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A beloved North Shore restaurant is heading south — with a French twist.
La Plage, the long-standing waterfront restaurant in Wading River, is opening a brand-new sister spot in Bellport. It’s called La Plage Bistro, and it’s set to open its doors at 14 Station Road this spring.
“This has been a passion project of [La Plage founder] Wayne’s for years,” said Kristi Macdonald, the manager of La Plage and a trained chef who’s worked with owner Wayne Wadington for over a year. “We’re just so excited to bring this concept to Bellport.”
The new bistro, located in the former home of the now-closed Bellport Brewing Company, will channel the cozy feel of La Plage’s Friday night prix fixe “Bistro Nights” — a tradition that started three years ago and became a local favorite during the off-season in Wading River.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wadington, a veteran of the Long Island restaurant scene, bought the original La Plage back in 1996 — when it was still called Flipper’s Fish House. He renamed it La Plage (French for “the beach”) to reflect both its waterfront location and his affinity for French cuisine.
Over the years, the restaurant evolved from a traditional French menu into what Macdonald describes as “French Continental” — a style marked by refined comfort food featuring unexpected ingredients and bold flavors.
Wadington’s idea for a second restaurant — one that zeroes in on the rustic, home-style French dishes served on Bistro Nights — had been simmering for a while. But when he stepped into the Bellport location last fall, he knew he’d found the right fit.
“As soon as he walked in, he said, ‘This would be perfect for the bistro,’” Macdonald said.
The La Plage team finalized the lease around the start of the new year, and construction has been moving fast. The space is getting a full facelift, including a brand-new bar, a raw bar, and classic French design details like penny tile and subway tile. The goal is to open by May.
IF YOU GO
La Plage Bistro will seat around 70 guests, with 25 of those seats at the bar. There will also be a charming outdoor dining area, perfect for enjoying warm evenings with a glass of wine and a plate of mussels.
Expect a menu rooted in French comfort classics — dishes like duck confit, steak frites, French onion soup, and moules-frites — all elevated with thoughtful twists.
“The menu has been in the works for years,” Kristi said. “Every item that’s going into the bistro has been tested at La Plage.”
The goal is to keep things intimate and personal.
“It’s a small restaurant,” Macdonald said. “It keeps it nice and quaint and small, comfortable and personal.”
Stay tuned to Greater Long Island for a sneak peek inside once the finishing touches are in place.
Top: Credit: La Plage
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