Hamptons Restaurants: The Definitive Dining Guide for 2026

The reservation confirmation appears on your phone at 8:47 PM on a Tuesday in March. You’ve been refreshing Resy for three weeks. Finally, a Saturday dinner at Nick and Toni’s. This is Hamptons restaurants at their most competitive: tables that function as social currency, menus that change with the fishing boats, and waiting lists that make Manhattan look accommodating.

Dining out East requires strategy. Hamptons restaurants book weeks in advance during peak season, operate on schedules that shift between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and maintain unwritten hierarchies that determine whether you’re seated by the window or near the kitchen. This guide covers everything from the institutions that have anchored the scene for decades to the newcomers redefining what East End dining can be.

The Hamptons Restaurant Landscape

Unlike Manhattan, where restaurant competition drives constant reinvention, the Hamptons dining scene values consistency. Establishments that survive here do so by becoming institutions. The best Hamptons restaurants understand that their clientele returns summer after summer, expecting the same table, the same welcome, and the same perfectly executed dishes they remember from previous seasons. For first-time visitors unfamiliar with the region’s geography, our guide to where are the Hamptons explains how each village differs.

This creates a particular dynamic. New openings face intense scrutiny from diners who already have established favorites. Manhattan restaurants that expand eastward must prove they can maintain quality outside their original ecosystem. Pop-ups and seasonal concepts come and go, but the restaurants featured below have demonstrated staying power.

East Hampton: Where the Power Brokers Dine

East Hampton anchors the Hamptons dining scene with restaurants that attract celebrities, financiers, and families who have summered here for generations. Reservations during peak season require planning measured in weeks, not days.

Nick and Toni’s

Since 1988, Nick and Toni’s has occupied the most coveted reservation in the Hamptons. The Tuscan farmhouse setting, wood-burning oven, and Mediterranean menu draw the same diners year after year. Gael Greene of New York magazine once wrote that she practically leased a table here. That sentiment captures what Nick and Toni’s represents: not just a restaurant, but a social anchor.

Executive chef Joe Realmuto sources produce from the restaurant’s own one-acre organic garden. The menu changes seasonally. Order the wood-oven roasted whole fish with peperonata and sautéed spinach. The zucchini fritto remains a perennial favorite. Expect to spend $75 to $150 per person before wine.

Address: 136 North Main Street, East Hampton
Reservations: Essential. Book via Resy at least two weeks ahead for summer weekends.
Hours: Dinner Wednesday through Monday, 5:30 PM

Sant Ambroeus

The Milanese institution arrived in the Hamptons with its signature blend of Italian cuisine and refined atmosphere. Sant Ambroeus serves breakfast through dinner, making it equally appropriate for morning cappuccinos, business lunches, and evening pasta courses. The Southampton location opened first, followed by East Hampton.

Begin with the artichoke and arugula salad with hearts of palm. The house ravioli with spinach, sage, and ricotta represents Italian cooking at its most elegant. Service maintains European formality without stuffiness. The clientele skews toward those who recognize quality without needing to discuss it.

Address: 30 Main Street, Southampton (original); East Hampton location also available
Reservations: Recommended for dinner, walk-ins possible for lunch
Price: Pastries $5-9, entrées $16-45

Il Buco al Mare

When Il Buco expanded from its beloved downtown Manhattan location to Amagansett, local chefs started calling it the best food in the Hamptons. The wood-burning oven produces focaccia made with ancient Sicilian flour. Chef Justin Smillie emphasizes local seafood and produce in simple, relaxed preparations.

The restaurant takes design inspiration from its sister location, Bottega il Buco in Ibiza. Reservations for prime Saturday times disappear quickly, though early evening slots remain more accessible. The wine list reflects the same careful curation as the menu.

Address: 231 Main Street, Amagansett
Reservations: Highly recommended via Resy

Sag Harbor: Maritime Charm Meets French Sophistication

Sag Harbor’s whaling history gives way to a restaurant scene that balances waterfront casual with international sophistication. The harbor itself provides natural ambiance that no interior designer could replicate.

Le Bilboquet

Known simply as “Bilbo” to regulars, Le Bilboquet brought French Riviera energy to Sag Harbor’s Long Wharf in 2017. Philippe Delgrange’s Upper East Side institution found its summer home overlooking the marina, with investment partners including Ron Perelman, Eric Clapton, and Steven Witkoff.

