Shopping for more than a quick bite

It's the savvy shopper who knows when to park those bags and get a bite. But instead of wolfing down a slice and soda at the food court, treat yourself to a worthy meal.

We have leisurely meal choices or quick, old standbys and exciting newcomers -- all at the mall or a short drive away.

Roosevelt Field, East Garden City

Houston's, 630 Old Country Rd., 516-873-1454, hillstone.com. This high-end chain offers attentive service in dramatic surroundings. Burgers excel; the vegetable version is a revelation. Try the Thai steak-noodle salad, another standout. ($$-$$$)

Grand Lux Cafe, adjacent to north side of the mall, 516-741- 0096, grandluxcafe.com. In a faux Venetian palace check out the daily changing lunch bento box or get a salad, sandwich or entree (such as miso-grilled salmon), followed by a house-made dessert. ($-$$)

Cafe Nordstrom, third floor, Nordstrom, 516-746-0011, ext. 1610. Order at the counter, find a table and await your salad, sandwich or entree. ($-$$)

Chipotle, 135 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 516-877-7720, chipotle.com. This Tex-Mex national has a locavore sensibility. Move along a line and select ingredients for a burrito, taco, salad or "bol." ($)

*NEW* Mint, 1 Ring Rd. W., Garden City, 516-307-8677, mintny.com. Open for lunch and dinner, this stylish new spot serves an Indo-American fusion menu with dishes such as tandoori chicken, lamb vindaloo and buffalo chicken wings. ($$$)

Broadway Mall, Hicksville

Ikea Restaurant and Cafe, second floor, Ikea, 1100 Broadway Mall, 516-681-4532, ikea.com. A cafeteria serving fine bargain-priced Swedish meatballs, baked salmon, open-faced shrimp and smoked salmon sandwiches and cinnamon buns. ($)

Chipotle, 215 N. Broadway, Hicksville, 516- 822-4074, chipotle.com (See Roosevelt Field)($)

Kabul Grill Kabob & Tea Room,129 N. Broadway, Hicksville, 516-933-8999. A cozy spot for Afghan-Persian kebabs, stews and rice dishes. ($-$$)

*NEW* Curry Club, 96 N. Broadway, Hicksville, 516-719-2888, curryclubli.com. This new spinoff of an East Setauket standby serves lively Indian food in serene surroundings. Soups, breads and curries rate highly. ($$)

Green Acres, Valley Stream

*NEW* Chicken Coop, 159 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream, 516- 568-2667. This stylish Colombian restaurant serves terrific rotisserie chicken. Other favorites: a bright main- course ceviche, satisfying grilled pork chop and garlicky shrimp ajillo. ($-$$)

Mitchell's,191 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream, 516-825-9708. From the voluminous menu of this ice cream parlor, you can get a chargrilled burger, freshly squeezed orangeade and a first-rate hot fudge sundae. ($-$$)

Itgens, 211 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream, 516-825-7444. At this venerable ice cream parlor-luncheonette, reward yourself with house-made ice cream topped with what may be the best hot fudge on Long Island. Sandwiches, salads, platters and burgers, too. ($-$$)

Berto's Family Ristorante Italiano, 31 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream, 516-825-2117, bertos restaurant.com. The three-course lunch deal is a bargain at this gracious Italian restaurant whose Caesar salad rates highly. ($$)

Manhasset, Miracle Mile; Americana

*NEW* Sarabeth's, Lord & Taylor, 1440 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, 516-627-3000 ext. 457, sarabeths.com. (also in Lord & Taylor, Garden City). One of two department store spots from dessert doyenne Sarabeth Levine. Try the "goldie lox" scramble or crabcake sandwich and finish with the chocolate pudding.($$)

Landmark Diner, 1027 Northern Blvd., Roslyn, 516-627-4830. A bi-level diner serving modern classics like burgers, mac and cheese, and chocolate cream pie. ($-$$)

Nick & Pedro's, 1496 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, 516-365-6930. Big, beautiful salads and a full Italian menu. ($$-$$$)

Walt Whitman Shopping Center, Huntington Station

59th & Lex Cafe at Bloomingdale's, 270 Walt Whitman Rd., 631-425-6700. A subterranean cafe serving addictive frozen yogurt, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastas and entrees. ($ to $$)

Cheesecake Factory,160 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, 631-271-8200, thecheesecakefactory.com. The noise may be deafening, but this gilded marble palace has it all, from a "Skinny-licious" diet menu to diet-busting cheesecakes. Inventive small plates. ($-$$)

Cirella's at Saks Fifth Avenue, first floor, Saks Fifth Avenue, 160 Walt Whitman Rd., 631-350- 1229. Sushi is fresh, delicate, beautifully cut; salads are big and bright; also a fine array of sandwiches, wraps and entrees. ($$)

Legal Sea Foods, 160 Walt Whitman Rd., 631-271-9777, legalseafoods.com. A bowl of chowder, a lobster roll or a piece of grilled fish -- find that and more in stylish, serene surroundings.($$-$$$ )

*NEW* Gimme2, 195 Walt Whitman Rd., 631-319-1222. Even those on tight budgets won't feel squeezed at this bare-bones counter spot for satisfying sandwiches and salads. ($)

*NEW* Roast Sandwich House, 827 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, 631-629-4869, roast sandwich house.com. At this classy-casual counter service superstar, virtually everything is made in-house, starting with roasted meats. Salads, soups, hand-cut fries and roasted fresh vegetables.($)

Lake Grove, Smith Haven Mall

Bobby's Burger Palace, 355 Smith Haven Mall, 631-382- 9590, bobbysburgerpalace .com. Order at the counter at Food TV star Bobby Flay's burger emporium where the signature "crunch burger," hand-cut fries and thick, dark chocolate malted are top choices. ($)

Cheesecake Factory, 610 Smith Haven Mall, 631-361- 6600, thecheesecakefactory.com. (See Walt Whitman Mall).

