East Hampton broadly covers the easternmost swath of the Hamptons, and contains the smaller hamlets of Montauk, Amagansett, Springs, and Wainscott — plus, of course, the Village of East Hampton. That means a lot of menus to eat your way through. Naturally, many of our favorites from this area sit in Montauk, so we recommend carving out a big chunk of your time for this easternmost hamlet. But don’t neglect the rest of the town — there are some serious gems. Here’s our take on the best restaurants in East Hampton.
Best for Breakfast: Joni’s Kitchen, Montauk
What to order: Scrambled tofu with carrots, spinach and scallions
Decked out with pastel picnic tables, surfboards lining the entrance, and a barrage of chalkboards denoting a surprisingly big rotating breakfast and lunch menu, Joni’s should be a staple for the early side of your Hamptons day. Don’t forget to dig into their massive smoothie selection, too.
Best for Coffee: Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee, Amagansett
What to order: The iconic stir brew coffee
Having started in 2003 in Manhattan, Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee has quite the history of serving caffeine-thirsty patrons. Stop by the Amagansett outpost for a cup of stir brew coffee — made with a method that Jack perfected after visiting Costa Rica in the mid-2000s — to go with a house-baked vegan treat.
Best for Lunch With a View: Navy Beach, Montauk
What to order: Burrata salad with local heirloom tomatoes and crisp basil
What’s better than lunching on delicious, locally sourced dishes in full view of the Montauk shoreline? Doing so on a beach picnic table with your toes in the sand. Obviously, it’s a no-brainer to come here for the atmosphere (which also extends to an indoor dining room, if that’s your thing), but make sure you appreciate the casual-yet-well-crafted menu that’s made with fresh local catch.
Best Lobster Roll: The Seafood Shop, Wainscott
What to order: The chicken salad … just kidding. Get the lobster roll, obviously!
If there’s a sleeper pick on this list, it’s the Seafood Shop. Want a place to stock your cottage fridge full of fresh local catch and prepared dishes? Go here. Want a full, deli-style menu of seafood classics like fish tacos and crab cakes? Go here. Need a quick lobster roll on your way to the beach? You get the idea.
Best Music Scene: The Surf Lodge, Montauk
What to order: Grilled sea bass with summer squash and yellow tomato sauce
Whether you’re here for the fresh, considered dinner menu, or you’re stopping by to see just how management was able to book such killer indie bands during the summer concert series, the Surf Lodge will most definitely leave an impression. Think: beach-deck atmosphere, sunken seating areas and kitschy patio accents.
Best for Bar Bites: 668 The Gig Shack, Montauk
What to order: Blackened local fish montacos with house mango salsa
While this place is a perfectly viable choice for an amazing Hamptons dinner, we recommend pulling up a stool at the bar for a beachy beverage, too. Grab something for the table, or hoard an entree like those blackened local montacos and stay for one of the summer concerts.
Best Seafood: Duryea’s, Montauk
What to order: the Fisherman’s Platter with pearl oysters, snow crab claws and more
Look at at Duryea’s on the map, you’ll see why the seafood is so good: you’re basically eating in the ocean. But this place doesn’t just stop at a dining room with great ambiance. The operation doubles as a full-on seafood market, in case you’re still doubting the freshness of what’s on the menu.
Best for Dinner: The 1770 House, East Hampton
What to order: the Montauk sea scallops with Hon Shimeji mushrooms and ham hock jus
The various, well-rounded dining options at 1770 House — a classy inn with some serious history — include contemporary tavern treats, an upscale dinner menu, and al fresco seating. Our money’s on the beautifully outfitted patio with sculpted hedges and tasteful lighting.
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