Latest Cheap Eats restaurant reviews

Price doesn’t always equate to quality, and plenty of LI restaurants prove that point with their creative approaches, authenticity and quality ingredients.

Our food staff is always on the hunt for a top-notch meal that comes with a low price tag. Here are the latest Cheap Eats restaurants we’ve reviewed.

Credit: Noah Fecks

Bakuto pork ramen at Bakuto in Lindenhurst.

Herb & Olive

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Herb & Olive, Manhasset: Soul-satisfying food and elegant surroundings make this Greek cafe-market a singular experience.

Bakuto

Credit: Noah Fecks

Bakuto, Lindenhurst: It’s three stars for this utterly original ode to Japanese bar culture. 

Vincent’s Clam Bar

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Vincent’s Clam Bar, Carle Place: With its huge portions and modest prices, this Italian restaurant is an island stalwart for good reason.

Taco El Chingón

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Taco El Chingón, Bellmore: This tiny, unassuming takeout spot is run by a Mexico City transplant, and is cooking some of the best regional Mexican food on Long Island.

The Breakfast Club

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

The Breakfast Club, Rockville Centre: The menu here hits up pretty much every breakfast tradition, from griddle classics to Southern biscuits to new-age bowls. “Between the buns” items such as fried chicken and waffles, a monte cristo sandwich and even a burger make a nice segue into lunch. 

Bayview Kitchen

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Bayview Kitchen, Amityville: This eatery brings Caribbean flavors to comfort food staples, and serves maybe the best shrimp and grits you’ve ever had.

Dirty Taco and Tequila

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Dirty Taco and Tequila, Rockville Centre: This taco joint impresses with a creative menu, fresh ingredients, a fun atmosphere and fair prices.

Bayou Jones

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Bayou Jones, Merrick: This southern-Cajun-Creole restaurant has a storied pedigree, decent food and an atmosphere that nearly begs you to make it YOUR place.

Rangsit 11

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Rangsit 11, Hicksville: This new eatery brings exceptional, if not always timely, Thai to Long Island.

Mission Taco

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Mission Taco, Huntington: At this stylish new eatery, tacos are stuffed to the gills and imbued with all kinds of inventive toppings, while craft cocktails are first rate.

Blu Mediterranean

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Blu Mediterranean, West Babylon: At this Turkish restaurant, the elegant decor is a match for refined cooking.

Coche Comedor

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Coche Comedor, Amagansett: This restaurant will change your expectations about Mexican cuisine on Long Island. It’s fresh and inspired, and makes the familiar eateries seem tired.

Whiskey Down Diner

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Whiskey Down Diner, Farmingdale: This new diner is hot and contemporary with lots of booze.

Lazy Lobster

Credit: Daniel Brennan

The warm Connecticut lobster roll with tarragon citrus butter, coleslaw and shoestring fries at Lazy Lobster in East Rockaway.

Mi Viejito Pueblito

Credit: Raychel Brightman

Mi Viejito Pueblito, Huntington Station: It may be just a tiny storefront, but big time delights await here.

Blue Wave

Credit: Raychel Brightman

Blue Wave, Williston Park: This Shanghai specialist goes way beyond soup dumplings.

Snaps American Bistro

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Snaps American Bistro, Rockville Centre: At Snaps’ second location, an exceptional burger can be had on Thursday evenings, with specials on other nights as well.

Coco Palace

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Coco Palace, Great Neck: Bored with Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine? Long Island’s first Yunnan restaurant offers Chinese food of depth and subtlety.

I Am Nacho Mama

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

I Am Nacho Mama, Hicksville: This food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant stands out in Hicksville.

Cafe Al Dente

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Cafe Al Dente, Oyster Bay: Cafe Al Dente has reopened at a new location in downtown Oyster Bay, still specializing in homey, Italian-American fare, with a few side trips.

Bistro 25 East

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Bistro 25 East, Blue Point: Two months after opening, this spot has found a devoted following for dishes that combine pan-Asian flavors with gastropub standards.

