Picture this: you step off a yacht and sit down to an ice-cold glass of rosé and a perfectly buttered lobster roll. It’s summer in the Hamptons, and no boat charter is complete without a waterside meal.
Whether you’re in the market for caviar with colleagues or chicken fingers with your kids, there are plenty of waterfront restaurants to choose from. In no particular order and organized by location, here are the top 10 waterside dining spots to enjoy before, during, or after your day on the water.
If you’re chartering a boat with Yacht Hampton and would like to make a reservation at any of the below restaurants, give us a call. We’ll leverage our 10-year owner-to-owner relationships and do our best to get you sought-after reservations at these Hamptons hotspots. |
Shelter Island
This beachfront destination is loved by both locals and tourists. It’s home to a well-known hotel (one of the many popular wedding venues in the Hamptons), and it features multiple bars and an upstairs dining patio with a stunning view of Shelter Island’s Crescent Beach. Enjoy their colorful cocktails, local oysters, and freshly caught fish. Whether you’re popping in for a light lunch, an extravagant sunset dinner, or celebrating any number of special events, Sunset Beach will offer something for everyone.
Shelter Island
One of our all-time favorite spots, SALT is a casual waterside restaurant with a menu that includes a little bit of everything — from Thai calamari to Hawaiian poke bowls. Sip frozen drinks on a patio overlooking the beautiful West Neck Creek, and enjoy a live music event at the famous Shipwreck Bar. Whether you’re in the mood for the raw bar or the lobster mac, SALT is sure to hit the spot.
Shelter Island
Head over to the Ram’s Head Inn hotel and restaurant, and find yourself transported back in time. Situated on 4.5 sprawling acres, this old-world inspired dining destination offers a farm- and sea-to-table dining menu with a range of different seating areas and vistas. If you’re short on time but still want to experience this iconic establishment, reserve a gourmet picnic basket. Enjoy it on the inn’s beautifully landscaped lawn, or take it back out on the water with you for the ultimate on-deck dining experience.
Orient Point and Montauk
Montauk
The infamous Duryea’s has locations in both the North Fork's Orient Point and the South Fork's Montauk — and both are accessible by boat. Head to either location and feel like you’ve just landed in Santorini or the South of France. The raw bar, salads, and lobsters are all remarkably fresh, and the chicken fingers and fries are surprisingly top-notch. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, it’ll be a meal your whole group will remember fondly.
Montauk
Set atop a 200-foot private beach with views of Fort Pond Bay and Gardiner’s Island, Navy Beach is one of the most popular water-view dining destinations on the East End. Enjoy their casual coastal menu, extensive rosé wine selection, and unforgettable sunset views. Fun fact? The protected waters of Fort Pond Bay were once occupied by the US Navy, and two Navy piers are visible from the restaurant — giving the nautical-themed hotspot its name.
Montauk
This luxury hotel and marina is home to Scarpetta Beach, the sister restaurant of the iconic downtown Manhattan restaurant. Cruise over for dinner to enjoy the signature Scarpetta dishes you know and love, and explore their fresh seafood additions and revamped wine list. If you visit Gurney’s for breakfast or lunch, you can dine at Tillie's. Enjoy their casual American fare and fresh produce served daily in the same venue. Just looking to step off the boat for a drink or two? The resort’s seasonal outdoor lounge offers stunning views, specialty cocktails, and light bites. It’s lined with first-come, first-served fire pits that set the scene — no reservations required.
Greenport
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bachelorette, another event, or just looking for a good time, dock your charter at Claudio’s. Dance on the wharf while enjoying the bustling bar scene, or sit down for some fresh seafood and fun people-watching (keep an eye out for your favorite celebs). The music and good vibes will offer a day — or night — that your party will never forget.
Sag Harbor
Another Manhattan transplant popular for special events and casual outings alike, Le Bilboquet draws from its flagship Upper East Side menu, offering well-loved classics in addition to fresh daily specials. Located in Sag Harbor near the town docks and Yacht Hampton marina, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal before or after your charter. Savor this elegant, elevated dining experience and feel as though you’ve just sailed your way to St. Tropez. Plus, stay for late-night music with the restaurant’s famous weekend DJ.
East Hampton
The waterfront location of the beloved Main Street seafood spot, Bostwicks on the Harbor is home to one of our favorite Hamptons sunsets. Delicious cocktails, seafood-inspired fare, and an elevated dining deck create the perfect summer evening ambiance. Whether you cruise over for a multi-course meal or a quick tray of sunset cocktails with a view, you certainly won't regret it.
Of course, the simplest waterfront dining destination is right on your boat. If you’re interested in pre-ordering catered food for your charter, check out the Yacht Hampton Specialty Food Service. Select everything from caviar and beef tenderloin to chips and sandwiches, and enjoy stress-free service while it’s packaged, chilled, and hand-delivered to your captain prior to departure. Best of all, enjoy it while giving back: 100% of the catering profits go directly to Cocoon Project, Inc., a newly founded nonprofit furnishing homes for survivors of domestic violence.
Check out these waterside destinations on Google and Tripadvisor, and try to book early on sites like OpenTable or Resy. For more information and dining recommendations, visit yachthampton.com.