Top 10 Places to Find Ethnic Cuisine on Long Island

Long Island is more diverse than people think. Food on the island is one aspect where diversity reigns supreme, and of course who doesn’t love food right? Eating out is certainly one of America’s favorite pastimes. Many of us know the struggle of being hangry, a combination of hunger and anger, yet find it difficult when choosing a restaurant. If you’re sick of the same old cheeseburger deluxe combo, consider visiting these unique ethnic eateries around the island. Here are the 10 best places to find ethnic cuisine on Long Island:

1.Hummingbird Jamaican Restaurant (Medford, NY)

3135 Route 112 Medford, NY 11763

Type of Cuisine: JamaicanLocated in Medford, this cozy establishment sits inside of a tiny plaza located just off of Route 112. The Hummingbird, as some locals call it, is most well known for their delicious oxtails and rice. However, they sell a lot more than just oxtails and rice! They serve various other dishes such as; jerk chicken, fish, sweet chili shrimp, beef patties and curry goat. Of course you cannot leave without getting some tasty sides to go along with your meat selections. Forgo calorie counting for the evening and add on some delicious mac and cheese, stew peas, or pineapple cake made from scratch. They also sell an array of authentic and imported Jamaican beverages. Not only does Hummingbird have great food selections, their restaurant also features a section for live entertainment as well.

2. Gingerbites (Huntington Station, NY)

730 E Jericho Turnpike Huntington Station, NY 11746

Type of Cuisine: HaitianHaitian eatery Gingerbites has been featured on Newsday’s Top 100 Restaurants on Long Island. They offer takeout and sit-down style eating as well as an impressive catering menu. Gingerbites may be best known for their succulent brunch menu. On Sundays only, for $28 per person, you can cure your watering mouth with Haitian eggs and sweet plantain waffles made with coconut milk or Bannan ouefs bouyi ak moru (boiled eggs and plantains with sautéed salt fish). Gingerbites also takes pride in using locally sourced and organic food, which no doubt any food goer can appreciate. Signature dishes include: stew chicken and griot (pork cubes with creole spice). Stop by Gingerbites for a warm atmosphere and a hefty Caribbean feel.

3. Casa Del Campo (North Babylon, NY)

1159 Deer Park Ave. North Babylon, NY 11703

Type of Cuisine: Dominican Located in North Babylon, Casa Del Campo serves up delectable Dominican cuisine. Their menu boasts a wide range of Dominican dishes such as; mofongos, ropa vieja, pernil asado, yucca, rice soups, Dominican nachos and more. Have a sweet tooth? If so, don’t fathom walking out the door without giving their signature desserts such as pastel de tres leche (three milk cake) or flan a try. The atmosphere inside boasts a casual yet moderately upscale appearance. Casa del Campo has sit-in style seating and also offers catering and take out options. You can’t go wrong with Casa Del Campo if you’re seeking authentic Latino cuisine.

4. Winnie’s Soul Food (Amityville, NY)

179 Broadway Amityville, NY 11701

Type of Cuisine: Soul Food Mac and cheese, collard greens and candied yams? Count me in! Winnie’s Soul Food restaurant is located in Amityville and has a large soul food menu. The menu contains signature dishes such as; Rasta pasta, a combination of ziti pasta laden with alfredo sauce, chicken, shrimp, BBQ ribs, fried pork chops, grilled steak, jerk chicken, and pan–seared salmon among other dishes. Winnie tags itself as “Southern cuisine with international flavors” and they certainly live up to that hype. With a few seats inside, Winnie’s is more of a grab-and-go type of atmosphere. Make your soul happy by visiting Winnie’s and trying some delicious soul food.

5. Masalah Grill (Huntington Station, NY)

195 Walt Whitman Rd Huntington Station, NY 11746

Type of Cuisine: Indian/Pakistani Don’t let this quaint little eatery fool you, their menu packs quite a punch. Located directly across from the famous Walt Whitman Shops, Masalah Grill caters to lovers of Indian and Pakistani food. Their menu options include a variety of spicy and popular meats such as: goat, chicken, lamb, and beef. They even have some unique vegetarian options. If you’re feeling jazzy, get your shop on across the street then head over to Masalah Grill for some signature dishes like; palak aloo, chicken curry, lamb vindaloo and goat biryani.

6. Dunn’s River Lounge (Rockville Center, NY)

93 N Park Ave. Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Type of Cuisine: Jamaican Dunn’s River Lounge located in Rockville Centre, prides itself on providing customers with good food and good reggae. This certainly couldn’t ring any truer for this intimate and upscale lounge and restaurant. If you’re looking for lunch specials, look elsewhere, because Dunn’s River is where you go for nightlife and good food after 5 p.m. on weeknights. They host brunch on Sundays and even have all-you-can-eat seafood on Wednesday nights. They have been featured on News 12 and have a reputation for being a hotspot in Nassau County for Jamaican cuisine and tropical drinks. Slide into Dunn’s River Lounge to get a taste of dishes such as; coconut shrimp, braised oxtails, steamed snapper, jerk pork, and more. For vegetarians, they serve dishes such as stew tofu and veggie stew, which is cooked in coconut milk.

7. Los Amigos Restaurant Bar & Grill (Farmingville, NY)

1075 Portion Rd Farmingville, NY 11738

Type of Cuisine: Mexican Located in Farmingville, Los Amigos Restaurant Bar & Grill is a relatively new establishment. They opened their doors in 2018 but have been pumping out quality cuisine since their opening. Los Amigos serves up authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern and down-to-earth vibe. Their restaurant contains a full bar and a large sitting area. Must-try dishes are the Mexican style steak, breaded chicken, and classic arroz con pollo (chicken with rice). If you have the chance to visit, also give their signature cocktails a try.

8. Havana Central (Garden City, NY)

630 Old Country Rd Garden City, NY 11530

Type of Cuisine: Cuban Cuban-themed eatery Havana Central, has been around for quite some time now and they have several locations in New York. They specialize in unique and flavorful Cuban dishes that leave customers coming back for more. Once you step into Havana Central, it’ll transport you into a different world. The atmosphere is likened to being in Cuba itself, and in no time you may find yourself singing Camila Cabello’s “Havana”. Signature dishes include; empanadas, masitas de puerco (crispy fried pork), cuban sandwiches, and calamari.

9. Choopan Grill (Selden, NY)

1310 Middle Country Rd Selden, NY 11784 and 15 W Marie St Hicksville, NY 11801

Type of Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Afghan Choopan Grill, located in both Selden and Hicksville, offers authentic Afghan and Middle Eastern food. This restaurant boasts quite a sufficient range of lunch and dinner offerings. Here you can find delicious kebabs, falafel sandwiches, salads, and appetizers such as mantoo (steamed dumplings), hummus with naan, and bolani (fried turnovers). Choopan Grill also offers several vegetarian dishes on their menu. Fuel your hunger with their tasty meats and savory, well spiced rice. An abundance of flavor and pungent smells will fill your heart’s desire at Choopan grill.

10.Phayathai (Ronkonkoma, NY)

735 Hawkins Ave. Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Type of Cuisine: Thai You won’t need to hop on a plane to Thailand to enjoy some authentic Thai food. Located in Ronkonkoma, Phayathai is the spot on the island to get your pad Thai, drunken noodles and Thai sticky rice. This establishment is a crowd favorite and has received rave reviews from customers. The restaurant gives a casual dining experience with moderately priced offerings anywhere from $11-$30. Phayathai prides itself on handcrafting their food with perfection and providing excellent customer service to top it off. Complete your meal with yummy dessert selections such as fried ice cream, pumpkin custard and Thai coconut cupcake.