The Finest Restaurants in the Hamptons

Dining out on eastern Long Island's South Fork means choosing from excellent restaurants in every town offering creative, well-executed menus rivaling the quality and hospitality of New York City. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty steak dinner, imaginative fusion fare, or a lighter seafood meal, it's all out there and ready to be devoured. Here's where to reserve a table for a meal near the beach this season-because seats fill up fast.

Scarpetta Beach (Montauk)

Located in Gurney's Montauk Resort, this outpost of one of Manhattan's most beloved Italian restaurants delivers the same flavor and quality, with a beachy twist. An extensive menu of crudo and homemade pasta is ideal for summer evenings, whether you go for Scarpetta's signature tomato and basil spaghetti or the herbed cavatelli with herbed baby octopus. Don't leave without ordering the ricotta cheesecake for dessert.

La Fin Kitchen & Lounge(Montauk)

Set on the edge of Long Island, this dockside, farm-to-table French restaurant is one of Montauk's best new additions. Request a table by the water for lunch or dinner and taste your way through seasonal salads, shareable appetizers, and the local catch of the day, dressed with a zingy vinaigrette.

O by Kissaki(East Hampton)

After opening to much acclaim in 2021, O by Kissaki's luxe space is now enhanced by a new menu blending Japanese and Italian flavors. The menu starts with small dishes, such as a tomato salad with whipped tofu, followed by pasta dishes and a robatayaki-style charcoal grill with fish and sauces. Nigiri, maki, and sashimi are also still offered at this inventive and stylish spot.

Calissa(Southampton)

Dubbed "Mykonos in the Hamptons", Calissa is the spot to feast on delicious Mediterranean fare. Bring a group and book a "Greek Feast"which includes appetizers, sides, and mains, such as salt-baked fish or the Insta-famous two-pound lobster pasta. Or plan to visit on a night with live music. A kid's chicken souvlaki and rice plate also makes this a great family spot.

Manna at The Lobster Inn(Hamptons)

As a quintessential Hamptons spot with stellar sunset views, Manna is a go-to for swanky brunch, lunch, and dinner. Choose from daily ceviche, crisp calamari with spicy tomato jam, New England clam chowder, and plenty of seafood platters from the raw bar. Lobster-steamed or broiled-is top notch here, as are inventive entrees, such as clam pot pie and fluke Milanese.

1770 House (East Hampton)

Located in a 250-year-old home, this restaurant offers an escape to slower times, via the charming patio or elegant dining room. Two- and three-course prix-fixe menus are offered, complete with seasonal classics such as chilled pea soup, white asparagus salad, seared Hudson Valley foie gras, and za'atar spiced swordfish.

Il Buco Al Mare (Amagansett)

One of 2021's most anticipated openings, Il Buco Al Mare brings the NoHo favorite out east, adding a small cafe and an Italian homewares shop in downtown Amagansett. Cozy up in the dimly-lit, romantic space for local oysters, clam-topped wood-fired pies, homemade pastas with seafood, and plenty of creative seasonal veggie dishes to balance out the decadence.

Dopo La Spiaggia(East Hampton)

As a Hamptons classic with locations in Sag Harbor and East Hampton, Doppo La Spiaggia offers upscale Italian fare-plus garden seating. The menu sticks to the classics, such as fritto misto with shrimp and calamari and a popular brick chicken with olives and capers. Pasta dishes are more inventive, such as garganelli with crab and fresh corn and the veal shank and buffalo mozzarella ravioli in truffle sauce.

Coche Comedor(East Hampton)

A beloved East Hampton institution since 2002, Coche Comedor serves the kind of sophisticated Mexican fare-with Long Island accents-that keeps locals and visitors returning. In a retro diner, feast on seafood cocktail with tostadas, fluke ceviche, and rotisserie duck with hand-pressed tortillas. It's a walk-in only spot, which means you should come early, put your name down, and share a round or two of margaritas by the outdoor fire pits. For a pre-dinner snack, order nibbles from its neighboring sibling restaurant, La Fondita.

The Palm East Hampton (East Hampton)

Take a step back in time at this steakhouse, dating back to 1980-the sixth Palm to open following the Manhattan original back in 1926. Housed in the 300-year-old Huntting Innand adorned with eye-catching art, The Palm is perfect for a celebratory dinner. The menu is classic New York steakhouse with a hint of beach town, best exemplified by dishes such as the drunken sausage and clams, Sicilian-style tuna poke with fried capers, and crudo. Come very hungry-and don't wear tight pants.

Vine Street Cafe(Shelter Island)

This locally owned restaurant on Shelter Island, nested in a rustic cottage, specializes in showcasing Long Island's seasonal bounty. The menu is both eccentric and accommodating, with plant-based options such as glazed and grilled tofu, along with heartier entrees, like chateaubriand for two.

Bistro Ete(Southampton)

This French American restaurant was envisioned as an unpretentious summer escape, and it more than delivers, thanks to plenty of outdoor seating. Summery dishes such as truffle grilled cheese and duck wing confit keep regulars satisfied-those in-the-know pre-order Friday's charcoal chicken with house-made spaetzle. Diners with dogs can also take advantage of a gourmet "paw course"to spoil their pups.

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer based in Brooklyn, where she lives with her wife and rescue dog. You can follow her on Instagram @melissabethk and Twitter @melissabethk

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