Hamptons Guide: Vogue Editors Pick Their Favorite Restaurants, Hotels, Shops, and More
It’s officially peak season in the Hamptons, the East-end enclave where fashionable New Yorkers flock to escape the city and have some fun in the sun. The Hamptons is known for everything from beaches to art museums to hedges that grow higher than summertime temperatures. Geographically speaking, it spans from Southampton to Long Island’s tip, Montauk—aka the end of the world, per Instagram.
Looking for travel tips? Here, Vogue staffers give their favorite recommendations for an official Hamptons guide. Consider this a must-read while cruising down Highway 27A.
Where to Eat and Drink
Il Buco al Mare is the Amagansett outpost of the beloved New York eatery—and don’t worry, it lives up to its sister restaurant’s reputation. Order the octopus and the prawns. -Elise Taylor, senior living writer
There is nothing quite as pleasant as arriving in Montauk on a beautiful Friday evening and having dinner outside at Duryea’s, looking out at the water. It’s no secret spot, but it is certainly the most peaceful. -Alexandra Michler, director, fashion development
I don’t know which of Tutto il Giorno’s locations I like best. Southampton’s features a lovely garden and is a neighborhood institution while Sag Harbor’s outpost is located within Urban Zen’s retail shop which is filling with wobbly wood-carved bowls and calming linen textiles. Beyond the interiors, the food is also incredible. -Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor
When in Bridgehampton, I always indulge in a lunch or brunch at Pierre’s. It feels like a little slice of St. Tropez—grab a sidewalk table and people-watch the entire afternoon. -Elise Taylor
Round Swamp Farm is the best place to go for prepared foods and fresh produce. Highly recommend the chicken fingers and honey mustard… but fair warning, once you try one, you’re sure to develop an addiction. Also, I once saw Hailey and Justin Bieber in the checkout line, so be on the lookout for occasional star sighting. -Alexandra Macon, contributing living editor
From their signature pickled rye bread to Instagram-friendly flower and gold leaf-topped meringue pies, Carissa’s Bakery is the most delicious stop on the South Fork. There’s also an eat-in dining location on Pantigo Road. -Chloe Malle, editor, Vogue.com
If you’re in the mood for sushi, go to O by Kissaki in East Hampton. I’m still dreaming about their tuna crudo. -Ian Malone, experiences manager
When Southampton beach weekends come to a close and the workweek is just a day away, the only thing that makes my trip back to the city (and real life) bearable is a treat. I always swing by Sant Ambroeus and pick up an assortment of Italian cookies—it’s the only thing sweet about the commute home! -Lilah Ramzi
Book a waterfront lunch table at SALT in Shelter Island, order lobster rolls, and check out the yachts coming in and out. The adjoining no-frills, outdoor Shipwreck Bar is a place to while the rest of the afternoon away. -Taylor Antrim, deputy editor
I love Bostwick’s Chowder House. My go-to order is steamers to start, followed by a platter of fried oysters with a side salad. This is best when washed down with a frozen margarita. -Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director
Tucked away in the Watermill shopping center, next to the SoulCycle, is the hidden gem Bistro Ete. Owned by a husband and wife team, it’s Greek-French fusion and a favorite amongst locals. The cocktails are all delicious… margaritas can be made on a scale of one to ten when it comes to hotness (word to the wise: four is when you begin to feel the heat, ten is scorching hot), and the escargot, duck wings confit, and zucchini spaghetti are all favorites. Finish your meal with homemade mint ice cream. You won’t regret it! -Alexandra Macon
Come sunset, Montauk’s Crow’s Nest is absolutely magical. Arrive early—because there’s going to be a wait—but enjoy a cocktail in the meantime down by the lake. Once you’re seated, ideally with a view of the rolling lawn, order the whipped ricotta. And should you really want the full experience, book a room or one of the more tucked-away cottages. –Lilah Ramzi
