The Chequit Restaurant

Nestled on a quaint and peaceful island, this charming restaurant was the perfect place to slow down and savor a wonderful meal. The atmosphere was quiet, relaxing, and welcoming, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC. The service was exceptional-kind, attentive, and genuinely warm from the moment we arrived. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, creating a dining experience that felt both comfortable and special. We ordered a lot! The food was absolutely delicious. The lobster cocktail was fresh and beautifully prepared, the steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the pizza was yummmmmy. Every dish was expertly made and thoroughly enjoyed! As wonderful as the meal was, the desserts were even more memorable. The ice cream was rich and creamy, and the cheesecake was unbelievably smooth, decadent, and indulgent. It was the perfect ending to an already exceptional dining experience! The Chequit is a special place in a serene island setting. We look forward to returning again soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Incredible food and thoughtful experience! What a wonderful surprise! We stayed there for 2 nights and ate both times at the restaurant.
We started with the Lobster Cocktail and the Tomatoes on Toast, and both were outstanding. The lobster was incredibly fresh and perfectly dressed, while the tomatoes on toast tasted like summer on a plate—simple, vibrant, and executed flawlessly.
The linguine with clams was the star of the evening for me. Perfectly cooked pasta, sweet briny clams, and a sauce so good we were tempted to ask for more bread just to soak up every last drop.
A special mention for the $10 glass of Peconic Bay wine(*try the viognier and cab franc). This menu may be one of the best values on Shelter Island.
We finished with the Basque cheesecake, which was absolutely spectacular. It was rich, creamy, beautifully caramelized, and easily one of the best desserts we've had in a long time.
What truly elevated the experience was the service. Attentive and friendly without hovering, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and genuinely warm throughout the evening. Every interaction felt natural and welcoming.
The Chequit has managed to create something that feels both polished and approachable, and that's no easy feat. This is the kind of restaurant that makes you want to return before you've even left the parking lot.
A memorable meal from start to finish. We'll be back again and again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Expectations. For the first time in my culinary career, I entered this delightful establishment without certainty of what I expected. New beginnings can bring balance and order… but they may also beget chaos. My eyes were first drawn to the new white walls and bright atmosphere. What had previously been a dark tavern has become a polished and elegant establishment. Nevertheless, my expectations remained torn between hope and pessimism. The menu was reserved in size yet overflowing with quality. My eyes were caught by the sea bass. Once again, I did not know what to expect… I was simply drawn to the many elegant ideas of what it could be. I indulged in the Mama’s Meatballs and Bruschetta as appetizers. I sipped a classic glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola as my mind flashed with vibrant images of what my main meal would look like. With the scrumptious appetizers, I was finally gifted the opportunity to set expectations of the highest class and feel some sense of order. Nevertheless, as countless of my past experiences have shown, expectation is a delicate and paradoxical concept. Suddenly it arrived. I carefully examined the plate. Soft tomatoes, Argentinian shrimp, basil, mashed potatoes, a beautiful brown sauce, and, of course, the perfectly cooked sea bass… perfectly balanced, as all things should be. It was beyond what I dreamed of. My expectations were not only fulfilled but surpassed. My dreams were no longer in vain. It was a meal that I had longed for. Decades of expectations, experiences, and, ultimately, some level of disappointment were over. I began to indulge, and, for the first time, I ate with a peace that could only be afforded by a perfect plate of my imagination that finally transcended by dreams and entered my reality. I found a balance between quick and slow eating as to ensure that I would retain the memory of the taste for the rest of my life. The sweet and flavorful sauce perfectly complimented the sea bass and creamy mashed potatoes. The soft tomatoes and small pieces of Argentinian shrimp created a heavenly combination. And then, just as suddenly as the food arrived, it was gone. I’ve never felt such inner confusion and fulfillment and chaos all at the same time. It was gone. Were my dreams gone too? What felt like complete joy became fear… it was fear that I may never return to such a glorious state again. I reluctantly left after my meal. I had no room for desert, as my stomach was left with complete satisfaction. The Chequit is reborn.

As I am writing this review, I am still not fully recovered from such a life-changing experience. Yet, looking both backwards and forwards, I feel hope knowing that I can always return to relive the experience I had mere hours ago. Change is often confusing and uncomfortable, yet this reawakening of the Chequit has surpassed all of my expectations and will certainly bring about a new culinary era on this island. My only fear is that I may forget the transcendent taste of the meal I indulged on this night before my next opportunity to return. I am honored to have the privilege of being the first person to taste the new food at this incredible restaurant, and I am certain that many lucky souls will come to understand my love for your food in the near future.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing atmosphere with a coastal island vibe. Pup friendly and so accommodating. Must try. Pro tip: visit the café Friday - Monday for house made pastries and seasonal lattés

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We planned a large welcome party at The Chequit having closed it down for the evening. The staff at the Chequit were great and easy to work with, and their food was great too. We rearranged lots of their furniture and flowed from inside and out. It's not an easy feat to have a hospitality business that runs well, in an area that is incredibly seasonal. This event was hosted just after Labor Day. Thanks again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Charming gem on Shelter Island! Lovely staff was so kind and warm. Can’t wait to go back. Food is delicious too! Calamari and dessert are incredible. Previous reviews referenced the staff in a negative way, but I believe I saw a strange interaction with that group and the table was wildly rude to the server. Do yourself a favor and visit this historic beauty filled with friendly servers and bartenders who love to make sure you have the perfect event.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is terrible. It’s really not good. And the funny thing is it’s very expensive. I think a really lousy burger is $29. The NY Strip is $50 and it’s a supermarket-bought steak cooked with no flavor and served with the worst wet spinach and gooey yuck mash potatoes ever made. It’s so sad that the chef can’t cook. Because the place has a very nice view. Also, the staff are untrained too. So the whole experience is sad and disappointing and expensive. Save yourself and go anywhere else on shelter island.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Overpriced, and the food is bland and cooked without any tact or skill. It felt amateur. And the staff are just rude and odd. there were way too many strange men working there, specifically our waiter who was beyond condescending and odd with regards to the way he spoke to my family and I. I’m surprised they keep him
on. All in all, it’s a shame that such a beautiful island is home to such a rotten restaurant. Go elsewhere! Trust me! If it was 15-20$ a dish, I’d say screw it. But with the prices you’ll be paying and the treatment you’ll be getting on a weekend in the summer, avoid at all costs!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Very disappointing, given the premium they charge. Sword fish was very dry and bland. The chicken sandwich was overdone/almost burnt. Coursing also had room for improvement: the appetizers/food came before the drinks… Would not recommend. However the atmosfere was pleasant and the garden nice.

The tavern got a nice refresh this last winter. It looks great. Thursday’s happy hour and buck-a-shuck is the best on the island! Oysters - Shrimp - Clams 🦪

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife and I had another amazing experience here. Fries were amazing, servings were generous.

Warning... Would have given more stars, but the black ceiling is pretty low for anyone 5'10" or taller. I didn't see any signs and the staff didn't say anything about the the low ceiling... As a person 6'3", I hit my head kinda hard. Food was great, and the alcohol help me head.

If I was in the area again, I would go back.

Kid-friendliness: Nothing special for the kids; just a nice restaurant.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

Corn bisque was excellent

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish and Chips, Duck Empanadas, Spicy Salmon Roll, Fries, Chequit Burger

We made the mistake of going here for a special occasion. We heard the Chequit had a major renovation and was reinvented. It is a very casual bar/joint (with a pool table) which is fine if you are looking for a dark lit room with a pool hall feel.

The food was delicious and the staff is so committed to your every need. The sushi is

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish N Chips