An outpost of the Noho restaurant, Il Buco al Mare opened in Amagansett after a summer 2021 pop-up in Montauk. The menu has an entire section devoted to imported tinned fish from the Iberian Peninsula and Italy, but we’re bigger fans of their small plates and ancient grain focaccia that’s made with flour straight from Sicily. It’s perfect for a dinner that’s not too fussy but still a bit upscale. In 2024, they started doing a new lunch menu, including a $32 meyer lemon and tarragon lobster roll.

Fini’s original location is in Williamsburg, but look for their green and white stripe facade near a spacious lawn on Main Street in Amagansett. The retro-style pizzeria offers slices and whole pies, with a white pizza topped with the ideal trinity of soft fontina, sharp parm, and melty mozzarella, with a lemon wedge on the side. Classic cheese and pepperoni are excellent too, as are the Sicilian slices. We also love the caesar.

Relocated from East Hampton Village to Amagansett in fall 2023, Rowdy Hall 2.0 is bigger and arguably better than it ever was. The contentious black exterior aside, there’s a spacious dining area, a bar playing Knicks games, plus an excellent backyard. It’s all about the pub food here—a giant fluffy Bavarian pretzel and buffalo wings, crisp and spicy with a tangy sauce that’s not too intense. The homemade ice cream is worth visiting for, too: creamy, soft, and available in seasonal flavors.

In the heart of Amagansett Square, Doubles does quick service and high-quality Caribbean food. Wake up with a breakfast roti filled with soft scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and pepper sauce, or visit for lunch when curried potato, chicken, chickpea, and pumpkin come in crisp roti or over rice. The burger is also delicious, doused in special sauce, and the Freddie Bowl is also excellent, loaded with rice and peas, stewed vegetables, and chutney topped with salad.

Rosie’s is a breakfast and lunch spot right in the middle of town in Amagansett (they also serve dinner Thursday through Sunday), making it ideal for people-watching with an iced coffee (or glass of rosé). The first-come, first-served restaurant has a “blunch” menu with everything from granola and avocado toast to a smashburger, but we especially like the crispy chicken BLT. Look out for when they host other NYC restaurants (like Wayan and Charlie Bird) for dinner pop-ups.

La Fondita has been a casual taco order-at-the-counter mainstay for years, and in 2019 they added this great sit-down restaurant right next door. While La Fondita is still decent in a pinch, it seems like they’ve put all their energy into Coche, which has quickly become one of our favorites in the area. Settle in with something from their extensive tequila list, then order some ceviche and the chicken or duck, both of which come with homemade tortillas.

Just a bit down the road from the OG Lunch, you’ll find Clam Bar. The menu is similar, and while we love the lobster salad roll here too, we like to come to Clam Bar for everything else—oysters, clams, and even whole lobsters. The all-outdoor setting is the perfect place to eat before or after you hit the beach, and they even have a solid wine and beer list.

Last year’s newest Italian restaurant is this season’s hottest pop-up. The Wayan & Madé Out East menus at Dopo Buttero prioritize locally sourced seafood, plus produce harvested on the South Fork. Dishes are similar to the Balinese food from the Manhattan original, with an extra vacation-worthy twist: think lobster noodles with black pepper butter and thai basil and soy-tamarind glazed ribs that will have you impolitely licking your fingers.

Some may recognize this seasonal indoor-outdoor restaurant as the former spot of Eleven Madison Park’s summer pop-up. But things have majorly shifted and now there’s cornhole, fire pits, dogs and kids playing across the lawn every night, and plenty of chill group hangs. Salads, wood-fired pizzas, and fun pasta dishes are all worth visiting for, or you can just pop in for Happy Hour and bar snacks.

This fast-casual Indian spot is the best choice for a casual but still excellent lunch. The extensive menu of all homemade dosas and uttapams has both traditional (masala potatoes) and more beachy (grilled chicken with goat cheese) fillings, along with a list of daily specials like coconut chicken or seasonal veggie curries. The move is to order a thali platter with soup, naan, yogurt, and chutney, which you should enjoy at the counter indoors, outside on the benches, or as takeout for a picnic.

Carissa’s makes some of the best baked goods and bread in the Hamptons, which makes it a great spot for lunch. The large location looks like a cool person’s home in Oslo, and also has a more extensive menu that includes a bunch of salads and bowls. The original space, in a parking lot behind Newtown Lane, is a convenient spot to pick up a sandwich in town. It’s also the best place to get a coffee in East Hampton.

If you're looking to have a sunset cocktail in East Hampton, do it at Sí Sí, located at East Hampton Point in Three Mile Harbor. This place uses local, seasonal ingredients in things like paella and paccheri verde. And best of all, EHP Resort (where Sí Sí is located) has an impressive marina, which means you can get here by boat. You know, if you happen to own one or know someone that does.

Located just past town, East Hampton Grill is one of the more high-end options in the area. It’s owned by the Hillstone Group, so if you’ve been to a Hillstone or Houston’s, you have some idea of what to expect. And if not, just expect a very nice place to have a meal that's not too casual and not too upscale. The ribs and tuna tartare are the move. For a more casual vibe, you can sit at the bar, still order the full menu, and watch sports on TV.

This isn’t our favorite restaurant out East, but it’s the one that we wind up going to the most (thanks for being open on Mondays, Bostwick’s). The diner-style seafood restaurant is the perfect spot to visit when you can’t decide where else to go, or just don’t have the energy to cook for yourself. It’s quick, it’s casual, and the seafood-heavy menu has a lot of solid options—there’s something fried, grilled, or on a bun for everyone.

