Resy’s Guide To Summer in The Hamptons

White linens and glowing chandeliers await at Southampton Social Club. At this buzzy institution, chef Scott Kampf sprinkles peak-season produce and fresh catches with global touches—think Caribbean-spiced mahi mahi, French tomates farcies, and lobster tacos. Start with a cocktail in the manicured garden, and stay for the late-night scene.

Winner of more “Best Of” awards than we can count, Union Cantina comes courtesy of prolific chef Scott Kampf. The Southampton favorite dishes creative cantina fare with an emphasis on the sea, alongside one of the best-stocked tequila cabinets in town—we’re talking over 100 regional varieties, best accompanied by your choice of deconstructed enchiladas, tacos, and made-to-order guacamole.

Helmed by a fifth-generation baker, Pierre’s looks to the sun-drenched coasts of France for a menu that’ll fool you into thinking you’re seaside in the Mediterranean. So, indulge in bright seafaring hits that include Maine lobster fricassée (which comes flambéd in Cognac, for good measure), bouillabaisse Marseillaise, whole branzino stuffed with herbes de Provence, and sensational paëlla Valenciana. Bon appétit!

There’s something utterly charming about Elaia Estiatorio. The Greek eatery shines in every way—from the genial staff to the ultra-fresh, flavor-packed Hellenic plates, which disclose a deep love for the sea. And when you throw in zippy salads, creamy spreads, and rich Greek wines, Elaia is sure to become a go-to out east.

Is there a Hamptons restaurant more iconic than Nick & Toni’s? The longtime mainstay, cherished by locals and visiting VIPs alike, doles out the kind of Mediterranean-tinged, Northern Italian cuisine that delights in its rustic simplicity. Get ready to be wowed by silky lamb tartare, ethereal pea spring risotto, and oven-roasted porchetta, all set in a refined and welcoming environment.

Nestled inside a cozy brick house, East Hampton Grill is one handsome (and beloved) establishment. Here, wood-paneled walls set the tone for a sophisticated yet approachable menu, where a juicy French dip brushes up against spit-roasted chicken. Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong; this mainstay is consistently great.

Chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau are back for their summer tenure in the Hamptons, bringing exquisite sushi to the beach. The Shuko chefs, and Masa vets, will be taking over The Highway Restaurant’s counter for one dazzling omakase, so make a Resy, pronto, for this pop-up gem (fri-sat seats are available now).

A ritzy Upper East Side institution for all things Italian, Paola’s goes south, bringing its deliciously rustic dishes to the Hamptons’ beachy crowds. Roman fare is lovingly prepared at this East Hampton locale, where owner Stefano Marracino (founder Paola’s son) looks to local fishermen and farmers to procure essential seasonal offerings for the menu.

East Hampton’s shining beacon of clean eating continues to deliver season after season. A mainstay since 1995, Babette’s proffers the sort of farm-to-table food that enthralls: organic tofu takes on the smokiness of BBQ, grilled naan happily scoops up chickpea hummus, goat cheese dumplings are drizzled in a saucy vinaigrette, and the eponymous salad brims with local produce. Dig in.

Swanky, chic, and with waterfront views, Moby’s may be the ultimate see-and-be-seen Hamptons hangout. The dock-side extravaganza looks out on the Three Mile Harbor, and there’s no finer place for drinks at sunset. Tuck into seasonal pizzas, fresh pasta, and your libation of choice; Moby’s has all the cocktails and rosé your heart could desire.

The LES’ beloved cocktail and oyster bar has officially made its Montauk debut. Sel Rrose brings the same Parisian post-war artistic salon ambiance to the beach, along with the briny bivalves that made its renown. So order a dozen as spirited conversations fly by, and sip on botanically-infused cocktails, natural wines, premium spirits, and sparkling wine on tap.

You know what’s better than a Montauk beach? A 200-foot, private Montauk beach. And that’s what the cherished Navy Beach promises, sprucing up coastal cuisine with flavors pulled from Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Think fresh fish cured in zippy Japanese preparations, mussels steamed with Mexican heat, and salads infused with Greek tang, alongside one sensational, corn-flecked clam chowder.

From the balmy beaches of the Yucatán to the dreamy shores of Long Island, Tacombi continues to delight with the same tacos, aguas frescas, and pressed juices we’ve come to love and expect. But the Montauk location tests its sea legs, bringing forth bites straight from the nearby waters. Expect tacos piled with seared Montauk tilefish, Acapulco shrimp, and crispy fish, alongside Montauk fluke ceviche.

As Montauk’s bona fide beachside hangout, The Surf Lodge sure delivers. Fresh seafood is plucked straight from the fishing boats in Montauk harbor, and transformed into craveable offerings. It doesn’t get better than a lobster roll an Endless Summer—made with vodka, pinot grigio, muddled grapes, and lemon—in a place that conjures up summertime bliss.