Top Dining Spots in the Hamptons

The Hamptons' culinary scene is booming, attracting world-class chefs and offering impressive wine lists to match.

Many of the best dining establishments in this coastal collection of villages and towns, nestled between the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, are now open throughout the year—not just during the bustling summer months.

While the vibe here is more laid-back than New York City, the Hamptons does not fall short when it comes to high-end, top-notch cuisine from diverse cultures, appealing to a stylish city crowd.

Here are our top picks for dining in the Hamptons.

Duryea’s

This iconic lobster shack is one of the most beloved destinations in the Hamptons.

A family-run gem for nearly 80 years, it was acquired by Marc Rowan in 2013 and expanded to include a 1,200-square-foot gourmet market.

Located in a laid-back, whitewashed shack with a cozy outdoor terrace, Duryea’s is known for its fresh seafood menu and relaxed vibe, which only adds to its appeal.

Don't miss the signature lobster rolls, perfectly paired with a bowl of New England clam chowder.

The lobster rolls are hearty, packed with tender meat, and generously portioned, while the chowder competes with some of Boston’s finest.

Please note, this is a cash-only restaurant with a BYO drink policy (though they offer a small selection of non-alcoholic beverages).

LTI recommends bringing a great bottle of wine or some bubbly to celebrate the stunning sunset from the deck.

Best Seats

The outdoor terrace offers the best seating with an unbeatable view.

Duryea’s, 5460, 65 Tuthill Rd, Montauk, NY 11954; +1 631 668 2410

Arbor

This seasonal gem, created by restaurateur Marc Rowan, serves refined Mediterranean farm-to-table dishes right by the water.

Located in Montauk, the dishes here are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

The dining area, featuring a custom 30-foot bar and Edison bulbs throughout, accommodates up to 165 guests, with additional seating available on the patios and at the outdoor bar.

The menu boasts a range of just over six mains, including pappardelle with king crab, mussels, confit tomatoes, and arugula pesto, as well as a surf and turf combo of New Zealand lamb chop and seared sea scallops.

For lighter options, enjoy small plates, a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, raw bar selections, and a handful of exceptional pizzas.

The wine list is extensive, offering more than 30 selections by the glass, all sourced from the in-house cellar.

Best seats

We recommend the outdoor patio for its charm, or inside, opt for a table in the semi-private area of the sunken dining room, nestled beside the wine cellar.

Arbor, 240 Fort Pond Rd, Montauk, NY 11954; +1 631 238 5430

Lulu Kitchen & Bar

Lulu Kitchen & Bar offers a blend of laid-back lounge seating in the front and an elegant, white-tablecloth dining experience in the rear.

Spanning 1,800 square feet, the restaurant features various dining areas, all centered around an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven.

Guests can also enjoy seating at a spacious zinc-topped bar or outside on the covered patio with an awning.

The kitchen is led by French-trained chef Philippe Corbet, who honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants before taking charge of Lulu.

Our favorites include the seafood platters with Montauk Pearl oysters, Bonac razor clams, and tuna tartare, or the grilled duck leg confit paired with frisée salad, Mecox blue cheese, and raspberry Dijon vinaigrette.

There's also an impressive selection of wood-fired pizzas, including unique combinations like prosciutto, onions, tomatoes, and raclette cheese. The bread is also homemade.

The wine list, arranged by global regions with a strong focus on American wines (especially from New York), offers five red wines, five whites, and a few rosé and champagne options by the glass. However, the bottle selection is far more extensive.

Best Seats

We recommend the front banquettes—they're more spacious and private than the tables in the back. The patio seating is also great, especially for a laid-back lunch.

Lulu Kitchen & Bar, 126 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963; +1 631 725 0900

The Maidstone

Located within the newly renovated Maidstone Hotel, this trendy restaurant has become a must-visit destination on its own.

Now under the direction of Chef David Standridge (formerly of Café Clover in New York), the menu offers refined American cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients, all served in a chic yet laid-back beachside setting.

Expect to find classic Swedish dishes on the menu, including meatballs and herring prepared in three unique ways.

The Maidstone warmly welcomes both children and pets, with furry friends getting their own special menu featuring a selection of meats and greens tailored to different breeds.

The restaurant boasts a carefully curated wine list of over 400 selections, each accompanied by notes detailing the history of Long Island’s vineyards and their commitment to biodynamic and sustainable practices.

For an affordable yet refreshing white, we recommend the Tocai from Millbrook Winery in Hudson Valley. For something more unique, try the Channing Daughters’ Blaufrankisch, a standout local red.

The Blue Rock Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent value, or for an Italian treat, the Federico Primo 2004 from Gualdo del Re offers a superb Super Tuscan from a lesser-known producer in a fantastic vintage.