Kitchen Melody

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Kitchen Melody, Great Neck: Most of Long Island’s Sichuan restaurants are raucous, bustling eateries; this one serves the regional cuisine in an elegant, subdued setting.

Ravello Ristorante

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Ravello Ristorante, Huntington: This Italian and Italian-American eatery is good and often better. It’s situated in the former site of Il Vecchio Forno, a pizza specialist in Huntington.

Taino’s Cafe & Lounge

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Taino’s Cafe & Lounge, Coram: Depending on the time of day (or night), this spot can feel like a restaurant, a busy bar or a disco — but there’s always plenty of mofongo, the hearty, garlicky Caribbean plantain dish.

Kababjees

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Kababjees, Hicksville: This Pakistani meat specialist also scores with spectacular potato dishes.

Credit: Raychel Brightman

The hot pot with rolled beef and lamb, lettuce, greens, mushrooms, shrimp and tofu at Xiao Si Chuan in Setauket.

F.A.N. Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Credit: Daniel Brennan

F.A.N. Authentic Chinese Cuisine, Deer Park: This spiffy and friendly eatery is a great place to enjoy the splendor of Sichuan cuisine.

Streats Food + Drink

Credit: DANIEL BRENNAN

Streats Food + Drink, Cedarhurst: Streats is the casual, inexpensive offspring of three-star Doma Land + Sea and Italian-New American Cork & Slice, both also situated in Cedarhurst.

Avo Taco

Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon

Avo Taco, New Hyde Park: Avocados are one of the main attractions at this bright and shiny nouveau taqueria and bar.

El Encanto

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

El Encanto, Mineola: This Peruvian restaurant is on its way to being professional, but consistently charming.

Rice Thai

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Rice Thai, North Patchogue: This tiny restaurant seats 16 diners in a storefront space, but the cooking is big-time.

Cheng Du

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Cheng Du, Franklin Square: This Chinese restaurant aims to please both authentic Sichuan and American-Chinese palates.

Stirling Sake

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Stirling Sake, Greenport: This Japanese restaurant stands out with a creative menu and extensive sake selection.

Lazzat

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Lazzat, Wantagh: This family-run restaurant takes a warm, homestyle approach to Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Avli the Little Greek Kitchen

Credit: Raychel Brightman

Avli the Little Greek Kitchen, North Bellmore: This Greek takeout spot, the third in a growing chain, conjures bold flavors in tight quarters.

NoaMar Market

Credit: Barry Sloan

NoaMar Market, Babylon: Explore the marvels of Spanish cuisine at this charming, all-day cafe, tapas bar and market.

El Matador Restaurant

Credit: Daniel Brennan

El Matador Restaurant, East Patchogue: Ever since chef Juan Alvarado moved from El Salvador to the U.S. at age 16, he has worked in restaurant, turning out cuisine ranging from Salvadoran and Colombian to Spanish, Italian and Mexican. His first restaurant, El Matador, brings together all of those influences, as well as family: Alvarado’s daughters, Emily and Melanie Alvarado, run the front of the house.

The Gourmet Whaler

Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon

The Gourmet Whaler, Cold Spring Harbor: This Main Street eatery is a refreshing spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Pomodorino Rosso

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Pomodorino Rosso, Valley Stream: This boisterous new Italian eatery serves inventive dishes and has a veteran pizza maker on staff.

Mamoun’s Falafel

Credit: Mamoun’s Falafel

Mamoun’s Falafel, Syosset: This venerated falafel chain, which started in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, has opened its first location on Long Island.

North Tavern

Credit: Daniel Brennan

North Tavern, Wading River: This new eatery brings a something-for-everyone menu and casual style to Long Island at the former address of Fiesta Mexicana and Amarelle.

Virgola Oysters & Wine Bar

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Virgola Oysters & Wine Bar, Patchogue: This oyster-and-Italian wine bar may jumpstart the ritual of aperitivo in Patchogue’s ever-growing foodscape.

