Many travelers immediately picture New York City upon mention of New York. While the iconic city may represent the state, you will not experience all New York offers until you visit 1000 Islands.
The magical realm abounds with natural beauty, dotting the St. Lawrence River with an astounding 1,864 islands between the United States and Canada. Beyond the area’s breathtaking scenery, you will encounter welcoming communities, unique experiences, and excellent cuisine.
Julie and I were thrilled when Visit 1000 Islands and I Love NY invited us to explore the region. While we had heard about the region’s scenery and recreation, the food scene was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed it so much that I want to share our top experiences with you. Here are eleven 1000 Islands restaurants you do not want to miss during your visit.
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Bella’s
Although I love coffee shops and cafes, we occasionally encounter a restaurant that offers such outstanding food that it is absolutely worth splurging on breakfast. Bella’s is one of those places. Whether you want a flavored latte, a particular roast, or a boozy brew, Bella’s covers you for coffee drinks. Their pastry selection is quite broad as well.
While the coffee and pastries are excellent, order something from the main menu. You will not regret it. Menu standouts include the banana bread French toast, quiche, wild blueberry pancakes, lobster benedict, and smashed avocado toast. Bella’s offers cozy indoor seating and an outdoor dining area with a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River. Julie and I floated on a blissful cloud all morning between the food and views.
Seaway Grille
Julie and I stayed at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, which sits on the water. The luxury hotel has an excellent outdoor lounging area and spacious rooms, many with panoramic river views. Their restaurant, Seaway Grille, serves various omelets, buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles, blueberry stuffed French toast, and a healthy parfait with vanilla Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola.
The stuffed French toast is delicious but filling. For a tasty but lighter meal, we recommend the harbor parfait. Seaway Grille offers indoor and outdoor seating. That view of the St. Lawrence River with a delicious breakfast is hard to beat.
Lyric Coffee House
If you prefer coffee or an espresso drink with a pastry, 1000 Islands has some fantastic coffee shops. Lyric Coffee House sits in the heart of Clayton, where the historic Lyric Theater once stood in 1914. The coffee shop shines with its specialty lattes and flavored espresso drinks. You can pair that with a grab-and-go breakfast sandwich, bagel, or pastry.
I love that the cozy shop names its specialty lattes after some of the region’s islands. On my first visit, I tried a cup of Grindstone Island, which features maple, vanilla, and cinnamon dust. The following day, I had a cup of Picton Island, which has notes of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter. Both lattes provide a flavorful way to start the day.
Cup of Joy
Located in Cape Vincent, a quaint, peaceful town, Cup of Joy features fresh-ground gourmet coffee drinks, teas, and real fruit smoothies. The charming cafe also serves bagels, croissants, muffins, and stackers. A stacker is an egg, cheese, and meat sandwich between two crispy hashbrowns or two golden pancakes.
Due to my fondness for lighthouses, I could not resist ordering a lighthouse latte. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and sea salt blend perfectly with espresso in the delightful morning drink. Julie ordered a strawberry banana blast smoothie, unable to contain her smile.
Shipwreck Eatery
Whether you plan to take a boat ride or savor river views from the shore, 1000 Islands is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Our first two lunch recommendations are all about tasty food designed for a picnic. Shipwreck Eatery serves fresh, delicious salads, sandwiches, small plates, and grain bowls.
I had the shipwreck bowl with quinoa, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, chicken, chipotle ranch, corn, and avocado. Everything tasted fresh and healthy, with a hint of spiciness. Julie delighted in her banana split parfait, a concoction of coconut chia granola, yogurt, strawberries, and bananas. It was the ideal lunch before our bike ride in Thousand Island Park.
River Rat Cheese
Okay, I admit River Rat Cheese is a store, not a restaurant. However, there is no better place to stock up for your picnic lunch. Their squeaky cheese curds are sublime. I sampled various flavors, including plain, dill, garden herb, and garlic—all of the flavors sparkle within the rich, creamy cheese. Picture a charcuterie board of Croghan bologna, mixed cheeses, and wine. Pair that with views of the St. Lawrence River, and all your troubles melt away. Well, that exact lunch did the trick for Julie and me.
Coyote Moon Vineyards
Speaking of wine, 1000 Islands is a budding wine region despite being so far north. The region produces unique wines from cold-hardy grapes. While Julie and I enjoyed all three wineries we visited, Coyote Moon Vineyards offers top-notch foods to pair with its wines. You may initially scoff at this notion when you see their food comes from a food truck. Do not let that fool you.
Chef Christian Ives previously worked in a fine-dining restaurant. He magically combines those concepts with food truck creativity to produce unique dishes bursting with flavor. His “Peel Me a Peach” tacos are the best I have ever tasted. Chef Ives combines buttermilk marinated country fried chicken, pimento cheese, jalapeno peach salsa, and slaw to culinary perfection. It is a lunch I will never forget.
Boat Yard at French Bay
Located next to a marina, The Boat Yard at French Bay serves delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a chance to admire beautiful boats. The lunch menu features juicy burgers, fresh sandwiches, bowls, and tacos. Pair that with a signature cocktail while you kick back and enjoy the view.
Julie and I walked along the docks for a few minutes to gain a closer view of the boats docked in the marina. While the food is tasty, that alone is enough reason to grab lunch here.
Di Prinzio’s Kitchen and Cocktails
If you love Italian cuisine, head to Di Prinzio’s Kitchen & Cocktails for dinner. Not only is the food delicious, but it is located on the waterfront in charming Clayton. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, steak, and pasta. Their extensive beverage selections include an array of cocktails, wines, and local drafts. I had wild mushroom bolognese, and Julie had chicken parmesan. We both wore grins from ear to ear.
The Hops Spot
Located in downtown Clayton, The Hops Spot certainly is the hot spot in town. You cannot help but notice the bustling green house with an inviting outdoor seating area. The Hops Spot is known for its brews, burgers, and poutine. You will have plenty of options for each. I chose a healthy salad, pairing it with a delicious stout with coffee and chocolate notes. Some of our fellow writers enjoyed lobster rolls and poutines. Smiles abound as we recounted the day’s events, basking in the laid-back atmosphere.
Channelside Restaurant
Nestled along the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, Channelside Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar, and a broad menu covering everything from burgers and sandwiches to ribeye and a tuna poke bowl.
Julie and I ordered the meatloaf marsala and enjoyed the tender dish bursting with flavor. Deep-fried cheese curds were a big hit at our table. The appetizer is served with a spicy raspberry sauce, giving it a flavorful kick and perfectly complementing the creamy cheese. It was a lovely evening with tasty food and a terrific view of the St. Lawrence River.
Plan Your Thousand Islands Adventures
To truly experience all New York offers, we recommend visiting 1000 Islands. Beyond the breathtaking scenery and recreation along the St. Lawrence River, you will discover culinary delights in the 1000 Islands restaurants. Yes, the region invented its namesake salad dressing, but it offers so much more regarding food. Plan a trip to 1000 Islands and find out what you are missing.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
