Top 10 Restaurants in Nassau County

Being that my favorite thing to do is going out and trying new restaurants I figured t was appropriate to create a top 10 list that was specific to dining out. I grew up in Plainview, NY and currently live in Hicksville, NY which is in Nassau County (about 10 minutes from Suffolk). I've been to plenty of Suffolk restaurants, but feel that I haven't been to enough to do a "top 10 restaurants in Long Island" post so keeping it to Nassau County. Yes, I'm sure the random dive joint down the street from your apartment makes fantastic buffalo wings and I'm sure I've never been there, but I think I've been to enough places in Nassau County to make a decent list. Click on any of the restaurants to view their website and feel free to offer your suggestions below. Please note that a place must have waiter service to qualify which means that fantastic food places such as All American Burger unfortunately do not qualify.

10. Minado - I cannot get enough of Minado. Minado is a Japanese buffet located in Carle Place. The word "buffet" usually indicates a skeevy, low class place with subpar food, but Minado completely kills this stereotype. Fresh sushi (unique types of rolls too), hot and cold Japanese selections, crab legs, and crepes makes this one of the more unique buffet options on Long Island. Food is always great and the sushi chefs will make whatever you'd like if it isn't there. Recommended Food Item: Rock' N Roll Sushi Roll

9. Mim's - A lot of people will say this place is overrated, but cannot see why. I've been here five times, all GREAT experiences (only the Syosset location, never been to the Roslyn one). I like how the menu has so much variety, but not too many menu items (like a Cheesecake Factory) which can get overwhelming. I try something new every time I come here (appetizer and entree) and everything I've tasted has been excellent. If you're a lobster bisque fan, definitely get it here. Recommended Food Item: Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna

8. Lemonleaf Grill - I LOVE Thai food, but always have difficulty finding a place that makes really good Thai cuisine. Lemonleaf is one of the few Thai places that does Thai food extremely well. Everything I've had here is good. Lemonleaf is the only Thai place I will go to on Long Island. Recommend Food Item: Pineapple Coconut Fried Rice

7. Opa Grille - Opa Grille is a Greek restaurant located by the Bethpage train station. I've been to a few Greek places in Long Island and this is easily my favorite (although Wild Fig is the only place that can compete). I'm a sucker for their spanakopita and their grilled octopus. Recommended Food Item: Grilled Octopus (appetizer)

6. Zim Zari - Not the fanciest joint by any means whatsoever, but hard to find better tacos in Nassau County. Zim Zari's offers filet mignon tacos and other unique (and delicious) taco choices. Even better, they offer all their tacos for $2 each on Tuesdays. Fantastic. Recommended Food Item: Surf and Turf Tacos

5. Butera's - I've only been to the Woodbury location, but Butera's is also located in Smithtown, Sayville, and Seaford. Butera's offers delicious Italian American cuisine (especially their salads and seafoods). Recommended Food Item: Linguine Seafood

4. Tesoro Ristorante - Italian places more than any other cuisine in my opinion tend to differ when it comes to people choosing their favorites. Mine happens to be Tesoro's in Westbury. The owners and staff are extremely friendly and treat you like their best customer each and every time. I'm a big veal guy and they have the best veal dish I've ever tried: Veal Castagna. The brown sauce on it is RIDICULOUS. All other dishes I've had here were excellent too. Everything is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. Recommended Food Item: Veal Castagna

3. Rein at the Garden City Hotel - One of Long Island's most upscale hotels has one of the best restaurants in Nassau County. Rein is known for their Sunday Brunch (which is the best brunch I've been to), but also has great menu items for lunch and dinner. Not for the restaurant goer on the budget although they have a few deals floating around online. The Sunday Brunch has lobster, crab, sushi, a chocolate fountain, and a LOT more (along with unlimited mimosas and bloody mary's.  Recommended Food Item: All of Sunday Brunch

2. Smokin' Als -Can't speak on behalf of the Bayshore location, but I've been to the Massapequa one a few times and it's ridiculously good. Not as good as your top BBQ places in the south, but the best place in Long Island to get BBQ. The meat and sauces are incredible and the brisket nachos are out of this world. Every meal, appetizer, and side I've had here was nothing short of fantastic and the price isn't that bad either. Recommend Food Item: Brisket Nachos (appetizer)

1. Waterzooi  - I wouldn't consider myself to be a mussel person by any means, but Waterzooi has turned me. Located in Garden City, NY Waterzooi is without a doubt the best place in Long Island (and probably farther away) to get mussels. The place has a variety of unique broths (my favorite being the thai) and come with a ridiculously awesome frites an garlic mayo. The mayo is probably one of the best things I've ever eaten.  I've had 5 different types of mussels here and all are among one of the best food items I've eaten. Their other food is fantastic as well (including the lobster fondue). Not only do they have amazing food, but they have a HUGE selection of Belgian beers. If you're on a budget, Waterzooi offers a three course meal of a choice of one of two apps, mussels with frites, and belgian chocolate cake for dessert for only $20 (you'll likely have plenty of leftovers too). Recommend Food Item: Thai Mussels

Top 5 New Restaurants in New York City

NYC is known for many things, including the wide variety and greatness of their restaurants. Every year there are many new (and delicious) eateries that sprout up in New York City. It is nearly impossible to be kept in the loop on all the new restaurants in the area making it highly likely that you are missing out on a new potential favorite food spot of choice. We've visited a few new ones over the past few months and narrowed it down to the five best new restaurants (3 months or later) in New York City.

1. This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef - Brand spanking new, but our favorite. Katz deli needs to watch out because This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef is one of the best sandwich joints I've ever been to. Seriously. Go now before the lines start to pick up because this place will catch on quickly. The menu is limited, but I think this works to their advantage given how great the food is.
Must Have: Pastrami Sandwich (the best I've ever had)
Location: 149 1st Avenue

2. Led Zeppole - Led Zeppole I believe is run by the same owners as This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef (if this is the case, congrats on having two kick ass new eateries). If you have a sweet tooth this place will satisfy your craving and then some. From deep fried Oreos, to soft serve ice cream, to fried dough this place has it all when it comes to desserts. Downside is the size (very small), but might make it's way as the best dessert spot in NYC.
Must Have: Funnel Cake
Location: 328 E 14th St


3. The Tax Club Cafe - You would never guess from the look of their website, but The Tax Club Cafe seems to pride itself on its exclusivity (made evident by the lack of address or phone number information). We'll tell you that it's on Lexington Avenue, but that's all we'll reveal :). The Tax Club Cafe is an American joint that specializes in brunch (although they do serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well). Food is excellent, service is great, just a pain in the ass to find. If you do find it, you'll be in for a treat.
Must Have: Breakfast Risotto with Quail Eggs.
Location: Lexington Ave

4. Matsukado - For those of you looking for a new Asian eatery look no further. If you're a fan of Japanese noodle, this place will be perfect for you as they offer amen, udon and soba. If you're on a budget, this place has plenty of food for a low price as well.
Must Have: Miso Ramen
Location: 104 2nd Ave

5. Carteles - I personally hate the decor (too vibrant), but it doesn't take away from the great food that this Cuban sandwich shop serves up. Service is a little slow (which is the only downside), but you can easily get around this by calling ahead of time. If Cuban sandwiches are your thing..or even if your'e not sure...definitely check this place out.
Must Have: El Cubano
Location: 443 E 6th St