Five restaurants worth showing up for before the crowd does
With summer fast approaching, famed Hamptons hot spots are gearing up for the season’s annual influx of elite New Yorkers, celebrities, fashion designers, socialites and other affluent regulars. Known for its locally sourced seafood and diverse dining choices, visitors will be eager to indulge in the area’s generous offering of culinary experiences.
While some dining mainstays are open year-round, the seaside Clam Bar at Napeague in Amagansett launches the 2026 summer dining scene into action when it opens April 17. Joining the seasonal lineup in mid-May is Duryea’s Montauk. Other popular dining establishments are slated to open closer to Memorial Day, including Swifty’s at The Hedges Inn.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, we present our favorite off-season restaurants in the eastern end of Long Island in New York state. These establishments are tried and true and—thankfully for those who spent any time out East during this chilly winter and spring—are all very cozy.
1. East Hampton Grill
TheVesper martinis are always a good idea on a Friday night, and East Hampton Grill serves these to perfection in chilled glasses that are replaced halfway through the round. Come for the spinach artichoke dip and rosemary buttermilk biscuits, and stay for the prime rib.
If you can arrive in time for the limited crab cake that is available, it’s the perfect starter for the table. East Hampton Grill offers excellent service and a taste of Americana.
2. LDV at the Maidstone
Nestled in this historic East Hampton inn, LDV at the Maidstone offers its well-heeled clientele a true vibe of La Dolce Vita. During a recent late winter visit, the fireplace was roaring as the aperitivos, or Italian premeal drinks and light snacks, were flowing.
While the bar is a happening summer destination, LDV is a charming location year-round. Chef Jorge Espinoza serves brunch and dinner throughout the year, and the Cappellacci, a traditional stuffed Italian egg pasta from Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, is not to be missed.
3. Lulu Kitchen & Bar
This Sag Harbor eatery’s patio is the perfect summer lunch spot with a pooch, yet Lulu Kitchen & Bar is an equally cherished hot spot in winter. Lulu offers lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch, and no outing here is complete without its famed signature heirloom cauliflower for the table.
During a spring weekend foray recently, two different types of mussels were on the menu. The first was mussels a la plancha, a Spanish-style dish with fresh mussels seared on a plancha, or flat metal plate; or in a cast-iron skillet, often with olive oil, garlic, lemon and white wine.
The other was the moules marinières, a classic French dish featuring fresh mussels steamed in a savory broth of white wine, shallots, butter, garlic and parsley. Both were heavenly, and a stop at nearby The American Hotel made for a splendid nightcap.
4. Pierre’s Restaurant
Along with its French market, Pierre’s in Bridgehampton, New York, is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner every day of the year. If you’re lucky during a visit, you might get to meet Pierre Weber, owner and fifth-generation baker.
Pierre’s is well known for its wine list and French-inspired menu. Its omelette aux épinards et fromage de chèvre, or spinach and goat cheese omelet, and le steak haché Americain à cheval, or ground beef steak or chopped steak topped with a fried egg, are the perfect late spring brunch orders—especially with a bottle of Sancerre.
5. The Palm at the Huntting Inn
Adjacent to the East Hamptons Jitney stop, which is a who’s who of Hamptonites arriving annually, The Palm is a busy hub of activity 12 months a year. Its recently renovated bar is a happy hour spot for locals and visitors alike, while signature cocktails like The Palm old fashioned are also served in the main dining room. Favorites include wagyu lasagna and the center cut filet served with a definite East Hampton flair.
While we can almost taste the lobster rolls at Lunch or anything on the menu at Tutto Il Giorno Southampton when they reopen for the season, culinary hot spots are thankfully in season all yearlong in the Hamptons.
