By: Lindsay Garbacik By: Lindsay Garbacik | June 8, 2022 | Food & Drink, Food & Drink Feature, Feature,
Summer is practically here and Hamptons season is off to a roaring start! With a glorious collection of oceanfront seafood decks, picture-perfect patios serving unique cocktails, and gorgeous garden restaurants crafting farm-to-table dreams, there’s a fabulous selection of restaurants for every night of the week.
Whether you’re new to the exclusive community or are a seasoned Hamptons veteran looking to try something unexpected, browse through our picks for the very best restaurants in the Hamptons.
While you're here, check out our picks for the best Mexican restaurants, Greek spots and tasting menus in the Hamptons.
See Also: Feast Your Eyes on The Hamptons' 3 Hottest New Pizza Joints
1970 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Inviting and classy with a coastal flair. Enjoy al fresco dining on the restaurant’s adorable patio.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Known to have some of the best bread in the Hamptons, Armin & Judy is known for its sustainably-acquired, always-tasty, farm-to-table menu. The restaurant has a delicious lineup of sustainably-sourced seafood, charcuterie, Long Island oysters, and other coastal delicacies.
Pro Tip: Be sure to try something from the bakery. Closed on Wednesdays.
760 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill / Website
The Atmosphere: Understated and comfortable, with strong French design influences.
Why You Need To Dine Here: For divine, creative French dishes enjoy a dinner at Bistro Eté. Chef Arie is well-versed in French cuisine and foods inspired by his Cypriot heritage. The menu is filled with delicious vegan and vegetarian options Chef Arie developed to please his vegetarian wife, according to the restaurant’s website.
Pro Tip: Anything on the menu can be infused with truffles!
1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill / Website
The Atmosphere: Bright and airy interiors and a dreamy, string-lit backyard. There are ample areas for al fresco dining, regardless of the size of your party.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The self-professed “Mykonos in the Hamptons” is always serving up visually pleasing and surreal Greek dishes from their Water Mill kitchen. The restaurant’s wine cellar is constantly featuring bottles of Greek wine.
Pro Tip: Keep up with the restaurant’s social media for details on live entertainment nights. The restaurant grounds are a popular wedding venue!
2025 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett / Website
The Atmosphere: The iconic red roadside shack has no frills but lots of seafood and Hamptons history. There’s outdoor seating in front of the shack featuring yellow and white umbrellas.
Why You Need To Dine Here: While not as fancy as some other Hamptons eateries, this place is an institution in the seafood-loving community. The menu features superb lobster rolls, oysters, shrimp, chowders, fish & chips, and even some gluten-free options.
Pro Tip: Try the chowder. Cash and traveler’s checks only!
32 Lighthouse Road, Hampton Bays / Website
The Atmosphere: Cheery coastal interiors with pops of color and greenery. Serene bayfront seating and an expansive, inviting patio.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This new spot just opened on May 16 and is quickly making waves in the Hamptons culinary community. Dine on delectable Latin American-inspired, seafood-dominant dishes and sip on tasty tequilas, a variety of housemade margaritas, or the soon-to-be-added collection of mezcals.
Pro Tip: Try the duck confit sopes with salsa verde.
65 Tuthill Road, Montauk / Website
The Atmosphere: A minimalist, coastal interior flows throughout both the shop and restaurant. The massive seaside patio features chic banquette seating and an Instagram-worthy environment right on the water.
Why You Need To Dine Here: A seafood lover’s paradise. Enjoy lobster rolls made with 100% lobster meat, overflowing multi-tier seafood platters, and an extensive raw bar, among other coastal favorites. The menu has a shared plates section perfect for date night or sharing with a group of friends.
Pro Tip: The restaurant does not accept reservations, walk-in customers only. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Multiple Locations / Website
The Atmosphere: Moody lighting, unique architectural details, frothy lighting fixtures, and intimate tables make this spot perfect for a romantic night out. Or, head out to the garden or deck for al fresco dining.
Why You Need To Dine Here: For delectable Italian food, crafted by highly trained chefs in the Hamptons either Dopo La Spiaggia location is a must. The Sag Harbor location is a favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop while the East Hampton location has pleasant al fresco garden seating.
Pro Tip: Lunch is only available on the weekends. There are locations in both Sag Harbor and East Hampton.
1 Bridgehampton - Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Country-chic situated on a working farm with gorgeous grounds and ample al fresco seating. Its interiors were designed by Wolfgang Ludes and feature modern touches like zinc and marble accents and reclaimed wood.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The renowned Chef Jean Georges helmed restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine using produce and ingredients from the property’s on-site farm. Proteins are sustainably sourced from local farmers and trusted fishermen.
Pro Tip: It’s a great venue for a private event of any size.
1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor / Website
The Atmosphere: Jovial and welcoming.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy gorgeous waterfront dining as you nosh on divine French dishes, inspired by St. Tropez, using fresh ingredients.
