Best Restaurants Southampton 2025: Where to Eat in the Hamptons

Best Restaurants Southampton: The Essential List

After extensive research and firsthand dining experiences, these restaurants represent the definitive Southampton dining guide for 2025. However, keep in mind that the Hamptons restaurant scene evolves rapidly, and reservations during peak season require planning weeks in advance.

75 Main: The Celebrity Power Scene

If you’re looking for the table that doubles as a social statement, 75 Main delivers. Owner Zach Erdem has built what is arguably Southampton’s most photographed dining room, where the celebrity sightings are as reliable as the cacio e pepe. Specifically, the restaurant has welcomed Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Paris Hilton, Brooke Shields, Jon Bon Jovi, Nancy Pelosi, and Barbara Walters through its French doors.

The venue gained national attention as the setting for Discovery+’s reality series Serving the Hamptons, which followed the restaurant’s staff through the 2021 summer season. Consequently, the scene has only intensified. The dining room features hardwood floors, copper ceiling fixtures, and local art, while the outdoor seating offers prime Main Street people-watching.

Food-wise, the menu spans Italian and New American cuisine. Order the Chinese chicken salad for lunch or the Pan Roast Alaskan Halibut for dinner. The late-night lounge operates Thursday through Saturday during summer, transforming into a full nightclub experience.

Sant Ambroeus: Milan Meets Main Street

Since 1936, the Sant Ambroeus name has signified Milanese elegance, and the Southampton outpost maintains that legacy with precision. The restaurant imports the sophisticated café culture of Milan’s intelligentsia directly to the Hamptons, offering everything from morning cappuccinos to refined evening dinners.

The interior features ivory leather banquettes and iconic black-and-white striped chairs, while the vine-covered outdoor patio provides a secluded retreat from Main Street’s bustle. Furthermore, the kitchen emphasizes locally sourced seafood and farmer’s market ingredients alongside classic Milanese preparations.

Order the cacio e pepe, which regulars describe as among the finest they’ve tasted. The espresso bar, in-house pastries, and handcrafted gelato make this an all-day destination. Although prices run high even by Hamptons standards, the quality of ingredients and execution justifies the investment for those who understand the difference.

Dopo Argento: The Late-Night Italian Scene

The name means “after silver” in Italian, a subtle nod to the space’s former tenant, Silver’s Restaurant. Today, Dopo Argento has emerged as Southampton’s premier late-night destination, where the cocktail bar scene rivals the dining experience. Consequently, it’s become “the place” to meet people and extend the evening.

The menu showcases Modern Mediterranean cuisine with strong Italian influences. Specifically, standout dishes include the king crab fusilli and the crab pasta, which receive consistent praise. The restaurant sources salads from local farms and offers crafted pasta dishes alongside fresh local seafood and prime meats.

Because outdoor dining is essential during summer months, the sidewalk seating has become prime real estate for those who understand that being seen matters as much as eating well. Appetizers range from $25 to $32, pastas $29 to $37, and main courses $46 to $65.

Pop-Up by Rocco: Celebrity Chef Destination

Award-winning Chef Rocco DiSpirito is entering his third season in Southampton with this seasonal pop-up, and the buzz has only grown. The menu changes daily, built around what DiSpirito calls “Italian coastal flare with a lot of focus on seafood, pasta, and vibrant sauces.” Given the chef’s James Beard Award pedigree and cookbook fame, expectations run high—and he delivers.

DiSpirito sources ingredients hyper-locally, working directly with Hank’s Farmstand in Southampton for tomatoes and securing line-caught Bluefin from nearby waters. The resulting dishes include linguine vongole made with local chowder clams, wild bigeye tuna crudo, and pomodoro sauce that DiSpirito makes fresh daily because, as he puts it, people have “a-ha moments” when they taste freshly made sauce versus canned.

The terrace dining experience, surrounded by blooming hydrangeas, creates the atmosphere of an elegant seaside escape. Although the restaurant operates seasonally, DiSpirito frequently greets tables personally, making this a genuine celebrity chef experience rather than a name-only operation.

