeal stout with hints of roasted chocolate that aims to emulate the transition from longer days to longer nights.
Best for Cocktails: Brix & Rye
What to order: The barrel-aged Trident negroni
Brix & Rye has everything you want in a good cocktail spot: a calm, collected setting with attention to lighting, elevated bites to fill you up, and of course, impeccable libations. While the cocktail list changes with the seasons, order up something aged in a barrel right in house, pair it with an order of wood-fired meatballs, and you can’t go wrong.
Best for Fresh Oysters: Little Creek Oyster Farm
What to order: As many oysters as you can handle
The ambiance at Little Creek — quirky seating on a dock next to a gift shack and order counter — gives you the feeling that you basically just rolled up in an oyster vessel. And if that vibe wasn’t fully cemented, ordering up a dozen fresh oysters (or two) and shucking them yourself will certainly do the trick.
Best Wine Tasting: Kontokosta Winery
What to order: A tasting flight (or two to split with a friend)
Kontokosta (emphasis on the “kos”) is one of the few wineries in Greenport proper. Perched up on a hilltop, this tasting room feels as much “countryside vineyard” as it does “seaside village.” While we recommend hitting this winery along with a few others in the North Fork, Kontokosta makes a great place to start or end your day.
Best for Fine Dining: Noah’s
What to order: Local seafood paella with piquillo peppers
Raised in Long Island, trained in New England, and proven in Sonoma, chef Noah Schwartz brings a lot of classic American vision to his restaurant in Greenport. It isn’t shown just in the well-rounded menu — it’s portrayed by the small touches this place offers, including a great wine selection and the exquisite presentation of its dishes.
Best for Water Views and Live Music: Port Waterfront Bar
What to order: Corn scallion lobster waffle
With an international team of chefs and restaurateurs at the helm, Port Waterfront Bar & Grill has a bounty of flavors to offer — almost to a fault (the menu is massive). But whether you’re here for a quick lunch overlooking the water or stopping by for dinner and some live tunes, you’ll easily see why this place attracts such a loyal following.
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