Sometimes, especially after a long weekend of socializing, you are just in the mood for something casual—and, well, carb-y. Best Pizza in Montauk hits the spot. It’s got a casual yet chic outdoor space, perfect for families, where you can dine on a delectable white pizza with sweet onion relish or a meatball parm. And, if you’re up for it, they have Wölffer Rosé on tap. -Elise Taylor
If you want a beautiful, boozy, and buzzy afternoon or evening with friends, go to Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. During the day, it’s quite the scene-y spot with DJs and glamorous groups looking to indulge. At night, it’s a little calmer. Order some rosé, linguine with clams, and watch the sunset. Whether or not you want to stay for a nightcap is up to you. -Elise Taylor
Only icons go to Sag Harbor’s BuddhaBerry, and by icons I mean anyone from the Kardashians to the teenyboppers of the Hamptons to me and my friends somewhere (emphasis on somewhere) in between. That’s the power of froyo: bringing the Hamptons crowds together at the end of a long, hard day of beaching at the end of Main Street. -Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, Senior Associate, Creative Development
Mostrador Marram (Montauk)
If you can sneak away from the city and head out to Montauk for a Thursday evening, you should definitely try the paella nights hosted at the Mostrador Marram! You’ll get to indulge in local vegetables, fish, and meats—all while enjoying a beautiful summer sunset. -Rose Carlisle, special events assistant
Where to Shop
Matriark in Sag Harbor.Photo: Courtesy of Matriark
I’m always excited to scope out Matriark: the Sag Harbor concept shop stocked with wares from—as its name might suggest—female-run businesses and labels like Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Le Monde Beryl Shoes, Chufy, and Eugenia Kim. -Lilah Ramzi
“I just think our whole aesthetic just feels like the Hamptons,” TWP founder Trish Wescoat Pound told Vogue of her decision to open a brick-and-mortar store in an 18th-century Sag Harbor home. “It’s the ease of the clothes, it’s the comfort of the clothes—it’s casual, but it’s elevated. And I think that’s what the Hamptons are.” After visiting several times myself, I can say I wholeheartedly agree. Between all their easy breezy button-downs and lightweight sweaters perfect for nights spent by the ocean, the whole brand oozes Americana. -Elise Taylor
Adored by street-style darlings and daring surfers alike, Tombolo touched down in Montauk this summer. Their signature terry cloth cabana shirts and short sets are available in a playful array of colors with matching motifs. New this season is a selection of effortlessly chic swimwear. For a day at the beach that turns into an evening out on the town, a Tombolo outfit is an easy ace. -Elisee Browchuk, experiences manager
Mecox is a design and decor store in between Watermill and Southampton that has it all. Think Hamptons beach chic. -Alexandra Macon
Look no further than Suzie Kondi for the best loungewear at the beach. From terry-cloth tracksuits to gauze jumpsuits, Kondi makes dressing for hot summer days a breeze. Every piece she designs is made for comfort, so I recommend buying your favorite set in every color. -Elisee Browchuk
I love Altuzarra’s brick-and-mortar shop on East Hampton’s Main Street. I’m swooning over their effortless summer pieces like midi-length linen dresses, Castañer espadrilles, and straw totes (I’m also currently saving up for their Watermill bag, named for the neighborhood hamlet nearby.) –Elise Taylor
Stealth wealth style scions The Row have landed in Amagansett on Main Street, in the former space occupied by Tiina the Store. It’s the fourth boutique by the fashion brand, and the first outside a major city. There are plenty of beautiful clothes, but the furniture is just as delightful, including a chair by Olivier Mourgue Bouloum. -Elise Taylor
Things to Do (Other Than the Beach)
Dan Flavin, installation view, the Dan Flavin Art Institute, Bridgehampton, New York. © Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.Photo: Bill Jacobson Studio, New York. Courtesy of The Dia Art Foundation, New York.
