Though the year-round population in the Hamptons has definitely increased over the past few years, there’s no doubt that summer is the prime moment to head out East — particularly with an influx of new restaurants dotting the scenic landscape. Whether you seek a refined eatery fit for a celebration, a casual outdoor feast among friends, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Now, all you have to do is make the trip — and make a Resy.
Newly added: Lulu Kitchen & Bar, Main Prospect, O by Kissaki East Hampton, Kissaki Water Mill, Rosie’s, Serafina East Hampton, Bounce Beach Montauk, Elaia Estiatorio, and Rita Cantina.
Outdoor Dining
Bounce Beach Montauk
Montauk Beach
Casual fare, waterfront vistas, and DJ sets come together at Bounce Beach, which took over the location of infamous beach bar The Sloppy Tuna. Get there early and order your frosé on the double as the crowds are ever-growing or, arrive late (after 10 p.m.) on Saturdays and Sunday for the full club experience.
Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor
What happens when a French Upper East Side institution goes to the Hamptons? You get a St. Tropez vibe, a legendary Cajun chicken, and waterside views, best enjoyed with a dozen oysters at hand.
Sel Rrose - Montauk
Montauk
You’re here for two things and two things only: oysters and cocktails, preferably after a day spent on Montauk’s unrivaled white sand beaches, mere steps away.
Dockers Waterside Marina & Restaurant
The Hamptons
A trusted Dune Road gem for over three decades, Dockers has one of the most enviable dining setups right on the water. This is the place for lobster bakes and shellfish platters, but if you’re looking for something more beachy and fun, head to their food truck.
The Beacon
Sag Harbor
There’s no better place to take in the sunset and the sprawling Sag Harbor Bay than perched atop a yacht club at the Beacon. Don’t miss the sunset dinners, a $75 pick-your-own two-course dinner of their best hits.
Date Night
Kissaki Water Mill
Water Mill
At the Water Mill outpost of Manhattan’s acclaimed Kissaki, grab a seat at the bar and let the chef take the wheel with the 14-course dinner omakase ($115). The classic futomaki is a worthy add-on, and be sure to start with their Shiokaze cocktail, combining mezcal and sake. End with one of the chiffon cakes courtesy of Taste Crème Bakery in Long Island City.
Lulu Kitchen and Bar
Sag Harbor
The wood-burning oven and grill are a focal point of the cuisine at this year-round Sag Harbor bistro. Order accordingly: Don’t miss the grilled whole branzino or lunch-only wood-fired pizzas. To start, get a half-dozen Montauk Pearls and their wood-roasted cauliflower served with spicy Long Island grapes, yogurt, and Aleppo pepper.
Il Buco Al Mare
Amagansett
When the Il Buco team heads to Amagansett, you know you’re in for a treat: local seafood finished in a wood-fired oven, tinned fish straight out of the Iberian Peninsula, and a bunch of next-door produce spruced up by chef Justin Smillie.
Nick & Toni's
East Hampton
If you can swing a table on the porch, do it (get that outdoors booking slot!). There’s nothing quite like a plate of pasta al fresco at this Tuscan-inspired, see-or-be-seen staple.
Stone Creek Inn
The Hamptons
An East Quogue standby and fine dining gem, Stone Creek Inn brings out the romance with string lights, tents, top-notch service, and an impeccable French-leaning menu. Don’t sleep on the soft-shell crabs when they’re in season.
Pierre's
Bridgehampton
Dress up — Pierre’s is home to one well-heeled crowd imbibing in dirty martinis and a sensational, seafood-heavy menu that looks to coastal France. Do plan your meal around Pierre’s daily specials — a.k.a. don’t miss bouillabaisse Fridays.
Elaia Estiatorio
Hamptons
This is yia-yia comfort food at its best. Get the lamb chops or the kotopoulo psito (a non-negotiable roasted chicken with melty lemon potatoes) and do delve into the Greek wines on offer for a more casual, but just as special, date night option.
Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House
Bridgehampton
A seasonal, vegetable-forward Jean-Georges meal in a 19th century mansion surrounded by its one-acre farm? The bucolic estate at Topping Rose House is something else.
