Top 10 Restaurant Stories of the Year

Taking over Smithtown's high-end restaurant landscape this year was Aji 53, a Japanese eatery that paired the styling and ambiance of Las Vegas with Japanese cuisine.

 took the number three spot in Zagat’s Best Long Island Food Restaurants, also solidifying the top spot of St. James eateries. Following Mosaic at number four on Long Island is , ranked number two in St. James restaurants.

, but just as quickly as the sign went up, furniture went in and paint went on the walls, .

O's Food and Wine Bar is back after a brief hiatus, and chef Phillipe Corbet said the change is being well-received.

Owner Eric Lomando of the popular St. James restaurants  and  is set to open his third restaurant, this time in Miller Place.

Main Street’s home for Korean barbecue, , could soon have new ownership after the current owner put the restaurant up for sale. Eric Chang, owner of the location who opened up on Main Street six years ago, cited size of the restaurant as a factor in deciding to sell.

The Italian-born Mannino opened his doors in Smithtown in 2000 after spending six years running a Commack pizzeria of the same name with his two brothers, Joe and John. 

Joseph DeNicola wants customers at his new Tex Mex eatery, Del Fuego, in St. James to experience one thing – fun. The restaurant is a departure from the Italian-style fine dining experience found at DeNicola’s three other establishments, La Tavola in Sayville and Ruvo, with locations in Greenlawn and Port Jefferson.

Main Street Meats, formerly Karl Ehmer and located across the street from its present home on Main Street’s south side, has been bringing authentic German meats and other imports to Smithtown for five decades.

Don’t think the small portions at Espana restaurant in St. James means the owner is trying to give you a hint. Espana is a tapas bar, and since opening seven months ago the restaurant has dished the most authentic Spanish small plates in the area.