At first glance, this old-school fish market may not look like one of the Hamptons’ most beloved restaurants, but step inside the tiny grocer and head to the back for a pretty unique dining experience. Go for the made-to-order combo seafood platter with fried scallops, shrimp, and white fish, and add cocktail sauce on the side. Prices are reasonable for the generous portions—a heaping takeout container of hot fish goes for about $20—and the small outdoor patio is perfect for eating on-site.

You’ve probably already heard about Lulu because your friend/coworker/Airbnb host won’t stop talking about this cute and classic year-round restaurant. They’ve got white tablecloths and friendly service, and you should fill up on wood-fired dishes like melted camembert and roasted cauliflower with grapes. Come by on Wednesdays for 25% off all bottles of wine.

There have been several high-end sushi pop-ups in the Hamptons over the years, but for a more casual, daily situation, Sen is Sag Harbor’s go-to. We once read that Eric Ripert (chef of Le Bernardin) likes to come here, which is a good sign about the quality of fish. Waits can be long at peak times, but they’ve added a nice garden in the back.

With restaurants coming and going quicker than a Jitney round-trip, there aren’t many spots in the Hamptons that can say they’ve been around for over 20 years. But The Beacon has been a Sag staple since 1999, thanks to its consistently good food and great views of the Sag Harbor Bay. Come for $75 two-course sunset dinners or hop over to their sister restaurant, Bell & Anchor, for year-round waterfront fine dining.

A tiny cottage-esque restaurant on Route 114 between Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton, Estia’s is our go-to brunch spot. Breakfast burritos, any of the egg platters, and the tortilla soup are all good bets. They also regularly have great specials, like a homey pozole verde or sweet corn and shrimp enchiladas drenched in salsa verde and avocado sauce. There’s ample outdoor space as well, picnic benches and a stretch of green lawn, and soccer balls to borrow if you’re waiting for a table or takeout.

For years, we’ve known Armin & Judy as that place on 27 right before Bridgehampton, with a sign that says “I Baguette You.” We don't know what that means, but after trying this spot, we’re all in on them and their bread offerings. The focaccia-y pizza is a standout, but the menu full of salads, vegetables, and other entrees is worth a try as well. It’s also very large, and a good last-minute option if you’re with a group.

With an impressive list of wine and cocktails (along with a huge food menu), Elaia is the best Greek restaurant in the Hamptons. But besides all the great dips, spreads, and seafood, we like coming here just to hang out in the lovely space. With floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of candles and flowers, it’s perfect for a chill date night or a low-key dinner with everyone in your house.

Almond is another Bridgehampton mainstay. The food is French bistro stuff like roast chicken and escargot, and there’s an extensive raw bar selection. It’s also one of the liveliest dining rooms you’ll find in the immediate area with an ample sidewalk cafe. Plan for weekly specials, including a $39 two-course prix fixe Tuesday through Thursdays and $25 specials like unlimited mussels and fries on Wednesdays.

Pierre’s is a French bistro in Bridgehampton designed to appeal to the Hamptons crowd that spends winters in St. Barts. The food is actually good, including daily bistro-style specials and staples like Maine lobster fricassée flambéed with cognac and roast rack of lamb coated in herbs de provence. Pierre’s can be a great time if you’re in the right mindset (and budget). Just slick your hair back and wear your finest white pants—you’ll fit right in.

Kissaki’s Watermill location is a welcome addition to the area. We suggest checking out the intimate dining situation (the inside offers sushi bar-only seating) by enjoying their omakase-style menu and sake flights. With courtyard dining available for groups who want more privacy, it’s a romantic spot for date nights and also spacious enough for large gatherings. Their omakase menu is only available Thursday through Saturday —though there’s always delivery and takeout if you're feeling lazy.

Most people come to Suki Zuki for two things: the spicy tuna sandwich and the chicken teriyaki salad. The former is basically a spicy tuna roll in the shape of a triangular tea sandwich, while the latter is a finely chopped salad with chicken, wonton strips, and a tangy dressing. Overall, this is an easygoing sushi place with reasonable prices (vegetable rolls start at $5, seafood at $8) on the one-block strip known as the town of Watermill. Expect a wait on Friday or Saturday nights.

Located in the back of the Watermill Commons, Bistro Ete serves a mix of delicious French and Mediterranean food. It’s charming, laid-back, and a bit more hidden away, which is the opposite of all other Hamptons restaurants. Go for the tableside raclette, melted by a mini charcoal grill on the table, and served with traditional alpine accoutrements. This spot is also known for its extravagant dog menu—think bacon-wrapped chicken thigh stuffed with spinach and topped with veal sauce.

In peak Hamptons form, you can expect to see caviar and designer bags everywhere at this New York City-style steakhouse. T Bar is a crowd-pleaser for really anybody who comes Out East, with a menu of crispy sushi, ceviche, and truffle arancini to start. Bring a crew to share the black angus porterhouse with tangy housemade steak sauce, or stain the white tablecloth solo with a prime-aged burger.

New to Southampton in 2022, this indoor expansion of the local roadside staple is now a year-round attraction. Stop in for a Long Island-style seafood menu, including lobster rolls both drenched in warm butter or packed with lobster salad, creamy clam chowder, and fried clam strips, plus a full bar happily slinging dirty shirleys. Summer brings late nights on the patio, where anyone eager to dance to a Top 40 DJ comes to party.

Come for the fresh pasta, stay for the private garden that you’ll immediately want to move into. We go to Tutto Il Giorno for one of two reasons: a big meal before a night out, or to drink some wine after checking out the stores in town. Either way, it’s a Southampton staple that we find ourselves coming back to time and time again thanks to its reliable food (the spicy tuna tartare is a must) and casual feel.