Seaside Grill: A Waterfront Gathering Place at the Heart of Riverhead
There are some places that become more than a restaurant. They become part of the community's story.
The Seaside Grill has grown alongside Downtown Riverhead, evolving from a modest poolside bar into one of the area's most beloved waterfront dining destinations. Nestled along the Peconic River and connected to the Long Island Aquarium campus, Seaside Grill offers more than great food and scenic views, it offers an experience that reflects the spirit of Riverhead itself: welcoming, evolving, and deeply connected to the people who call the East End home.
At the center of that story is Daniel Lanieri, Food and Beverage Director for Long Island Aquarium, Atlantis Banquets & Events, and Seaside Grill. Having been part of the organization since shortly after the Aquarium opened in 2000, Daniel has spent the last 25 years helping shape many of the guest experiences that have made the property a regional destination.
"One of the things I've enjoyed most is seeing ideas evolve from concept into reality and continually finding ways to improve the guest experience," he shares.
Growing Alongside Downtown Riverhead
Few people have witnessed Riverhead's transformation as closely as Daniel.
When he first joined the Aquarium team, much of the vibrant waterfront district visitors enjoy today had yet to take shape. Over the years, he has watched Riverhead reinvent itself into a destination where families, visitors, boaters, and locals come together to explore, celebrate, dine, and connect.
"Downtown Riverhead has something for everyone," Daniel says. "Families come to explore the Aquarium, boaters stop along the river, couples celebrate weddings, people gather for dinner on the waterfront, and visitors spend weekends discovering local shops, breweries, restaurants, and events."
That diversity and sense of community are part of what makes Riverhead special, and part of what makes Seaside Grill feel like a natural extension of the downtown experience.
The Work Behind the Welcome
While guests may see a relaxing meal by the water, a lively summer evening, or a seamless special event, Daniel knows that exceptional hospitality is built long before the first guest arrives.
No two days are ever the same. His role may involve collaborating with chefs on menu development, meeting with couples planning weddings, creating marketing campaigns, reviewing operations, or developing new guest experiences.
"What guests don't always see is how much planning goes into creating what feels like an effortless experience," he explains.
Whether it's a busy summer weekend at Seaside Grill or a waterfront wedding months in the making, every detail depends on teamwork, preparation, and a commitment to making each guest feel welcomed.
The Signature Seaside Experience
If you're visiting for the first time, Daniel recommends embracing everything the property has to offer.
Spend time exploring the Long Island Aquarium, stroll along the marina, and then settle in at Seaside Grill for lunch or dinner overlooking the Peconic River. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy live music, seasonal specials, and waterfront views that capture the relaxed charm of the East End.
Many guests are surprised to discover how much there is to experience in one visit.
"People often find they can make an entire weekend out of visiting us," Daniel says.
And that's exactly what makes Seaside Grill such an important part of Riverhead's tourism and hospitality landscape—it serves as a gathering place where visitors can slow down, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the beauty of the waterfront.
Celebrating Long Island, One Bite at a Time
Community support extends beyond the dining experience.
Seaside Grill proudly features Long Island craft beers and exclusively serves Long Island wines, creating opportunities for guests to discover and enjoy products crafted right here in the region. That same commitment to local businesses is reflected throughout Atlantis Banquets & Events and signature experiences like Fish & Sips and Taste the East End, which celebrate local wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, and food producers.
By choosing local partnerships, Seaside Grill helps showcase the incredible creativity and craftsmanship that make the East End unique.
Always Looking Forward
After 25 years in hospitality, Daniel believes the most important lesson is simple: there's always room to grow.
"The biggest lesson hospitality has taught me is that you're never truly finished," he says. "There is always another way to improve, another detail to refine, and another opportunity to create a better experience."
That philosophy continues to guide Seaside Grill as it welcomes both first-time visitors and longtime regulars.
This summer, guests can look forward to waterfront dining, live entertainment, seasonal menu offerings, and unforgettable evenings along the Peconic River. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch, gathering with friends for sunset cocktails, attending a special event, or exploring Downtown Riverhead for the first time, Seaside Grill offers a warm welcome and a true taste of the community.
Visit Seaside Grill
Located at the Long Island Aquarium campus, Seaside Grill is a waterfront destination where great food, local flavors, and Riverhead hospitality come together.
The best way to experience it? Pull up a chair by the water, take in the view, and discover why Seaside Grill has become such a cherished part of Downtown Riverhead's story.
