Dates: Nov 2–9, 2025 | Format: multi-course prix fixe (lunch and/or dinner; offerings vary by restaurant)
This second installment of our Nassau County Restaurant Week series takes you through the South & Coastal corridor—Rockville Centre, Massapequa & Massapequa Park, Wantagh, Merrick, Freeport, Island Park, Lynbrook, Bellmore, Oceanside, East Rockaway, Farmingdale—with a natural, town-by-town flow and a must-try dish to help you order confidently. If you’re looking for North Shore & Central Nassau (Roslyn, Garden City, Westbury, Glen Cove, Mineola, Woodbury, etc.), hop over to Part 1 here.
Rockville Centre: Bistro Energy, Date-Night Classics, and Global Flavor
Rockville Centre is built for Restaurant Week—walkable blocks, lively rooms, and plenty of choices. Start with Aperitif Bistro for a French-leaning evening where the steak frites channels Parisian brasserie comfort and the vibe feels celebratory without trying too hard. Around the corner, Chadwicks American Table balances tavern warmth with chef-y touches—order the bourbon-glazed short rib for slow-braised richness that’s November-perfect. Italian cravings? Dodici is your white-tablecloth moment; the branzino with lemon and herbs reads bright and elegant. For modern Japanese, Kashi turns out crisp, inventive rolls and seared favorites—say yes to the spicy tuna crispy rice. If you’re in a taco-and-margarita mood, Mesita brings the party; the birria tacos with consommé dip are a must. RVC also shines for Latin flavors at Mojo RVC—go for the ropa vieja or churrasco with chimichurri. Pappa Gallo keeps the fiesta going with a generous plate of mole chicken enchiladas. At the same time, The George plays the polished-new-American card beautifully—opt for the roasted chicken with pan jus. For an easy family night or craft-beer burger run, Burgerology (RVC) delivers—make it the Truffle Shuffle burger with a side of hand-cut fries.
Massapequa & Massapequa Park: From Steak & Seafood to Tapas & Comfort
In Massapequa, Restaurant Week turns into a choose-your-adventure. Smuggler Jack’s blends seafood & steak with waterfront spirit—start with the oysters and follow with a grilled NY strip or blackened mahi. Paddy’s Loft leans cozy-Irish; the shepherd’s pie is exactly what a crisp fall evening calls for. Brasserie: by Chef Aless brings a French accent—look for duck confit or a classic steak au poivre if it pops onto the week’s menu. For a high-energy Italian night, Mercato Kitchen and Cocktails (Massapequa Park) hits the sweet spot with rigatoni alla vodka and a smart cocktail list. If you’re burger hopping, Burgerology (Massapequa) keeps things fun; the Mac Attack is a share-worthy guilty pleasure. And for a surf & turf hybrid during Restaurant Week, Toto’s Restaurant in neighboring Wantagh (just over the line) is close enough to include in your Massapequa plans—more on Wantagh in a moment.
Wantagh: Steakhouse Comfort, Seafood Favorites, and Smart American Plates
Wantagh stacks the deck with crowd-pleasers. Thom Thom Steak and Seafood is exactly what it sounds like—order the petite filet with lobster tail if a classic surf-and-turf mood strikes. Toto’s Restaurant doubles down on steakhouse tradition with a center-cut filet mignon that pairs beautifully with garlicky broccoli rabe or au gratin potatoes. For a modern American bistro with neighborhood soul, Snaps American Bistro turns out a crispy chicken sandwich and a short rib grilled cheese that locals swear by. If tacos and tequila are calling, Mateo’s Cantina answers with al pastor tacos and bright, citrusy margaritas. And when the night says “steakhouse, but old-school,” Vincent’s Steakhouse serves a well-charred porterhouse that’s built for sharing.
