Whether because of its proximity to NYC, its local farms, or its sheer volume of summer vacationers, the Hamptons has a wide selection off amazing restaurants. In preparation for you next culinary excursion out east, here’s a rundown of the best restaurants in the Hamptons, from brunch to late night, Southampton to Montauk.
The Best Restaurants in the Hamptons
Best Ice Cream: Big Olaf’s, Sag Harbor
What to order: House-baked waffle cone with basically any ice cream flavor
Something feels wrong about strolling through a historic downtown on a summer day without an ice cream cone in your hand. Rectify that at Big Olaf’s. This unassuming classic sits an easy walking distance from most of downtown Sag Harbor, and will lure you in with the smell of fresh-baked waffle cones and flavors like Birthday Cake and Moose Tracks.
Best Date Night: The Crow’s Nest, Montauk
What to order: Lentil-crusted East Coast halibut
The Crow’s Nest is one of the Hamptons’ most unique dining settings, with its striking wood-paneled interior and killer deck views. So it’s a real head-turner for date night before you even crack open the seafood-heavy, Mediterranean-inspired menu. Obviously, the fish dishes are the stars here, but don’t leave without trying the beachy takes on classic cocktails, like the Salt Beach Spritz with Lejay crème de cassis, Campari, and sparkling wine.
Best Seafood: Bay Kitchen Bar, East Hampton
What to order: Seafood truffle pasta with lobster, scallops and shrimp
At a restaurant that describes itself alternately as “sea-to-table” and “dock-to-table,” seafood is obviously the main focus. And because the chefs at Bay Kitchen Bar foster close relationships with local clammers, lobstermen and fishermen, you’ll get a mainline of fresh flavor, whether in small bites from the raw bar or the full-on Hampton clambake.
Best Scene: The Surf Lodge, Montauk
What to order: Crab pappardelle with fresh lemon
If you’re looking for a scene in Montauk, the best place is the waterside deck at the Surf Lodge. The summer concert series rivals a Lower East Side rock club, and there are no tickets required — just book a table, book a room, or show up early. Family-style cocktails served out of kitschy rose-gold flamingos help complete the ‘70s-meets-SoCal-surfer atmosphere.
Best Brunch: Estia’s Little Kitchen, Sag Harbor
What to order: Crab ‘n’ Eggs with avocado on an English muffin
To be fair, Estia’s Little Kitchen in Bridgehampton does more than just breakfast and brunch — it offers an affordable spread of Mexican-inspired dishes in an unassuming setting. But with local-fruit-filled pancakes and a gorgeous back patio to eat them on, you’ll be glad you started your day here.
Best Lunch: Little Red, Southampton
What to order: The fish and chips with spicy red potatoes and lemon-tarragon aioli
Just a short way away from Red Bar Brasserie, the slightly more casual Little Red is open year-round with a menu of locally sourced, mostly American dishes. As the name implies, the wine list comes to the forefront, and with a dedicated pastry chef, you’re gonna want to turn this lunch spot into a multicourse affair.
Best for Historical Charm: The American Hotel, Sag Harbor
What to order: Sautéed flounder with meuniére sauce
Old-fashioned wicker chairs and classic table settings adorn the warm dining room and bar area at this Sag Harbor standby. What began in 1846 as a grand hotel supporting wealthy residents and those in the whaling industry now caters to summer vacationers — but is still just as grand. With dishes from a classically trained chef who’s helmed kitchens from the French Riviera to Manhattan, the hotel offers great options for a classic American meal. Whether you come for a full dinner, or just to sip a proper cocktail, the American Hotel should not be missed.
Best Farm-to-Table: Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton
What to order: The crispy New York state duck breast with sour cherry mole
When you hear a name like Jean-Georges, you don’t need to hear anything else to know you’ll be getting an upscale dinner. But for his Hamptons outpost, the chef has chosen to present a (slightly) more casual menu with food sourced directly from the property’s one-acre farm and a few other choice local purveyors. Located in the 1846 Topping Rose House, the updated interior matches straight-from-the-fields fare with reclaimed wood and stone accents. And if you’re looking for a private dining experience or a party, there’s a restored barn on the premises for exactly that.
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