Welcome! Our restaurant mixes lively all-American charm with the soothing ambience of the Great South Bay to bring you a truly exceptional and relaxed dining experience. From our classically trained chef to our expertly commandeered management and wait staff, we provide a friendly, diverse, and knowledgeable group of individuals intent on making your Fire Island dining experience one of a kind. Indeed, we’re certain from the moment you ascend our plank staircase in the heart of downtown Cherry Grove you’ll feel immediately at home.
Come in! Enjoy our casual yet stately Nouveau-style decor, set against a backdrop of the most exquisite sunsets daily on all of Fire Island. Share in our rich history as you dine alongside our regular patrons and visitors alike, people from all walks of life—many famous—including television personalities, talk show hosts, designers, and others. Of course, don’t forget our menu—American Nouveau as we refer to it—not to be missed, beautifully presented by Executive Chef Xavier Alcequiez, both flavorful and scrumptious in its all-American flair. So eat! And enjoy! And, whether it’s coffee at your table or cocktails at the bar, linger! Relish in a special treat in the form of live entertainment, offered throughout the week so that your experience with us can be as entertaining as it is delectable.
So, whether you’re a long-time Cherry Grove resident, a first-time visitor to Fire Island, or somewhere in between, do come up and help us make our most memorable season yet! — The Staff of Top of the Bay
Located at 1 Dock Walk, Cherry Grove, Fire Island, Top of the Bay Bistro has been a destination spot for over four decades. Overlooking the Great South Bay, it is the tallest, most distinguished building visible upon disembarking from the ferry.
The restaurant’s roots began in 1973 after a second story was erected atop a row of ground level shops and the small post office in the heart of town. Owned and operated by Frank Bradley and Danny Campbell, Island Queen brought the rich tradition of the gay piano bar to Fire Island. Decorated to resemble a nineteenth century Mississippi showboat, Island Queen quickly became famous for its Broadway, film, and musical celebrity guests, as well as its nightly sing-a-longs led by the talented Frankie Piano. Staff, vacationers and residents alike, gathered around enjoying show tunes and good cheer, the setting sun visible through the windows across the bay behind them.
Eventually the 1970s gave way to the 80s and the Island Queen was sold to beloved long-time Cherry Grove resident, Amelia Migliacciao. Amelia went about installing a small kitchen and dumbwaiter in the basement and Top of the Bay was born. The menu prepared by Amelia featured many seafood specialties coupled with an array of homemade Italian favorites, all of which made for standing room only every night of the week.
Under Amelia’s steady stewardship Top of the Bay thrived until it was eventually sold it in the late 1990s. After a brief period during which it went unoccupied, the restaurant reopened in the 2000s and was later purchased and renovated by Ron King in 2007. A native of Long Island and independent real estate developer, Mr. King has taken great care to preserve more than a touch of the charm and history of the original venue. Now, Top of the Bay Bistro has been called the place to be on Fire Island. And no wonder! Whether booking a special event / private party, or simply dropping in for one of the many weekly specials: Wednesday lobster night, Sunday’s live piano bar with Lydia Sabosto, along with a host of other celebrities, Top of the Bay Bistro—its rich tradition intact—will be sure to be your most rewarding dining experiencie this side of the mainland.
