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A large outdoor seating space with lights strung overhead and multiple groups of diners sitting at wooden tables on a patio Calissa [Official]

The Essential Guide to Eating in the Hamptons Right Now

23 restaurants serving up juicy burgers, truffle-dusted potatoes, and a bounty of seafood

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The summer dining scene out east may have gotten off to a slow start but as additional outdoor dining areas popped up, it grew more vibrant. Mediterranean and sushi spots, in particular, reached a new level of popularity.

With some people planning to head to the Hamptons for Labor Day this year and stick around, the coming months are shaping up to be one of the area’s busiest fall seasons yet. Many restaurants are extending their hours to accommodate the expanded population, and adding heat lamps to keep their outdoor dining areas vibrant through autumn. Unlike New York City, where indoor dining is still on hold, Hamptons dining rooms are open at 50 percent capacity. When the chillier nights set in, it could become a particularly attractive destination for urban diners.

A number of New York restaurants have resumed outdoor and indoor dining services. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for outdoor or indoor dining, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the NY Health Department’s website. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with indoor or outdoor dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

For more New York dining recommendations, check out the new hotspots in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, and our guide to brunch spots, food halls, and Michelin-starred restaurants offering outdoor dining.

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Tutto Il Giorno

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Gabby Karan’s artistic touch has helped transition this Sag Harbor favorite’s parking spaces into welcoming al fresco gardens. To really feel like you are in Italy, order a glass of wine or sip Campari and dig into toothsome pasta dishes like butternut squash ravioli with lamb ragu, amaretti cookies, pumpkin seeds, and red beet puree; or rigatoni with tomato, beef, veal, spicy sausage, peas, and a touch of cream. Entrees include chicken Milanese, topped with arugula and cherry tomatoes, and a catch of the day baked in parchment.

Tutto Il Giorno Tutto Il Giorno [Official Photo]

This outpost of the sceney Upper East Side steakhouse is serving its usual high-demand dishes including chopped salad, crusted tuna, and black angus porterhouse. But the setting is different: The eastern location has a large dining garden, which is more coveted than ever this year. Look for new fall specials such as seared salmon with butternut squash puree and apple cider vinaigrette.

Silver Lining Diner

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Eric Miller, who owns the catering company Hampton Clambake, took over the iconic Princess Diner and brought his clambake with him. He is also serving up crisp and juicy rotisserie chicken, sautéed local fluke, and prime burger and brisket cooked overnight in an oakwood smoker.

Calissa

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Expanding the outdoor space has made the vibe even more upbeat at this Mediterranean favorite from James Malios, who also owns Amali in Manhattan. Authentic leek pies, char-grilled Cascun Farms half rack of lamb, or fresh whole fish can be enjoyed while listening to live performance from Broadway musicians. Calissa is also one of the few places that will remain open seven days a week into fall.

A large outdoor seating space with lights strung overhead and multiple groups of diners sitting at wooden tables on a patio
Outdoor seating at Calissa
Calissa [Official]

Topping Rose House

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A former event area at the tony Bridgehampton hotel has been transformed into additional dining space at the elegant hotel’s restaurant run by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Offerings run the gamut from his signature warm shrimp salad with Champagne vinaigrette, to salmon in a fragrant lime-corn broth, to simply grilled wagyu beef tenderloin.

Topping Rose House Topping Rose House [Official Photo]

Babette's

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The focus is on local, organic and sustainable fare at this popular spot, which is packed for breakfast and lunch and a more serene find at dinner. Try one of the plant-based entrees like the chickpea bowl with turmeric chickpeas, sautéed kale, butternut squash, avocado, brown rice, and tahini, or top a salad or vegetable sauté with wild fish, free-range chicken, or grilled tempeh. Tacos come in fish or tofu varieties.

Coche Comedor

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After working years in the kitchens of Nick and Toni’s and La Fondita respectively, Juan Jaurez and Juan Geronimo are running the show here, cooking food from Mexico. Among the standouts: mini crispy tuna tacos; apricot-tamarind glazed half duck cooked on the rotisserie and served with hand-pressed tortillas; wood grilled pork rib carnitas, duck fat potatoes and chicken tamales.

