While fall foliage is for Hudson Valley and the Catskills, summer sun is for the Hamptons. Yes, it’s that time of year when half of New York City decamps Out East. But where is everyone eating? Of course, there are old favourites like Il Buco al Mare, O by Kissaki, Pierre’s, and Duryea’s. But there’s a fresh crop of newcomers to check out, too. From one of Manhattan’s best pizza spots to a global sensation making its East End debut, here are the top 10 spots to try this summer.
Mary Lou's, Montauk
Best for: drinks and dancing.
This West Palm Beach hotspot is migrating north for summer, landing in Montauk on June 5, where Montauk Lake meets the sea. Maximalist interiors provide a background for live DJs and dancing every weekend. The theme here is ’70s and ’80s extravagance. Foodwise, you can expect wagyu burgers, lobster pasta, and an array of small plates to pair with your dirty martini or speciality spritz.
marylousmtk.com


474 W Lake Dr, NY 11954
Camp Rubirosa and Crazy Pizza, East Hampton
Best for: European- and New York-style pizza.
Two popular SoHo pizza places both head to East Hampton this summer for the first time. Fashionistas and fans of the iconic Tie Dye Pizza will be thrilled to see the popular Rubirosa pop up out East with a menu of pizza, pasta, and seafood. And Monaco’s Crazy Pizza, which debuted in the city last fall, is bringing its hand-tossed, super-thin-crust pizzas – along with its signature spinning chefs and live DJ sets –to the shore as well.
camprubirosa.com | crazypizza.com


31 Race Ln, NY 11937 (Camp Rubirosa)
Artie's in the Hamptons, Bridgehampton
Best for: somewhere to chill with your crew.
A new addition to Arthur & Sons (which debuted last year in Bridgehampton for the first time), Artie’s in the Hamptons is a spin-off of the bar and lounge, Artie’s Backroom, which recently launched at the restaurant’s Murray Hill location. Guests can expect a bar menu featuring Artie’s speciality margaritas alongside Joe Isidori’s award-winning burgers, and his popular Korean BBQ wings with buttermilk, dill, and lime.
arthurandsonsnyc.com


203 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, NY 11932
gigi's, Montauk
Best for: a swanky night out.
Gurney’s Montauk has a brand-new restaurant this summer. Opening June 16, gigi’s Montauk will feature signature family-style dishes by Justin Lee (previously of Mina Group). Expect dishes such as the ‘angry lobster’ (a 1.5 lb lobster tossed in a smoky, spicy sauce with chili powder, cayenne, and Aleppo pepper), the ‘giant shrimp scampi’ (baked, halved shrimp in a tangy lemongrass-infused mayo), and the ‘gigi sushi roll’ (spicy Hamachi topped with tobiko and crispy shallots).
gigismtk.com


290 Old Montauk Hwy, NY 11954
La Brasserie by Bagatelle, Montauk
Best for: somewhere to see and be seen
Beloved 80-year-old Gosman’s Dock in Montauk was sold last year, and now the new owners have brought in global French hospitality group Bagatelle to run the food and beverage at the waterfront spot. The indoor/outdoor La Brasserie by Bagatelle serves French Mediterranean cuisine by Daniel Boulud-trained executive chef Rémi Chevallier, using locally sourced fish and seafood for dishes like seafood towers, tuna tartar, and steamed, roasted, or grilled lobster. The rosé- and Champagne-rich wine list offer the perfect pairings.
bagatelle.com


500 W Lake Dr, NY 11954
Namiro Sushi, Southampton
Best for: raw fish fans.
Chef Raul Cruz leads Namiro, a 3,000-square-foot, indoor/outdoor modern Asian fusion spot with a mahogany bar and panelling, and brightly coloured silk lanterns hanging from the ceiling. In addition to a range of maki rolls and nigiri, there’s ramen, yakitori, miso cod, and Korean fried chicken on the menu, too. Cocktails include a lychee-tini, and the curated list of hot and cold sake rivals those at Singapore’s best sake bars.
namirosushi.com


76c Jobs Ln, NY 11968
Fēniks, Southampton
Best for: a variety of dining experiences all under one roof
Slated to open mid-June, Fēniks is inside the old Le Chef restaurant in Southampton, which has been renovated into a sleek and modern bi-level space. Veteran Hamptons chef Douglas Gulija (previously of seafood spot Plaza Café) will offer three dining experience: an à la carte option (serving a seafood-centred menu with dishes such as local black sea bass with udon noodles, mushrooms, and ginger lemongrass broth), a six-seat chef’s counter (serving an eight-course tasting menu), and a lounge-style mezzanine (serving cocktails and small plates).
feniks.com


75 Jobs Ln, NY 11968
Sagaponack General Store, Sagaponack
Best for: grabbing sandwiches and picnic provisions.
This historic spot from the 1800s has returned in April after a four-year renovation. While it’s not a full-service restaurant and only has outdoor tables, Brooklyn’s Daniel Eddy (of Winner) created the menu, which includes a breakfast sandwich, ham and cheese baguettes, and baked goods like cinnamon rolls. La Colombe cold brew and lattes are on tap. There’s plenty of prepared food, too, like soups and rotisserie chicken dinners.
sagaponackgeneralstore.com


542 Sagg Main St, NY 11962
Swifty's at the Hedges, East Hampton
Best for: an Upper East Side vibe in the East End.
Swifty’s was an Upper East Side institution until owners Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall moved it to their hotel, The Colony, in West Palm Beach in 2019. Now, Swifty’s is reborn again at East Hampton’s historic Hedges Inn, which was bought by the Wetenhalls in February. Expect seasonal florals from Lewis Miller, linens from Schumacher, and locally sourced ingredients from purveyors such as Montauk Shellfish, Braun Seafood, Balsam Farms, and Catapano Dairy Farm. Order a signature dish: Swifty’s crushed avocado, jumbo lump Maryland crab cakes, or the chicken curry salad.
thehedgeseasthampton.com


74 James Ln, NY 11937
Wayan & Ma•dé, East Hampton
Best for: flavours you won’t find elsewhere Out East.
Cédric and Ochi Vongerichten, the couple behind popular Manhattan restaurants Wayan and Ma•dé, bring their Indonesian and Southeast Asian dishes to the Hamptons again. While this is their third time summering Out East, the restaurants have a new home this year at EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton. Expect menu items like fluke sashimi, black bass a la plancha, and grilled lobster. Save room for the pandan custard with passionfruit and chocolate mousse with avocado ice cream for dessert.
cvrestaurantgroup.com

