Opties and Dinghies

Sometimes, a truly great meal is about so much more than what lands on your plate. Sure, delicious food helps, but sometimes it’s the chef’s magic touch, a server’s witty banter, or the setting itself that turns “just dinner” into a full-blown adventure. Case in point: My wife and I recently embarked on a North Fork escapade, all thanks to some tantalizing posts on this very page. We boarded the Shelter Island ferry (already feeling adventurous and slightly nautical), all in pursuit of the legendary Paella Tuesday at Opties and Dinghies. If you’ve seen @Claudia Li’s photos lately, you know that paella looked so good it practically jumped off the screen yelling, “Eat me!” Now, when I mentioned to our longtime Shelter Island summer friends that we wanted to try O&D’s paella, they actually snorted and replied, “You mean the ice cream place?” For a hot second, I pictured serving chicken and mussels in a waffle cone and seriously doubted my choice. I did NOT want to be “that guy” who puts everyone through a culinary misadventure. Well, after inhaling not one, not two, but FOUR paellas, I’m delighted to report my foodie reputation remains unscathed, and I’m officially an Opties and Dinghies devotee. The whole night felt like a charming vacation. We glided from Greenport to Shelter Island on the ferry (which absolutely counts as foreplay for foodies). Scooped up at the dock by our friends, we soon arrived at O&D, where we discovered way more than gelato! The spot was sparkling clean, relaxed, and the kind of place where you could wear flip-flops or a tuxedo t-shirt and nobody would judge. Picnic tables outside, cozy tables in—everyone’s welcome. The staff? Beyond friendly. Before we knew it, we had adult beverages in hand—because nothing says “vacation mode” like a cocktail before dinner. Reservations secured and four paellas ordered, we were bracing for a 30-minute wait (Spain taught us patience!). Instead, our paellas practically teleported to our table. Picture it: sizzling pans loaded with calamari, mussels, and chicken—each more delicious than the last. At just $29 for a mountain of pure happiness, I’d call that a North Fork bargain in 2025. Word to the wise: if you see me awkwardly trying to photograph food or staff, just roll with it. I tried for a Claudia selfie, but my camera skills are, well, best left unmentioned. Next up: I’ll be back to taste the Dumplings—because you KNOW I can’t resist an international snack. In short? If you’re craving a culinary adventure, hop on the ferry, embrace your inner explorer, and let Opties and Dinghies wow you. Snap a selfie with Claudia if you’re lucky—you might just make the next @North Fork Eats highlight reel. Bon appétit and happy ferry-hopping!