75 Main Southampton
Zach Erdem’s 75 Main is a celebrity magnet and its coveted sidewalk tables are a prime location for people watching and being seen in the heart of Southampton Village. The restaurant starred in a reality TV show called “Serving the Hamptons”. Despite all this, diners say the food described as contemporary American is surprisingly good. Starters include crispy salt and pepper rock shrimp, lamb and feta meatballs, and grilled Spanish octopus. Fans of “Searching for Italy” can try Stanley Tucci’s Spaghetti Alla Nerano right here with no plane ticket to the Amalfi Coast needed There’s also the Sicilian Garganelli Alla Norma. Mains range from crispy fish over steamed rice with baby bok choy and spicy ginger to a grilled veal chop with farro and roast cauliflower risotto.
And don’t forget those addictive truffle fries! The restaurant’s plant-filled interior with light woods also has an appealing summery feel.
T-Bar Southampton
In an unlikely location opposite the train station, T Bar, the satellite of the clubby Upper East Side hangout founded by the late, great restaurateur Tony Fortuna and Derek Axelrod, attracts summer loving crowds with its casual yet white tablecloth elegant garden. Overhead string lights add a romantic glow at night. Guests might begin with sushi, oysters, tuna tartare or even pizza. Or they might be in the mood for a summery watermelon salad with basil and feta or a kale salad with carrots, apples, and grapes. The Black Angus steak bar is a special attraction featuring a choice of Bearnaise, au poivre or steak sauce with porterhouse, rib eyes, or New York strips. Other popular entrees are chicken Milanese, crispy Long Island duck, and crusted tuna. For dessert there’s a Pavlova with mango/passion fruit ice cream, a flourless chocolate cake, or banana parfait millefeuilles with caramel sauce. There’s an impressive cocktail list, both craft and classic and an ample selection of wines by the glass.
Rosie’s Amagansett
Rosie’s is known for its lively, welcoming vibe and much of the action takes place on its plant-filled patio. Plans are already underway for expanding the summer outdoor music program which will include Monday night jazz and Tuesday night local band sessions. “Our plan is to keep the kitchen open till 1 a.m. on weekends with focus on outside diner seating till late,” says Brand Director Stephen White. “The summer theme this year will be Desert Rose. All of the plants and decor will fall into that theme.” Rosie’s takes the farm to table ethos seriously and sources as much produce as possible from local farms. Patrons might start the morning off with Rosie’s famous Irish soda bread scone, a yogurt & crunch or a hearty breakfast burrito. Outstanding dinner items include chicken Milanese, swordfish a poivre, and Rosie’s mac and cheese. Creative cocktails and mocktails keep the bar scene humming.
Dopo Il Ponte Bridgehampton
Dopo Il Ponte is the newest entry from the Dopo Hospitality Group which also owns Dopo La Spiaggia in Sag Harbor and Dopo Argento in Southampton. It’s also the only one that offers wood burning oven pizza alongside pasta and other Italian classics. Chef/partner Maurizio Marfoglia over sees the menus at all locations. All of the restaurants offer charming outdoor seating. What better way to start than with a fritto misto of calamari, shrimp, and branzino, a refreshing tuna tartare, or a kale salad with orange zest, roasted hazelnuts, and smoked goat cheese. A tagliatelle with a beef and veal ragu could follow or a linguine alle vongole. For mains, there’s Faroe island salmon, New York strip, or chicken parmigiana. For dessert, you could go traditional with a tiramisu or just dip some biscotti in Vin Santo.
Beverly Stephen writes about food, travel, design, and lifestyle. She is co-owner of Flavor Forays, a culinary travel company.
