People from around the world travel to the Hamptons to experience warm summers filled with beach days, designer boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. What’s also world-class — and perhaps an understated secret — is the area’s exceptional dining. From casual and laid-back to upscale and date-night-worthy, there are plenty of excellent beachfront restaurants to visit in the Hamptons.

Opened in 1992, Dockers Waterside Marina & Restaurant has served the East Quogue community for nearly three decades. All of the restaurant’s seating overlooks the water, with two outdoor waterside spaces and three bars. Dockers’ friendly atmosphere exudes that “on vacation” feeling that Hamptons residents and visitors love. Stop by for a delicious dinner with live music and experience what Zagat describes as a “lively, upscale casual waterfront restaurant, bar & marina.”

For starters, order some blood orange margaritas, crispy calamari, and fried local oysters for the table to graze on. The lobster bisque is an excellent choice, topped with lemon-dill creme fraiche and served with crostini. Veggie lovers adore the shaved brussels sprout salad and the fig and watercress salad, while meat-eaters can add on fish, grilled chicken, shrimp, or lobster tail.

For a memorable main course, savor a juicy USDA prime NY strip steak or indulge in Dockers’ lobster bake, which features whole, cracked lobster, mussels, clams, shrimp, chimichurri potatoes, corn on the cob, and drawn butter. Paired with a refreshing beverage and beautiful view, Dockers provides everything you could possibly desire in a waterfront restaurant. 

Sundays on the Bay is a restaurant, bar, and marina located in Hampton Bays. This beloved eatery offers stunning bay views from its waterfront deck, a seafood-forward American menu, and a vibrant casual atmosphere. Executive chef Brian Mazzio highlights seafood provided by local waterways, locally-grown produce, and prime cuts throughout his seasonal menus and daily specials. 

Start dinner with some rich New England clam chowder and Steph’s crab dip. Follow the appetizers with Jamaican jerk salmon or the swordfish schnitzel, topped with pickled red onions and chimichurri and served with a German-style potato salad. Vegetarians will enjoy the handmade pappardelle pasta, while carnivores will devour the double-cut domestic lamb chops. And stop by Monday through Thursday for their twin lobsters special! No matter your company or group size, you’ll definitely enjoy a laid-back dining experience at Sundays on the Bay.

Shelter Island residents gather at SALT to share delectable fares, libations, and laughs. Stop by this beloved hub to experience the local eats and convivial atmosphere that owners Ali and Keith Bavaro have crafted at this come-as-you-are restaurant. 

Bring your family to savor some pork belly bao buns and Maryland lump crab cakes. Try their individual cocktail selection or order by the pitcher for the table. Oysters on the half shell are a favorite treat while embracing salty ocean breezes, as is their traditional shrimp cocktail. Your “lil’ pirates” can nosh on a classic cheeseburger or pasta n’ butter while you opt for a chilled lobster roll or organic pan-roasted chicken. While your child happily eats their chocolate ice cream, share the carrot cake for two with your partner. SALT is an excellent dining option for both date night or a family dinner. 

Claudio's offers dockside dining, two harborside bars, and live music on the wharf every weekend. Head here for a casual lunch with friends, a post-work gathering with coworkers, or a relaxed dinner with your sweetheart. 

Claudio’s menu keeps with the waterfront theme, offering a myriad of seafood dishes. Be sure to sample Claudio’s Famous Baked Clams, prepared with garlic, herbs, bacon, peppers, and mushrooms. Enjoy a traditional plate of local fish & chips, or get the chilled lobster cobb for a twist on a classic. Cool off on a scorching day with a frozen cocktail like Claudio’s Colada, or order Claudio’s Rum Bucket to let loose with a friend or two. And there's nothing quite like an ice-cold brew paired with a jumbo pretzel with cheese sauce and mustard after a long day. No matter who you arrive with or what you order, you’re sure to have a good time at Claudio’s.

Let the salty breeze wash over you as you relish a fantastic seafood-laden meal at Oakland's Restaurant. This family-owned summer staple has provided Hampton Bays with exceptional, fresh fares from land and sea for 30 years. Stop by to sample the seasonal dishes created by executive chef Corrie Dietrich and her culinary team.

Choose between a half-dozen cherrystone or littleneck clams to rev up your appetite before enjoying some short rib sliders prepared with braised short rib, pickled vegetables, micro arugula, and cracked pepper truffle aioli. Don’t skip the daily selection of assorted oysters before ordering one of Oakland’s excellent entrees. Local fluke is an excellent light option, while Oakland’s seafood pasta is a more filling plate. Finish with a flourless chocolate torte or toasted almond creme brulee and cherish in a delightful dining experience at Oakland’s Restaurant.

Stunning marina views, prime steaks, fresh seafood, and specialty cocktails make On the Docks a must-visit dining destination. The aim is simple here: serve delicious fares in a unique setting. Be sure to stop by for happy hour and delight in the breathtaking views of the Lighthouse Marina and Meetinghouse Creek from On the Docks’ outdoor deck.

