Our Favorite Places to Eat in the Hamptons

Nestled between the ocean and miles of farmland, the Hamptons have all the ingredients for incredible eats. From no-frills taco spots and places that let the kids be, well, kids, to fancy, buy-a-new-LBD-type of eateries, here is your ultimate guide to the best Hamptons restaurants.

1.   Dopo La Spiaggia

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Branzino

Dig into upscale Italian fare at the popular Dopo La Spiaggia, a true neighborhood gem. The atmosphere here is cozy, inviting and comforting, aka the perfect spot for an unfussy romantic night out. Dine on the patio for views of the Sag Harbor Marina.

2. Beacon

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Sesame Crusted Tuna

There’s no better place for a romantic night out than the upper deck of Sag Harbor’s The Beacon. Take in the sunset while sipping local bubbly, like Channing Daughters’ Rosato, and indulging in dishes like the lobster rigatoni with aged cheddar, roasted corn, basil and cream, or the sesame crusted tuna with soba noodles, napa cabbage-jicama slaw and Asian glaze. Drooling already? Be sure to make that resy stat—this spot gets busy. 

3. Topping Rose

• Location: Bridgehampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad

With its own farm, veggies steal the show at Topping Rose House’s restaurant. You’ll find delicious options like watermelon goat cheese salad, sweet pea soup and more on the seasonally changing menu. But don’t worry, this isn’t a vegetarian-only spot—they also offer plenty of delicious seafood and meat dishes too.

4. Baron’s Cove

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Scallops a la Plancha

Proving once again that Baron’s Cove really is one of the best hotels in the Hamptons, the restaurant at this gorgeous hotel dishes out artful plates like scallops a la plancha with celery root puree, apple relish, brown butter and swiss chard; classics like burgers and lobster rolls; and save-room-for desserts like the must-try house made gelato and sorbet. 

5. Tutto il Giorno

• Location: Sag Harbor & Southampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Cucumber and Mint Gimlet

In the mood for some clam linguine or meat sauce rigatoni? Tutto il Giorno’s got you covered, whether you’re in Sag Harbor or Southampton. Just be sure to make a same-day reservation for a table in one of their chic, manicured gardens. (And don’t forget to order a round of cucumber and mint gimlets, while you’re at it.)

6. Kissaki Sushi

• Location: Water Mill
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Uni Toast

Pricey but unpretentious, Kissaki is one of the best places for sushi in the Hamptons. The staff is attentive, the menu is full of sushi dishes as well as hot offerings, and there’s even ample parking. Meet you there?

7. Highway Restaurant & Bar

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Cheeseburger (or the Kale Salad)

This chill, inviting eatery is the ideal spot to catch up with friends over cocktails and bites. The menu features plenty of American classics (think: cheeseburgers and spaghetti), but you’ll also find trendier items, like kale salad and crispy rice. There’s even a kid’s menu. Just keep in mind you can only order take-out until 6 p.m. and they’re closed on Mondays.

8. Rita Cantina

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Tacos

It’s worth the wait to snag a spot at one of the picnic tables on the sandy outdoor patio here. Once seated, sip one of their spicy margaritas while sharing chips and guacamole. Hungry for more? All the tacos are amazing, but we’re always dreaming of the umami-forward mushroom option. Yum.

9. Bistro Ete

• Location: Water Mill
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Housemade Ice Cream Sandwich

With coastal French cuisine, an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, Bistro Ete has all the ingredients for a dreamy meal. Settle in, order up a spicy margarita and perhaps the steak frites to share. Just remember to save room for dessert—specifically the prettiest ice cream sandwich we’ve ever seen (and also the tastiest).

10. The Surf Lodge

• Location: Montauk
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Lobster Roll

Visit this Montauk gem and be spoiled with oysters, lobster rolls and salads, chock full of ingredients from local farms. But while you may come for the fabulous cuisine, it’s the drinks and the live music you’ll stay for. Just keep in mind that there is no parking so plan accordingly. 

11. Scarpetta Beach Gurneys Montauk

• Location: Montauk
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Squid Ink Farfalle

After a morning yoga class and dip in Gurney’s ocean-fed pool, finish up your relaxing day with a hibiscus margarita at Scarpetta Beach. The Montauk outpost of the popular Italian restaurant group has all the dishes you love, with a coastal twist (and a gorgeous view). Did we mention it’s open nightly year-round? We’ll take the squid ink farfalle, please.