Dopo Argento

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Maurizio Marfoglia’s culinary empire in the Hamptons is growing. After opening a second branch of his popular Dopo La Spiaggia, he has taken over the iconic Silver’s on Main Street and transformed it into a Mediterranean boite with the help of chef Fabio Gutierrez. Dishes like king crab fusilli with heirloom tomatoes, lemon and chilies; and straccetti with seared filet mignon, organic arugula, porcini mushrooms, and aged Parmesan have been luring crowds.

Union Sushi & Steak

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There used to be a scarcity of good raw fish spots on the East End, but this year artful sushi is abundant. This new spot, with a stylish porch for outdoor dining, couples creative rolls — there is even a rice-free option wrapped in cucumber — with an array of prime meats and cooked seafood in a sophisticated atmosphere enhanced by a piano player. The swordfish with strawberry balsamic glaze is a standout.

A sliced sushi roll on a dark platter. The roll has avocado in the middle and strips of salmon and roe piled on top. Union Sushi & Steak [Official]

Veteran Hamptons restaurateur Michael Gluckman has a hit on his hands with a reincarnation of his Asian spot that was originally located in East Hampton. Super fresh sushi shares a menu with such dishes as green papaya salad, chicken lemongrass dumplings, bang bang chicken with wild pea shoots, and Korean short rib tacos.

Kissaki Sushi

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The high-end Bowery omakase spot found a location in Water Mill with a large courtyard and immediately drew raw fish fans with a new level of futomaki and nigiri, including the signature lean tuna with seared shiitake butter blanketing an almond. Dishes from the kitchen include wagyu katsu, and miso-roasted fig with seared fresh hearts of palm, miso mustard and shaved shiso. 

A brown bowl that holds a brown soup-like dish with some chopped greens on top. A wooden spoon is adjacent to the bowl Signe Birck

Bistro Ete

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At indulgent French spot Bistro Ete, Cordon Bleu-trained chef Arie Pavlou showers both his potatoes and his martinis with truffles. For fall, new menu items include a layered beet tower with goat cheese, walnuts and an arugula olive oil dressing, and pumpkin spice ice cream made with oat milk. The dishes sit alongside old favorites such as curry-dusted soft shell crabs and zucchini “spaghetti’’ with wild shrimp. There’s also a separate menu for dogs. 

Elaia Estiatorio

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This spot off Bridgehampton’s Main Street is more laid back than other Mediterranean entries. The menu features wild caught shrimp with ouzo, tomato and feta sauce, and Long Island duck breast with honey nut squash, grapes, mint, and pistachio. There’s also an extensive Greek wine selection. This year Elaia Estiatoria also opened a retail shop selling specialty items like aged natural honey and sesame cookies from Crete.

Old Stove Pub

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After a period of dormancy, the legendary steakhouse that has been operating since the ’60s, reopened with new management. The beef here remains a draw, alongside some Greek items like lavraki, but due to a demand for outdoor dining, the vast lawn has become the center of activity with live music and a buzzy crowd. Neighboring omakase Uni King’ is also offering sushi nightly, which can be taken out or enjoyed on the ground’s picnic tables, and on Tuesdays chef Trevor Lombaer transforms the space into the Sagaponack Supper Club with a multi-coursed Thai feast.

Baron's Cove

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A prime locale for viewing the sunset over Sag Harbor’s bay, this hotel has brought in chef Nick Vogel. His striped bass crudo is enlivened with olives, citrus, and pea tendrils; broiled oysters get a kick from Fresno chile butter, gremolata and garlic; and pan roasted tofu is topped with beet tahini and sesame crumble.

Ed's Lobster Bar Sag Harbor

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A tented outdoor area has been added to the New England-style seafood spot that serves whole lobsters, raw bar items, chowders, a full-belly fried clam roll and, 

of course, Ed’s famous lobster roll. A prix fixe brunch will debut in the fall.

This buzzy spot is back in its old home with a new coastal Italian menu. Chef Mark Ladner’s menu focuses on wood-fired pizza, pastas, and entrees like halibut with artichoke, olives, lemon, and fingerling potatoes. Don’t miss the crispy skin chicken with asparagus and heirloom tomatoes.

