It’s that time when New Yorkers make the annual exodus for weekends on Long Island’s East End—better known as the Hamptons. Over the decades, once a conclave of fishing villages, the Hamptons has evolved into the summer playground for the elite worldwide.
With that said the Hamptons’ tastes have also changed from catching tonight’s dinner to being served an elegant dinner under the stars. Not surprisingly, the Hamptons continue to become a less seasonal escape. It’s no longer open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Today, East End restaurants are thriving and ready to serve. Below is a collection of our favorite Hamptons restaurants, both classic and new.
T Bar Southampton At the helm is Chef Ben Zwicker who continually aims to surprise with a new twist on classic dishes. But if you’re heading out East this summer, look for T Bar Southampton where you’ll find the same quality menu as the Upper East Side flagship location. Restaurateur Tony Fortuna knows his loyal following love the relaxed atmosphere he has brought to the East End. Begin your meal with the much-touted Thin Crust Pizza or opt for the Classic Kale Salad with apple and sesame with chili-lime vinaigrette. Also on the menu are the very popular Tiger Shrimp Cocktail and Vietnamese Shrimp Roll. As delicious as the appetizers can be, the main event is, of course, the impressive cuts of beef—all expertly prepared to taste. The Black Angus Porterhouse for two is served with your choice of steak sauces. Complete your meal with some irresistibly delicious desserts like the Strawberry Sundae served with shortcake, meringue, brandy, and cream. Info: tbarsh.com
Calissa Hamptons This Hamptons favorite offers fantastic seafood and Greek dishes all year round. The name “Calissa” is derived from the brightest constellation in the summer sky. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating making it the perfect spot to dine—rain or shine. The menu is straight from the Greek Isles, focusing on fresh ingredients such as seasonal salads and mezze, plus creative entrees including Lobster Pasta, Grilled Montauk Fluke, and Berkshire Pork Tenderloin. Their award-winning wine list highlights several Mediterranean varietals and rare wines from Greece. Calissa has partnered with BCL Entertainment for a can’t-miss live-music series called Calissa Sounds, with world-class performers coming to perform live concerts throughout the summer. Info: calissahamptons.com
Almond Restaurant In the spring of 2001, co-owners Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides opened Almond Restaurant offering reasonable prices, attentive service, and a well-appointed dining room reminiscent of a Parisian bistro. Most things have stayed the same. Look for Executive Chef Jason Weiner’s menu, which is comprised of bistro favorites, including Traditional Escargot with a divine sauce of garlic and Pernod; a selection of local and imported cheeses with balsamic reduction, fruit and nuts; Steamed Black Mussels with shallots, white wine, and parsley; and a spirited salad of Arugula, Baby Beets and Roquefort with candied walnuts are a few sample starters that win praise. A fresh raw bar is also available for starters with shellfish selections such as oysters, lobster, scallop and fennel crudo, marinated octopus, and shrimp cocktail. Entrees that please the palate include tasty Steak Frites with sauce Bordelaise, roasted shallots, and marrow, and Roasted Chicken with garlic, crushed potatoes, and natural sauce. All these delectable dishes at moderate prices make everything taste even better. Info: almondrestaurant.com
The Beacon It’s a summertime mainstay of the Hamptons. As the sun sets over Sag Harbor Cove between May and October, those lucky enough to snag a table at the restaurant will be charmed by the spectacular views. And to experience the special menu and waterfront location. The formal dining room overlooks the cove, making it a prime spot for sunset dining. Potted palms, bamboo blinds, and bistro chairs complement the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Executive Chef (and co-owner) Sam McCleland serves a creative and artfully executed menu of American fare starting with Beacon-style Steamed Mussels with garlic, white wine, lemon-thyme, cream, and tomatoes; Pork Belly Buns with hoisin, pickle, creamy kohlrabi slaw, and sriracha. Entrees are highlighted with Halibut Baked in Parchment with sun-dried tomatoes, tatsoi, and toasted Israeli couscous; Pork Chop Milanese with frisée, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, creamy truffle vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. Dessert favorites like Dreamy Brownie Sundae and Almond Cake with mascarpone cream complete a perfect meal. The Beacon offers a full bar menu featuring craft beers, fine-tuned specialty cocktails, and an extensive local, continental, and international wine list available by glass or bottle. Info: beaconsagharbor.com
