Beachy Bites

From Fluke Crudo to Charred Local Catch, these Seaside Spots Serve Summer on a Plate— Arrive by Boat if you Can

During the hottest days of summer everybody wants to be in the water or as close to it as possible. Heading to a beachfront restaurant, possibly by boat, is a summer dream come true. The setting inspires a mood for fish and seafood. Tuna tartare, fluke crudo, lobster rolls, and grilled local fish are crowd pleasers.

Boaters can anchor in the protected waters of Fort Pond Bay (which was once occupied by the US Navy, and where two Navy piers are still part of expansive views). A tender  “Torpedo”  transports guests to Navy Beach restaurant on weekends. Guests are seated at white picnic tables shaded by royal blue awnings. The menu ranges from simple burgers to fancy soy glazed halibut accompanied by one of the largest selections of rose wine in the Hamptons. Sunsets are epic enhanced by live music from  Rum Punch Mafia, Bobby Murray and DJ CK Beats. The restaurant’s philanthropic efforts center around its support of the Navy SEAL Foundation, for which Navy Beach has raised over $200,000 since 2013.

Chef Fernando Trocca and restaurateur Martin Pittaluga brings South American flair to Mostrador at the newish Marram Resort. They are behind popular restaurants in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay often referred to as the Hamptons of Argentina. So while it’s winter in the Southern hemisphere, they ply their trade in Montauk’s summer season. The resort promotes barefoot luxury, and guests can actually dine with their toes in the sand at this outdoor counter service restaurant. Mostrador offers a rotating selection of artisanal pizzas, paella, empanadas and more highlighting seasonal ingredients and global flavors. Dishes might include a roasted pork shoulder, chicken Milanese, and a gem lettuce salad with Caesar dressing. Marram, named for the beach grass that grows on the dunes, sits right on the ocean in the middle of an $11 million beach restoration project that stretches from Montauk to Fire Island. 

Duryea’s Montauk is a stalwart on the waterfront dining scene offering a nautical ambience on its spacious deck. Spectacular sunsets are a given. Lobster is king here grilled or steamed, in rolls, in Duryea’s Lobster Cobb Salad, and starring in a dramatic seafood tower. But there are also clams and oysters, locally caught fish and chef-driven creations such as grilled octopus with olives and green Romesco. Corporate chef Philippe Corbet oversees all the food operations in Montauk as well as at the Orient Point location and LuLu in Sag Harbor.  Patrons order and pay at the window and the food is then delivered to their tables. Duryea’s Market is back this season offering local artisanal products, coffee, and breakfast and lunch grab-and-go selections.

Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island by famed hotelier Andre Balazs (Chateau Marmont)overlooks Crescent Beach with sweeping views of Peconic Bay. Alfresco dining on the beach adds to its European charm. Its French Riviera and Coastal Italy inspired menu offers a selection of fresh seafood and dishes such as moules frites, tian Provencal, Nicoise salad, and vitello tonnato. Cheerful yellow and white striped awnings and orange beach chairs mimic sunset colors.