The Hamptons have long been a symbol of luxury, but not always a destination for standout food. That’s starting to shift thanks to a growing demand for food that is as tasty as it is expensive, or as vibrant as the atmosphere is. HAP contributor Elijah Harlow—a true Hamptonite—has spent the past few summers exploring the area’s most talked-about restaurants.
Below, we highlight the dinner spots known for their buzzy reputations and hard-to-get reservations. These sit-down favorites from Southampton to Montauk just might change your perception of dining in the Hamptons. While opinions may differ on whether they’re truly the ‘best of the best,’ these hot spots embody the chic, in-demand dining scene we love at Hotels Above Par.

Bistro Eté (Water Mill)
Tucked away in Water Mill, Bistro Eté truly feels like the French Riviera meets the Hamptons. Their Greek-French fusion shines in dishes like escargot, duck confit wings, and zucchini spaghetti. The vibrant dining room and breezy patio make it perfect for cocktails and homemade mint ice cream. Locals love it for a reason.
1770 House (East Hampton)
Housed in an 18th-century colonial on East Hampton’s Main Street, 1770 House blends old-world charm with New American cuisine. Dine formally inside, in the cozy tavern, or alfresco on the garden patio. Highlights: Hudson Valley foie gras and marinated swordfish, paired with an award-winning wine list.

Duryea’s (Montauk)
An East End classic, Duryea’s sits on Fort Pond Bay with a Côte d’Azur-meets-Newport Beach
feel. The Lobster Cobb salad is legendary, but the real draw is the unbeatable sunset views while sipping spritzes. It’s always packed, so arrive early—and don’t stress the wait. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the scene.
Il Buco al Mare (Amagansett)
In Amagansett, you’ll find Il Buco al Mare, a rustic Italian restaurant done right. They have one of our favorite pastas out East—Torchio with pancetta and peas. Sit outside on the back patio for oysters, focaccia, and long conversations. Bonus: if you’re staying at The Roundtree, Il Buco is the hotel’s official room service partner.
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LDV at The Maidstone (East Hampton)
On the pond’s far side in East Hampton, LDV delivers an exquisite la dolce vita dining experience. From the team behind NYC’s Scarpetta, standout plates include a mouthwatering scallop crudo and their Spaghetti alla Nerano. The handmade blue cheese olives are incredible, and desserts like the Key Lime Cheesecake are the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. A must-visit.
Nick & Toni’s (East Hampton)
A Hamptons institution since 1988, Nick & Toni’s blends rustic Tuscan charm with seasonal
Mediterranean fare. The wood-burning oven turns out standouts like lumache with ramp pesto, wood-fired pizza, and halibut, while its lively dining room buzzes with faces you swear you recognize. Don’t skip the legendary fried zucchini chips.
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Ketchy Beach (Southampton)
Ketchy Beach, from renowned Ketchy Shuby founder Jamie Mulholland, is a breezy hotspot on the celeb-favored Capri Hotel property. It channels the golden glow of a Hamptons sunset with design-forward interiors, global coastal cuisine, and a focus on local ingredients. The blue crab bucatini is one of our favorite pastas out East. Come 11 p.m., it transforms into one of the liveliest nightclubs around—a true celebration of summer.
Pierre’s (Bridgehampton)
In Bridgehampton, Pierre’s channels a French seaside bistro vibe with lively sidewalk seating and a warm atmosphere. Chef-owner Pierre Weber delivers Riviera classics like steak frites, fresh seafood, and delicate pastries. From morning croissants to evening dinners, it’s a favorite for effortless charm and people-watching.

Sag Harbor Tavern (Sag Harbor)
Sag Harbor Tavern, the East End outpost of Red Hook Tavern, brings cozy fire pits and harbor-town charm to a laid-back setting. The must-order lineup includes their iconic burger (easily the best out East), a crisp romaine wedge salad, and the Dukes Martini—made with both gin and vodka and served with house-made blue cheese-stuffed olives.
Léon 1909 (Shelter Island)
Léon 1909 occupies a former bank on Shelter Island, mixing rustic charm with a romantic yet relaxed vibe. The melon and French bean appetizer stands out, and the house-made bread is worth the extra charge. It’s casual elegance that draws a loyal crowd, and seats are hard to come by.
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Sí Sí (East Hampton)
Now in its fifth season, Sí Sí is one of the East End’s best waterfront spots. Nestled inside the lovely EHP Resort, it channels a South of France feel. Must-tries include the Lobster Cobb, tuna tartare, expertly made martinis, and the Costa Caliente—a tequila cocktail with cantaloupe and red pepper.
Sunset Beach (Shelter Island)
Sunset Beach feels like a European summer escape with its bar, wine garden, restaurant, and beach club combo. Their Spaghetti alla Nerano ranks in our top five pastas of all time, alongside perfect steak frites and a beautifully done roast chicken. Kick back with a spritz and revel in the old Hollywood glamour at this Shelter Island favorite.
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Swifty’s (East Hampton)
Following its 2019 Palm Beach comeback, Swifty’s landed at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton. Robert Caravaggi’s spot pairs old-school charm with elevated American classics. It’s a favorite for locals and A-listers alike. Dishes like the smashed avocado and jumbo lump crab cakes are unforgettable—but it’s the see-and-be-seen atmosphere that keeps everyone coming back.

Tutto Il Giorno (Sag Harbor)
Tutto Il Giorno’s Sag Harbor location, tucked inside Urban Zen’s retail space, serves elevated coastal Italian in a chic setting. Must-tries include seasonal crudo, handmade pastas, and local seafood. The crowd is beyond stylish, the service polished, and the linen-draped interiors make it perfect for long lunches or relaxed dinners that stretch into the night.
Crow’s Nest (Montauk)
Montauk’s Crow’s Nest comes alive at sunset. This boho-chic spot serves Mediterranean and New American dishes like whipped ricotta and day boat scallops on a sprawling lawn overlooking Lake Montauk. Rustic interiors and lantern-lit gardens attract a cool, trendy crowd. It’s walk-in only, so get there early.
Bonus Spots? East Hampton Grill, Bostwick’s, Camp Rubirosa, GiGi’s, Mavericks, Rosie’s, Almond, Moby’s, Sen, & Le Bilboquet.