Fans of minimalist art—and pretty colors—would do well to visit the Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton, which occupies a sweet little shingle-sided house just off the highway. Beyond its permanent display of Flavin’s glorious neons (installed by the artist himself!), the Institute maintains a ground-floor gallery space for temporary exhibitions. Also, it’s free! -Marley Marius, features editor
Thanks to my tendency to sunburn, fast, I always break up my summer days with art excursions. The Pollock-Krasner House is always a must. -Elise Taylor
I always make sure to visit The Ranch. Just across the way from the storied Deep Hollow Ranch is an equally famous property formerly owned by Andy Warhol. A portion of it is now in the hands of Max Lakin, who has opened up several barns to the public—one as an art gallery and another is an operating horse barn. Visits are by appointment only so be sure to call ahead. -Lilah Ramzi
On a rainy day, I’ll head over to The Parrish Art Museum in Watermill. It has a wide-ranging collection of over 3,000 works, including pieces by Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and William de Kooning, all of whom lived in the East End. -Elise Taylor
There’s something so peaceful about wandering around Longhouse Reserve, a 16-acre sculpture garden and home of late textile artist Jack Lenor Larsen in East Hampton. The grounds include works by Yoko Ono, Willem de Kooning, Ai Wei Wei, Daniel Arsham, and more. -Elise Taylor
Gurney’s has a sprawling 30,000 square-foot Seawater spa complete with an ocean-fed saltwater pool, caldarium, thermal baths, and indoor-outdoor treatment suites overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect place to relax and recoup. –Ian Malone
Where to Stay
Set upon five acres—one of which includes an apple orchard—Amagansett’s Reform Club is the most idyllic place to stay in the Hamptons. Well-appointed rooms are housed in quaint brown shingled cottages or the airy main house, and thoughtful touches abound: there’s a bike rack with white and navy cruisers so you can ride into town or the beach, and a dispenser filled to the brim with summer fruit-flavored water that you can drink upon your return. –Elise Taylor
With quaint, spacious cottages, an idyllic pool, and a tennis court, EHP Resort in East Hampton Springs checks all the boxes for a leisurely weekend in the Hamptons, and then some: their on-site, waterfront café serves up some seriously strong iced coffee and perfectly flaky croissants. If you’re looking for a heartier meal overlooking the harbor, you’re in luck—Si Si, a full-service (and stunning) restaurant is on site. –Elise Taylor
Topping Rose House is a beautiful B&B in Bridgehampton with a lovely restaurant on the ground floor. The perfect place for summer birthday dinners and celebrations. -Alexandra Macon
After many afternoons turned late evenings and Sunday “Fundays” at The Surf Lodge, I recently had the pleasure of staying over at the hotel for the first time. It gave me a newfound love for its buzzy music and bar scene. I enjoyed a peaceful breakfast on the patio, explored Montauk on yellow and white beach cruisers, and took a power nap in the room’s hammock just before getting ready for dinner and the musical acts of the night. -Madeline Fass
Set right off of Amagansett’s Main Street, The Roundtree is also not your typical see-and-be-seen Hamptons resort. There’s no bar, restaurant, cabanas, or even lobby. The main draw? The Roundtree’s set of charming cottages, framed by leafy bushes and flanked by pleasant purple flower pots—and their scrumptious complimentary breakfast, served on their rolling lawn. -Elise Taylor
Done properly, the Hamptons should be restorative. But when you are in need of some extra self-TLC, consider Shou Sugi Ban House, located between Southampton and Watermill. Its name refers to the Japanese art of preserving wood by charring it with fire—a metaphor of sorts for the restorative offerings. The food is by Noma co-founder Mads Refslund and the activities (yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy spa treatments) are all designed to send you back to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond feeling like your best self. Best of all (in my opinion) is the House’s design—a harmony of nubby oatmeal blankets and cedarwood elements. -Lilah Ramzi
When I stayed at Marram Montauk, owner Atit Jariwala described its vibe as “barefoot luxury.” That pretty much sums it up—this impeccably designed boutique hotel, nestled within the dunes, is perched right upon the Atlantic Ocean. Take a yoga class in the courtyard, and then indulge in some fresh seafood from their café, Mostrador Marram. -Elise Taylor
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