Group Dining
Serafina East Hampton
East Hampton
For a dependable crowd-pleaser (particularly when it comes to younger diners) look no further than Serafina. They may not be reinventing the wheel, but their lobster ravioli and veal scaloppine always hit the spot. On the way out, stock your pantry with their homemade pesto and Bolognese sauces, and their proprietary pizza kit.
O by Kissaki East Hampton
East Hampton
Though the sushi at this clubby and chic Kissaki spin-off is unimpeachable, you’ll want to pay special attention to the appetizers (think: salmon crispy rice), robata-grilled dishes, and their craft cocktail program. Score a seat at the expansive outdoor patio and, if you’re so inclined (and dining en masse), consider diving into the “O After Dinner” bottle service experience.
Rosie's
Amagansett
Rosie’s is just the kind of full-service operation you want at your disposal come summertime. Open daily starting Memorial Day weekend, this casual, vegetable-forward spot offers coffee and pastries starting at 8 a.m. followed by “blunch,” happy hour, dinner, and a full bar. Feel virtuous and satisfied with the kale Caesar topped with boquerones and anchovy-yogurt dressing.
Main Prospect
SH Village
Elevated gastropub fare is the order of the day at this New American spot, which recently took over the historic John Duck’s Restaurant space. Their indulgent brunch menu, bar area, and arcade games are the main draws. For a crowd, consider sampling their three varieties of chicken wings: O.G. Buffalo Style, Korean BBQ, and Caribbean Chili-Coconut with an order of pork belly arepas.
Wolffer Kitchen Amagansett
Amagansett
As a vineyard-operated project, Wölffer is the place to indulge in summer’s official pink-hued wine — rosé-inspired cuisine and all — amid a pretty dining room (turquoise walls, floral banquettes) or a stellar garden setup.
Armin & Judy
Bridgehampton
As Bridgehampton’s best-kept bakery — we’re talking next-level baguettes, croissants, and quiches, among others — Armin & Judy is perfect for picnic goods on the fly or a leisurely meal where the handmade pasta shines.
Union Sushi & Steak
Southampton
This is surf and turf on another level. Throw in award-winning chefs, dry-aged steak, warm service, and craveable rolls (don’t miss the eponymous Union roll, with lobster and skirt steak), and know you have a winner.
Highway Restaurant
East Hampton
From the minds that brought the city Charlie Bird and Shuko comes Highway, a bona fide crowd-pleaser with a global menu ranging from Korean chicken buns and crispy duck salad to pasta and a cheeseburger that can’t be beat.
Fresno
East Hampton
The landscaped patio is the place to be. Order some hummus for the table and know that the baguettes are always baked fresh on the daily.
South Edison
Montauk
Those who know head to South Edison for a post-beach meal, where the sesame shrimp tacos reign supreme. Don’t sleep on the duck fat fries either.
Main Street Tavern
Main Street
True to its name, Main Street Tavern is posted right on Amagansett’s main thoroughfare, and is the best place for a group of friends to dive into tavern plates and summer cocktails. Do book the beer garden tables.
Southampton Social Club
Southampton
High-energy vibes and live DJ sets are this nightlife hub’s promise, whether you sit indoors under glowing chandeliers or out in the beach-style cabanas.
Union Burger Bar
Southampton
You’re going to want to stop by during happy hour, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., for $5 beers and one beautifully stacked burger. Milkshake optional.
Rita Cantina
Springs
Chef Eric Miller, also behind local favorite Bay Kitchen Bar, puts forth a lively menu of standout Mexican dishes, perfect for sharing with a group. Don’t sleep on anything from the raw bar, and do consider splurging on the clambake for two.
Elaia Estiatorio
Hamptons
Greek flavors and ingredients shine at this welcoming restaurant from Chris Boudoris and Sofia Crokos. Can’t miss dishes include the Streidia, Montauk pearl oysters with assyrtiko mignonette, and paidakia arniou, slow-roasted lamb ribs glazed in Greek cherry preserves and Greek honey. The restaurant also has “Midnight Mezzes” and “DJ Sundays” from 10 p.m to midnight.
