As Shelter Island marks the unofficial start of summer, options expand for dining (out or in). We checked in with members of our Island Directory to see what’s open and when.
Call ahead for reservations during the busy holiday weekend, or to order takeaway to enjoy at home or on the go!
Cafés and restaurants
Whether you’re working out at the onsite gym, taking a tennis lesson on the inn’s courts, or just want to try something delicious, the Café at Dering Harbor Inn offers nutritious juices, smoothies, coffees, and teas, as well as Bouchra Drame’s pastries and Moroccan specialties. Hours: daily, 8 AM to 8 PM. 13 Winthrop Road | 631-749-0900 | deringharborinn.net/cafe/
With stunning vistas and delicious local cuisine, the family-friendly Flying Goat Restaurant at the historic Shelter Island Country Club serves lunch and dinner. Dine inside or on the breezy porch with views of Dering Harbor and the Peconic Bays from one of the highest points on the Island. Hours: noon to 8 PM (until 8:30 on weekends) daily except Wednesday. 26 Sunnyside Drive | 631-749-5404 | flyinggoatrestaurant.com
A classic family restaurant specializing in your favorite comfort foods, The Islander is open for breakfast and lunch daily. Evening hours vary, depending on the season. Also look for The Roaming Islander food truck at Crescent Beach daily for lunch, featuring all your favorite beach eats. Catering for your next event or private party, too! Cash or Venmo, only. No credit or debit cards. Restaurant hours: Opens at 7 AM daily; until 3 PM on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and 8:30 PM on Monday, Friday, and Saturday. 63 North Ferry Road | 631-749-1998 | theislandersi.com
Representing the marriage of modern Italian cuisine and seasonal dishes, Isola features the freshest East End ingredients, giving guests a true taste of Shelter Island living, with a Mediterranean flair. Dine inside or on the porch or patio. Available for private parties. Live music on weekends. Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 9 PM, until 11 on Friday and Saturdays; Sundays, 5 to 10 PM. 15 Grand Avenue| 631-749-9036 | isolany.com
Shelter Island Pharmacy Soda Fountain offers classic grill items for breakfast and lunch, with to-go dinner specials, too. Takeout only. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 2 PM; Sunday until noon. 19 Grand Avenue | 631-749-0445 | shelterislandpharmacy.com
Enjoy pizza, pasta, subs, salads, and more at Shelter Island Slice, with gluten-free pizza options, as well as beer and wine. Take away, or dine inside or on the patio. Grab your favorite slice and head to the beach! Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Sunday, noon to 8 PM. 3 North Ferry Road | 631-749-9292 | shelterislandslice.com
For breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffees all day, visit Stars Café. Classic pastries plus grill items, juices, smoothies, and Tex-Mex favorites. Indoor and sidewalk seating. Open late on Thursdays for Burger Night. Hours: 6 AM to 4 PM daily; plus 5 to 7 PM on Thursday. 17 Grand Avenue | 631-749-5345 | starscafeshelterisland.com
Sunset Beach is open for lunch, dinner, and bar service. Visit the iconic beachfront bar and restaurant for an endless summer vibe. For Hours: daily (closed Tuesdays) for lunch from noon to 3 PM; dinner Sunday to Thursday from 6 to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 6 to 10 PM and bar service weekdays from noon to 11 PM, and weekends until midnight. 35 Shore Road | 631-749-2001 | sunsetbeachli.com
Vine Street Café features seasonally-influenced menus using ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and vineyards; starting with the highest quality ingredients and avoiding shortcuts. Full bar with dining inside and outdoors, as well as catering and private party options. Call for takeout. Hours: Thursday to Monday for dinner starting at 5 PM. 41 South Ferry Road | 631-749-3210 | vinestreetcafe.com
Weakfish at The Chequit, is open for dining at the sushi bar, on the covered porch, and, weather permitting, on the terraced patios. Chef Noah Schwartz also operates a new café at the inn’s Washington Street entryway, with morning pastries, coffee, juices, and more. Coming soon: The Tavern, in The Chequit’s lower level. Weakfish hours: Friday 5 to 10 PM; Saturday from noon to 10 PM; and Sunday (and Monday of Memorial Day weekend) from noon to 9 PM. 23 Grand Avenue | 631-749-0018 | thechequithotel.com
