The Chequit

“From the drinks at the Bar, to bartender Frankie and his special made drinks, to the service from our waiter Angela, and to the MEAL CHEF Rocco DiSiprito. EVERYTHING WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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”

“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 🦪”