Not every dinner deserves candles, champagne and a corner booth but when it does, you’ll find the best special occasion restaurants in Long Island right here. Long Island City is a top pick for riverfront dining with skyline views, especially if you want that “quiet wow” without crossing into Manhattan. From waterfront spots in Port Jefferson and Patchogue to charming bistros tucked away in Huntington Village or Garden City, there’s no shortage of places that know how to make a night feel extra special. Looking for somewhere cozy? Head to Northport or Babylon for intimate dining rooms with seasonal menus and strong local wine lists. Whatever the occasion, scroll down to find a place that feels like more than just dinner. Happy dining!
In Long Island, prices of special occasion restaurants average $55 per person. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Long Island, based on Tagvenue data from October 2025:
From $47 | to $75 | per person |
From $2000 | to $5000 | minimum spend per event |
From $150 | to $500 | hire fee per hour |
You'll find special occasion restaurants in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Long Island, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2025):
Small special occasion restaurants | up to 50 guests | prices average $4500 minimum spend per event |
Medium special occasion restaurants | between 50 and 80 guests | prices average $4000 minimum spend per event |
Large special occasion restaurants | over 85 guests | prices average $3500 minimum spend per event |