Peter Haskell, President and Melissa Rachubka, general manager, of Haskell’s Seafood in Quogue, New … More
Over 75 miles of delicious local seafood await on Long Island’s south shore.
Running from Bay Shore to Montauk, the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail debuted in March, as part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to promote locally raised and wild-caught, sustainably harvested fish and shellfish.
“Long Island’s aquaculture and seafood industries are vital to New York’s agricultural economy – they create jobs, support a healthy environment, and provide New Yorkers with fresh, nutritious seafood,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trails highlight the amazing fish and shellfish harvested locally, showcase our outstanding small businesses, and attract more visitors to this incredible region.”
Surf casters line up for fishing at Montauk Point on Long Island’s East end
The new Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, which includes 20 official dining locations plus additional seafood industry points of interest, runs across Long Island’s South Shore. A second seafood trail, The North Shore Trail, is slated to run from Oyster Bay to Greenport. A forthcoming Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail digital app will help visitors and locals find local seafood at oyster farms, beach shops, seafood shops, and more.
Highlights along the trail include Blue Island Oyster Farm in West Sayville, Haskell’s Seafood Market and Cafe in Westhampton Beach, Varney’s Restaurant in Brookhaven, Bostwick’s Seafood Market in East Hampton, and many more spots to enjoy the local catch.
Fried fish from The Seafood Shop in Wainscott, included on the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail
“Long Island’s waters are abundant with fresh, delicious fish and shellfish, and our seafood industry works tirelessly in harvesting and raising these local delicacies,” said Richard A. Ball, New York State Agriculture Commissioner. “I encourage New Yorkers to visit any number of the many stops on the new Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail to discover some delicious foods and help support our local aquaculture community.”
The Long Island seafood industry is crucial to New York’s economy. In 2023, commercial fishermen on Long Island sustainably harvested over 16 million pounds of finfish, worth over $28 million dollars. Montauk, the state’s largest commercial fishing port, is 51st in the nation for wild-caught seafood based on poundage, and 53rd in the nation based on dollar value.
Long Island oysters on the grill, not far from where they were harvested
The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail is hardly the only culinary route to travel in New York. As part of the state’s Taste NY program, over 40 distinct trails link regional wineries, breweries, and more. For example, the Long Island Craft Beverage Trail links wineries, breweries, cider companies, and more craft beverage makers throughout the island, and could be a fun itinerary to pair with seafood.
Local New York tourism boards, such as Visit Buffalo Niagara, have also launched trails within the state to highlight regional specialties. 2022’s official Buffalo Wing Trail Map connects important eateries in buffalo wing history with newcomers for the ultimate wing eating experience in the eponymous region.