The horseshoe-shaped bar anchors a scene that extends well past dinner service. Weekend DJs spin while the Cajun chicken and tuna tartare arrive at tables filled with Manhattan’s social set transplanted east. Dress appropriately. The restaurant maintains standards that reflect its clientele.

Address: 1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
Reservations: Extremely difficult for weekend dinner. Call directly.
Price: Entrées $35-60, cocktails $18-36

Tutto Il Giorno

This Southampton staple expanded to Sag Harbor and East Hampton, creating a mini-empire of reliable Italian cooking. The original location’s private garden alone justifies a visit. Spicy tuna tartare starts most meals here. Fresh pasta follows. The casual atmosphere works equally well for post-beach gatherings and proper dinners.

Address: 56 Nugent Street, Southampton (original); additional locations in Sag Harbor and East Hampton
Reservations: Recommended
Website: tuttoilgiorno.com

Beacon

This Sag Harbor institution has operated for over 25 years, building a reputation for consistent quality and waterfront views. Shrimp tacos, lobster rigatoni, and oven-roasted chicken represent the American comfort food menu. The sunset views from waterside tables make this one of the most photographed dining spots on the East End.

Reservations are recommended at least ten days in advance during peak season. The bar scene draws those who couldn’t secure tables, creating an energetic atmosphere that extends the experience beyond traditional dinner service.

Address: 8 West Water Street, Sag Harbor

Montauk: Casual Luxury at Land’s End

Montauk operates by different rules than the rest of the Hamptons. The surfing culture and fishing heritage create space for restaurants that prioritize seafood quality over formal service. Flip-flops are more common than loafers here.

Duryea’s Lobster Deck

Duryea’s transformed from a simple lobster deck into one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the Hamptons. The waterfront setting on Fort Pond Bay delivers spectacular sunsets that draw crowds willing to pay premium prices for the view. The lobster roll, approaching $50, represents some of the finest preparation you’ll find anywhere.

The ordering system remains casual: fill out your order at the table, pay at the window, wait for food delivery. This approach preserves something of the original character despite the elevated prices and clientele. New additions include Sunset Cottages for those who want to extend the experience overnight.

Address: 65 Tuthill Road, Montauk
Reservations: Not accepted. Arrive early for best seating.
Hours: Opens late May, 12 PM weekdays, 11 AM weekends
Price: Lobster roll $50, raw bar platters $85-250

Navy Beach

White picnic tables and navy umbrellas set directly in the sand define Navy Beach’s aesthetic. Since 2010, this modern classic has served seafood with casual elegance. New menu additions for 2025 include shrimp tempura hand rolls and everything bagel-crusted salmon. The setting works particularly well for lunch extending into late afternoon.

Address: 16 Navy Road, Montauk

The Surf Lodge

Equal parts restaurant and scene, The Surf Lodge combines coastal cuisine with a laid-back atmosphere that captures Montauk’s particular energy. Celebrity sightings are common. The food serves its purpose without demanding the spotlight.

Address: 183 Edgemere Street, Montauk
Website: thesurflodge.com

Bridgehampton: Understated Excellence

Bridgehampton offers respite from the intensity of East Hampton and the party atmosphere of Montauk. Restaurants here tend toward sophisticated without being pretentious.

Bridgehampton also hosts Polo Hamptons, making dinner reservations particularly competitive on polo weekends in July.

Almond

This Bridgehampton mainstay has operated since 2001, earning features in Wine Spectator and The New York Times. French bistro cuisine receives careful treatment from chefs Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides. The steak frites with béarnaise represents bistro cooking at its best. Thursday brings ramen; Saturday features seasonal lamb.

Celebrity sightings occur regularly without dominating the atmosphere. The sidewalk seating fills quickly during warm months.

Address: 1970 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton
Reservations: Available online, recommended for dinner

Pierre’s

Classic French bistro dishes and local ingredients create a dining experience that feels transported from Paris’s Left Bank. The atmosphere maintains charm without affectation.

Address: 2468 Main Street, Bridgehampton
Website: pierresbridgehampton.com

New Openings Worth Watching

The 2024 and 2025 seasons brought several notable additions to the Hamptons dining landscape.

Arthur and Sons

The viral Italian restaurant brought its first kitchen outside Manhattan to Bridgehampton, heating up the culinary scene with dishes that generated significant social media attention before doors even opened.

