The summer season is in full swing and we already have some new favorite restaurants to add to your rotation in the Hamptons... Food that's more than worth a detour, fab people- and boat- and sunset watching opportunities, and arguably the most well-trained hospitality staffs ever to grace the East End!
To help "Parents with Pipsqueaks" navigate their lunch and dinner planning, Nibble+squeak got the *low down* straight from the restaurants about what they do to welcome families at the table.
And DON'T MISS our two Nibble+squeak Hamptons events this summer: Saturday, July 29th at Jean-Georges at Topping Rose and Saturday, August 19th at EMP Summer House!
Calissa, Water Mill: Simply prepared Greek dishes are a perfect match for the Hamptons bounty. Chef Dominic Rice (ex-Narcissa) is happy to make kid-friendly versions of his tasty Mediterranean dishes, although the bucatini and chicken are two items that are popular just the way they are. The restaurant's bocce court is also a crowd-pleaser.
The Clam Bar, Napeague: On the highway between Montauk and Amagansett is the quintessential roadside shack, serving what is in our opinion, the best lobster roll in the East End. They've also got local beers by the can, super soups, and daily specials that often include oysters and steamers and a local grilled fish sandwich.
Elaia Estiatorio, Bridgehampton: The newest kid on the block, the doors just opened two days ago, and they are ready to welcome families! Come for authentic, fresh Greek dishes like grilled shrimp and succulent chicken. Kids will love the gigantes beans (they're huge!) and fava (split pea) dip, and we can't pass up a homemade spanakopita at any time of day (they're open for breakfast!)
EMP Summer House, East Hampton: While Eleven Madison Park (recently named the Best Restaurant in the World) is undergoing renovations, they decided to decamp the entire staff to a Hamptons pop-up... (and we're hosting a SqueakUp there on Aug 19th!) The front dining room is relaxed-formal, with pretty platings and luxe ingredients like summer truffles and lobster, while the back patio is a different scene altogether, with a bar, swings, and piles of fried chicken with tomato salad. No matter where you dine, the whole family can enjoy the enormous backyard after the meal -- bocce, ping pong, picnic tables and lots of space!
Hampton Chutney Co., Amagansett: This lively take-out spot serving delicious dosas -- both authentic and irreverently not -- celebrates it's 20th anniversary this summer. Get your thali or dosa to-go (with plenty of dipping sauce) so that you can enjoy it on the perfectly plush grass of Amagansett Square. Obviously, the pipsqueaks don't need permission to run around in circles here, but they'll gladly park themselves for a picnic like this.
Harbor East, East Hampton: A must-visit destination on the way home from Main Beach at the end of the day. The locally-sourced cuisine, makes both the adult crowd and the children happy -- everyone's raving about the Branzino with artichokes. Cushy, colorful banquette seating is perfect for the little ones, and they can keep busy drawing with the available crayons and paper, or bust a move to the music.
Harvest on Fort Pond, Montauk: This is the place to go with a big crew! Family-style pastas and platters get passed around the table, and if the kids get restless, you can always go feed the baby swans from the dock. Perfect sunset spot, with *plenty* of high chairs too.
Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton: Our first Hamptons event venue (tix available for July 29th!), the beautiful hotel/restaurant/event spot gets the food right, with a vegetable-centric farm-to-table menu in a classic setting.
Lulu Kitchen and Bar, Sag Harbor: Lulu’s is a lesson in flames: fire makes everything taste better. Whether it's grilled cauliflower or whole black bass, almost every dish at Lulu has been cooked using Chef Corbet’s wood burning technique. The best part? The open kitchen layout lets you watch the massive wood fired grill and oven at work, and the horseshoe-shaped booths are perfect for corralling the kiddos.
Lunch (Lobster Roll): The iconic “Lunch” sign draws the crowds -- so try to get there slightly off-peak -- but the simple, homey seaside fare will hit the spot. Plus, this is one of the few places where you can still get a so-naff-it's-chic lobster bib to enjoy your steamed specimen in style. With its red, white, and blue decor, it's pretty for pics, and the kids get crayons and an underwater scene to color.
Navy Beach, Montauk Eating your meal with pebbles underfoot and a stunning view of the sunset will make it taste even better. The kids in your group will happily intersperse their meal with skipping stones (and we won’t tell if you do too).
Wölffer Kitchen Amagansett: Our new favorite go-to for a laid-back family dinner, this place nails the relaxed and happy vibe of the Hamptons -- with indoor or outdoor seating, you can happily share some apps and mains and sides for the family (with a bottle of their much-lauded, easy-drinking rosé for the adults of course!)