Main Street Tavern

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Nearby Highway Restaurant has served only take-out this season, but its owners unveiled this new restaurant in Amagansett over the summer and it will remain open through the year. Salads like kale and quinoa with snap peas, avocado, and tahini and one made with farro, Balsam Farm vegetables, and parmesan are memorable starters. Entrees include grilled chicken with shishito peppers and scallions, fish and chips, and a steak sandwich with onions, peppers horseradish and cottage fries.

A spread of dishes including pastas, salad, and stuffed clams are laid out on white dishes set on a dark wooden table with blue and white-striped napkins laid in between and silverware scattered around. Main Street Tavern [Official]

Clam Bar At Napeague

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For more than thirty years this joint on the Napeague stretch has served up raw bar items, spicy crab and sweet corn chowder, tomatoes stuffed with lobster salad, steamers, crispy calamari, and solid rock ‘n’ roll.

Mostrador Marram

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Chef Justin Smillie has moved to Montauk, co-opting the Mostrador space at the new Marram hotel along with restaurateur Donna Lennard. Each day he whips up a series of locally inspired dishes, including a cast-iron flat bread with rotating seasonal vegetables and a selection of salads, grains and legumes. Lobster rolls and burgers will be served on focaccia fino.

Scarpetta Beach

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The Montauk satellite of the popular restaurant, which also has locations in Manhattan and Miami, has really hit its stride this summer by expanding its waterfront deck area. Fish, caught minutes away, arrives at the table pristine and perfectly cooked. Local fluke crudo is bursting with flavor thanks to preserved Meyer lemon, horseradish, and English cucumber, while silken scallops sit on corn puree, studded with morels and purple Peruvian potatoes.

Poolside dining is a top feature at Naia, the newest entry in the Hamptons’s Mediterranean scene. Run by Michael Pitsinos, the restaurant boasts multiple dining areas including a flower-filled terrace, a separate poolside area, and an indoor space. An electric violinist adds to the atmosphere, food is farm-to-table fresh, and if you over-indulge, you can check into a room upstairs at the Capri Hotel and enjoy daily brunch the next morning.

The Golden Pear Cafe

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Whether you stop in for a cup of coffee, a breakfast of steel cut oatmeal with fresh berries, lunch of blackened mahi mahi, or mac and cheese in applewood bacon and lobster varieties, you will find a line of loyal fans waiting to order at each of the Golden Pear Cafe’s three Hamptons locations. For fall, the cafes have added seven varieties of vegan soups including roasted cauliflower and thyme, dishes such as all natural turkey meatloaf with roasted veggies, and goodies like pumpkin spiced muffins and apple crumb pie.

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Tutto Il Giorno

Gabby Karan’s artistic touch has helped transition this Sag Harbor favorite’s parking spaces into welcoming al fresco gardens. To really feel like you are in Italy, order a glass of wine or sip Campari and dig into toothsome pasta dishes like butternut squash ravioli with lamb ragu, amaretti cookies, pumpkin seeds, and red beet puree; or rigatoni with tomato, beef, veal, spicy sausage, peas, and a touch of cream. Entrees include chicken Milanese, topped with arugula and cherry tomatoes, and a catch of the day baked in parchment.

Tutto Il Giorno Tutto Il Giorno [Official Photo]

TBar

This outpost of the sceney Upper East Side steakhouse is serving its usual high-demand dishes including chopped salad, crusted tuna, and black angus porterhouse. But the setting is different: The eastern location has a large dining garden, which is more coveted than ever this year. Look for new fall specials such as seared salmon with butternut squash puree and apple cider vinaigrette.

Silver Lining Diner

Eric Miller, who owns the catering company Hampton Clambake, took over the iconic Princess Diner and brought his clambake with him. He is also serving up crisp and juicy rotisserie chicken, sautéed local fluke, and prime burger and brisket cooked overnight in an oakwood smoker.

Calissa

Expanding the outdoor space has made the vibe even more upbeat at this Mediterranean favorite from James Malios, who also owns Amali in Manhattan. Authentic leek pies, char-grilled Cascun Farms half rack of lamb, or fresh whole fish can be enjoyed while listening to live performance from Broadway musicians. Calissa is also one of the few places that will remain open seven days a week into fall.