Pro Tip: Affectionately called Bilbo for short. Try the Cajun chicken recipe from the owner’s repertoire. Be sure to dress to impress! Beach attire and tacky logos are not allowed, but check the website for further details.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by La Fin Kitchen & Lounge, Bar & Lounge (@lafinkitchenmtk)
474 W Lake Drive, Montauk / Website
The Atmosphere: Rustic light wood interiors with coastal details and pops of seafoam green.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy delectable farm-to-table seaside dining at this French-inspired spot. The restaurant sustainably sources its ingredients from more than 20 local farms and places special emphasis on using seasonal ingredients.
Pro Tip: Try La Fin’s “recovery brunch” on the weekends.
Multiple Locations / Website
The Atmosphere: Retro, nostalgic, no-frills seafood joint.
Why You Need To Dine Here: While not as fancy as some other Hamptons eateries, this historic (open since 1965) lunch spot is one not to miss. Try the classic hot or cold lobster rolls, Paul’s seafood chili, and a variety of other seafood, lobster, and steak creations.
Pro Tip: It has locations in both Amagansett and Southampton.
1 Main St., Sag Harbor / Website
The Atmosphere: Fun, playful and colorful. Check out the graphic black and white mural.
Why You Need To Dine Here: While much less expensive and formal than other Hamptons restaurants, this is what sets it apart. Try a variety of tapas and healthy, tasty tacos that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. There are many vegetarian and vegan taco options, as well.
Pro Tip: All tacos are gluten-free! Be sure to try a flight of blanco, reposado, anejo, or mezcal tequilas.
341 Pantigo Road, East Hampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Laid back, soft lighting, and great outdoor seating options. The location is a restored home from the 1880s.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy coastal Italian favorites and try Moby’s signature wood-fired pizza or seasonal vegetable dish. The menu also features seafood and pasta.
Pro Tip: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
See Also: Moby's Celebrates 10 Years of Sweet Sips and Stellar Eats
136 N Main St., East Hampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Tuscan farmhouse vibes, complete with a wood-burning oven.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Taste decadent farm-to-table dishes created using locally grown ingredients and protein from reputable farms and fisheries. The menu is highly influenced by seasonal ingredients, which ensures no two meals are ever exactly the same.
Pro Tip: There’s an exquisite drink program at the restaurant that features numerous craft cocktails and a variety of fine wines and beers. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
47 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Bright, warm interiors with rich blue velvet stools and chairs with gold accents. Dark, treelined exterior.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Dine on delicious Japanese grill-fired fusion cuisine and sushi served on small plates with craft cocktails and sake.
Pro Tip: Try something out of your comfort zone.
2468 Main St., Bridgehampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Warm and inviting with lots of outdoor seating.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The recently renovated spot focuses on giving Hamptons residents a European vibe at this classic cafe.
Pro Tip: Keep up with their Instagram to find out about the next live jazz night.
30 Main St., Southampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Rich, white linen table settings and gorgeous auburn-colored wood-stained walls.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Find this NYC favorite in the Hamptons with a wide selection of pastries, salads, and other easy brunch staples. Inspired by Italian cafes, this shop will transport you right back to Italy.
Pro Tip: Try the gelato!
290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk / Website
The Atmosphere: Bright, airy, cream-colored fabrics and dark brown floors with stunning seaside views.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Its NYC location was awarded three highly coveted stars by the New York Times. This oceanside sister location features the same great dishes and cocktails.
Pro Tip: A great spot for an #OOTD photo.
295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd., East Hampton / Website
The Atmosphere: Gorgeous oceanfront views and coastal-feeling light wood furniture.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The perfect al fresco meal after pulling into one of EHP’s 58 boat slips, indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at Si Si. The menu is inspired by flavors classic to Italy, Greece, Spain, and Morocco.
Pro Tip: Try the signature paella or the bucatini verde with lobster.
268 Elm St., Southampton / Website
The Atmosphere: A palatial patio with white columns, white woven chairs, and white linen table settings. The interior is posh and sleek with white linens and black accents.
Why You Need To Dine Here: With one uber-popular location already in NYC, it’s no wonder this stop is a must-visit. This unique take on a steakhouse is known for its massive, ornate bar and for its precise preparation of seafood and steaks.
Pro Tip: Stay for dessert!
Multiple Locations / Website
The Atmosphere: Welcoming and warm.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Created to serve authentic Neapolitan-inspired pasta that many of the co-founders grew up with. With a relaxing venue and easy-to-enjoy dishes, you’ll find yourself returning time and time again to this special spot.
Pro Tip: Co-founder Gabby Karan de Felice, is the daughter of legendary fashion designer Donna Karan. Be sure to visit the fashion icon’s boutique store, Urban Zen, in the adjoining space next to Tutto Il Giorno’s Sag Harbor location.
Photography by: Calvin Uy / Unsplash.com