Rye Playland Park might not be what you'd expect to see listed on a list of great bars and restaurants in Rye, but since it's one of the most fun places to go in the area, as well as being a major attraction, and because there are definitely places to eat and drink within it, we felt it's only right to kick off the list with this one. The most famous ride here is probably the Dragon Coaster which was featured in Mariah Carey's Fantasy video back in the mid-90s, and the boardwalk is famous for that scene in Big with Tom Hanks' child counterpart's visit to the Zoltar machine (you'll find a Pepsi machine there now in its place). We love the log flumes, bumper cars, and haunted house too. There are plenty of places here to grab cotton candy, funnel cake, and of course a good old fashioned Nathan's hot dog. Mmm mmm good. Very highly recommended for its retro charm, don't skip this place if you are visiting Rye!
Playland Pkwy
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 813-7000

Ruby's Oyster Bar & Bistro is a real essential for those, like us, who love seafood! One of our favorite things to have here is the seafood  tier, which is an appetizer that includes oysters, mussels, lobster claws, and clams. They've got a very nice French onion soup here that goes well with just about anything, and we love their salmon salad too. The fried oysters are very nice though we usually opt for raw, and we really enjoy their pan roasted grouper. Their truffle macaroni and cheese is a real treat, and those lobster omelettes were a particular favorite of ours when they were still on the menu. If you're not a seafood lover, opt for the Kobe beef burgers. Wonderful service here, and great ambiance too. Very highly recommended for all seafood lovers!
45 Purchase St
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 921-4166

Water Moon is a wonderful Asian fusion restaurant located on Purchase Street in Rye. We are big fans of their chicken coconut curry, and the lychee martini is just fantastic with anything. We've even come here for the drinks alone on a couple of locations because they've got such a nice array of cocktails, and a truly masterful bartender. They've got both sushi and dim sum here, and that's a combination that we find very hard to resist! The sushi is very high quality, crafted from the finest quality sashimi, perfectly cooked rice, fresh wasabi, and expertly toasted nori. You'll be surprised by the prices here too, they are very affordable for the quality of the food that you receive. Note that there are often great wine specials here too, so be on the lookout for those!
66 Purchase St
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 921-6652

The Rye Grill & Bar is in a gorgeous old building that just makes you feel right at home. They have a huge menu of American favorites including some wonderful seafood dishes that will really make your mouth water. We really like the cocktails here and they come in those old fashioned glasses so you feel like you've stepped back in time. The lump crab cakes are one of our favorite things here, and they come with two different sauces that really set off the flavor of the crab--dill caper sauce and roasted red pepper sauce. They've also got amazing mussels with garlic and white wine sauce. So delish. For your entree you cannot go wrong with the filet mignon or really any of the steaks. We recommend sharing a Cape Cod chopped salad alongside your entrees because it's such a refreshing complement to the fish and steaks. Everything is fantastic here. Highly recommended.
1 Station Plz
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 967-0332

Morgan's Fish House is situated on a quiet corner in an unassuming building, and it's got a distinct Cape Cod flair that we just love. They've got a nice weighty menu of sandwiches, entrees, appetizers, and desserts. We really love their seafood gumbo and the blackened shrimp, as well as the blackened swordfish. That's a delight that you've just got to taste for yourself. The blue point oysters are a very nice surprise, and the clams are great too. For dessert we'd highly recommend the red velvet cake, which is an obvious choice since it's always so good, but this is in a class of its own. The lime tarts are very nice too. The servers are always in a good mood here, and that's probably due in part to the wonderful summery vibe that overtakes this place even when it's cold outside. Just a great place to dine!
22 Elm St
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 921-8190

Koo is an amazing Japanese restaurant that we have relied on for years for great sushi any time we are in the Rye area. Our favorite thing to start off with is the spicy kani salad. Wow, that is a flavor you'll be craving for days after you taste it for the first time. The restaurant is quite nice, not what we'd call upscale by any means but very comfortable and nicely decorated. They've got some more upscale choices here though, including very good wines and martinis, and spring rolls with goat cheese and balsamic glaze. Try the spicy dragon roll with tobiko, avocado, and salmon, and also don't skip that warm mushroom salad. Everything on the menu is really delicious and unique. Very talented chefs here, no doubt. Be sure to try this one next time you're in the area!
17 Purdy Ave
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 921-9888

Sunrise Pizza & Restaurant is instantly recognizable by that familiar awning outside. As soon as you see it you'll want to walk right in and order one of their amazing foccaccia pizzas or perhaps the lasagna pizza! Mmm, those are so good! They use fresh basil here which really makes all the difference, and we recommend requesting that on whatever pizza you order. Sometimes we order extra, it's so good. They have a truly great waitstaff here who will always take the time to greet you and take your order with a smile, and even when they are totally packed with customers they go out of their way to acknowledge you. You can order by the pie or by the slice. Be sure to try their meatballs and pastas too! It's true that they're always packed but it's worth fighting the crowds for food this good. Highly recommended!
7 Purdy Ave
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 967-8696

Le Pain Quotidien, or LPQ as many of the regulars affectionately call it, is the best spot for breakfast and brunch in Rye!  The menu options here are very extensive, mostly lighter fare, and with plenty of vegetarian choices too. It's true that the prices are a bit high and the portions are a bit small (think "small plates") but this allows you to try a variety of things if your budget allows it! Their soups of the day are always good, and we are particular fans of the corn chowder. The health-conscious will be happy to note that they've got the calorie information right on the menu. If you want something really fresh and flavorful, try the gaspacho along with a crisp salad. It's beautifully decorated too, and the staff is polite and quick with their service. One of our favorite places in Rye!
30 Purchase St
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 967-1460

Pier Restaurant and Tiki Bar is the best of both worlds... an excellent seafood restaurant and a really great night spot too! You can't beat that prime location on the water when the weather is good! The prices are a bit expensive for the area and for the type of food that it is, but they prepare it well and our guess is that we're paying for the ambiance and the service too. It's always a good time here, that's for sure, and the food and drinks are always good. Sitting on the patio or at the outdoor tiki bar is always great, and you can even enjoy their big screen television, especially if there's a big game on! It's usually packed so you can expect a wait if you're there at a peak time. Worth the wait though? Absolutely!
1 Playland Parkway
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 967-2088

Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse is an absolute essential if you love your steaks and seafood as much as we do! They've got delicious king crab crabcakes served with couscous, and a surf and turf special that will really knock your socks off. It's worth every single penny for that incredible flavor. They've got great hamburgers here too if that's your thing, always very juicy and generously sized, piled high with all your favorite toppings. Many complain about the prices, and it's true that they are high. But you get what you pay for. The food, the service, and the ambiance are all amazing. Don't skip that iceberg wedge salad, it especially goes so well with the steaks! Great wine list and beer list too!
77 Purchase St
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 925-3900