The Seafood Barge 62980 Main Rd. Southold, NY (631) 765-3010 www.seafoodbarge.com

The Seafood Barge possesses all the necessary ingredients for a successful seafood restaurant: an ideal waterside location, tastefully done nautical inspired décor and perfectly turned out, inspired cuisine. Add a New York Times "Very Good" rating and it's clear why The Seafood Barge has won the hearts of seafood lovers everywhere. Chef Noah Schwarz took charge of the kitchen in 2008 and Seafood Barge regulars have already hailed his food as outstanding. The owner Dick Ehlrich, also owns the Clam Bar on Napeague stretch in Amagansett. A sampling of appetizers includes: chilled Peconic bay oysters; steamed P.E.I. mussels with romesco broth and grilled bread; and calamari fritto misto with fennel, green beans and lemon aioli. For entrees there's grilled sword fish with potato puree with sautéed apples, pancetta and Swiss chard mustard seed vinaigrette; 1⁄2 roasted boneless free range chicken with warm fingerling potato and arugula salad; and Seafood Bouillabaisse with saffron fennel broth and pappardelle pasta. The wine selection is extensive, and offers many of the finest selections from the North Fork wine country.