Rothchilds Coffee & Kitchen

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Rothchilds Coffee & Kitchen, Great Neck: This bright, refreshing breakfast and lunch spot mixes Middle Eastern and American.

Deccan Spice

Credit: Newsday/Erica Marcus

Deccan Spice, Deer Park: This South Indian restaurant rewards repeat visits.

Mattitaco

Credit: Randee Daddona

Mattitaco, Mattituck: A North Fork food truck owner and CIA-trained chef combined forces for this cozy, colorful spot, where cheeseburger tacos share the menu with dirty fries and grilled Mexican street corn.

Bunker Hill American Taproom

Credit: Linda Rosier

Bunker Hill American Taproom, Wantagh: In spring 2018, a longtime watering hole was transformed into this gastropub with an enviable beer list and plenty of inventive bar snacks.

Dang BBQ

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Dang BBQ, Islip: This exuberant eatery serves classic barbecue with over-the-top variations.

MB Ramen

Credit: Daniel Brennan

MB Ramen, Huntington: Superstar chef Marc Bynum showcases an East meets American South twist on ramen with mixed results.

Hatch

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Hatch, Huntington: This brunch place is a cheerful but loud affair with great cocktails, large portions and a buzzy vibe.

Mithaas

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Mithaas, Hicksville: This bright Indian-food cafe next to Apna Bazar has an encyclopedic menu that cinches together foods from across India. Start with a dosa and end with a creamy mango lassi for dessert.

Broadway Market

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Broadway Market, Rocky Point: This handsome, airy new spot brings comfort food to a new level.

Irving’s World Famous Pastrami

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Irving’s World Famous Pastrami, Woodbury: This new pastrami eatery comes with a family history and unusual pastrami dishes.

The Inkan

Credit: Daniel Brennan

The Inkan, Garden City Park: This charming new restaurant-bar brings a taste of Peru to Long Island.

Addy’s BBQ

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Addy’s BBQ, Elmont: This barbecue joint puts an American twist on halal cooking for young people who want a well-made, diet-approved cheeseburger.

Sam’s Sushi Bistro

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Sam’s Sushi Bistro, Farmingville: At this new sushi spot, there’s plenty of raw fish but it’s the Chinese-influenced dishes that impress.

Saigon Casa

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Saigon Casa, Port Jefferson Station: At Suffolk County’s only Vietnamese restaurant, adventurous eaters can indulge unfamiliar flavors — plus signature dishes like pho and banh mi.

Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar

Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon

Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar, Bay Shore: Downtown Bay Shore has a new destination for food and drink from the owners of nearby Verde Kitchen & Cocktails.

Sempre Fame Gourmet Grill & BBQ Catering

Credit: Marisol Diaz

Sempre Fame Gourmet Grill & BBQ Catering, Floral Park: This neighborhood eatery serves top-flight barbecue and over-the-top sandwiches.

Barito Tacos & Cocktails

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Barito Tacos & Cocktails, Port Jefferson: Hidden on top of a Starbucks in Port Jefferson Village, Barito Tacos & Cocktails sets itself apart with unusual offerings in the American Mexican genre.

365 Noodle Bar and Grill

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

365 Noodle Bar and Grill, Hicksville: This authentic Chinese restaurant specializes in the casual eats of Beijing.

Talluci’s Pizzeria

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Talluci’s Pizzeria, Farmingdale: This chic pizzeria impresses with pies, pasta and more.

La Bonita Tacos & Tequila

Credit: Daniel Brennan

La Bonita Tacos & Tequila, Coram: La Bonita Tacos & Tequila is a cheerful, low-key oasis for Mexican comfort and margaritas.

Spicy Home Tasty

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Spicy Home Tasty, Commack: This stellar new Chinese restaurant highlights the sophisticated cuisine of Sichuan.

Simply Thai

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Simply Thai, Copiague: Simply Thai impresses with authentic cooking and warm service.

