4 Best Restaurants in East Hampton, Long Island

There are two restaurants in one here, so you can enjoy the warmth and refined elegance of the dining room or the sanctuary of the more casual (and less expensive) traditional tavern downstairs. With Chef Michael Rozzi at the helm, 1770 House is known for using local ingredients whenever possible, with dishes including local beet salad with blue cheese and shallot dressing and seared Peconic Bay scallops with red coconut milk–curry sauce. The Tavern Meatloaf with potato puree, spinach, and garlic sauce, is famous thanks to being featured on the "Barefoot Contessa" TV show.

The dining room at this upscale, trendy restaurant has a wood-burning brick oven in which Mediterranean and northern Italian house specialties are cooked daily. Local artist Eric Fischl designed the oven's mosaic mural. Wood-roasted chicken and fish are popular, and the Sunday brunch menu has a good choice of dishes, including wood-oven pizzas. Try the polenta fries with truffle oil for something different. There's open-air dining on the porch.

This good ole' family BBQ offers an alternative to the East Hampton scene. Barbecued ribs and chicken are the big draw, but the quesedillas, wraps, and salads are also quite popular. Enjoy a beer or scoop of Hershey's ice cream at the outdoor picnic table seating or dine indoors year-round at this family-friendly spot. It's outside the village with its own lot, so parking is easy here. Catering is available for events and house parties, and you can call ahead for take-out.

Operating here since 1980, The Palm is classic Manhattan meets East Hampton. Its old-fashioned style fits perfectly with the building, parts of which were constructed in 1699. Usually crowded, the restaurant is well known for its aged prime beef, veal, fish, lobster, and high prices. Side dishes are served family style. Service is generally attentive and professional, however it can get quite busy in the summer, so for the best experience, try going in the off-season. For the Palm experience without the Palm prices, look for promotions and deals like half-price Prime Bites at primetime (5–7 pm Sunday–Friday). Desserts include a bag of warm doughnuts.