Best tables

For a cozy and prime spot, we suggest the table in the back left corner, adjacent to the entrance. It offers a window view and a vantage point of the bar, so you won’t miss any of the action.

The Maidstone, 207 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937; +1 631 324 5006

Nick & Toni’s

A favorite in the Hamptons, Nick & Toni’s exudes rustic charm with its central wood-burning oven and walls adorned with primitive American art.

The restaurant champions farm-to-table dining, sourcing fresh local fish and organic vegetables from its own garden.

Be sure to order the sorrel salad or the baby field greens to enhance your meal.

The service is friendly, laid-back, and always attentive, with staff managing reservations seamlessly while still engaging warmly with regulars.

LTI especially appreciates that diners are seated exactly at their reserved time, ensuring a smooth experience.

Boasting over 200 choices, the drink menu features an intriguing array of local spirits that hearken back to the days of moonshine and bootlegging, making it a more compelling selection than the limited wine-by-the-glass or half-bottle options.

Best tables

Table 20 and table 8 are the top picks. Table 20 offers a prime corner spot with a great view of the restaurant's bustling atmosphere, while table 8 provides a more intimate and secluded dining experience.

Nick & Toni’s, 136 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937; +1 631 324 3550

Jue Lan Club

The Southampton location of Stratis Morfogen's Manhattan hotspot offers refined modern Chinese cuisine in a lively, nautical-themed setting, complete with large windows that flood the space with light.

The menu here showcases upscale Chinese dishes with a distinctive Manhattan flair.

Start your meal with appetizers like short rib bao buns, chicken satay, or fresh raw bar selections such as yellowtail sashimi with ghost pepper vinaigrette and East Coast oysters.

For main courses, try the flavorful Beijing chicken, drunken sea bass, or the shareable salt and pepper lobster. There's also a noodle and fried rice menu designed for two, and a weekend dim sum brunch option.

After dinner, the venue transforms into a vibrant late-night lounge and dance spot, although the town has prohibited any outdoor partying on the patio.

Jue Lan Club boasts an extensive wine list, featuring bottles from various regions around the world, organized by area and offered at a range of price points. Additionally, there's an impressive selection of sake.

Best tables

Our favorite spot is the back patio, where the atmosphere is more serene with hanging lanterns and heat lamps, making it a perfect escape from the hustle inside.

Inside, particularly during the summer, it can get quite loud, making it challenging to hold a conversation during dinner.

Jue Lan Club, 49 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011; +1 646 524 7409

East Hampton Grill

This consistently excellent destination remains a top favorite for both LTI and locals, thanks to its outstanding service, delicious food, and a perfect blend of atmosphere.

We appreciate the 'traditional grill house' vibe here, which stands out from its competitors. The lively, open kitchen adds a great dynamic to the experience.

A recent addition to the well-respected Hillstone Restaurant Group (known for spots like Houston’s and Palm Beach Grill), this location carries their signature goal of incorporating local ingredients into the menu.

No meal here is complete without the Heavenly Biscuits—so light and flaky, they could almost float on their own.

While the menu offers standard fare, we particularly love the weekly special: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake paired with Oysters St. Charles as a delightful appetizer.

The wine list is a concise, affordable selection of mid-range bottles. Though well-priced, it lacks extravagant choices, and sadly, vintages are not listed.

Best tables

For a lively experience, opt for a table by the open kitchen window, where the action inside keeps diners engaged and entertained for hours.

East Hampton Grill, 99 N Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937; +1 631 329 6666

The American Hotel

One of the Hamptons' most renowned dining destinations, The American Hotel offers four cozy dining areas and is known for its take on classic French cuisine, often with a creative twist.

Unlike many local spots, this restaurant remains open year-round and offers a refined yet approachable ambiance.

The four dining areas include the Victorian Drew room adorned with portraits, a main dining space with a beautiful Steinway piano, and a more intimate bar room featuring a fireplace and dark wood accents with soft lighting.

Chef Jonathan Parker updates the menu seasonally, but you’ll always find at least one appetizer and one entrée featuring foie gras – both highly recommended by LTI – along with dishes showcasing locally sourced and caught seafood.

The award-winning wine list here is a serious contender for the longest wine list in the Hamptons.

Spanning over 100 pages and featuring more than 2,000 selections, diners will need ample time to peruse this impressive list.

The list covers the world’s most prominent wine regions, along with an array of unique selections from lesser-known vineyards and producers.

It’s no wonder the list has garnered numerous awards and accolades from the media. LTI was certainly impressed.

Best tables

For a truly romantic evening, ask for a table by the Steinway piano in the main dining room.

American Hotel, 45 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963; +1 631 725 3535

Calissa

If you're a fan of Amali in Manhattan, you can now enjoy the same Greek-inspired flavors at their new spot in Water Mill, Hamptons.

