Longtime Long Island French Restaurant, Le Soir, Closes

BAYPORT, NY — The popular French restaurant Le Soir, a South Shore mainstay for decades, has closed its doors.

The meaning of the name of restaurant, which was located on Montauk Highway in Bayport, is "the evening" in English.

It was not only known for its French cuisine, but a signature serving style that included providing a soup or salad with entrees everyday and specials like dessert on the house with entrees Tuesday through Thursday.

The menu included classic French items like escargot bourguinone, terrine de foie gras, and lobster with beurre blanc sauce, as well as farm-raised chicken with mushrooms in a brandy cream sauce.

The restaurant's gift certificates never had an expiration date.

The restaurant was reportedly in business for 46 years, according to longislandrestaurants.com.

The business's sign has been replaced with that of Sunflower's, and the phone number has been changed over also.

Sunflower's management expects to open Dec. 12, according to a message on the restaurant's answering machine.

The restaurant will be in keeping with Le Soir's French roots.

Its chef expects to bring the essence of the picturesque French countryside to the restaurant while using natural and sustainable foods, according to its website.

"As the day begins, the enchanting aroma of delicate flaky croissants or toasted English muffins mingles with the allure of eggs benedict, served with your choice of freshly pressed juices or aromatic coffee," the site reads. "Lunchtime introduces you to the enticing flavors of quiche, meticulously crafted from the freshest ingredients and enveloped in a savory herb crust.

"As the sun sets, our culinary creations unfold with welcoming savory hors d'oeuvres, soups, local oysters, and robust cheese and charcuterie boards, always colorful and abundant," it continues.

In a post to Instagram, the restaurant's management says they look forward to developing a connection with neighbors.

"We have not only made our home here, but we support local farmers, fishermen, and businesses," the post reads. "Tables are where life happens. We hope to see you at ours."

The restaurant does not yet have a liquor license, so management is asking that patrons consider bringing their own wine for the time being.

Patch has reached out for comment.