Recent Long Island restaurant closures in 2026

Zorba the Greek, Port Jefferson Station

The owners of Zorba the Greek, a longtime Port Jefferson Station staple, have closed the restaurant after a 46-year run. The family-owned restaurant will continue to serve its authentic Greek dishes at its Zorba the Greek Express in nearby Selden. Zorba the Greek was founded by Peter Englezos, then in his early 20s, on Jan. 10, 1980. But just weeks ago, on Dec. 31, the Englezos family announced via Instagram the restaurant was closing its doors at its long-standing location in Jefferson Plaza due to a construction project by Staller Associates. The owners plan to transform the shopping center into a mixed-use complex that will include business and apartment space.

Tommy Tacos, Syosset

New year, new beginnings: Just six months after Tommy Tacos opened at 98 Jackson Ave. in Syosset, the restaurant has closed, and is pivoting to open a takeout-centric spot in Sayville later this month. "It was very fast and unexpected," said Tommy Tacos chef-owner, Tom Stein. The Syosset shop, which had become more full-service, less fast-casual, "wasn’t on the market, nor were we looking to close," Stein said. "We just got an offer on the restaurant unexpectedly that we couldn’t refuse. That’s the only reason." That offer came from SmartWich, the Hicksville shop owned by chef Michael Guerrieri that churns out killer artisanal sandwiches, like mozzarella, sweet peppers, tomato and arugula; homemade pickled sardines with pickled onions and tomatoes, cilantro and olive oil; and octopus with diced red and green peppers and onions.

Red Apple Diner, Lynbrook

The Red Apple Diner had only occupied 401 Sunrise Hwy. since 2022, but it was the successor to the Lynbrook Diner, which began operation in 1929 and closed in 2019. Now, a sign on the door reads "closed for renovations," but a bigger sign on one of the windows announces that the property is available. Nick Mavromihalis had operated the Lynbrook Diner since 1985, except for a few months after a January 2014 fire when it was closed. Its successor, Red Apple, was owned by Vasillios Kefaalas, according to Estiator, "The National Magazine of the Greek American Food Industry," and other sources.

Oak Chalet, Bellmore

One of Long Island's oldest German restaurants, Oak Chalet in Bellmore, has been serving the hearty foods of southern Germany's Bavaria region since 1981. But owner Gisela Wedel said after the death of her husband, Dieter Reinking, the family sold the business and closed Jan. 4. Wedel's extended family has been helping her run the restaurant since Reinking died in February. But lately, Wedel said, it's been very expensive to maintain the business and more difficult to find good staff. Many of Oak Chalet's employees have been working there for more than three decades, she said. And she's hoping the new owners of the business will find a way to keep them on. She also said the spot will probably not remain a German restaurant. The stone building is known for its Old World atmosphere and collection of Bavarian objects, like boot-shaped ceramic beer steins. The menu includes Wiener schnitzels, smoked pork chops, sauerbraten and red cabbage, bratwurst and more.