Drawing inspiration from the Greek island of Mykonos, Calissa offers Mediterranean farm-to-table dishes, served in both small and large portions perfect for sharing. Expect classics like lobster bucatini and thieves lamb, alongside an abundance of fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables.

Except for the Atlantic octopus, all seafood items are locally sourced from Long Island or New York City vendors, with selections changing seasonally.

The beach-inspired, boho-chic space can host up to 250 people and transforms into a lively lounge after dinner, featuring a DJ and late-night bar service on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.

The dining room maintains a relaxed, simple vibe, though the chairs could be more comfortable.

With over 30 wines by the glass and an impressive selection of high-quality rosé verticals, Calissa boasts the most varied wine list in South Fork, including more magnums and large-format bottles than any other Hamptons bar.

Three dedicated sommeliers are available to guide guests through the extensive selection of 150 different bottles.

Best tables

The dining room has a simple design, with many tables featuring cushioned, pillow-backed bench seating on one side. If everyone in your group prefers a proper chair, be sure to request one of these tables. Our preference is sitting outside on the patio.

Calissa, 1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976; +1 631 500 9292

North Fork Table & Inn

The team behind this esteemed, upscale inn and restaurant includes the former executive chef of Aureole, along with the ex-service manager and executive pastry chef from Gramercy Tavern.

Located in the unassuming North Fork, the menu here adapts seasonally, driven by the best local ingredients. You’ll find biodynamic and organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and fresh seafood from Long Island’s shores, all used to create dishes inspired by the season’s bounty.

For a true culinary journey, we recommend the tasting menu, which offers a diverse selection of carefully crafted dishes made with handpicked, seasonal ingredients.

From the à la carte menu, the pan-roasted organic Scottish salmon stands out as a must-try dish.

The wine list features an array of unique selections, with a strong preference for artisanal producers over well-known labels.

Best tables

LTI suggests the round table at the far end of the restaurant, nestled in the left corner by two large windows. This spot enjoys plenty of natural light during the day and offers a tranquil, scenic view at night.

North Fork Table & Inn, 57225 Main Road, Southold, NY 11971; +1 631 765 0177

Oreya at the Capri

A true gem in the Hamptons, Oreya offers a vibrant Mediterranean dining experience curated by Greg Grossman, who also revamped the space, adding a burst of color to the local restaurant scene.

Part of the Capri hotel, Oreya is a destination all on its own. We particularly enjoy the Pool Club and the expansive terrace area.

With fig and olive trees dotting the landscape, the setting is stunning. The elegant dining room accommodates 98 guests, while the outdoor terrace offers space for another 130, all set within a contemporary interior featuring pale green banquette seating and crisp white tablecloths.

Oreya also features an impressive art collection and hosts lively nights with dancing and DJs.

While there's a standing bar, you can also enjoy cocktails by the pool and take in the beautiful sunset views.

The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, including fish from nearby fisheries. There's a raw fish section, a wood-fired grill menu, and plenty of shareable plates.

We highly recommend the rib-eye steak, grilled lamb, and Columbia River salmon — all standout dishes.

LTI also suggests the vegetable crudités as a starter. If grilled branzino is on the menu, be sure to order it. Don’t skip the baklava for dessert!

Oreya offers eight wines by the glass and a selection of 78 bottles, but it's particularly renowned for its craft cocktails, which focus on seasonally inspired drinks blending fresh fruits and spirits reminiscent of the French Riviera.

Best tables

When the weather's nice, the best seats are on the outdoor terrace, surrounded by fragrant trees. Inside, we prefer the cozy booth seating along the sides of the room.

Oreya at the Capri, 281 County Road 39A, Southampton, NY 11968; +1 631 500 9055

Stone Creek Inn

Formerly the Ambassador Inn, this chef-owned establishment offers a French-Mediterranean inspired menu, making it another favorite of LTI.

The main dining room is bathed in natural light, with large windows lining the walls and a long row of lush greenery down the center, with tables arranged along the sides.

The menu, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, features a variety of unique and innovative dishes.

We especially enjoy the traditional Bouillabaisse, which is rich in flavor and packed with the freshest seafood.

Stone Creek Inn also features a small yet charming bar area, with dark wood accents that give it a polished, welcoming atmosphere.

The wine list spans over 22 pages, organized by grape variety and region, and each section includes a 'hidden gem' recommendation. The pricing is reasonable across the board, particularly for higher-end wines.

Best tables

The main dining room is intimate and acoustically challenging, so we recommend requesting a freestanding table if you prefer a quieter dining experience.

For those who enjoy a communal dining experience, ask for a table near the central feature.

Stone Creek Inn, 405 Montauk Hwy, East Quogue, NY 11942; +1 631 653 6770

Tutto il Giorno

Gabby, the daughter of fashion designer Donna Karan, brings her successful Sag Harbor restaurant to Southampton with a stunning new location just a short walk from downtown and nearby residential areas.

