By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | May 26, 2022 | Food & Drink, Food & Drink Feature,
Whether it’s a picnic on the beach or a cozy table for two, pizza is the perfect topping for any summer evening. With new additions spicing up the culinary scene, it’s time to get your reservations (and taste buds) ready.
From new executive chefs to menus full of traditional Italian dishes and Hamptons-inspired pies, these eateries are sure to have you reaching for seconds. Here, get the first bite of the season with an inside look at their specials, spaces and summer plans.
Autostrada’s Aragosta pizza with spicy lobster and San Marzano tomato PHOTO BY MARK KOPKO
84 Wainscott NW Road, Wainscott, 631.658.9249
Although we are sad to wave goodbye to Breadzilla, the Highway Group—best known for its two local hot spots Highway Restaurant and Bar and Main Street Tavern—spices up the East End with the debut of Autostrada Catering and Retail in its place. “Led by chef Corey Lynch, our experienced team will bring unparalleled catering and event experiences to the private homes and yachts of Hamptons visitors and residents,” says Director of Operations Peter Pizarro. “Autostrada menus offer catering options from 10 to 200-plus guests and include items from our mobile wood-fired oven as well as bespoke private chef experiences.” With classic yet innovative styles on the menu, pizza has never tasted so good. Take a bite out of the Vongole with littleneck clams, garlic, parsley and lemon, or share the Tartufo topped with chanterelle mushrooms, mozzarella and shaved black truffle. To top it off, Autostrada’s retail space is set to open this fall, showcasing new grab-and-go food, housemade bakery offerings and pantry items. Pizarro adds, “We look forward to continuing to provide our community with comfortable spaces and delicious food, including bringing back some of Breadzilla’s signature items.”
Astro’s Pizza new executive chef and owner PJ Calapa
237 Main St., Amagansett, 631.267.8300, astrospizza.com
Mafaldini scampi
Astro’s Pizza is mixing it up with the arrival of new executive chef and owner PJ Calapa. He heads to the kitchen with an already-impressive lineup of feats including Eleven Madison Park, Nobu 57, Ai Fiori, Costata, the Spaniard gastropub, Scampi and more—not to mention his 2013 StarChefs Rising Star award and becoming champion of the competition show Chopped in 2009. “I’m excited to bring my pizza to Amagansett,” says Calapa. “I can’t wait to show you guys my simple twists on Italian classics!” Set to open early this summer, come chow down on Calapa’s takes on classic Italian dishes like the chicken piccata topped with capers, tomato, lemon and parsley or the mezzaluna amatriciana with pork ravioli, spicy pomodoro, guanciale and pecorino.
Mezzaluna
240 Fort Pond Road, Montauk, robertaspizza.com
Roberta’s Pizza’s charcuterie
“We are hoping for a Memorial Day weekend opening,” says Roberta’s Pizza Montauk co-owner Brandon Hoy. “We’re very excited for our arrival in Montauk and are looking forward to becoming a part of the community.” With a breezy blend of indoor-outdoor seating (not to mention a side patio perfect for cocktails before or after you dig in), this new eatery will be the meeting ground for pizza lovers all over the Hamptons. Taking advantage of Montauk’s fresh seafood and produce from Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound, the menu not only spotlights a handful of seasonal delights but also raw bar options that are not to be missed. As for the crowd favorites? The Bee Sting pizza made with tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, chile, basil and honey will have you licking your lips, and the housemade stracciatella and bread are an absolute must-add to every meal.
ASAP Julio cocktail BRANDON HARMON
Bee Sting pizza
Photography by: ASTRO’S PIZZA PHOTO BY EVAN SUNG PHOTOGRAPHY; ROBERTA'S PIZZA DISHES PHOTOS BY ERIK CANTER; ROBERTA’S PIZZA PHOTO BY: BRANDON HARMON