The Summer 2018 season is officially here which means New Yorkers will be flocking to the East End to escape the city heat on the weekends. The restaurant scene in The Hamptons is similar to the city in that some stay season after season, some move to new locations, and others no longer make the cut of the discerning crowds. We have gathered up some of the best places to eat in the East End from classics to new spots, from Southampton to Montauk.
Southampton
Maison Vivienne
Maison Vivienne is the newest opening in Southampton that is serving up French Provence cuisine by Michelin Star Chef Wolfgana Ban. The venue is comprised of indoor and outdoor seating, herb and vegetable gardens, a bar and lounge, and a small Inn that is comprised of 9 rooms with 2 suites. The Inn, situated in a 17th century Dutch Colonial building offers all the modern amenities guests would expect including access to room service from the restaurant.
Chef Ban is serving up fare that is a modern take on classic southern French cuisine included cote de bouef and roasted heritage chicken for two as well as a salad nicoise. The inside is not go unnoticed with its 20-foot high cathedral ceilings and wine cellar which holds over 2,000 bottles.
Tutto Il Giorno
This Southampton restaurant (also located in TriBeCa in the city) is run by Gabby Karan, daughter of designer Donna Karan. She brings her chic décor to the interior and serves up southern Italian dishes including lamb loin carpaccio and rigatoni with sweet and hot sausage. The back patio, filled with umbrellas, is a great place to hang out and becomes a social hub in the summer. The restaurant has been drawing celebrity clientele season after season.
Sant Ambroeus
The city favorite is also a favorite on the East End offering both indoor and outdooring seating in the heart of Southampton. Sant Ambroeus serves northern Italian cuisine thanks to its Milanese roots. In addition to lunch and dinner, it is a great spot to grab a proper coffee and conversation.
East Hampton
Moby’s
The popular East Hampton scene, which lost its space to EMP Summer House last season, has found a new space to call home. The partners have signed a 2-year lease at the East Hampton Point space at 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road. Diners can expect a menu similar to the old Moby’s which served everything from brick oven pizzas to seafood dishes with a few additions. Given the new waterfront spot, we expect an elevated take on the cuisine. The new location is sure to offer great sunsets and views and will also allow guests to arrive via boat.
EMP Summer House
Last year, the EMP crew took over the longstanding Moby’s space and created quite the buzz with its beachy pop-up. Reservations were only made available to American Express Platinum card holders and some card members even received access to the restaurants brand new BMW 7 series sedans.
The EMP crew will be returning for a second year, serving up the likes of flatbreads, bouillabaisse, and family style dinners such as DIY Tacos or a Lobster Boil. The backyard with games such as corn hole and ping pong remains.
Sag Harbor
Beacon
This summertime only restaurant located on the water offers the perfect combination – good food and great views. Guests enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere with the deck being the perfect place to grab a cocktail. Beacon is famous for its fish dishes with this season’s menu including items such as halibut baked in parchment paper with sun dried tomatoes, lobster rigatoni, and oven roasted chicken.
Le Bilboquet
The Sag Harbor outpost of the Upper East Side gathering spot will be back for another season. The Sag Harbor location is larger than the one in the city you may be familiar with, but be warned that they run a strict door policy. The menu includes all the crowd favorites including the Cajun Chicken. We also recommend grabbing a drink at the bar to enjoy the scene.
Dopo La Spiaggia
After splitting with Gabby Karan 2 years ago, Chef Maurizio Marfoglia kept the original space of Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor and rebranded it as Doppo La Spiaggia which means “After the Beach.” His restaurant remains a go-to spot and still serves of favorites such as Chicken Under the Brick and homemade pastas including squid ink tagliotini. Menu items include a northern Italian influence such as the seafood stew as Marfoglia hails from Lake Como.
Montauk
Duryea’s
Duryea’s Lobster Deck has been a Montauk staple for years, however, the restaurant received a facelift in 2016 when billionaire Marc Rowan took over. The waterside location affords it some of the most picturesque views and scenery in perhaps all of The Hamptons. Most dishes are served family-style including the full clambake, lobster cobb salad, and market fish. Of course, the Duryea’s lobster roll is a must try!