It was a stormy night this past Friday, but the weather didn’t seem to deter the crowds that flocked to the recently reopened and magnificently decorated new Legends Restaurant in New Suffolk.

The Ambiance: Cars lined both sides of the little street that borders the quaint, and mostly untouched, waterfront. The grand entrance, which allows for long-time greeter Rose Tarpey to show the diners to their table — whether it be in the grand sports bar or the vaulted ceiling stone-stacked walled main dining room — sets quite a stage for the meal to follow. To keep it all in the family, Rose's daughter Tricia was the waitress at the table. Owner Diane Harkoff made her presence known to each patron and everyone seemed to feel the warm welcome.

The Chef: Ralph Foulkes

The Dinner: New Suffolk clam chowder — a spicy tomato-based clams and crabmeat soup at $6 for a cup and $9 for a bowl; spring pea soup garnished with a squiggle of lemon marscapone crème at $7 for a cup and $10 for a bowl; tagliata Di manzo — a platinum angus ribeye, grilled and seared, served with sliced mashed potatoes, broccolini drizzled with oil, garlic and herbs at $36; and Prime rib au jus. Just to note:platinum angus cattle are known for their propensity to produce tender, flavorful beef for the discriminating palate.

The Desserts: New York-style spring rolls filled with cheesecake — crispy on the outside and warm on the inside, indescribably delicious with caramel and chocolate sauce for $8; chocolate lover's dream — a layered chocolate sable cookie, chocolate mousse, chocolate grenache and chocolate glaze for $10.

The Verdict from the Diners: Steven and Linda Hill, who have residences in Nassau Point and  Manhattan, are discriminating diners. An excellent cook in his own right, Steven dines at Legends at least twice a week on his own and is joined by Linda on the weekend. When one has Manhattan restaurants from which to choose, the North Fork has seemed to satisfy their taste buds in this charming venue, even though the noise level is definitely not for the faint of heart, particularly in the bar area.

The varied china was tastefully chosen to best display each dish. The New Suffolk clam chowder was pleasantly spicy and loaded with delicacies from the sea. The pea soup was as green as a freshly picked pea from the garden and tasted the same. The tagliata di manzo was a favorite of Linda’s and this time, as every other, she enjoyed the indulgence. Although never able to find the prime rib available on their previous visits, Steve was successful in lassoing his perfect cut on Friday. The smile on his face said it all.

Decadent is the only way to describe the crispy spring rolls as the warmed cheesecake simply melted as they touched the tongue. Bathed in a chocolate and caramel mixture, there was nothing left to desire. And the chocolate lovers dream cookie was just that. And there could be no disappointment found anywhere.

Legends is located at 835 First Street in New Suffolk. Call 631 734-5123.