Best East Hampton Restaurants
East Hampton has seen so many different restaurants come and go, but there are some that have managed to withstand the test of time. In addition to this, the culinary scene in the region has begun to really take off in recent years, and newcomers to the restaurant industry here are backed by talented and innovative chefs, ready to make their mark in New York.
Nick & Toni’s
Reminiscent of a Tuscan farmhouse, Nick & Toni’s is somewhat of an institution in the Hamptons, and is where you are most likely to spot your favorite celebrity. Three different dining rooms surround the restaurant’s centrepiece of a large wood burning oven, and the menu, which features Italian and Mediterranean influences, changes seasonally, making use of ingredients from the restaurant’s very own organic garden, as well as local farmers and fisherman.
The Lobster Roll
The lobster roll is a speciality dish in the region, and this casual restaurant sporting the same name, situated just off Montauk Highway, serves up some of the tastiest lobster rolls you will have ever tried. The Lobster Roll uses a recipe that dates back to over 50 years ago, and portions here are always extremely generous. In addition to the lobster rolls, their clam chowder, steamed lobsters and baked stuffed flounder are all worth sampling.
The 1770 House
The 1770 House, which is located in a historic inn that dates all the way back to 1663, is home to two contrasting dining rooms, each headed up by chef Michael Rozzi and his contemporary American style of cooking. The main dining room, as well as the patio, features a sophisticated fine dining menu, serving up dishes such as white bean ravioli with bacon, and sticky braised ribs that melt away in your mouth, while the Tavern downstairs is much more casual, focussing on traditional pub fare.
The Living Room at The Maidstone
Considered to be one of the finest hotels in East Hampton, it is no surprise that The Maidstone also boasts a high quality restaurant. Committed to adhering to the Slow Food movement, this Scandinavian-inspired restaurant creates Swedish-style dishes but with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Some of the standout dishes that you will find here include the Long Island Duck Breast served with rye berries, baby beets and nasturtium flowers, and the Kottbullar, otherwise known as the Swedish meatball, accompanied with a lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers. The restaurant also places a strong emphasis on fresh pasta, adding their own unique twist to their handmade creations, from the hot smoked paprika in the egg-based Parpadelle dough to the Parisian Gnocchi that is made with Pate Choux dough rather than potatoes.
While the restaurant scene may have taken a while to really pick up in East Hampton, there are now plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dining out. From the fresh seafood at the casual Lobster Roll to the Scandinavian fare at The Living Room at The Maidstone, each of these establishments promises an unforgettable meal.