Merrick & Bellmore: Waterfront Feels and Neighborhood Warmth
Merrick’s Restaurant Week energy starts at the shoreline with Fabio’s On The Water, where a plate of fried calamari followed by shrimp fra diavolo brings the heat—and the view. A few minutes west, Bellmore’s options cover both upscale-casual and Italian comfort. Bluebird Kitchen (Bellmore) delivers new-American plates with polish; the seared scallops with a seasonal purée is the dish to beat. La Bella Cucina (Bellmore) hits the trattoria notes right on cue—go for the rigatoni alla vodka or a tender veal saltimbocca.
Freeport & Island Park: Nautical Classics, Latin Comfort, and Coastal Mediterranean
Few places vibe as hard with seafood as Freeport during Restaurant Week. Nautilus Cafe is a perennial for classic shore dining; begin with the lobster bisque and follow with a grilled salmon or crab cake entrée. Off The Hook Raw Bar & Grill leans casual and festive—order a raw bar sampler and the fish & chips or blackened shrimp tacos. For Dominican home-style flavors, Mi Casa Dominican Restaurant and Bar is a gem; the pollo guisado over rice and beans is the feel-good pick. Over the bridge in Island Park, Peter’s Clam Bar is the old-school favorite—go for the baked stuffed clams and a lobster roll if it appears on the prix fixe. Aura Coastal Mediterranean (Island Park) brings a chic, sunny sensibility; choose the grilled branzino with lemon and capers or a lamb kebab with cooling tzatziki.
Lynbrook & East Rockaway: Italian Craft and Small-Town Charm
Il Luogo Restaurant (Lynbrook) brings the white-tablecloth Italian experience—order the veal chop Milanese or a delicate branzino for a night that feels special. For a more intimate, chef-driven Italian evening, Chef’s Table Lynbrook rewards curiosity—if the short rib ravioli or truffle tagliatelle appears, it’s a yes. Just down the road, James & Main (East Rockaway) is the neighborhood American pick —think buttermilk-fried chicken or a bourbon-glazed pork chop with cozy sides and a friendly room.
Oceanside: Italian with Personality
In Oceanside, Joey’s Bold Flavors blends Italian comfort with playful touches. Kick off with the nonna’s meatballs and follow with the chicken francese or spicy rigatoni—the kind of red-sauce goodness that makes Restaurant Week feel like a hug.
Farmingdale: Lively Mains, Cocktails, and Night-Out Energy
Farmingdale’s Main Street hums this week. Harleys American Grille plates a swaggering cowboy ribeye and a craveable smash burger with all the fixings. Library Cafe is a local classic; the buffalo chicken wrap or a stacked cheeseburger keeps it casual and social. If you’re in for regional Mexican, Caracara Mexican Grill delivers depth with enchiladas suizas and slow-simmered sauces. For an Italian evening, Zuzu Farmingdale turns out a satisfying rigatoni alla vodka and crispy calamari—perfect with a glass of red. And if you want the modern-Italian “big night out,” Nunzi’s Modern Italian dials up the energy with generous portions—opt for the Sunday sauce platter if it appears on the prix fixe.
Bellmore to Wantagh (Bonus Loop): Casual to Polished—Pick Your Mood
Suppose you’re stringing together a multi-night tour, a Bellmore. In that case, Wantagh loop works beautifully: start with Bluebird Kitchen (Bellmore) or La Bella Cucina (Bellmore), then slide east to Thom Thom, Snaps, or Vincent’s Steakhouse (Wantagh), depending on whether the mood is seafood, American bistro, or classic steakhouse. It’s the Restaurant Week version of “choose your own adventure,” and in this corridor, every choice is good.
How to Make the Most of South Shore Dining
Book early for weekend nights, and remember that some restaurants limit Saturday specials to earlier seatings. Consider prix-fixe lunch options for easier reservations and better value. Finally, pair dinner with a quick neighborhood drive—coastal towns like Freeport, Island Park, and Merrick shine after dark, and Rockville Centre’s main drag makes post-dinner strolling a must.
Missed Part 1? Catch North & Central Nassau
For Roslyn, Garden City, Westbury, Woodbury, Glen Cove, Mineola, and more (plus a must-try item for each), read Part 1: North Shore & Central Nassau.
About Your North Shore Living
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