White Oak Wines, offers live music on Saturday afternoons. Made by Winemaker Tom Spotteck of Lenz Winery in partnership with Kristian Clark, White Oak Wines specializes in a laid-back and elegant rosé. The tasting room features some of the best boutique wine by local vintners, as well as an eclectic mix of indoor plants and outdoor gardens to explore while you imbibe. Hours: Weekends from noon to 7 PM. 2 Manwaring Road | 631-749-5814 | whiteoakfarmandgardens.com
Seafood
A variety of fresh seafood options is among the many attractions of visiting our sea-girt community. Be sure to check out:
- Eel Town Oysters, pick up fresh oysters from the stand at 9 North Ferry Road daily. Call for special orders, at 631-949-5459, and buy cool merch online at eeltownoysters.com
- PEEKO Oysters, drop by the barn at 58 North Ferry Road to purchase fresh oysters; call/text Chris for special orders, 631-408-7281
- Shelter Island Seafood, the market at 87 North Ferry Road is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM; visit shelterislandseafood.com for details
- Southold Bay Oysters, pick up fresh oysters on weekends from the self-serve kiosk at Grady-Riley Gardens, 80 North Menantic Road; learn more at southoldbayoysters.com
Markets and shops
The Eccentric Bagel lives up to its name with a menu full of classic bagels alongside unique flavors. All-day breakfast favorites include bagels topped with delicious spreads or grill specialties; for all-day lunch start with a bagel or wrap and add cold cuts and/or veggies and your favorite trimmings. Call ahead for quick pickup, at 631-749-5363. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7 AM to 3 PM (open Monday holidays). 25 West Neck Road | theeccentricbagel.com
Marie Eiffel Market is now open five days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prêt-à-manger bakery, sandwiches and meals. Take away or enjoy on the waterfront dock overlooking Dering Harbor or sidewalk seating on lively Bridge Street. Catering available – call/text 212-945-8492 for details. Hours: Thursday to Monday, 7 AM to 5 PM. 184 North Ferry Road | marieeiffelmarket.com
The Shelter Island IGA is open daily with everything you need to stock your pantry or pack a picnic for the beach. Full line supermarket carrying organic produce, groceries, dairy, meat, bakery, hot and cold catering, and more. Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM daily. 75 North Ferry Road | Follow Shelter Island IGA on Facebook
VSC Market carries Vine Street Café menu items and other great products perfect for casual entertaining or pulling together an easy meal. Retail items, too, like potato chips, sodas, beer, cheese, and organic and natural chocolates. Cocktails to go, too. Hours: Thursday to Monday from 3 to 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 8:30 PM. 41 South Ferry Road | 631-749-3210 |vinestreetcafe.com
Farm fresh produce and flowers
The Havens Farmers Market opens for the season at the Shelter Island History Center on Saturday, May 28. Vendors will offer fresh produce and artisanal goods, as well as crafts, jewelry, and artwork. New this year, Shelter For All, a Community Housing advocacy group, will have a booth to explain affordable housing options. Visit the Shelter Island Historical Society website to see a list of all vendors. Hours: 9 AM to 12:30 PM, weekly on Saturdays through Labor Day weekend. 16 South Ferry Road | 631-749- 0025 | shelterislandhistorical.org
Sign up for the flower CSA at Island Time Farm and Gardens, and enjoy a weekly bouquet all summer long. Or, simply stop by the farm’s roadside kiosk opposite The Islander, and choose from the gorgeous selection of locally-grown flowers and produce. Island Time also offers garden consultation and floral design for events. 62 North Ferry Road | (gardens) 631-903-1261 or (flowers) 425-879-6939 | islandtimefarm.com
The newly-expanded Sylvester Manor Farmstand is open for the long holiday weekend. Find fresh vegetables, berries and flowers, as well as locally-ground meat, eggs, and dairy products. The Farmstand also carries locally-sourced bread and baked goods, as well as unique gift items. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM (until 3 PM on Memorial Day). 21 Manwaring Road | 631-749-0626 | sylvestermanor.org
Editor’s note: This post was updated with an image from the soft opening at Weakfish at The Chequit. Congratulations to Chef Noah, Stacey Soloviev, and all involved in reopening the iconic inn as a destination for Islanders and visitors alike!