The Plaza Café: The Chef-Owner Legacy

Chef Doug Gulija represents a rare breed on the East End: a true local who has operated his own restaurant for 28 years. He started washing dishes at the Old Mill in Southampton at age 13, trained under a French chef from Burgundy, studied at Johnson & Wales, staged at Le Grand Véfour in Paris, and returned home to build what many consider the Hamptons’ most consistently excellent fine dining experience.

The menu emphasizes local and sustainable seafood, with dishes like the Crab & Tuna Tian, local Black Sea Bass, and the legendary Apple Pecan Caramel Cake for dessert. The wine list features selections you may not know, curated with a sommelier’s eye for discovery rather than trophy bottles.

Important 2025 Update: After 28 years at The Plaza Café, Chef Gulija is opening Fēniks this summer at 75 Jobs Lane in the former Le Chef space. The new restaurant, a partnership with cousin Skip Norsic, promises a fusion of tradition and innovation while the Plaza Café continues through its final months.

T-Bar Southampton: Upper East Side Steakhouse Goes Hamptons

When the Upper East Side’s power steakhouse T-Bar established its Southampton outpost, it brought Manhattan’s caviar-and-designer-bag crowd along for the ride. Now entering its fifth consecutive summer season, T-Bar Southampton has become a destination for serious steak lovers and those who appreciate the particular social currency of a white-tablecloth steakhouse.

Restaurateur Tony Fortuna and partner Derek Axelrod oversee a menu that spans classic steakhouse fare with inventive New American additions. The crispy sushi has become a signature starter, while the Prime Aged New York Strip ($69) and Dry-Aged Black Angus Ribeye ($78) headline the meat program. The Black Angus Porterhouse for two runs $138 and serves two to three.

The outdoor terrace and garden make this an ideal evening cocktail destination, while the elegant interior delivers the steakhouse experience Manhattan regulars expect. Note that T-Bar Southampton operates seasonally, closing for winter months.

Namiro: The 2025 Newcomer

Opened in May 2025, Namiro represents the year’s most exciting addition to Southampton’s dining scene. The team behind this venture includes music executives Alexis and Gary Spangler and Jon Lewis, who partnered with Kenneth Lockard of KRL Construction to transform the former Bamboo space into a refined yet welcoming sushi destination.

Chef Raul Curuz leads the kitchen, sourcing fish directly from Japan while also featuring local catches. Standout rolls include the Namiro, Umami Roll, and Sekebi Roll, all receiving early praise for freshness and expert construction. The watermelon margarita has quickly become a signature cocktail.

Unlike many Hamptons restaurants that close for winter, Namiro operates year-round, positioning itself as a permanent addition rather than a seasonal experiment. The beautiful design and seven-nights-a-week availability have already made it a local favorite.

Best Restaurants Southampton for Seafood

Given Southampton’s coastal location, seafood quality here rivals anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard. These establishments specialize in the bounty of local waters:

Cowfish: Waterfront Dining Done Right

Part of Rooted Hospitality Group, Cowfish offers canal views from its expansive patio and dock, making it one of the few Southampton-area restaurants accessible by boat. The menu pairs steaks, seafood, and sushi in a stylish setting with rustic furnishings.

The jumbo buffalo shrimp with crumbled Danish blue cheese has achieved near-legendary status, while the happy hour (3–5pm) delivers half-priced appetizers, wine, beer, and cocktails. Because the venue accommodates weddings and large events, the staff handles groups with experienced professionalism.

Lunch Lobster Roll: The No-Frills Icon

Housed in an old diner five minutes from downtown Southampton, Lunch offers outdoor seating only (including a dog-friendly grass area) and serves what many consider the best lobster roll on the East End. Order at the window, grab a bench, and understand that the lack of pretense is entirely the point.

The menu spans Connecticut-style (warm with butter) and traditional (cold with mayo) preparations. The “whale” roll offers the most lobster meat for those who understand that size matters in this context. Sweet potato fries with honey mustard round out the experience.

Best Restaurants Southampton for Local Atmosphere

Shippy’s: The 60-Year Southampton Institution

For more than six decades, Shippy’s has served as Southampton’s community gathering place. Current owner John Betts (former McDonald’s Canada President and CEO) maintains the commitment to quality local ingredients while adding modern touches, including a newly renovated Bavarian-style Biergarten featuring Greenport Otherside IPA, Montauk Wave Chaser IPA, and German classics like Warsteiner and Paulaner.

