The Ultimate Resy Guide to the Hamptons

Outdoor Dining

The food is just as exquisite as the waterfront views at this new yacht club on Montauk where South African chef Jarad McCarroll holds court. Highlights on the seafood-centric menu include a massive raw bar selection, a hearty buttermilk chicken, delicate lobster pappardelle, and a standout spiced rack of lamb.

This summer, the restaurant at The Surf Lodge has been transformed into Casa Sereña at The Surf Lodge, an oasis where you can dine on everything from Alaskan King crab legs and kolokithokeftedes to seafood towers and steak frites, with a truly stunning view to boot. Pro tip: Come for the food, stay for the show; The Surf Lodge has a pretty incredible lineup of performances this summer, including everyone from Diplo and G. Love to Bedouin and Barry Can’t Swim.

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.

Note: Bounce Beach opens for the season on May 25. 

The name says it all. With Three Mile Harbor on the horizon and a menu filled with your favorite contemporary Japanese dishes, from spicy tuna crispy rice and grilled Japanese eggplant to teriyaki grilled steak frites and sushi and sashimi, they’ve got you covered.

It’s obviously a double yes from us, especially when you consider Si Si’s lamb burger and cauliflower roasted in za’atar. Bonus? It’s housed in the EHP hotel, which happens to be right on the marina.

We’ll never say no to Italian-style seafood, especially when it’s front and center and on ice, fresh for the picking. Let your eyes guide you at N’amo’s raw bar or go for one of their freshly made pastas like the crab ravioli.

As the name suggests, surf and turf is on full display here, with a menu that features everything from lobster rolls and shrimp to baby back ribs and New York strip. The views of the water are hard to beat.

Date Night

You and your loved one are in for a real treat at this special pop-up from chef Cédric Vongerichten and his wife and partner, Ochi Vongerichten, taking place from May 23 to Sept. 2. Here, he’s crafted a menu inspired by Indonesia that brings the very best of both restaurants to the Hamptons. For a sneak peek of what you can expect, just take a look at a few of the signature dishes from Ma•dé.

It’s hard to beat having date night at this lovely French bistro where the food is always on point and the vibes are très chic. Do consider stopping by on a Saturday night for the dover sole special and be sure to pair it with the foie gras parfait. Pro tip: Enchanté has a daily happy hour at the bar from 5 to 7 p.m.

At the Water Mill outpost of Manhattan’s acclaimed Kissaki, grab a seat and splurge on the 12-piece sushi nigiri piece. The classic futomaki is a worthy add-on, and be sure to start with their Shiokaze cocktail, combining mezcal and sake. End with a creamy Japanese cheesecake with soy caramel.

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.

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 spruced up next-door produce.

Seafood in all its glorious forms is on full display here. Don’t overlook the raw bar selections, and do pay attention to the daily specials which range from chicken Milanese on Tuesdays and lobster on Wednesdays to bouillabaisse on Thursdays and ramen on Sundays.

A charming and cozy ambiance complements the bright, floral-driven fare here. Don’t sleep on the crispy chicken sandwich or the pear and watercress salad.

Sant Ambroeus originally opened as a pastry shop and confectionery in Milan in 1936, arriving in Manhattan for the first time in 1982. Since then, it’s been delighting New Yorkers ever since with its elegant, all-day takes on Italian classics, from tonnarelli cacio e pepe and vitello tonnato to espresso. The elegant Easthampton location is ideal for a date night.

This charming boutique hotel is home to one of the best restaurants in town for Spanish tapas, as well as an inventive, ever-changing tasting menu. On the a la carte menu you’ll find paella, patatas bravas, and blistered shishitos, and the tasting menu might feature courses like lamb porterhouse, wild-caught tuna with Iberico lard, and housemade gnocchi.

When you want nothing more than fresh seafood, great cocktails, and wine, look no further than this charming spot at the Hedges Inn. While anything from the raw bar is a must, don’t sleep on the oysters casino.

Note: Bar None reopens on July 1.

Housemade gnocchi, grilled octopus, and spicy salmon tartare are just a few of the expertly executed dishes you’ll find at this Mediterranean-influenced restaurant led by chef Andrew Hartmann.

Exceptional food awaits you at Canoe Place Inn: Think Peconic Bay clam pizza pies, hand-rolled agnolotti, and olive-oil-poached black bass. Choose from a variety of settings, too, ranging from the Good Ground Tavern and the Bottle Room (ideal for small groups) to the lovely outdoor terrace.

