14 categories, hand-picked by our editors. Free readers see our #1 in each category. Insiders see our full top 5.
Want it narrowed down by meal or county? See our ranked guides to the best lunch on Long Island, the best diners, and the Best Brunch in Nassau County — each ten real spots, rated by the actual review record. Or head back to the hub for things to do on Long Island today.
The full ranked list of our editors' picks — the runner-ups behind every #1 in the 2026 Best of LI.
The full ranked picks behind every #1, across all 14 Best of LI categories.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for pizza is Joe's Pizza & Pasta in Holbrook, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. La Margherita Pizzeria in Medford and The Pizzeria in Bayport round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 10 for pizza on Long Island.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for bagels is The Gourmet Bagel Co in Bohemia, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. Joels Bagels in Medford and Hilltop Bagel Cafe in Farmingville round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 10 for bagels on Long Island.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for brunch is Hatch in Huntington, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. Maureen's Kitchen in Smithtown and Toast Coffee + Kitchen in Patchogue round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 10 for brunch on Long Island.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for lobster roll is LUNCH Lobster Roll in Amagansett, ranked #1 of 9 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. PJ Lobster House in Port Jefferson and Varney's Restaurant in Brookhaven round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 9 for lobster roll on Long Island.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for ice cream is Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe in Riverhead, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. Buttermilk’s Farmhouse in Patchogue and Ice Cream Cottage in Mastic round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 10 for ice cream on Long Island.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for BBQ is Bitterman's BBQ in West Babylon, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. JBBQ Hot Pot & BBQ in Smithtown and Smokin' Al's in Massapequa Park round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 10 for BBQ on Long Island.
Our #1 in every Best of LI category, plus events, good news, and the restaurant pick. Free, every Thursday.