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. The Pizzeria in Bayport and La Margherita Pizzeria in Medford 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 Bagel Chalet in Commack, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. Bagel Gallery in Smithtown and Long Island Bagel Cafe in Glen Cove 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 The Shed Restaurant in Huntington 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 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. Lazy Lobster in East Rockaway and DJ's Clam Shack in Wantagh round out the top of the list. See the full ranked top 10 for lobster roll on Long Island.
Our 2026 Best of LI pick for ice cream is Gelateria Dei Coltelli in Williston Park, ranked #1 of 10 contenders on the actual review record rather than a popularity poll. Ice Cream Cottage in Mastic and Mia's Ice Cream Kitchen in Centereach 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.