Group Dining

One of the West Village’s favorite pizzerias now has a branch in East Hampton where you can have their signature Roman-style pie with soppressata and spicy honey. And better yet, this location also offers pizza making classes on Sundays and Thursdays where you get to feast on a five-course meal that includes beer and wine — a lovely way to spend an afternoon with your crew.

If you love Brooklyn’s Red Hook Tavern, chances are you’ll love this place from the same chef, Bill Durney. But also, if you happen to love classic American standards in a lovely, warm, cozy setting, with a killer wine list and some truly great cocktails, you’ll also love this place. Bring the crew or bring a date, or simply bring yourself. Dining here is always a good idea. P.S. You’ll definitely want the burger, too.

What was once Blu Mar is now home to the Hamptons outpost of one of Little Italy’s favorite spots. Come here with a group and come hungry to feast on Italian classics, from cacio e pepe to pollo saltimbocca. An added bonus? There’s plenty of seating outside on the patio, too.

This family-owned business, founded in 1968, is one of Long Island’s most beloved pizzerias and a veritable red-sauce institution. Head here for their signature cheese pie and famed vodka sauce pasta with ham and onions, and be sure to save room for cannoli, too.

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.

Casually French fare like steak frites and French onion soup match the casual comfort of East Hampton’s Village Bistro, open year-round. It’s ideal for a quick bite that turns into a full dinner — a bottle of wine not required, but highly encouraged.

Rosie’s is just what you want at the start of your day. Their brunch is filled with classics like havarti egg sandwiches, avocado toast, and pancakes. It’s so good you may come back for dinner — and if you do, try the burger with bacon and caramelized onions and the warm focaccia.

Sant Ambroeus originally opened as a pastry shop and confectionery in Milan in 1936, arriving in Manhattan for the first time in 1982. Since then, it’s been delighting New Yorkers ever since with its elegant, all-day takes on Italian classics, from tonnarelli cacio e pepe and vitello tonnato to espresso. The Southampton location takes its design cues from Italy in the 60s and 70s.

This historic Sag Harbor hotel is home to a restaurant with an eclectic menu of American and French classics that’ll be sure to please anyone. Think lobster bisque au Chadron, Long Island duck confit, and grilled Australian lamb chops.

A self-described “seed to table” restaurant, Page at Sag Harbor is where you go when you want a meal that’s sure to satisfy with its contemporary, globally inspired takes on American cuisine that have included dishes ranging from from Thai fisherman’s stew and Montauk oysters on the half shell to a grilled pork rib chop with Persian spices.

A cozy ambiance complements the hearty New American fare here. Don’t sleep on the almond flounder or the green goddess orecchiette, and if you really want to splurge, do consider the show stopping chateaubriand.

Should you find yourself longing for a taste of the tropics, Rumba is the place to be, thanks to its extensive menu of mojitos and rum-based cocktails, as well as Caribbean spiced wings, jerk chicken, and macadamia-crusted local fluke.

James Beard Award-winning chef Mark Militello delivers a crowd-pleasing menu of favorites guaranteed to satisfy everyone in your crew, from jumbo lump crab cakes and a triple prime burger to spaghetti alla nerano.

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 sliders at the bar.

Chef Eric Miller, also behind the now-closed but former 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.

Greek flavors and ingredients shine at this welcoming restaurant from Chris Boudouris and Sofia Crokos. Can’t miss dishes include the taramasalata with cod roe and lemon and the slow-cooked lamb shank in tomato sauce.

Should you find yourself in Southampton and in want of some sushi, look no further than this local favorite where all the classics shine: from sashimi and specialty rolls to ramen and spicy tuna crispy rice. Don’t sleep on the crispy salt-and-pepper calamari.

For a classic diner-style institution that just so happens to have a superb menu of seafood classics. Obviously, order the lobster roll, but don’t sleep on the clam strips or chowders, either.

Note: Lobster Roll Lunch takes reservations for groups of six or more.

Burgers, karaoke, trivia, and a Japanese-leaning cocktail and sake list? We’re in. Make sure to order the cheese and curry wings for the table, and take note that Kizzy T’s is only open to those 21 and older.

Should you find yourself out on Shelter Island, consider stopping by. The cooking here is a nod to Provence: think Montauk shrimp crudo with nasturtium and rock chives; handmade pastas; and golden tilefish with a pistachio peperonata and nettle puree. The wine list leans to the Old World, and the cocktails are classic.

Should you find yourself on the North Fork, consider stopping by this sparkling wine specialist and vineyard to taste some of their many varietals.