Nick & Toni’s This iconic restaurant has served as the Hamptons fine dining fixture for 34 years. The menu changes seasonally, often using produce grown in its own one-acre organic garden. Woodburning oven specials, such as the Whole Fish served with savory sides such as seared artichokes, lemons and capers, and the Free-Range Chicken with crushed Yukon gold potatoes, roasted garlic, house-cured pancetta and rosemary jus are perennial favorites. Sample appetizers include: Burrata & Melon, Heirloom Lettuce, Heirloom Tomato Panzanella, Grilled Head-On Prawn and Day Boat Scallop Crudo. Entrée selections are just as inviting and include Penne all Vecchia Bettola with a spicy oven roasted tomato sauce and house-made spring pea & mascarpone ravioli, organic carrot bouillon; Painted Hills NY Strip Stead with herb roasted fingerling potatoes, wood roasted onions; and Wood Grilled Lamb Chops with artichokes, fava beans, romesco. Dessert is an event with sumptuous sweets like Ruby Peach Frozen Yogurt; Chocolate Pave; Carmelized Rice Krispies; and Cold Brew Gelato. Info: nickandtonis.com
Navy Beach Celebrating over a decade in the Hamptons, Navy Beach is Montauk’s favorite beachfront restaurant. Dubbed the “perfect destination for summer dining” by The New York Times, Navy Beach offers a memorable dining experience for the whole family in a beach setting with coastal cuisine and breathtaking sunsets. The culinary team in the kitchen delivers a high-quality fish-centric menu emphasizing sustainable seafood and local seasonal produce. The space offers a nautical beach house atmosphere with soft colors, exposed wood, vintage artwork, and unforgettable sunsets over the water. Whitewash walls are coupled with massive wood beams obtained from old wooden ships, each with a telling story of its own. A 35-foot antique wooden bar anchors a large bar area with panoramic windows overlooking the water. The menu is New American influenced, featuring casual coastal cuisine emphasizing fresh seafood and local produce. Some of the signature items on the menu include Yunnan Ribs with chili and caramel; Buttermilk Fried Chicken; Montauk Clam and Corn Chowder; Tuna Crudo; Soy Glazed Halibut; Navy Burger with hand-cut fries; and Crispy Calamari Salad with endive, frisee, and chili garlic dressing. Leave room for dessert! Daily dessert specials include Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, and Brownie Sundae with John’s Drive-In ice cream.
Info: navybeach.com
O By Kissaki High-quality sushi-grade fish, raw crudo, and hot robata grilled items make this popular restaurant a must. The mission is to honor and share traditional Japanese cuisine with the world. Each dish is mindfully sourced, seasonal, and created to take diners on a culinary journey. The menu features small plates such as Hotate Crudo, Dani Avocado Chopped Salad, Uni Lardo Crispy Rice, as well as dishes such as Faroe Island Salmon, Wagyu Tenderloin, and a Wagyu New York Striploin with the choice of Japanese Barbecue Sauce, Yuzu Zabaglione or Balsamic Teriyaki. The beverage menu is fun and creative, with sake making the top of the list and a good selection of wines and beers. Be sure to try the Sake-tini crafted with cucumber vodka, Heavensake, shiso, and winter melon bitter. Info: exploreobykissaki.com
The Backyard at Sole East It’s been described as the hidden gem of Montauk. Nestled just outside the village, the hotel is in the American Tudor building featuring 60 bungalow rooms, eight garden cabana suites, a heated pool with St Tropez-style beds surrounding, lush gardens, and a full-service restaurant. The Backyard Restaurant offers a fun, lively, and fresh concept. The menu focuses on fresh, local, and sustainable seasonal cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The outdoor space is a Hamptons sanctuary, like relaxing in a “backyard,” with tables in beautiful gardens and on the lush lawn surrounding the pool. The dining room features a clean and fresh atmosphere with white canvas director chairs paired with wood tables topped with white linens and rustic brown craft paper. The menu is built around fresh fish from the local Montauk waters, fresh produce from local farms, and herbs from the on-site garden. Dishes have a Mediterranean flair as well as a South American influence. Starters include Grilled Portuguese Octopus with fingerling potato, oregano, harrisa, caper berry, and lemon; mixed with aged barrel Feta, cucumber, plum, tomato, Kalamata olives, red onion, Romaine hearts, and topped with red wine vinegar. Entrees are just as appealing and feature a selection of fresh grilled proteins such as scallops, skirt steak, swordfish, and monkfish served with fennel, carrots, and a saffron potato. Save room for dessert; the sweet selections are heavenly with the signature lavender cheesecake, vanilla crème brûlée, apple crisp, and passion fruit panna cotta. The cocktail menu includes refreshing summer cocktails like Fresh Fruit Sangria with Prat aged rum with red or white wine, fresh berries, apples, and citrus fruit, and Eastwinds with Green hook gin, blueberries, lemon, and simple syrup. Sundays offer Bossa Nova Brunch with live Brazilian sounds and a fresh buffet. Whether you go for a meal, cocktails, or live entertainment, The Backyard Restaurant at Solé East captures the Montauk spirit. Info: soleeast.com
Duryea’s For 80 years, Duryea’s has been one of the go-to spots for fresh seafood with a view. The property features a popular casual waterfront dining spot for fresh local seafood, a market offering local artisanal products, coffee, and breakfast goods, and a boutique featuring summer beach essentials. The fresh local seafood menu features include Lobster Cobb Salad, Crab Cake, Grilled or Steamed Lobster, Classic Clam Bake—and, of course, Duryea’s Lobster Roll, Grilled Octopus, and Seafood Towers. A wine and beer selection features red, white, and Champagne options and a private label rosé. Info: duryeas.com