A large outdoor seating space with lights strung overhead and multiple groups of diners sitting at wooden tables on a patio
Outdoor seating at Calissa
Calissa [Official]

Topping Rose House

A former event area at the tony Bridgehampton hotel has been transformed into additional dining space at the elegant hotel’s restaurant run by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Offerings run the gamut from his signature warm shrimp salad with Champagne vinaigrette, to salmon in a fragrant lime-corn broth, to simply grilled wagyu beef tenderloin.

Topping Rose House Topping Rose House [Official Photo]

Babette's

The focus is on local, organic and sustainable fare at this popular spot, which is packed for breakfast and lunch and a more serene find at dinner. Try one of the plant-based entrees like the chickpea bowl with turmeric chickpeas, sautéed kale, butternut squash, avocado, brown rice, and tahini, or top a salad or vegetable sauté with wild fish, free-range chicken, or grilled tempeh. Tacos come in fish or tofu varieties.

Coche Comedor

After working years in the kitchens of Nick and Toni’s and La Fondita respectively, Juan Jaurez and Juan Geronimo are running the show here, cooking food from Mexico. Among the standouts: mini crispy tuna tacos; apricot-tamarind glazed half duck cooked on the rotisserie and served with hand-pressed tortillas; wood grilled pork rib carnitas, duck fat potatoes and chicken tamales.

Dopo Argento

Maurizio Marfoglia’s culinary empire in the Hamptons is growing. After opening a second branch of his popular Dopo La Spiaggia, he has taken over the iconic Silver’s on Main Street and transformed it into a Mediterranean boite with the help of chef Fabio Gutierrez. Dishes like king crab fusilli with heirloom tomatoes, lemon and chilies; and straccetti with seared filet mignon, organic arugula, porcini mushrooms, and aged Parmesan have been luring crowds.

Union Sushi & Steak

There used to be a scarcity of good raw fish spots on the East End, but this year artful sushi is abundant. This new spot, with a stylish porch for outdoor dining, couples creative rolls — there is even a rice-free option wrapped in cucumber — with an array of prime meats and cooked seafood in a sophisticated atmosphere enhanced by a piano player. The swordfish with strawberry balsamic glaze is a standout.

A sliced sushi roll on a dark platter. The roll has avocado in the middle and strips of salmon and roe piled on top. Union Sushi & Steak [Official]

Bamboo

Veteran Hamptons restaurateur Michael Gluckman has a hit on his hands with a reincarnation of his Asian spot that was originally located in East Hampton. Super fresh sushi shares a menu with such dishes as green papaya salad, chicken lemongrass dumplings, bang bang chicken with wild pea shoots, and Korean short rib tacos.

Kissaki Sushi

The high-end Bowery omakase spot found a location in Water Mill with a large courtyard and immediately drew raw fish fans with a new level of futomaki and nigiri, including the signature lean tuna with seared shiitake butter blanketing an almond. Dishes from the kitchen include wagyu katsu, and miso-roasted fig with seared fresh hearts of palm, miso mustard and shaved shiso. 

A brown bowl that holds a brown soup-like dish with some chopped greens on top. A wooden spoon is adjacent to the bowl Signe Birck

Bistro Ete

At indulgent French spot Bistro Ete, Cordon Bleu-trained chef Arie Pavlou showers both his potatoes and his martinis with truffles. For fall, new menu items include a layered beet tower with goat cheese, walnuts and an arugula olive oil dressing, and pumpkin spice ice cream made with oat milk. The dishes sit alongside old favorites such as curry-dusted soft shell crabs and zucchini “spaghetti’’ with wild shrimp. There’s also a separate menu for dogs. 

Elaia Estiatorio

This spot off Bridgehampton’s Main Street is more laid back than other Mediterranean entries. The menu features wild caught shrimp with ouzo, tomato and feta sauce, and Long Island duck breast with honey nut squash, grapes, mint, and pistachio. There’s also an extensive Greek wine selection. This year Elaia Estiatoria also opened a retail shop selling specialty items like aged natural honey and sesame cookies from Crete.