Start dinner with a few shareable dishes, like shrimp skewers and potato skins, or opt for the sampler, which bundles wings, baked clams, mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini, and mushrooms. If you’re not in the mood for fish, order the waterfront burger, which is served with asiago cheese, portobello mushroom, arugula, and sriracha mayo atop ciabatta bread. The fried seafood platter is a worthy indulgence, while the shrimp arrabbiata makes for a filling pasta dish. Seafood, drinks, and good company - what more could you desire in a Hamptons waterfront restaurant?

The Beacon has brought upscale-casual cuisine to Sag Harbor locals and visitors since 1999. Perched atop the Sag Harbor Cove Yacht Club, The Beacon offers a panoramic waterfront view spanning Sag Harbor Bay to neighboring Shelter Island. Luxurious wine, exceptional food, and sensational sunsets will keep you coming back for more.

The restaurant offers a set, $75 two-course menu - additional beverages, desserts, and courses cost extra. Reservations are recommended as tables fill up quickly, and you’ll want plenty of time to relax and appreciate your meal. The two-course Sunset Dinner allows you to choose from over 20 appetizers, salads, and entrees. Pick the luscious tuna tartar, “Beacon Style” steamed mussels, or summer watermelon salad to start, and order the salmon rillette with capers, red onion, pickled jalapeño, and grilled baguette for your second course.

Some exceptional pre-fixe menu entrees include the vegan no-pasta lasagna, which features a myriad of vegetables, cashew ricotta, and basil. On the opposite end of the spectrum is The Beacon’s juicy grilled flatiron steak, which is served with baby arugula salad, pomme frites, and Boursin bacon butter. 

For an exceptional, upscale dinner boasting spectacular sunset views, look no further than Harbor Bistro. Guests can enjoy dinner on the covered outdoor terrace, which overlooks Maidstone Harbor Marina, or sip on libations at the bar. The modern decor, clear harbor view, and fine dining menu make this the perfect date night location.

Share some small plates with your love, including pistachio-crusted oysters and togarashi shrimp, which are prepared with cucumber, namasu, and red Thai coconut curry. Order the broiled local daily catch for your main course, while your date savors the decadent local clam linguine. Feast your eyes on the setting sun, split a bottle of crisp Italian pinot grigio, and enjoy a memorable, romantic evening at Harbor Bistro. 

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Rumba

Nestled on the scenic shores of Shinnecock Bay, Rumba is not just a restaurant; it's a getaway to island serenity. With a passionate commitment to offering vibrant Island-inspired cuisine, this dining spot ensures every dish is a masterpiece of flavor, color, and texture. The ambience is infused with the laid-back, joyous rhythms of reggae music, complemented by a selection of premium, handcrafted rum libations that promise a mini-vacation in every sip. Whether you arrive by land or by boat, Rumba invites you to kick back, unwind, and indulge in an island vacation vibe without the hefty price tag or the need for air travel.

Cowfish

At Cowfish, culinary creativity is at the forefront, with chefs blending perfectly spiced meats, hearty fish dishes, and innovative salads into a flavorful menu that delights and surprises. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring that diners experience unique twists on familiar favorites alongside unexpected specialties. Cowfish is the place where culinary artistry meets comfort, offering a dining experience that's both satisfying and memorable.

Harvest on Fort Pond

For over 25 years, Harvest on Fort Pond has stood as a pillar of the Montauk dining scene, offering a menu inspired by the bounty of the sea and the richness of local produce. Executive Chef Jake Williams excels in creating sharable, Italian-inspired dishes that celebrate the local seafood and homegrown ingredients. Diners can enjoy creative cocktails, seasonal garden dining, and stunning sunsets over Fort Pond, making Harvest on Fort Pond a must-visit for an unforgettable dining experience.

Inlet Seafood Restaurant

Owned and operated by six local fishermen, Inlet Seafood Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it offers an experience. Perched on eight acres of waterfront property in Montauk, the restaurant boasts breathtaking views of Block Island Sound and a promise of the freshest seafood, likely caught the same day. The panoramic views and the taste of just-caught fish make Inlet Seafood a unique spot where freshness meets beauty.

Edgewater Restaurant

Located east of the Shinnecock Canal, Edgewater Restaurant offers an inviting blend of fabulous food and soothing views. Whether you choose to dine on the deck overlooking Shinnecock Bay or inside by the expansive windows, the setting is perfect for enjoying the wide array of Italian fare, fresh seafood dishes, sizzling steaks, and gourmet pizzas. The candlelit tables add to the ambience, making every meal at Edgewater an occasion to remember.

Canal Cafe

Tucked away inside the Hampton Watercraft Marina, the Canal Cafe offers a laid-back vibe with stunning waterfront views of the Shinnecock Canal. Renowned for serving the best lobster roll as voted by Dan's Papers, the cafe is a celebration of fresh seafood, live music, and the best of outdoor dining. Whether you arrive by boat or bike, the Canal Cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of Hampton Bays while savoring freshly caught seafood specials and engaging in the vibrant local scene.