The 15 Most Stunning Hamptons Restaurants on the Water to Try This Summer

• Location: Sag Harbor

It would be easy to drive by Sag Harbor’s The Bell & Anchor without a passing glance. From the road the little shack doesn’t look like the home of one of the best Sag Harbor restaurants on the water, but inside you’ll find a cozy, upscale setting with breathtaking views and a kitchen serving up simple, yet delicious classic seafood options. There’s fish & chips, old school lobster garganelli and a raw bar with daily selections of east and west coast oysters. There are also non-seafood options, including vegan lasagna.

Pro Tips: Dining reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance, and don’t forget to save room for dessert. We’re ordering a slice of almond cake.

3253 Noyack Rd, Sag Harbor; 631-725-3400 or bellandanchor.com

• Location: Sag Harbor

Gather your girlfriends and head to the upper deck of Sag Harbor’s The Beacon. Catch up over shrimp tacos and local bubbly like Channing Daughters’ Rosato. And just like at sister restaurant Bell & Anchor, there’s even a vegan, no-pasta lasagna. Keep in mind it gets busy, so make a reservation (up to 10 days) in advance. It’s also worth noting that outdoor seating is rain or shine, though there’s no better place to watch a summer storm roll through, because the seating is covered with sides to protect you from the rain.

8 W. Water St., Sag Harbor; 631-725-7088 or beaconsagharbor.com

• Location: Shelter Island

The charming Ram’s Head Inn has all the ingredients for a magical day or weekend. While closed Mondays through Wednesdays, you’ll find farm- and sea-to-table options, like duck from Long Island’s only remaining duck farm, crab bucatini and so much more at the resort's waterside restaurant. Not on the island for dinner? Pull up an Adirondack chair and enjoy the sea views with a cup of coffee, smoothie or sunset cocktail. 

108 South Ram Island Dr., Shelter Island Heights;  631-749-0811 or theramsheadinn.com

• Location: Montauk

Grab a Ginger Thomas—a refreshing vodka, ginger syrup, cucumber and lime concoction—sink your toes in the sand of the private beach, and enjoy some of the best sunsets on the Eastern Seaboard over a casual seafood dinner (the Maryland crab cakes are delicious) at Navy Beach. FYI, this spot is great for large groups and has a family-style menus, but you’ll need to book in advance. And reservations strongly recommended, no matter your group size, so get on it.

16 Navy Rd., Montauk; 631-668-6868 or navybeach.com

• Location: Hampton Bays

This unfussy Hamptons spot serves up summer classics like tuna burgers, empanadas and wings, all with Caribbean inspired twist. We love that it’s one of the few Hamptons restaurants on the water open seven days a week. Go on a Monday for half-off margaritas and mojitos. You can even arrive by boat and dock at the restaurant or grab the water shuttle from their sister restaurant Cowfish.

43 Canoe Place Rd., Hampton Bays; 631-594-3544 or rumbahamptonbays.com

• Location: Montauk

For a romantic meal with your significant other nothing beats a Montauk sunset dinner at Duryea’s. Share a steamed lobster and a bottle of wine and reminisce about your first date while soaking up the view of Fort Pond Bay. Just remember, in old-school clam shack fashion Duryea’s is first-come, first-serve (no reservations).

65 Tuthill Rd., Montauk; 631-668-2410 or duryealobsters.com

• Location: East Hampton

At East Hampton, Bostwick’s on the Harbor you’ll find delicious bites like pistachio-crusted oysters and fish tacos paired with incredible views of the harbors. (If you need a break from seafood, though,  the vegan soba noodles are a must.) The restaurant’s vibe, which often includes music, is appropriately lively, but this local institution (they’ve been in business for 30 years) doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table.

P.S. They’re closed Wednesdays.

39 Gann Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-1150 or bostwicksontheharbor.com

• Location: Orient

After a day of exploring Greenport or an afternoon vineyard hopping, you need sustenance before heading back to the East End. You’ll find it at Duryea’s Orient Point outpost. Sit back and relax on the deck with its stunning water views while munching on Greek melon salad, oysters or a lobster roll and catching up about your favorite boutiques or wines. While only open Thursday through Sunday, unlike Duryea’s Monatuk, Duryea’s Orient Point takes reservations.

40200 Main Rd., Orient 631-323-2424 or duryeas.com

• Location: East Hampton

This oft-overlooked restaurant dishes out some of the best views in East Hampton. I’m partial to their brunch service—French toast, anyone?—where if you make a reservation you can likely snag one of the tables overlooking the marina.  Not in the mood for breakfast? The dinner service includes a number of shareables, like mezze and Za’atar, calamari fritti, and roasted cauliflower, that make this place one of the best East Hampton restaurants on the water for groups. Just make sure you order enough halloumi fries for the table.

295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton; or 631-810-9023 ehpresort.com/sisi