Big changes are coming to Sterling Harbor.
While Porto Bello’s familiar sunny yellow umbrellas are here to stay, the rest of the restaurant is undergoing a major transformation.
In January 2026, ownership of Porto Bello shifted from Peter Harbes and Bruce Garritano to the Donagher family — and by Memorial Day, it will reopen as Smuggler’s Cove Bar & Restaurant, featuring an entirely new menu and a rooftop deck.
The new owner, Joe Donagher, is a fourth-generation bar owner originally from County Donegal, Ireland, and the owner of Beer Authority in Manhattan. He and his sister-in-law, Roz Donagher, who will manage the restaurant, are moving quickly to complete a sweeping renovation.
“To signal this new era, the building is getting a major facelift,” Roz said.
For the redesign, the team is aiming to blend their heritage with Greenport’s marina setting.
“We’re going for like a casual coastal vibe with an Irish twist,” she explained. “Bringing like an Irish flair to the coast.”
They hope Smuggler’s Cove will become a hub for locals, summer visitors and marina-goers alike. “Locals really are your bread and butter,” Roz said. While Porto Bello operated seasonally, the Donaghers plan to keep the restaurant open through New Year’s, closing only during the coldest winter months.
A ‘brand new roof deck’
As of mid-April, construction crews are installing new flooring, expanding the bar, and updating lighting throughout the space. The most significant structural change will be the addition of a rooftop deck designed to take full advantage of the harbor views.
“We’ll have a nice sail on top of it, so that [in the] July and August sun … you’ll still be able to [enjoy it],” Roz said.
The Donaghers are also working with the marina to secure transient slips, which would allow guests to dock directly at the restaurant — a quintessential Eastern Long Island experience that has become increasingly rare in recent years.
They’ve also brought on a new chef, Vincent Pomara, to develop an entirely new menu. While details are still being finalized, the plan is to offer casual coastal cuisine with European influences, featuring local produce, fish, and seafood. The bar will include cocktails, a wine list highlighting both North Fork vineyards and European producers, and, naturally, Guinness.
The Donaghers are targeting a soft opening for friends, family and locals in mid-May, with plans to be fully operational by Memorial Day. The restaurant will initially operate Wednesday through Sunday, focusing on dinner service and weekend brunch, before expanding to seven days a week. Happy hour is also planned from 3 to 6 p.m.