All aboard. Summer’s calling. 🚂

The Hamptons Restaurant Guide You Actually Need This Summer

24 new openings, residencies, and returns worth getting off the couch for

Let’s be honest — someone announces every single year that the Hamptons have peaked. And every single year, the Hamptons couldn’t care less. Summer 2026 is no different, and if anything, the East End is having a moment that’s less about see-and-be-seen flash and more about actual experiences worth showing up for.

This season’s energy feels different — more intentional. A perfect martini at a spot that feels like it’s been there forever (it hasn’t, it opened three weeks ago). A waterfront table where the food matches the view. A café that becomes your morning non-negotiable before you’ve even unpacked. That’s the vibe.

Whether you’re a summer-long local, a weekend regular, or plotting your annual pilgrimage out East, here’s your insider hit list. Get your reservations now — these fill up fast.

This is what you came for. No further explanation needed.

— SAG HARBOR —

Babe’s | 51 Division St, Sag Harbor

Eight seats. That’s it. This tiny, whisper-network diner from Julian Cavin, Martine Langatta, and Jonny Shipes has built a cult following practically overnight on the strength of an elevated candy bacon egg-and-cheese on an everything kaiser roll, local produce from Quail Hill and Balsam Farms, and a Banana Milkshake paying homage to the legendary Cyril’s. The line outside is half the experience — and half social event.

The Corner | 1 Main St, Sag Harbor

A beloved Main Street institution gets a fresh chapter under John and Kelly Piccinnini (the team behind The Clam Bar and Sett Coffee). Classic burgers, fish and chips, regional craft beers — all with a polished-up interior and subtle nods to Sag Harbor’s maritime soul. The neighborhood feel stays intact, which is exactly the point.

Miracle | 29 Main St, Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor native Michael Nolan is coming home. In the former Vin Sur Vingt space, he’s opening a year-round modern American restaurant helmed by chef Jesus Gonzales with interiors inspired by classic English pub culture. Warm, neighborhood, and thoroughly considered — this one’s going to be a staple.

SunLife Organics | 1615 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke, Sag Harbor

The California wellness cult has landed on the East End, taking over the beloved former Estia’s Little Kitchen space. Smoothies, açaí bowls, tonics — West Coast energy with an East End address. If you have a beach morning routine, this is your new first stop.

— SOUTHAMPTON —

Maison Close | 281 County Rd 39A, Southampton (Capri Hotel)

Fresh from its buzzy Soho debut, Maison Close is doing a summer residency at the Capri Hotel and bringing full Saint-Tropez energy with it. Leisurely brunches, seafood, Mediterranean fare, and an atmosphere that slides seamlessly from pool day to actual evening out. Southampton needed this.

Sirene | 15 Prospect St, Southampton

The old Main Prospect space has been completely reimagined as a Mediterranean chophouse — mezze, kebabs, premium steaks, whole branzino, lobster, and gorgeous outdoor gardens. Weekend DJs push it into nightlife territory. Dinner and a scene, all in one.

— EAST HAMPTON —

Lion’s Nook Bar & Grill | 10 Main St, East Hampton

From the Springs Tavern team, a new East Hampton Village restaurant in the historic space that was once O’Malley’s and Rowdy Hall. Think elevated American fare meets classic pub — designed as a year-round gathering spot, which the Village genuinely needs more of.

Camp Rubirosa | 31 Race Ln, East Hampton

It sold out every night last summer and now it’s officially a permanent East End fixture. The iconic Mulberry Street pizzeria brings its tie-dye pies and Italian-American nostalgia back to Race Lane each season. If you somehow missed it last year, fix that immediately.

The Tusk Bar at Moby’s | 341 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton

One of downtown Manhattan’s best cocktail bars returns to Moby’s for a second summer residency. Seasonal rotating cocktails, a front oyster station, and the kind of energy that makes “just one drink” a very optimistic plan.

Crazy Pizza | 47 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton

The ultra-thin hand-tossed pizzas and spinning-chef theatrics are back for summer two — and new for 2026: pizza-making classes for adults and kids, local collaborations, and limited-edition cocktails. Dinner and entertainment.

— BRIDGEHAMPTON —

Tutto Caffè | 2426 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton (former Golden Pear space)

Gabby Karan de Felice expanding the Tutto Il Giorno universe into an all-day café concept? Yes please. Italian-inspired coffee, pastries, light bites, and an easygoing atmosphere in the space we’ve all mourned since Golden Pear closed. This feels right.

Elaia Estiatorio | 95 School St, Bridgehampton

A returning favorite worth a reminder — Chris Boudouris and Sofia Crokos are back with locally sourced seasonal ingredients and authentic Greek recipes, new menu additions for 2026, and an impressive Greek wine list. If you haven’t been, this is the summer you fix that.