A portion of all sales supports local charities including Heart of the Hamptons and Tunnels to Towers. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch year-round—a rarity in the seasonal Hamptons market.

Claude’s at the Southampton Inn

Attached to the Southampton Inn, Claude’s offers farm-to-table fare in a charming courtyard setting with twinkling bistro lights. The kitchen sources vegetables from the Inn’s own garden when in season, and locally sourced seafood anchors the menu.

The outdoor dining options include the courtyard, pool patio, and various sitting areas around the property. Essentially, this is comfortable American dining without pretense, ideal for families or casual business meals.

Southampton Dining: Price Guide 2025

Price Key: $$ = $30–50/person, $$$ = $50–90/person, $$$$ = $90+/person

Southampton Restaurant Tips for 2025

Reservation Strategy

During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), reservations at popular restaurants fill weeks in advance. Therefore, book early through Resy or OpenTable. For last-minute needs, try calling restaurants directly during off-peak hours—cancellations happen, and hosts appreciate phone calls over app refreshes.

Thursday night has emerged as the new Friday for savvy diners looking to avoid weekend crowds while still catching the social scene. Similarly, early dinner seatings (5:30–6pm) are easier to secure and allow for leisurely meals.

Off-Season Dining

Many seasonal restaurants close between October and May, but year-round establishments like Shippy’s, 75 Main, Sant Ambroeus, and Namiro maintain full operations. Consequently, winter dining offers a completely different experience—locals dominate, wait times disappear, and chefs often experiment with seasonal specials.

Dress Code Reality

Southampton dining spans the spectrum from beach casual to business elegant. Obviously, fine dining establishments expect appropriate attire (no swimwear, covered shoulders, closed-toe shoes for men at steakhouses). However, the overall Hamptons aesthetic skews toward “effortlessly polished” rather than formal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best restaurant in Southampton, NY?

The answer depends on your priorities. If celebrity sightings and nightlife matter most, 75 Main dominates. The Plaza Café has delivered consistent culinary excellence for 28 years. For an authentic Italian atmosphere, Sant Ambroeus sets the standard. And for a celebrity chef experience, Pop-Up by Rocco offers something unique each summer.

Are Southampton restaurants expensive?

Yes, by most standards. Expect to spend $75–$150 per person at fine dining establishments and $40–$75 at mid-range restaurants. However, casual spots like Lunch Lobster Roll and Shippy’s offer quality meals in the $25–$50 range.

Do I need reservations for Southampton restaurants?

During summer season (Memorial Day–Labor Day), reservations are essential at popular restaurants and should be made 1–4 weeks in advance. Off-season dining is more flexible, but calling ahead is still recommended for weekend dinners.

Which Southampton restaurants are open year-round?

75 Main, Sant Ambroeus, Dopo Argento, Namiro, Shippy’s, Claude’s, and Cowfish operate year-round. Seasonal restaurants like T-Bar Southampton, Pop-Up by Rocco, and some beach-adjacent spots close in fall and reopen around Memorial Day.

Where can I see celebrities in Southampton?

75 Main has the longest track record of celebrity sightings, having hosted everyone from the Kardashians to Leonardo DiCaprio. Sant Ambroeus attracts a sophisticated Manhattan crowd, while Pop-Up by Rocco draws food-world celebrities and influencers.

What’s the best lobster roll in Southampton?

Lunch Lobster Roll (formerly LUNCH) on County Road 39 is widely considered the gold standard. The outdoor-only setting, no-frills approach, and quality of the lobster have earned a devoted following. Order the “whale” for maximum lobster.

Final Thoughts

Southampton’s restaurant scene reflects the village itself: a blend of old-money tradition, new-money ambition, and genuine culinary talent. The best experiences happen when you match the restaurant to the occasion rather than chasing whatever’s trending on Instagram.

Book ahead, dress appropriately, and remember that the real currency in Hamptons dining isn’t what you order—it’s knowing where to go in the first place.

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• Celebrities in the Hamptons 2025
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• Celebrity Homes in the Hamptons