What pairs well with lobster rolls, a margarita or even pancakes? A sweeping view of the bay. But waterfront dining season is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it opportunity. Better take advantage. From places where you can put your toes in the sand while sipping a cocktail to cozy, romantic date spots and the best sunset viewing, here are 15 Hamptons restaurants on the water that dish up tasty food and Instagramable worthy views.
The 15 Most Stunning Hamptons Restaurants on the Water to Try This Summer
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Published Jul 27, 2023
The Bell & Anchor
1. The Bell & Anchor
- Location: Sag Harbor
It would be easy to drive by Sag Harbor’s The Bell & Anchor without a passing glance. The little shack doesn’t look like much from the outside but inside is a cozy, upscale restaurant with breathtaking views of the harbor. Serving simple, but delicious seafood options like classic fish & chips, and old school lobster garganelli, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been in before. Pro Tip: Go Thursday to Sunday to snag a spot on the patio 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
The Beacon
2. The Beacon
- Location: Sag Harbor
Gather your girlfriends and head to the upper deck of Sag Harbor’s The Beacon. There’s no better place to catch up over shrimp tacos and local bubbly like Channing Daughters’ Rosato. There’s even a vegan no-pasta lasagna for your plant-based bestie, but it gets busy, so make a reservation in advance.
8 W. Water St., Sag Harbor; 631-725-7088
3. Crabby Jerry’s
- Location: Greenport
Not that you’d ever get tired of Hamptons dining, but if you need a change of pace you’ll find a waterside breakfast more than worth the drive at Crabby Jerry’s in Greenport. Pair that Lobster & Egg Taco with bubbly mimosa and then spend the day exploring the quieter fork. Keep in mind they’re closed Tuesdays.
111 Main St., Greenport; 631.477.0627
RiseMedia
4. The Ram’s Head Inn
- Location: Shelter Island
The charming Ram’s Head Inn has all the ingredients for a magical day or weekend. While closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, head here furing the rest of the week and you’ll find tasty farm-to-sea options at the restored waterside restaurant or 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
Noah Fecks
5. Navy Beach
- 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. Reservations strongly recommended, so get on it.
16 Navy Rd., Montauk; 631-668-6868
6. Rumba
- Location: Hampton Bays
Gather your squad for a leisurely afternoon drinking margaritas and mojitos (1/2 off all day Mondays) at this Island style hideaway in Hampton Bays. This unfussy Hamptons spot serves up summer classics like tuna burgers, empanadas and wings all with Caribbean inspired twist. 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
Doug Young
7. Duryea’s Montauk
- 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. (There’s also an excellent shop dishing up tasty breakfast, pastries, coffees and picnic options.)
65 Tuthill Rd., Montauk; 631-668-2410
Bostwick's on the Harbor
8. Bostwick’s on the Harbor
- Location: East Hampton
What pairs well with a stunning sunset? Fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. In East Hampton Bostwick’s is known for their stunning views of the harbor (it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset), delicious seafood (you can’t go wrong with the wood fried oysters or fish tacos but if you need a break from surf the goat cheese and fig pizza is a must), and great vibes which often include music. They don’t take reservations though, so be prepared to wait for a table.
39 Gann Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-1150
Duryea's Orient Point
9. Duryea’s Orient Point
- Location: Orient
After a day of exploring Greenport or an afternoon vineyard hopping you need sustenance before heading back to the East End. Duryea’s Orient Point outpost is the perfect spot. 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.
40200 Main Rd., Orient 631-323-2424
10. The Crow’s Nest: Montauk
- Location: Montauk
After a day of corralling the kids at the beach, the last thing we want to do is cook. Yet, finding a restaurant that caters to kids and still makes us feel reasonably hip is no small feat in the Hamptons. Thankfully there’s The Crow’s Nest. Pull up a bench or patch of grass and order a watermelon cooler while you wait for that fresh whipped ricotta with honey and truffle oil. Your kids are more than welcome to run around on the grass while they wait for their slices of flourless chocolate cake. Open at 4:30 p.m. daily, it’s first come first serve.
4 Old West Lake Drive, Montauk; 631-668-2077
11. Sí Sí
- Location: East Hampton
This oft-overlooked restaurant dishes out some of the best views in East Hampton. We’re 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 also includes a number of shareables like crispy softshell crab and Za’atar roasted cauliflower that make this place great for groups.
295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton; or 631-810-9023
12. Mavericks Montauk
- Location: Montauk
Sometimes you (or your date) just need a steak and when that time comes you might as well make it a dry aged steak with a stunning view. New to the Hamptons scene this year, Mavericks Montauk has a classic surf and turf vibe with a creative twist. In addition to that steak, you’ll find a curry swordfish that is just the right mix of sweet and spice and grilled oysters to pair with a glass of rosé.
51 S Edgemere St, Montauk; 631-668-8506
13. Scarpetta Beach
- Location: Montauk
After a morning yoga class and dip in Gurney’s ocean-fed pool, finish up your relaxing day with a Hibiscus Margarita on Scarpetta Beach. The Montauk outpost of the popular Italian restaurant group has everything you love with a coastal twist. We’ll take the Squid Ink Farfalle, please.
290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk; 631-668-1771
14. Oaklands Restaurant & Marina
- Location: Hampton Bays
If the water views and open-air bar aren’t enough to lure you to this Hamptons institution with its party vibe, then maybe the crab cakes, local fluke Milanese or clams on the half shell will. Keep in mind that it’s walks-in only and does get busy. Oh, and this happening spot is best enjoyed with a group.
373 Dune Rd., Hampton Bays; 631- 728-6900
15. SALT
- Location: Shelter Island
Ready to slow things down? Take the ferry to Shelter Island where you’ll find a laid-back beach town, minimal crowds, pristine natural landscapes and the restaurant that you’ll wish was in your neighborhood. It’s not just the views you’ll love (although they are stunning), SALT also dishes up summer classics like hot or cold lobster, alongside tasty platters to share and a kids menu all with an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped onto a friend’s backyard deck. Don’t forget to order the carrot cake for two and heads up they’re closed Tuesdays.
63 Menantic Rd, Shelter Island; (631) 749-5535
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