Vienna of Roslyn

Credit: Jeremy Bales

Vienna of Roslyn, Roslyn: Nightclubs are rarely, if ever, known for their food — but this eatery named after the popular Billy Joel tune is not dialing it in.

Elijah Churchill’s All-American Barbecue House

Credit: Marisol Diaz

Elijah Churchill’s All-American Barbecue House, Northport: At the revamped Elijah Churchill’s, the kitchen won’t win any barbecue competitions, but it’s hard not to have a lively evening when a local band is in the house and the bar is well-stocked.

Yum Yum Dumplings

Credit: Barry Sloan

Yum Yum Dumplings, Centereach: This Chinese dumpling shop offers soulful fare at an incredible price.

The Shed

Credit: Daniel Brennan

The Shed, Huntington: The Shed may not call itself a luncheonette, but it has all the hallmarks of a modern one, including a lively active bar.

Everest Himalayan Cuisine

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Everest Himalayan Cuisine, Bellmore: Long Island’s first Nepali restaurant offers peak hospitality.

Pita House

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Pita House, Medford: Pita House offers diners Turkish food 101.
 
 

La Vicharra Grill

Credit: Linda Rosier

La Vicharra Grill, Glen Cove: This spot brings the singular cuisine of Peru to Long Island.

The Local

Credit: Daniel Brennan

The Local, Babylon: At first glance, The Local may look like a sports bar — but this airy spot is turning out some of the best sandwiches on the South Shore, alongside an impressive tap list of mostly European beers.

DJ’s Clam Shack

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

DJ’s Clam Shack, Wantagh: North meets South at DJ’s Clam Shack, the Wantagh offshoot of the Key West original.

Mamey Taquería

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Mamey Taquería, Babylon: Babylon’s newest taqueria is a tiny, bright spot far from the village’s main drag — and its carnitas tacos are worth seeking out.

Kebab House

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Kebab House, Hicksville: At this Afghan restaurant, the food hits that sweet spot between familiar and exotic.

Robke’s Country Inn

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Robke’s Country Inn, Northport: Robke’s Country Inn has been serving up Italian classics for decades, but a new audience is discovering its huge portions, heavy pours and rollicking vibe.

Ben’s Crab

Credit: Linda Rosier

Ben’s Crab, Oceanside: An Indonesian immigrant, who fell in love with Lousiana style seafood in a bag, is sharing it with Long Islanders.

Umberto’s

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Umberto’s, Manhasset: The seventh link in this Long Island pizza chain tweaks the formula for success with a chic new look and menu updates.

Cafe Bethel

Credit: Newsday / Pervaiz Shallwani

Cafe Bethel, Freeport: Cafe Bethel features a “goliath” taco that immigrated from a small mountain town in the Honduras to this Central American restaurant in Freeport.

Basil Cafe & Restaurant

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Basil Cafe & Restaurant, St. James: This resurrection of the beloved Zar Cafe retains the same charming ambience, with dishes that exude complex layers of spice.

Choopan Grill

Credit: Bruce Gilbert

Choopan Grill, Selden: Afghan family recipes passed down from generation to generation are the highlight at this eatery.

Kabayan Grill

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Kabayan Grill, East Meadow: Housed in an former Taco Bell, the bright, no-frills Kabayan Grill joins the handful of Filipino eateries on Long Island offering staples such as lechon, sisig, lumpia and siningang.

Swell Taco

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Swell Taco, Patchogue: It’s all about the surf-centric vibe at the second location of Swell Taco, an offshoot of the Babylon eatery.

Olde Trading Post Tavern

Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Olde Trading Post Tavern, New Hyde Park: This new neighborhood tavern specializes in old-fashioned hospitality.

Henley’s Village Tavern

Credit: Daniel Brennan

Henley’s Village Tavern, Brightwaters: This new gastropub in the heart of quaint Brightwaters offers craft cocktails, clever twists on bar food and “scratch kitchen” dishes that take advantage of seasonal ingredients and the chef’s creative whims.