From Bagels to Fancy Foods: the Best of Oyster Bay East Norwich
The Oyster Bay East Norwich area (OBEN, for those who love acronyms - lookin’ at you medical field professionals) is experiencing it’s comeuppance, but a positive one.. and it’s about time!
The town of Oyster Bay has certainly been known for it’s historical significance - mainly because of the presence of former President Teddy Roosevelt. It’s still home to Sagamore Hill, the site of Teddy Roosevelt’s summer house and a beautiful place for a nice walk-around, afternoon visit if you like greenery and scenic water views. And there are many an establishment within Oyster Bay that use the President’s name in the title as a not-so-subtle nod to that heritage (see: Theodore’ Books, Teddy’s Bully Bar, etc.).
Those from Long Island also likely think of the OBEN area as home to Billy Joel, who up until very recently had a home, complete with helipad as confirmed by Google Maps, on nearby, exclusive Centre Island and a motorcycle shop in town; as a place where you can go sailing and (duh) get oysters, though surprisingly there are few places in town that actually make good on this last impression; and home to the crazy big waterfront, Fall festival known as Oyster Fest.
Downtown Oyster Bay has always been a cute, walkable town with lots of interesting architecture. However not even 10 years ago there was literally nothing to do in this “town.” Nowadays, the Oyster Bay East Norwich area has been steadily growing into more of a town in ways that absolutely no one is complaining about… there are more restaurants, more things to do, more ways to socialize and grab a beverage of your choice than ever before.
So whether you’re drawn by Oyster Bay’s presidential past, its Billy Joel lore, or just the promise of good food and drink, the Oyster Bay East Norwich (OBEN) area is officially worth putting on your Long Island hit list. From bagels and breweries to chef-driven restaurants and historic haunts, here’s where to eat, sip, and explore in Oyster Bay and East Norwich.
Acclaimed Steakhouse with a dope Wine List
This one is an oldie but still consistenly a goodie - it’s literally been open since 1907 and is filled with the who’s who on Long Island on a regular basis. Rothmann’s Steakhouse is a landmark and one of the best and oldest steakhouses on Long Island.
Not only are their steaks (and burgers, and fish, and appetizers) always perfectly cooked, but their wine list is practically unmatched. Their bar area is also always poppin’ and often walk-in friendly, which makes it ideal for an impromptu date night or a solid happy hour spot. Don’t even get me started on their crazy, over-the-top brunch.
As a perk to those who live in the area, there are many neighborhoods, particularly on the East Norwich side of the OBEN district, that are within walking distance of this establishment.
Consistently delicious New York-style Bagels
If you move to a new town on Long Island, the first thing you do is seek out the closest, highest quality bagel place. That place in the Oyster Bay East Norwich area and surroundings is hands down East Norwich Bagels.
They have everything you would expect out of a New York bagel establishment - perfectly chewy, snappy bagels in all the classic flavors (Egg, Everything, Egg Everything, etc.) with all the classic, creamy flavors of cream cheese and fun deli salads (shout out to the Chicken Salad Delight with green apple chunks), and good, simple iced coffee in extra large containers. They also make dope Bacon Egg Cheeses (also as one would expect from a NY bagel place).
Bougie Grocery Market with Fresh and Prepared Foods
I can’t even call Christina’s a “grocery store”, because it is both so much more than that and also so much smaller from a footprint perspective than chain stores.
Besides the quality produce, Those Chips (literally what they are called on the label) and the same-sized packs Bagel Chips, in conjunction with their wildly delicious homemade dips (five stars for their somehow fluffy Chipotle Lime Dip), are to die for. They always stock the famed Jericho Cider Mill’s Apple Cider Donuts (and occasionally their pies in season). Also shoutout to their prepared Carrot Soufflé that is so yums served both hot and cold.
NYC Chef-backed Restaurants
A few years back, the James Beard recognized proprietor of the NYC hot spots Recette and The Gander, Chef Jesse Schenker, decided to come out to the Island to try something new and chose downtown Oyster Bay as the spot of his latest projects and they did not disappoint.
2 Spring is a vibey, two-story restaurant with a refined, thoughtfully curated menu and inventive cocktail program. It has a decidedly European flair and is the standout dining spot in the area.
FOUR is nothing short of an incredible dining experience. Think of the menu from The Menu, for those who have seen that crazy movie on Netflix, but with far fewer drama/horror vibes and flavor explosion after flavor explosion during this multi-course, seaonally-inspired, tasting. FOUR only has seating for 10 people at a time - the experience is priced accordingly but is oh so worth it for special occasions and celebratory moments.
Perfectly casual Brewery
Oyster Bay Brewing Co is the best place to go in the Oyster Bay East Norwich area when you crave a casual, chill atmosphere that is child, dog, and crazy Uncle friendly. With bare wooden hightop seating, large bar area, and that telltale hoppy-scented chill in the air, it has everything you need for a relaxing afternoon - tabletop games included!
The beer (brewed on site) is decent, usually nothing to write home about, but certainly scratches the itch for a refreshing, cold one. And they allow you to bring in any food you want to enjoy during your time there.
Amazing, authentic Italian Food
Italian food is not exactly hard to come by on Long Island, which should be no surprise given the nearly 700,000 folks who identify as Italian American in the area.
Of the many in the area, Autentico stands out for it’s superb quality food, concise menu, and family-run feel. Their food is hearty, flavorful, and not your usual Penne alla Vodka or Chicken Francese joint. Definitely call in advance to check if they have seats available - they are not a big cafeteria-style Italian spot just looking to turn a buck.
Sanity-saving Specialty Coffee
The OBEN area currently sports only one coffee shop, however that one coffee shop happens to be Southdown - a local coffee shop that knows how to roast some good beans and knows how to serve them brewed hot and frothy. And fear not fellow Millennials, they also have a wicked Avocado Toast on the menu.
There is often a line so recommend ordering ahead if you are in a pinch. However if you have the time, Southdown is perfectly situated in town so you can grab the coffee beverage of your choice (and a Zucchini Bread loaf piece because YOLO) and have a nice wander through town and down to the water.
The Oyster Bay East Norwich area has managed to keep its small-town charm while growing into a destination full of character, good food, and weekend-worthy spots. OBEN blends history, culture, and a steadily expanding dining scene, making it a place that locals are increasingly proud of and visitors are pleasantly surprised by.
Whether you’re planning a casual day trip, scouting out new restaurants, or just looking for things to do in East Norwich, restaurants of note in Oyster Bay, or places to eat in East Norwich, this corner of Long Island is well worth checking out.
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