It’s not summer on the South Fork without new faces on the dining scene. At press time, there were still question marks for the season ahead: In East Hampton, rumblings of a new ice cream spot and anticipation for Smokey Buns, both from restaurateur Jesse Matsuoka. In Southampton, a new Provisions, a Buddhaberry and changes at the old Le Chef. We couldn’t answer all the hungry questions, but here’s a little preview of what we do know.
Arthur & Sons 203 Bridgehampton Turnpike, 631-899-3241
Chef Joe Isidori is coming full circle in the space that once held Southfork Kitchen, where he was executive chef until it shuttered in 2013. A&S will bring his family’s brand of old-school red-sauce Italian goodness to the East End.
1901 Grill 26 Sunnyside Ave., Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-5466
Fans of The Goat take heart — the 1901 Grill (named for the year the Shelter Island Country Club opened as a public course) launched this April with a similar ethos: Affordable, delicious food for the whole family from owner Jimmy Lang. Expect local seafood , solid burgers and other American fare seven days a week, lunch and dinner.
Village Bistro 10 Main St., East Hampton, 631-907-2772
With the black paint barely dry on the new Rowdy Hall locale in Amagensett, its former spot on East Hampton’s main drag is now year-round Village Bistro keeping the pub vibe alive: Think steak frites, French onion soup, burgers and the like for pre- or post-movie perfect for discussions of plot twists over a pint (bonus if you remember when O’Mally’s was nestled next to the Regal!).
Motorino Mobile
by reservation only
The Brooklyn-founded Neapolitan style pizza brand is taking its act on the road. A custom-built pizza trailer with a wood-fired oven brings owner chef Mathieu Palombino’s pie-purveying to a private party near you (bookings dones via: 631-329-0050 or [email protected]).
Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria 42 Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-728-1234
Since 1968, this Hampton Bays pie slinger has been churning out the cheesy Italian staple. New owners Tana and Scott Gerber just reopened after a full renovation with a menu of both old favorites with new happy additions for west of the canal pizza lovers.
Sag Harbor Tavern 26 Bay St., Sag Harbor, 631-899-4078
From Billy Durney, the owner of Red Hook Tavern and Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn, there’s yet another new tenant taking up residence at the Sag Harbor American Legion Hall. From what we can glean, Durney is planning a similar burger-centric outpost of his popular Brooklyn pub concept with an East End twist.
La Dolce Vita at the Maidstone 207 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-5006
June 17 is the first day for reservations at the revamped Maidstone Inn restaurant with chef Jorge Espinoza at the helm to reimagine the menu with an Italian summer vibe, ma certo.
Shark Bar 2167 Montauk Highway, Montauk, 631-238-5722
The former Cyril’s-turned-Morty’s Oyster Shack is now in the capable hands of the Maverick’s in Montauk folks. Think daytime, outdoor contemporary remake of the classic fish shack model.
Opties & Dinghies 87 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Claudia Lin and Vincent Bertault moved their beloved dumpling-centric spot from its shuttered Orient locale to the former space of Shelter Island Seafood (and, before that, Bob’s Fish Market).
Farm & Forage 36 Hampton Road, Southampton, 631-204-5185
Mushroom maven Jonathan Bernard revamps his former Hen of the Woods shop into a new gourmet grocery concept.
Monte’s at the Manor 236 Edgemere St., Montauk, 631-238-5508
This isn’t just a new restaurant in the Montauk Manor hotel, it’s a homecoming. Owner and restaurateur Paul Monte’s hospitality-pro family held court here for nearly six decades. Now he’s back serving breakfast, lunch and classic Italian fare for dinner at the historic spot.
N’Amo 474 W. Lake Dr., Montauk, 631-668-8344
From Palm Beach-based NDT Development and NSN Hospitality (the hosptiatliy group running EHP’s SiSi and Enchante), N’Amo is another new entry to Montauk’s sea-faring dining scene. Expect raw bar, and lots of local catch with an Italian twist.
