The Northport Hotel Restaurant surpassed all of my expectations.
I often approach new experiences with a sense of caution to avoid disappointment, but this visit was a delightful surprise. Upon entering the stately double doors of this establishment, I was warmly greeted by a charming hostess who recognized my name as it was given to her by my friend whom she had already seated. She graciously led me through a beautifully designed space, past a stunning bar and into a spacious dining room. I couldn’t help but admire the tasteful decor, remarking, “Isn’t this lovely?” as we glided through.
The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the space from the tray ceilings, to the elegant lighting fixtures, white linen-clothed tables, upholstered banquettes, leather chairs and polished wood floors. The ambiance was warm and inviting, exuding class and sophistication. Not to mention how immaculately clean everything is.
This was for a 1:30pm lunch reservation on a Tuesday, in late October. Surprisingly, the room was empty. I imagined the Happy Hour and dinner crowd to be much larger, but the serene atmosphere only added to our enjoyment.
We settled into a large cicrcular banquette that could easily accommodate more guests. My friend chose the salmon, while I had already decided on the Chef Salad after having perused the menu online.
The service was attentive, with nicely uniformed staff who ensured our drinks and entrees arrived promptly and checked in on us throughout our meal.
I was pleasantly surprised by my chef salad, which was a refreshing new take on a classic dish. It featured a base of romaine topped with slices of filet mignon, smoked chicken, thickly cut house bacon, avocado, tomatoes, pickles and aged Gouda, all complemented by a delicious Dijon lemon vinaigrette on the side. The salad was not only artfully arranged but also incredibly fresh. Each bite offered a taste sensation uniquely relevant to each ingredient and there was more than enough for me to take home.
My friend thoroughly enjoyed her generous portion of pan-roasted organic salmon, served over a mushroom risotto with beurre rouge, baby carrots and shitake mushrooms.
For dessert, she opted for a generous serving of chocolate gelato while I chose the banana cream pie. Like my chef salad, this dish exemplified a creative chef’s twist on a classic dish and was unlike any banana cream pie I had ever encountered before. It featured a banana and white chocolate cream base neatly ensconced in a chocolate tart, topped with slices of brûléed banana. The plate was drizzled with a dark chocolate sauce and sprinkled with chocolate shards. Dollops of whipped cream on either side of the tart added to the taste and effect. It was utterly indulgent, and I savored every bite.
We lingered for several hours catching up on each other’s lives, without ever feeling rushed, even as the staff prepared for the evening service. By the time we left around 4:30pm, the bar was beginning to fill, and I could sense the anticipation for the dinner crowd.
Both my friend and I agreed that this was a lovely experience and we would happily return.
If you haven’t already been to the Northport Hotel Restaurant, I highly recommend you give it a try. I wouldn’t mind staying overnight in their equally immaculate and beautiful hotel. Perhaps another time.
Here is (just a snippet of) how their website describes them:
An enchanting Boutique Hotel, where elegance and gracious hospitality provide a tailored experience in the heart of historic Northport on Long Island’s Gold Coast.
225 Main Street, Northport, Long Island, NY 11768
24-hour front desk | 631-628-7000
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