1. THE CHEQUIT
23 Grand Avenue, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
631.749.0018
The just-renovated Chequit Hotel on Shelter Island is my most-loved spot to have a glass of champagne on their glorious porch paired with some local shellfish from their raw bar. Their seasonally inspired menu is locally sourced. I trust the Salt Hotels implicitly for style and substance.
2. HARBOR MARKET AND KITCHEN
184 Division Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631.725.4433
The fresh-right-now produce and their menu, which changes daily, lured me in. The family-owned and community-based market supports our area and its farmers like no other. But, they also satiate my Manhattan craving for Russ + Daughters salmon which they serve with fresh bagels. It's either that or strained yogurt and berries in the morning.
3. STONE CREEK INN
405 Montauk Highway, East Quogue, NY 11942
631.653.6770
The grand Victorian property that the restaurant is housed in is vintage perfection, and the restaurant's clean, simple design, respects the space but has a fresh feeling to it. A highlight on Chef Christian Mir's seasonal French-Med menu is the mini pumpkin stuffed with lobster, confetti vegetables and black truffle broth. In the summer, the lobster reigns as well. Their cooking classes are fabulous as well and often paired with a sommelier and wonderful wines.
4. THE CROW'S NEST
4 Old West Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954
631.688.2077
Nestled on Old West Lake Drive in Montauk, the scene here is sensational. The fire pit is cozy, the crowd is the who's who of the chic Hamptons set and the food is seriously solid. Local scallops, fluke, squid and oysters are beautifully seasoned and their daily handwritten menu is irresistible. Plus, I crave their mezze plate daily. It's spot on with its flavors and to-die-for presentation.
5. MADELINE PICNIC CO.
631.353.8923
With the best beaches the world over, the Hamptons is a picnic lover's paradise. The fully customizable farm-to-fork picnics include gourmet sandwiches and globally inspired salads. Their packaging is beyond gorgeous and it has also become my go-to site when I have gatherings at my house. They have sides, sauces and savory items galore with an easy, peasy pick up system.
6. CAVANIOLA'S GOURMET CHEESE SHOP (and adjacent Cellar)
89B Division Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631.725.0095
The two best shops in the Hamptons, bar none, share the same address so please mark it down: 89B Division Street in Sag Harbor. Think of the most finely curated cheese shop the world over and you've got it. It's tiny, it's brimming with ripe and raw cheeses and they've smartly opened a wine shop next door. My secret spot is their far lesser known back garden where you can take your just-purchased cheese and wine and dine.
7. TUTTO IL GIORNO
56 Nugent Street, Southampton, NY 11968
631.377.3611
6 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631.725.7009
Whether you are at their Nugent Street location in Southampton or their Bay Street spot in Sag Harbor the food at Tutto il Giorno's two Hamptons restaurants is exquisitely similar to a trip to Naples, promise. Their fritto with local leeks and basil dip, cioppino, or their fresh made pastas are worth every calorie. In my opinion, the best place to throw a private dinner in the Hamptons is their private outdoor dining room in Sag Harbor. It takes my breath away every time and that's hard to do!