Old Stove Pub

After a period of dormancy, the legendary steakhouse that has been operating since the ’60s, reopened with new management. The beef here remains a draw, alongside some Greek items like lavraki, but due to a demand for outdoor dining, the vast lawn has become the center of activity with live music and a buzzy crowd. Neighboring omakase Uni King’ is also offering sushi nightly, which can be taken out or enjoyed on the ground’s picnic tables, and on Tuesdays chef Trevor Lombaer transforms the space into the Sagaponack Supper Club with a multi-coursed Thai feast.

Baron's Cove

A prime locale for viewing the sunset over Sag Harbor’s bay, this hotel has brought in chef Nick Vogel. His striped bass crudo is enlivened with olives, citrus, and pea tendrils; broiled oysters get a kick from Fresno chile butter, gremolata and garlic; and pan roasted tofu is topped with beet tahini and sesame crumble.

Related Maps

Ed's Lobster Bar Sag Harbor

A tented outdoor area has been added to the New England-style seafood spot that serves whole lobsters, raw bar items, chowders, a full-belly fried clam roll and, 

of course, Ed’s famous lobster roll. A prix fixe brunch will debut in the fall.

Moby's

This buzzy spot is back in its old home with a new coastal Italian menu. Chef Mark Ladner’s menu focuses on wood-fired pizza, pastas, and entrees like halibut with artichoke, olives, lemon, and fingerling potatoes. Don’t miss the crispy skin chicken with asparagus and heirloom tomatoes.

Main Street Tavern

Nearby Highway Restaurant has served only take-out this season, but its owners unveiled this new restaurant in Amagansett over the summer and it will remain open through the year. Salads like kale and quinoa with snap peas, avocado, and tahini and one made with farro, Balsam Farm vegetables, and parmesan are memorable starters. Entrees include grilled chicken with shishito peppers and scallions, fish and chips, and a steak sandwich with onions, peppers horseradish and cottage fries.

A spread of dishes including pastas, salad, and stuffed clams are laid out on white dishes set on a dark wooden table with blue and white-striped napkins laid in between and silverware scattered around. Main Street Tavern [Official]

Clam Bar At Napeague

For more than thirty years this joint on the Napeague stretch has served up raw bar items, spicy crab and sweet corn chowder, tomatoes stuffed with lobster salad, steamers, crispy calamari, and solid rock ‘n’ roll.

Mostrador Marram

Chef Justin Smillie has moved to Montauk, co-opting the Mostrador space at the new Marram hotel along with restaurateur Donna Lennard. Each day he whips up a series of locally inspired dishes, including a cast-iron flat bread with rotating seasonal vegetables and a selection of salads, grains and legumes. Lobster rolls and burgers will be served on focaccia fino.

Scarpetta Beach

The Montauk satellite of the popular restaurant, which also has locations in Manhattan and Miami, has really hit its stride this summer by expanding its waterfront deck area. Fish, caught minutes away, arrives at the table pristine and perfectly cooked. Local fluke crudo is bursting with flavor thanks to preserved Meyer lemon, horseradish, and English cucumber, while silken scallops sit on corn puree, studded with morels and purple Peruvian potatoes.

Naia

Poolside dining is a top feature at Naia, the newest entry in the Hamptons’s Mediterranean scene. Run by Michael Pitsinos, the restaurant boasts multiple dining areas including a flower-filled terrace, a separate poolside area, and an indoor space. An electric violinist adds to the atmosphere, food is farm-to-table fresh, and if you over-indulge, you can check into a room upstairs at the Capri Hotel and enjoy daily brunch the next morning.

The Golden Pear Cafe

Whether you stop in for a cup of coffee, a breakfast of steel cut oatmeal with fresh berries, lunch of blackened mahi mahi, or mac and cheese in applewood bacon and lobster varieties, you will find a line of loyal fans waiting to order at each of the Golden Pear Cafe’s three Hamptons locations. For fall, the cafes have added seven varieties of vegan soups including roasted cauliflower and thyme, dishes such as all natural turkey meatloaf with roasted veggies, and goodies like pumpkin spiced muffins and apple crumb pie.

Related Maps