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 six-hour slow cooked picanha.

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 24.

It’s obviously a double yes from us, especially when you consider their stuffed branzino and tomahawk steak carved tableside. Bonus? It’s housed in the EHP hotel, which happens to be right on the marina. Plus, they’re celebrating five years this year, so it’s only right to visit now.

Note: Si Si opens for the season on May 21.

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

Date Night

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.

It’s the third year running for this pop-up from chef Cédric Vongerichten and his wife and partner, Ochi Vongerichten, taking place from May 22 to August 31. Here, he’s crafted a menu inspired by Indonesia that brings the very best of both restaurants to the Hamptons. If you’re arriving by boat, don’t fret — you can dock right nearby at the EHP Marina.

This spot is aptly named for a reason — they’ve been around for 250 years. Yes, you read that right, but the food is anything but dated. It’s a great spot for some fine dining without an overly fussy menu. Expect dishes like Amish chicken with asparagus and Montauk fluke tartare.

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.

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 grilled Iberico pork, spicy shrimp carpaccio, and even a kangaroo filet.

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, Montauk shrimp spaghetti, and cherrywood grilled 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

New York City’s much-loved Rubirosa is heading to the Hamptons for the very first time. They’re popping up for Camp Rubirosa in the former home of The Laundry, serving their classic dishes under an aptly chosen menagerie of banners from various summer camps. Pro tip: Come on Sundays for the Sunday Dinner, done the way only a red-sauce joint can.

The Hedges Inn is now home to the ever-evolving and much-beloved Swifty’s, which first opened in New York City and then in Palm Beach, Fla. Expect the same classic food and practiced service, and a menu with their famous “designer meatloaf,” green goddess lobster salad, and jumbo Maryland lump crab cakes for their Hamptons debut.

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 probably love this place regardless of whether you’ve ever been to Red Hook. 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 handmade rigatoni pomodoro to burnt Basque cheesecake. An added bonus? There’s plenty of seating outside on the patio, 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 60’s and 70’s.

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 duck confit with guava emulsion.

A cozy ambiance complements the hearty New American fare here. Don’t sleep on the almond flounder or the garlic brown butter popovers, 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 guava bread pudding.

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.

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.

North Fork and Shelter Island Dining

You’ll want to sit outside here, if you can. Duryea’s is right on the water and the menu vibe is distinctly “coastal Greece.” Think baby calamari, falafel gyro, and deep-fried red snapper with a Greek Thai salad.

Pro tip: If you want to linger on the beach here, be sure to make a reservation for the beach club, too.

Head here for an all-day menu of Italian fare, with everything from Italian-style breakfast burritos to handmade pastas and pizzas in their lively, casual space. Hot tip: A New York City location is coming in November.

Should you find yourself out on Shelter Island, consider stopping by. The cooking here is a nod to Provence: think buttered Montauk shrimp with potatoes and grilled tilefish with saffron risotto. The wine list leans to the Old World, and the cocktails are classic.

It’s one of our favorite spots in the North Fork, that combines everything you’d want to see (and eat). Applying slow food principles and sourcing the freshest ingredients, Little Fish celebrates the best of coastal cuisines from around the world. Think monkfish tikka masala or swordfish Milanese for dinner, and green goddess crab salad or a big eye tuna poke bowl for lunch.

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

It doesn’t get much better when it comes to a water view than here: The restaurant is easily accessible by motorboat or sailboat. More than the views, though, you’ll also find some incredible seafood on the menu, all of which is caught only by line, trap, spear, or hand. Think fresh local oysters, fish and ginger empanadas, crispy fish almondine, and much more.