Village Bistro

This French-American bistro opened in the former Rowdy Hall space in East Hampton. Unlike seasonal operations, Village Bistro maintains year-round hours, providing reliable dining options during the quieter months. Steak frites and French onion soup anchor the menu.

Lucky’s

The contemporary steakhouse, already famous in Montecito and SoHo, arrived in the former Cow Hollow Tavern space. Caviar service sits alongside skinny onion rings and market-price surf and turf. Sunday brings spaghetti with wagyu meatballs.

How to Get Reservations at Hamptons Restaurants

Securing tables at the most competitive Hamptons restaurants requires strategy and timing. Follow these approaches to improve your chances.

Book Early

For summer weekend dinners at top-tier establishments, begin attempting reservations three to four weeks in advance. Resy releases tables at specific times. Learn the patterns for your target restaurants and set reminders.

Consider Off-Peak Times

Early seatings (5:30-6:00 PM) and late seatings (after 9:00 PM) remain more accessible than prime 7:30-8:30 slots. Tuesday through Thursday nights offer better availability than weekends. September through October maintains excellent weather with dramatically improved reservation access.

Embrace Walk-Ins

Several excellent Hamptons restaurants don’t accept reservations at all. Coche Comedor in Amagansett serves exceptional Mexican food on a walk-in basis. Arrive early, build in time for a drink at the bar, and enjoy the flexibility.

Try the Bar

Most restaurants serve full menus at the bar. Nick and Toni’s bar seating provides the same quality without the same reservation competition. You may actually prefer the atmosphere.

Build Relationships

Restaurants remember regular customers. Visit during off-peak seasons when competition eases. Return consistently. Treat staff well. Over time, you’ll find that tables become easier to secure.

The Casual Classics

Not every meal requires reservations and strategy. These Hamptons restaurants offer excellent food without the competitive booking.

The Lobster Roll (Lunch)

The “Lunch” sign visible from Montauk Highway has marked this roadside institution since 1965. The lobster roll comes hot with butter or cold with mayonnaise. Neither preparation disappoints. The Southampton expansion provides a second option. Expect lines during peak season.

Address: 1980 Montauk Highway, Amagansett

Bostwick’s

This no-reservations harborside restaurant serves fresh seafood in a casual setting. Peconic oysters, light salads, and lobster rolls on buttery buns draw crowds willing to wait. The East Hampton location maintains indoor and outdoor seating.

Coche Comedor

Exceptional Mexican food without reservation hassle. The rotisserie chicken, glazed duck, and homemade tortillas justify the wait. Fire pits outside make early arrival pleasant. Get there before 6 PM for best seating options.

Address: Amagansett

Waterfront Dining in the Hamptons

The East End’s coastline provides natural advantages for restaurants smart enough to capitalize on the setting. These establishments combine views with quality.

Duryea’s (Montauk): Fort Pond Bay sunsets justify the prices.
Beacon (Sag Harbor): Harbor views with reliable American cuisine.
Le Bilboquet (Sag Harbor): Marina setting with French sophistication.
Cowfish (Hampton Bays): Waterfront seafood and sushi before heading to Montauk.
Sí Sí (East Hampton): Three Mile Harbor views with Mediterranean inspiration.

Year-Round Dining Options

Many Hamptons restaurants operate seasonally, creating challenges for off-season visitors and residents. These establishments maintain year-round hours:

Nick and Toni’s (East Hampton): Reduced schedule but operational through winter.
Sant Ambroeus (Southampton/East Hampton): Year-round service.
Village Bistro (East Hampton): Open all seasons.
The Palm (East Hampton): Steakhouse consistency regardless of season.
Almond (Bridgehampton): Open daily except Tuesday.

Coordinate your dining plans with the summer social calendar by checking our Hamptons Events Calendar.

Dining Strategy by Occasion

Business Dinner: Nick and Toni’s, Sant Ambroeus, Le Bilboquet
Romantic Date: Il Buco al Mare, Almond, Pierre’s
Family Gathering: Tutto Il Giorno, Serafina, Rubirosa
Casual with Friends: Coche Comedor, Lobster Roll, Bostwick’s
Celebrating Special Occasions: Le Bilboquet, Nick and Toni’s, Duryea’s
Waterfront Sunset: Duryea’s, Navy Beach, Beacon

For more on Hamptons lifestyle and events, explore Social Life Magazine, covering the East End since 2002. See our guides to the Polo Hamptons 2026 event and Hamptons summer rentals.

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