Best Of The North Fork

Looking for a place to dine on the North Fork this fall? Whether you’re a local, or headed out for fall farm vegetables and festivities, The Independent has selected a list of places to go.

Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck is a homestyle eatery for breakfast, lunch, and dinner right in the heart of the village, with outdoor seating when the weather is nice. Though breakfast style options are available until 2 PM — think rancheros, breakfast bowl, stuffed French toast — the kitchen closes at 4 PM and, Thursday through Monday, reopens for dinner at 5 PM. Lunch options include paninis, salads such as the red quinoa or chicken avocado mango, burgers, and classics such as fish & chips, steak frites, and Baja fish tacos. Dinner serves up a crab cake, stuffed local tomato, grilled peach & beet salad, and double cut lamb chop. 240 Love Lane in Mattituck, www.lovelanekitchen.com

Jamesport Manor Inn has a rich history. It was rebuilt in 2006, after a tragic fire, in a way that replicates its original structure from the 1850s. Dining here proves to be an experience for lunch and dinner of upscale American fare overlooking the farm fields. Executive Chef Jeff Russell presents a menu that includes almond crusted fried brie truffle honey garlic toast, BLT lobster roll or crab cake burger, colossal shrimp & watermelon salad or sesame crusted Asian tuna salad, local duck duo, and horseradish crusted salmon. The list goes on. 370 Manor Lane in Jamesport, www.jamesportmanor.com

Jedediah Hawkins Inn restaurant allows for breakfast in the solarium for guests, brunch al fresco, and dinner by the fireplace with an additional speakeasy with flagstone walls and old brick and timber from the barn. It has a seasonal and speakeasy cocktail list, weekend brunch and lunch, and a dinner menu reading table shares such as pork belly or artichoke & gruyere flatbread, or try a scallop credo appetizer with pear & cheese fiocchi, a beef short rib main or pappardelle, then a house made dessert. On weekdays, there is a $36 three-course prix fixe dinner available from 5 to 7 PM. Closed Tuesdays. 400 South Jamesport Avenue in Jamesport, www.jedediahhawkinsinn.com

North Fork Table & Inn in Southold is nearly impossible to get a reservation at during the summer months, which is why off-season is the right time to get a taste of Executive Chef Stephan Bogardus’s master culinary skills. A five-course tasting menu with Russian osetra caviar, crude of picnic bay fluke, lobster suquet, dry aged Crescent Farm duck & summer truffle, and sweet corn soufflé is just the beginning. Plates to share, entrees, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, a whiskey list, and wine list round out this flavorful experience of the North Fork. 57225 Main Road in Southold, www.northforktableandinn.com

First and South feels a bit like home, a cozy bistro with seasonal New American fare. Its menu is subject to change due to its locally sourced ingredients. Steps away from the main hub of Greenport village, it serves up an all-day menu of a croissant trio, mac & cheese, dirty fries, stuffed zucchini, and frisee calamari. Weekly supper specials call out the source of the ingredients. In addition to an expansive beer, wine, and spirits list, including mocktails, it has a long line of desserts suitable for the ultimate sweet tooth, and digestifs to accompany them. It is closed on Wednesday and Thursdays. 100 South Street in Greenport, www.firstandsouth.com

Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market in Greenport is an adorable little shack down an alleyway off the main road, perfectly situated overlooking the water and docks. Under the big Bait & Tackle sign awaits a lineup of great beer (especially local) with an Original Greenport from Greenport Harbor Brewery release night every Thursday. Oysters aplenty await — shuck them yourself, always a fun experience, or have them ready on ice. For those craving more than seafood, enjoy fresh meats, cheeses, and other small bites. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 37 Front Street down Bootleg Alley in Greenport, www.littlecreekoysters.com

Lucharitos has two North Fork locations: its main location in Greenport and Little Lucharitos in Aquebogue. The modern and Nacho Libre, funky Baja style taqueria and bar is an absolute go-to for all things tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, and margaritas. Steps away from the Greenport dock, it serves up additional plates of paella, barbecue roasted pork, coconut shrimp, wings and much more. It’s the little fun piece of Mexico on the East End. 119 Main Street in Greenport, www.lucharitos.com