12. Léon 1909

• Location: Shelter Island
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Sheep's Milk Ricotta, Black Raspberry

Yes, you have to take the ferry to get here, but brunch at Léon 1909 is so worth the ride. We’re getting the sheep’s milk ricotta with black raspberry jam, but the blueberry coffee cake is also not to be missed. Prefer something savory? Try the Savory "Dutch Baby" with summer squash, caramelized onion, feta, mint and basil. (See? We told you it was worth the trip.)

13. Vine Street Cafe

• Location: Shelter Island
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Lobster Roll

Better make that reservation stat—a meal at Vine Street Cafe is a hot commodity. The menu is pulled together from local ingredients and dishes are simple yet sophisticated, making dinner here well worth the ferry ride to Shelter Island. You’ll find ample options for vegans, carnivores and pescatarians alike, although we’d be remiss not to mention the buttery, perfectly dished up lobster roll. Plus, once your meal is over you can peruse the Vine Street Cafe Market, to stock your own kitchen with their sauces, spices and more.

14. Sen

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Torched Salmon Roll

You’ll find some of the freshest sushi available in the Hamptons at Sag Harbor’s Sen. But if sushi isn’t your thing there are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. While they don’t take reservations (and the wait can be long), the sake selection, menu offerings and buzzy vibe make this spot an excellent date night pick.

15. Old Stove Pub

• Location: Sagaponack
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Local Sea Scallops

The outside dining area is a great option for families, with lots of space for kids to run around—and it’s dog-friendly, too. The kids will love checking out the ping pong table and corn hole set up in the front yard, while the adults can tuck into classic pub fare with plenty of items for sharing. Psst: Don’t miss Pub Night where you’ll find many items for $10.

16. Moby's

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Cacio e Pepe

Settle into one of the tables (indoors is easy breezy but we’re partial to the charming outdoor setup) and sip the Lake Como (rosé, elderflower, purple grape, orange blossom, prosecco) while waiting for your wood-fired pizza to be served. This oft-overlooked restaurant dishes out some of the best ‘za in the area… and what kid doesn’t love that?

17. Sag Harbor Kitchen

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Lobster Roll Ups

New to the Hamptons dining scene in 2023, Sag Harbor Kitchen boasts stellar views of Sag Harbor alongside mouthwatering, seafood centric dishes. The restaurant has plans to be open nearly year-round (closed January and February) and we can’t wait to check it out come autumn. While temperatures are pleasant, however, don’t sleep on dining out in the beautiful garden.

18. Cittanuova

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Orecchiette Classico

You’ll wish you were the kid at Cittanuova where each kids meal comes with a scoop of their house made gelato (note: sadly this deal is reserved for those 10 and under). But you’ll find some of the best Italian fare in the Hamptons on the regular menu including orecchiette classico and gnocchi. Got a picky eater? You can’t go wrong with a classic margherita.

19. Coche Comedor

• Location: Amagansett
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Frozen Margarita

This Mexican restaurant is the unfussy gem of your dreams, serving up frozen margaritas (for the grown-ups, of course), tableside guacamole, ceviche, rotisserie chicken and more. Go ahead and order another round and settle in for an afternoon of hanging out with your crew.

20. Dopo il Ponte

• Location: Bridgehampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Wild Holland Dover Sole

One of the newest additions to the Bridgehampton restaurant scene, this Italian eatery is not to be missed. Settle into one of the cozy tables by the brick oven and watch the kitchen work its magic. Known for its seafood centric Italian dishes, the wild holland dover sole is a must-try, but you can’t go wrong with a pasta Bolognese or fresh pizza.

21. Sag Pizza

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Farmer’s Pizza

Snag a seat on the patio for a wood-fired pie (we like the Farmer’s with shishitos, sausage, mushrooms and farm eggs) and an ice cold Peroni or a glass of red on tap. In a rush? Sag Pizza also sells Northern Italian–style pizza by the slice. Follow up the pizza with a cone from Big Olaf.

22. East Hampton Grill

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Rosemary Biscuits

Craving oysters on the half shell? Go to East Hampton Grill, one of the more upscale options in the area. (Don’t sleep on the rosemary biscuits while you’re there.) This old-school gem is a favorite of locals and visitors alike for its lovely atmosphere that always buzzing and decadent food.