John Harvard's Brew House,2 093 Smith Haven Plaza, 631- 979-2739, johnharvards.com. Observe the beer-making process while dining on such pub standards as fish and chips, grilled meat loaf or a classic burger. ($-$$)

Zan's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterer, 135 Alexander Ave., 631-979-8771, zansdeli.com. Enjoy such kosher classics as chicken matzo ball soup, corned beef, tongue and chicken fricassee. The "PLT" (pastrami, lettuce and tomato) gives bacon a run for the money. ($-$$)

*NEW* Wild Rice Premium Chinese & Pan-Asian Cuisine, 2801 Middle Country Rd., Lake Grove, 631-648-9494. At this casual eat-in/takeout spot, soup is a meal. The roast pork noodle soup stars peppery broth, baby bok choy, rice noodles and big hunks of smoky Chinese roast pork. Sharing the menu: Chinese and Thai standards. ($-$$)

Deer Park, Tanger Mall at the Arches

Chipotle Mexican Grill,1090 The Arches Circle, 631-586- 0301, chipotle.com. See Garden City. ($)

Bamboo Chinese & Japanese Restaurant, 534 Commack Rd., Deer Park, 631-586- 6888. A Chinese-Japanese spot with a few culinary surprises. ($$)

Bay Shore, Westfield South Shore

Smokin' Al's Famous BBQ, 19 W. Main St., Bay Shore, 631-206-3000, smokinals.com. A BBQ bastion for well-smoked ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and more. ($$)

Galanga, 25 W. Main St., Bay Shore, 631-666-6696. Chicken coconut soup, curries and stir-fries dominate at this minimalist-decor Thai. ($$)

*NEW* Cafe Taka, 164 E. Main St., Bay Shore, 631-647-4809. This sliver of a Mediterranean (mostly Turkish) restaurant is local kebab central. At lunch, find sandwiches on pita; at dinner, whole grilled branzino is a delicate, savory treat. ($$)

Riverhead, Tanger Mall

Haiku, 40 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-7778. Good looks and skilled sushi chef define this pretty Japanese place. ($$)

Star Confectionery, 4 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-9873. Old-fashioned ice cream parlor for sandwiches, house-made ice cream, divine fudge. ($)

*NEW* Turkuaz Grill, 40 McDermott Ave., Riverhead, 631-591-1757. Within view of the Peconic River, this Turkish newcomer tempts shoppers with succulent kebabs and house-baked pide. ($-$$)

*NEW* Cody's BBQ & Grill, 65 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-284-9520. A straightforward BBQ spot with a lively vibe. Try the "burnt endz," chopped brisket ends with barbecue sauce and "tumbleweed" fried onions. ($$)

Farm Country Kitchen, 513 W. Main St., Riverhead, 631-369- 6311. Hidden from the main road, this charming spot features a river view and the changing menu. Soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps prevail. ($)

A slice of pizza heaven

Pizza is one of those foods that offer instant gratification. That's why it's almost always the shopper's go-to choice. Here's where you can get pizza near the malls:

ROOSEVELT FIELD

La Bottega at Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Rd., Garden City, 516-248-4529, labottegagourmet.com. This branch of a growing Long Island franchise serves fresh wood-oven pizza.

*NEW* Passione, 231 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 516-741-4800. Across from the Old Country Road entrance to the mall, a palace for all kinds of pizza. The Grandma, Grandpa and marinara pies are favorites.

*NEW* Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza, 137 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 516-877-7750, anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com. The cauliflower pie at this Florida-based chain tops the list of pizza superstars.

GREEN ACRES MALL

Sbarro, 2040 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, 516-593-3670, sbarro.com. A food court staple for reliably decent slices.

BROADWAY MALL

Fanatico, 336 N. Broadway, Jericho, 516-932-5080. Great grandma pizza (pie or slices) and more at this lively Italian spot.

MIRACLE MILE

Cipollini, 2110C Northern Blvd., 516-627-7172, cipollinirestaurant.com. Take a break over a wood-oven pizza.

WALT WHITMAN MALL

California Pizza Kitchen, 160 Walt Whitman Rd. (No. 1074), 631-423-7565, cpk.com. This contemporary pizza-centric chain serves ornate pies with toppings like Japanese eggplant or barbecued chicken.

*NEW* La Piazza, 512 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, 631-425-0500. A buoyant spot that does well with whole pies in various sizes.

SMITH HAVEN MALL

California Pizza Kitchen, 618 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, 631-382-9610, cpk.com. (See Walt Whitman Mall).

Ragazzi Italian Kitchen & Bar, 2950 Middle Country Rd., Nesconset, 631-265-8200, ragazzi-ny.com. A sleek Italian restaurant with individual pizzas.

DEER PARK

Fratelli Trattoria, The Arches Circle, Deer Park, 631-274-4811. Reliably good pies, whole or by the slice, at this bi-level pizzeria-restaurant.

TANGER MALL

Roadhouse Brick Oven Pizza, 1111 W. Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9888, roadhousepizza.com.

At this popular spot a short hop from the outlets, you'll find slices and pies from the namesake brick oven.

Grana, 1556 Main Rd. (Route 25), Jamesport, 631-779-2844. A 10-minute drive from the outlets is this welcoming spot for wood-oven baked pies.