By Rachel Feinblatt and Chandler Presson By Rachel Feinblatt and Chandler Presson | June 3, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Food & Drink,
Whether you like them dirty or dry, life is grand with a martini in hand. Here, we toast the best ones on the East End.
See also: The 10 Best Margaritas In The Hamptons
1020 Montauk Highway, Water Mill / 631.500.9292 / calissahamptons.com
Saganaki cheese washed down with an espresso martini from Calissa—say no more. This Water Mill gem specializes in all things Greek, cooking and curating a vast variety of traditional spreads and seafood. Since jet lag and plane rides are incredibly overrated, meet Calissa’s electrifying espresso martini. Prefer the classic? Calissa’s martini with Grey Goose and feta-stuffed olives is just as delicious. With a stacked summer set list of live music and entertainment, reservations at Calissa will shine in your Hamptons roster.
40 Bowden Square, Southampton / 631.377.3500 / Website
Nothing pairs better with a 22-ounce dry-aged ribeye from Niman Ranch, Colo., than Union Sushi & Steak’s rendition of the prized pour—the Nadameru Martini. Hospitality legends Ian Duke and partner David Hilty do not mess around when it comes to mouthwatering dishes and martinis. Blending and shaking the ultimate ratio of Aviation gin, Joto sake and muddled cucumber, this drink never fails to add some extra buzz to the night.
Multiple locations / Website
Italian cuisine and the perfect martini are a match made in heaven, and Tutto il Giorni always delivers. Whether you’re after an espresso martini or the classic, you’re guaranteed a perfectly balanced bevy crafted just to your liking. We personally take our martinis with a side of tiramisu, but you’re welcome to your own preferences.
8 W. Water St., Sag Harbor / 631.725.7088 / Website
Since 1999, Beacon has been delivering equally excellent food, beverages and company to Sag Harbor, and the martinis are no exception. We love this spot for its fresh ingredients, gorgeous views of Sag Harbor Bay and impeccable service. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as this local favorite with limited seating fills up quickly.
290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk / 631.668.1771 / Website
With impeccable pasta, ultra-fresh produce and seafood, and fabulous drinks, Scarpetta Beach continues to live up to its hype season after season. We take our martinis extra dirty and with a jaw-dropping view, and Scarpetta Beach is the perfect place to indulge. For pasta lovers, we highly recommend the lobster Tagliolini Nero with lobster, tomato and spiced basil breadcrumbs. Carnivores, look no further than the Muscovy duck with easter radish, artichoke an pea purée.
35 Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights / 631.749.2001 / Website
What could be better than dinner with a view at Sunset Beach? Admiring the scenery with an espresso martini in hand while eating beautiful oysters farmed right across the bay. This Hamptons hot spot’s claim to fame is its unmatched setting in addition to its crave-able seafood plates—Le Vongole, oysters and grilled lamb are must-order menu items. At Sunset Beach, Hamptonites come for the coveted frozen espresso martini before they dance the night away.
1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton / 631.808.2000 / Website
Simply put, stepping into Topping Rose House feels like a breath of fresh air thanks to its ultra-relaxing atmosphere and world-class staff. The Topping Rose Bar and Lounge is no different, complete with top-shelf spirits, local herbs and fresh produce. We highly recommend grabbing your martini of choice and finding a seat outside to take a load off before your reservation at the delicious Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House.
341 Pantigo Road, East Hampton / 631.604.2227 / Website
Whether coming for the mouthwatering pizzas or the restaurant’s famous summer martini, Moby’s knows just how to satisfy every cocktail craving. Diners near and far rave about the beloved beverage, consisting of Grey Goose vodka, strawberry, lemongrass and mango. Sit back, relax and enjoy this cocktail—it tastes like summer incarnate.
2468 Main St., Bridgehampton / 631.537.5110 / Website
Whether seeking a refined French dish or a buzzy curation from the restaurant’s cocktail menu, Pierre’s in Bridgehampton knows how to serve délicieux dish and drink pairings. Because some of the best things are left classic, its classic martini is always a good idea. The restaurant’s charming and elegant atmosphere makes it a Hamptons gem, channeling St. Barts, Buzios, St-Tropez and José Ignacio into its vibe and menu.
210 Hampton Rd., Southampton / 631.810.9020 / Website
Romance awaits at Enchanté, a French-inspired bistro complete with a welcoming, elevated atmosphere drenched in buttery sunlight. As any good French spot should, Enchanté whips up a mean martini that pairs perfectly with their menu full of authentic ingredients and fresh flavor profiles. We highly recommend coming at sunset to see the room’s gorgeous citrus orange and black forest green color palette come to life
51 South Edgemere, Montauk / 631.668.8506 / Website
Surf, turf and drink at Mavericks, the new modern steakhouse that has been causing quite a stir in Montauk. We can’t get enough of the Mavericks Martini, a delightful concoction of olive oil-washed stoli elite, brine and blue cheese olives that will leave you asking for one (or three) more. And when you start to get tired at the end of the night, switch to the Midnight Oil, a mezcal espresso martini that will change your life.
295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road, East Hampton / 631.810.9023 / Website
Sí Sí, which translates to “yes yes,” blends the best of Greek, Moroccan and Spanish cuisines through vibrant dishes that pair excellently with a martini. One of our favorite spots to dock and dine, there’s no better feeling than washing down Sí Sí’s delicious black garlic spiced lamb chops with a martini after a long day in the sun. Insider tip: dirty ‘tini lovers will obsess over the crispy olives, a delicious plate complete with pork sausage, feta, oregano and charred lemon.
1 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton / 631.537.5665 / Website
With a market-driven and seasonal menu, you never know quite what you’ll get at Almond, you just know it’ll be delicious. With an extensive raw bar, we love enjoying some curried mussels and oysters alongside our perfectly-crafted martini before moving on to fun shareables such as kimchi rice and deviled eggs. The real star of the show? The lobster bucatini.
15 Main St., Southampton / 631.488.1300 / Website
Established in 2020, Dopo Argento has quickly become a Southampton staple thanks to its delectable Mediterranean food and enviable location right on Main Street. The menu is full of crowd-pleasers such as crispy rock shrimp, tuna tartare, homemade fettucini and NY strip steak, so you’ll have plenty of options to wash down your martini with.
Shaken or stirred, dirty or neat, these Hamptons favorites serve up martinis stiff enough to curl your hair and have you coming back for more.
Photography by: Calissa PHOTO BY DOUG YOUNG; UNION STEAK AND SUSHI PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRAND;MOBY’S PHOTO BY MICHELLE GIANG