Eat With A View

GiGi’s Montauk
Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, the only luxury oceanfront resort in the Hamptons, could rest on the laurels of its 180 degree view of the Atlantic alone. But it insists on reputable dining as well. Following a recent renovation, it installed a new restaurant, GiGi’s helmed by Chef Jason Lee, a Mina group alum. It replaces Scarpetta Beach. It’s named in honor of founder Maude Gurney (1926) and George Filopoulos who  later led an investor group to purchase Gurneys—that’s where you get two Gs nodding to history. GiGi’s is a new American restaurant focused on coastal cuisine with fish and seafood supplied by Montauk fishermen but doesn’t overlook a good steak.  There’s a raw bar with oysters, shrimp cocktail, and tuna tartare. Signatures are the fiery angry lobster slathered with siracha butter and the pepper crusted tuna inspired by the French steak au poivre. Giant shrimp scampi and Thai red curry mussels are also popular. There’s also a Dune Lounge with sweeping ocean views.

The Beacon
Perched above the Sag Harbor Cove Yacht Club, the Beacon is ground zero for stunning sunset views across Sag Harbor Bay all the way to Shelter Island. Covered outdoor tables are seated rain or shine. Sunsets attract the crowds, but Sam McCleland’s delectable dishes keep them coming back. Starters include shrimp tacos, tuna tartare, and pork belly sliders with hoisin, creamy kohlrabi slaw, and sriracha. Halibut baked in parchment is always a showstopper, but sesame crusted tuna with Soba noodles and Napa cabbage/Jicama slaw and local blackfish with morels, fiddlehead ferns, and potato puree are also crowd pleasers. If the water views don’t put you in a mood for fish, there’s oven roasted chicken, Duroc pork chops Milanese, and grilled flatiron steak. A selection of Margaritas, a London Paloma, and a Mezcal/Aperol cocktail enliven the bar scene.

Wayan and Ma-De
French/Indonesia fare spices up the spectacular sunsets over three Mile Harbor from Wayan and Ma-De. This marks the second season Cedric and Ochi Vongerichten have brought the cuisine from their popular Manhattan restaurants to the former site of Sunset Harbor Bistro on the grounds of EHP Resort & Marina. Indonesian craftsmanship and lush tropical greenery are woven through the 3,000 square foot space which offers indoor/outdoor seating for 180 guests. Southeast Asian flavors enrich the local produce and seafood in Wayan specials. Montauk shrimp satays are flavored with dabu dabu and lime; corn fritters with sweet chili sauce and scallion; Escargot Rendang with toasted brioche, garlic-herb butter and lime. Ma•dé signatures include lobster dumplings with beurre blanc, sambal tersi and chives; slow cooked butterfish with calamansi miso and summer squash, and fried chicken with sweet chili sambal and acar. For dessert there’s a warm chocolate cookie with mimolette ice cream. Craft cocktails include Bali Tonic with gin, pineapple, galangal, and basil; Sunset Spritz with Campari, sparkling and calamansi; Devil’s Avocado with Mezcal, avocado, cucumber, and spicy honey. A happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. attracts a pre-sunset crowd.

Bostwick’s on the Harbor
Bostwick’s no reservations policy ensures a crowd of hopefuls on the deck enjoying cocktails, conversation, and Peconic oysters on the half shell while waiting for the spectacular sunset over Three Mile Harbor and a table. The casual vibe is convivial and fun. Seafood rules here.  A generous raw bar sampler features oysters, clams, tuna poke, and jumbo shrimp. Diner could start with a Cesar salad or a goat cheese and fig salad, baked stuffed clams or tuna tostadas. Mains  run from Montauk Ale battered fish and chips to  sesame seared yellow fin tuna; from lobster rolls to halibut saltimbocca. Whole lobster is always an option. Chef/partner Damien O’Donnell, formerly of Harbor Bistro, rides the range.

Beverly Stephen writes about food, travel, design, and lifestyle. She is co-owner of Flavor Forays, a culinary travel company.