Nourish by The Roundtree | 203 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke, Bridgehampton

Wellness dining done with actual intention. Roundtree owner Sylvia Wong and chef Dewa Wijaya draw inspiration from Bali, the Maldives, and Turks and Caicos — think grain-free avocado toast with heirloom tomatoes, whole local sea bass, and a lobster roll reimagined with macadamia nut and miso. For when you want to feel good and eat well.

— MONTAUK —

Golden hour out East. There’s really nothing like it. 🌅

Talya | 148 S Emerson Ave, Montauk

After building a serious following during its Ruschmeyer’s pop-up run, Talya has found its permanent home on the Montauk beachfront. Greek meets French in a seafood-forward menu — wild striped bass in vine leaves, crab orzo, kebabs with currants and pistachios — against one of the best waterfront settings out East. This one earned its spot.

Gosman’s Lobster House & Clam Bar | 484 W Lake Dr, Montauk

A new chapter at the iconic Gosman’s Dock, with fresh-off-the-boat Montauk seafood, classic dockside dining, harbor views, and the return of the Topside Bar for what is genuinely one of the best sunset perches on the East End.

The Hamptons in one plate. 🦞

Chelsea Living Room at Gurney’s | 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk

Downtown Manhattan’s buzziest late-night spot takes over Gurney’s oceanfront Dune Lounge with rotating DJs, a martini-forward cocktail menu, caviar service, lobster toast, and sweeping ocean views. Candlelit, convivial, and very likely to become the Montauk nightlife destination this season.

Alba Spiaggia at Montauk Yacht Club | 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk

Coastal Italian overlooking Lake Montauk from Prince Street Hospitality. House-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, open-fire cooking. The kind of place where a long lunch becomes dinner without anyone complaining about it.

Barlume Beach | 435 E Lake Dr, Montauk

LDV Hospitality’s most anticipated opening of the summer — 40,000 square feet on Montauk Harbor combining a hotel, beach club, all-day dining, and music programming wrapped in full la dolce vita energy. Coastal Italian fare, craft cocktails, marina views, and a social scene that builds through the day. This will be everywhere on your feed by July.

Mary Lou’s | 474 W Lake Dr, Montauk

Last summer’s breakout is back with an expanded live music lineup, new food offerings, and the anything-goes energy that made it a phenomenon. Previous performers included Chromeo, Coco & Breezy, and Austin Millz — this year’s lineup is still under wraps but you should probably just plan to be there regardless.

Este at Offshore Montauk | 71 S Emerson Ave, Montauk

Opening later this season — three levels of oceanfront dining and entertainment perched between the Atlantic and Fort Pond, with rooftop panoramic sunset views, locally sourced menus, fire pits, and outdoor movie nights. A future members club is also in the works. Watch this one closely.

— AMAGANSETT —

Sett Coffee | 136 Main St, Amagansett

The Clam Bar and Corner team adds a café to their East End empire. Specialty coffee, matcha, fresh pastries, and a curated provisions shop with beach-inspired design in the heart of Amagansett. It’s already an East End favorite — and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why.

— SAGAPONACK —

Jean’s Beach at Old Stove Pub | 3516 Montauk Hwy, Sagaponack

The historic Old Stove Pub is still under renovation following its acquisition by the Jean’s team, but this summer they’re hosting intimate field dinners featuring NYC’s most sought-after chefs as a preview of what’s coming. Early access to a culinary vision — and a reason to follow this one closely all season.

— SHELTER ISLAND —

Dante x The Pridwin | 81 Shore Rd, Shelter Island

The iconic Greenwich Village cocktail bar curates a specialty cocktail menu for The Pridwin this season — waterfront views, award-winning drinks, and Sunday Martini & Mahjong nights that sound like exactly the right kind of summer evening. Add a Shelter Island detour to your itinerary.

— HAMPTON BAYS —

Bar Rêve at Canoe Place Inn | 239 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays — July 7–12 only

One week, that’s it. Brooklyn’s Belle Époque cocktail destination brings its signature Parisian-inspired hospitality to Canoe Place Inn for a limited residency. Their Dirty Martini Chargé alone is worth making the trip. Mark your calendar now.

Reservations, summer plans, and general Hamptons intel — you know where to find me. 🌊

 

Final Thoughts

What I love most about the Hamptons is that there is always something new to discover while still holding onto the places we return to year after year.

This summer feels a little different. The trend isn’t necessarily bigger or flashier. It’s about experiences: a perfect martini, a sunset dinner overlooking the water, a neighborhood coffee shop you’ll visit every morning, or a restaurant that makes you immediately text your friends and say, “We’re going here next weekend.”

If you’re heading east this summer, start making reservations now. The secret is already out.

Which one are you trying first? Let me know in the comments.