Reservations are highly recommended and often difficult to secure, especially during busy summer weekends when regulars book months in advance.

The Italian-inspired menu features comforting, locally sourced dishes crafted by co-owner and chef Maurizio Marfoglia.

Starters include a lamb loin carpaccio, burrata with organic tomatoes, and a flavorful spicy tuna tartare.

For the main course, enjoy house-made pastas topped with locally sourced sausage, chicken cooked 'under the brick,' slow-braised meats, or perfectly grilled seafood dishes.

For dessert, the panna cotta and tiramisu are highlights that should not be missed.

The wine list features an excellent selection of Italian wines, with a thoughtful variety of choices available by the glass.

Best tables

Our top pick is the farm table, located just near the entrance to the beautiful garden. This tucked-away spot offers a sense of privacy and intimacy not found at the other tables.

Tutto il Giorno, 56 Nugent St. Southampton, NY 11968; +1 631 377 3611

Union Cantina

This Bowden Square eatery is known for its inventive spins on traditional Mexican dishes.

Here, you'll find peppers stuffed with lump crab, red quinoa, and cheese, alongside tacos featuring a range of fillings like vegetarian, short rib, lobster, pork belly, chicken, and snapper.

The signature dish here is a deconstructed enchilada, cleverly crafted with crisp layers of tortilla.

Union Cantina blends rustic charm with its rich history, showcasing a décor that combines dark woods, Spanish glass, and vibrant Mexican artwork.

This stylish restaurant offers seating for over 200 guests indoors, plus an outdoor patio with room for 35 more and a striking reclaimed wood art installation.

Another draw is the tequila bar, boasting an impressive collection of over 100 different labels.

Union Cantina also presents an innovative drink menu featuring unique cocktails.

A standout is the signature Cinnamon Sol cocktail, a refreshing blend of Don Julio Reposado, cinnamon, pineapple, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Best tables

Enjoy the outdoor patio seating or grab a drink at the charming wooden bar, which has roots dating back to Prohibition.

Union Cantina, 40 Bowden Square, Southampton, NY 11968; +1 631 377 3500

Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House

Now under the direction of the famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this well-loved eatery highlights the produce from the nearby Topping Rose Farm and other local farms.

The 75-seat dining area, featuring iron pendant lighting and vibrant rugs, creates a lively, inviting atmosphere, even when it's not at full capacity.

The menu adapts with the seasons, as the culinary team works hand-in-hand with local fishmongers who deliver daily reports of their fresh catches, ensuring that fish dishes are always prepared with the freshest ingredients.

We particularly enjoy the fresh fish and house-made pasta dishes, which are consistently exceptional.

The wine list spans 13 pages and offers more than 200 bottles, with an eclectic range of selections by the glass, emphasizing finesse over intensity.

The wine list is thoughtfully organized by grape variety and renowned French regions, offering a well-rounded selection of producers, though there are some youthful wines, particularly among the white Burgundies and Nebbiolo options.

Best Tables

Table 51, located in the back corner, offers excellent privacy, while Table 72 is ideal for those who enjoy a great view through the window.

Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, 1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932; +1 631 537 0870

The Palm East Hampton

The Palm has numerous locations, and this East Hampton outpost is just as impressive as its other branches.

Tucked away within the Huntting Inn in East Hampton, the restaurant may be a bit hidden, but that doesn't stop its high-rolling guests from arriving in style to enjoy the welcoming, family-friendly ambiance.

The decor may be minimal, but it stays true to the Palm's classic style – white tablecloths, large plates, and consistently excellent food.

Our favorites include the signature Gigi salad and the steaks. If you spot the lobster special on the menu, don't miss out – it’s a must-order.

The wine list may not be particularly innovative, but it excels with well-known, full-bodied steakhouse classics that complement the menu perfectly.

The wine selection isn't vast or especially varied, but there are plenty of options by the glass, particularly reds, and a few solid bottles that pair well with a rib eye.

Best tables

The tables are a bit too close for comfort, so for a more private experience, we recommend choosing one near the window. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance.

The Palm East Hampton, 94 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937; +1 631 324 0411

Our conclusion

For a combination of rustic charm and exceptional farm-to-table fare, Nick and Toni’s stands as our top choice in East Hampton – and it's a celebrity favorite.

If you're craving a classic, fresh lobster, a visit to Duryea in Montauk is a must, at least once.

For traditional Hamptons fare, Stone Creek Inn is the go-to spot, while the Maidstone is perfect for a family-friendly outing. For those seeking a more leisurely dining experience, Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House offers the ideal ambiance and bar.

For top-notch Chinese cuisine, we recommend Jue Lan Club, while Arbor is a must for beautifully plated Italian dishes. For Greek fare, Calissa is our favorite.