The Frisky Oyster in Greenport brings a piece of Manhattan out east. Atmospheric and delicious, with a prominent bar setup, you’ll feel as though you’ve just stepped into the East Village. The dinner menu is updated daily, reading options such as country view farm sweet corn soup, picnic golds oysters “friskafella,” charred baby octopus, artisanal gigli, parmesan truffle fries, and a cocktail list of 10 plus flavors. Desserts include frog hollow peach upside down cake, bourbon brown sugar créme brulée, and more, with options of a dessert wine flight and organic loose leaf tea. 27 Front Street in Greenport, www.thefriskyoyster.com

Noah’s in Greenport has become an icon of sorts in the village. Featuring small plates that emphasize local ingredients by Chef Noah Schwartz, Noah’s is a modern storefront space transformed into a must-dine restaurant, with an always lively bar scene and outdoor seating area. Tastes that are 3 for $15, of beer & bacon glazed almonds, duck liver mousse and more; a raw bar; skewers from the grill; small plates for sharing; full plates; and a simple but delicious brunch menu await, as do happy hour food and drink offerings. 136 Front Street in Greenport, www.chefnoahs.com

Bruce & Son is a great spot in Greenport for people watching on Main Street. Sit indoors or on the outdoor patio for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. It has a rotating seasonal menu. A menu sampling includes lemon ricotta pancakes, flourless matcha pancakes, ratatouille toast, avocado toast, turmeric overnight oats, and more with either rosé, a cocktail, coffee, or house made lemonade. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday; open Thursday through Monday until 3 PM. 208 Main Street in Greenport, www.bruceandsongreenport.com

The Halyard is on the north road in Greenport, with unmatchable views of the Long Island Sound. Brunch options, dinner, bar food, and cocktails, the menu matches the pristine views and atmosphere greeting guests inside. The Halyard likes to “keep it local” with sourcing from Peeko Oyster Farm, Treiber Farms, Farmer Joe, and more, including plenty of local brews and wines. Closed on Monday. 58775 County Road 48 in Greenport, www.thehalyardgreenport.com

Touch of Venice in Cutchogue has Italian fare with outdoor dining. Stuffed artichoke, veal risotto meatballs, plates for sharing like salami & formaggi or buratta, pasta dishes of garganelli or chittati, entrees of gamberi all griglia and bistecca Tuscany are menu options. Closed Monday. 28350 Main Road in Cutchogue, www.touchofvenice.com

Il Giardino Restaurant by John Gambino in Aquebogue features simple southern Italian food. It has a beautiful outdoor space with a patio and bar. Nibble on North Fork Paccheri, Sicilian orecchiette, turkey meat balls, seafood platter, and more. 739 Main Road in Aquebogue, www.ilgiardinoaquebogue.com

Modern Snack Bar is a family-run business, featuring quintessential vintage décor and home-style American dishes in Aquebogue. Passersby will notice the large neon pointed sign by Neimeyer Sign Company pointing to the location that has become a North Fork landmark since John and Wanda Wittmeier took over in the 1950s. In addition to classic burgers, sandwiches, and sides the menu lists chicken pot pie, soft shell crab, chicken croquettes, bay scallops, and its “famous” lobster salad. Don’t forget to get a slice of pie. It’s a combination of family diner expectations with real North Fork local flavoring. Closed on Mondays. 628 Main Road, Aquebogue, www.modernsnackbar.com

Turkuaz Grill in Riverhead is a little nook for Middle Eastern cuisine and outdoor riverfront seating. Get a combination plates of kebabs and gyros, seafood, wraps, olives a plenty, and Mediterranean desserts like bird netz or kadayif. Closed on Tuesdays. 40 McDermott Avenue in Riverhead, www.turkuazgrillriverhead.com

Cliff’s Elbow Room in Jamesport is a key local tavern with daily specials, burgers and sandwiches, plenty of seafood, and bar style appetizers. 1549 Main Road in Jamesport, www.cliffselbowroom.com

nicole@indyeastend.com