23. 1770 House

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Local Peach, Fennel & Beet Salad and the Marinated East Coast Swordfish “Salmoriglio”

Make a resy at the classic 1770 House, one of the oldest homes in the village (it was actually built in 1663). There are two locales to choose from—the inviting tavern serves casual (and delicious) pub fare, while the main dining room is more high-end. Bonus: This place is one of Ina Garten’s faves (so you know it’s good).

24. The Palm

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Prime New York Strip

Need to please the carnivore in your life? You can’t go wrong with The Palm. This old-school steakhouse is always sure to impress from the minute you step into the historic building to the last taste of your meal.

25. Bobby Van’s

• Location: Bridgehampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Surf & Turf

Indulge in lobster cocktail and an old-school porterhouse at the original Bobby Van’s in Bridgehampton. Did you know this Bridgehampton steakhouse was originally a hangout for literary legend Truman Capote? He always ordered his signature drink, an “orange thingee” (four parts vodka, one part orange juice), although we’re partial to a cold three-olive martini (and the wine selection is also excellent).

26. Nick & Toni's

• Location: East Hampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Nick & Toni’s Tartufo (for two)

The drinks at this East Hampton mainstay are one of summer’s greatest pleasures, especially when consumed on the charming patio. Our favorite? The Meyer Lemon Cosmopolitan made with house infused Meyer lemon vodka, triple sec, and cranberry liqueur. That’s where you’ll want to start and to end your night, the move is the legendary tartufo, an almond-dusted hazelnut gelato ball that hides a caramel truffle inside.

27. Bell & Anchor

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Almond Cake

It would be easy to drive by The Bell & Anchor without a passing glance. Sure, the little shack doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside is a cozy, upscale restaurant with breathtaking views of the harbor. Serving simple but delicious seafood options like classic fish & chips and old school lobster garganelli, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been in before. Either option are perfectly topped off with the light-as-air almond cake for dessert.

28. American Hotel

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Lobster BLT

When in Sag Harbor you can’t miss a stop at the historic American Hotel. The building dates back to the 1800s and is full of charm (think: exposed brick, dark wood paneling and plenty of greenery). After you’re done peeking inside though, you want to find a spot on the front porch. Order up a glass of wine (the wine list is award-winning and extensive) and the lobster BLT and people watch an afternoon away.

29. Claudios Waterfront

• Location: Greenport
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: French Toast

Yes, it’s on the North Fork but Claudios is a Long Island Institution that deserves your patronage. The move is to get their early for brunch and order the French toast with vanilla-mascarpone filling. Then spend a morning exploring the always charming Greenport before stopping back at Caludios for a Lobster Roll lunch. (What? We’re on vacation after all.)

30. Estia's Little Kitchen

• Location: Bridgehampton
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Grilled Fish Tacos

Clear your calendar—this quaint roadside spot is where you’ll want to catch up with friends over guacamole and chips and tacos. Make sure to make a reservation in advance, and remember they’re closed Tuesdays.

31. Harbor Market & Kitchen

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Harbor Market & Kitchen dishes out what is arguably some of the best to-go food around. Pick up one of their sandwiches (we’re fans of the classic grilled cheese), pair it with the quinoa salad and be sure to add some crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside chocolate chip cookies for dessert. 

32. Round Swamp Farm

• Location: East Hampton, Montauk and Bridgehamptom
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Crab Cakes

You love the East End’s farms for their Instagram-worthy and mouthwatering fresh produce, but have you tried their prepared foods? Round Swamp Farm, with locations in East Hampton and Bridgehampton, is known for its fruit pies, crab cakes loaded with fresh crabmeat and more.

33. Serene Green Farm

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Any of the fresh produce

One stop at this adorable farm stand and you’ll fall in love. They stock all the local produce and fresh seafood you need for dinners in your summer rental and a range of baked goods and breads for morning treats. Did we mention the pies are from Blue Duck Bakery?   

34. Sagtown Coffee

• Location: Sag Harbor
• Can’t-Miss Menu Item: Acai Bowl

Upgrade your breakfast with a brightly colored acai bowl that is sure to stand out in your feed. (It’s also a healthy way to start your day before you head to the beach and load up on lobster rolls and rosé.) Or pop in after the beach for a refreshing oat milk latte on draft and turkey club.