Part of the joy of heading East in the summer is discovering new dining spots that have popped up since last year. Some old favorites may be gone or relocated, but it’s exciting to see what incoming chefs are creating with the produce from nearby farms
and fresh catch from local fishermen. Here is what is new or what has changed this summer in the Hamptons for 2026.
Social media has impacted the Hamptons dining scene this year to the point that a little Sag Harbor diner with fewer than 10 seats was selling sweatshirts and had 75 people lined up outside its door for a soft opening. That isn’t the only news. Iconic steakhouse Old Stove Pub was purchased by trendy New York restaurant Jean’s. Though it won’t open again until next year, it’s been the source of much chatter. Meanwhile, the trendy new Montauk General Store is shaping up to sell the branded shirt of the summer, plus poolside matcha cans to match made with ceremonial-grade tea from Japan. And chic pop-ups like Camp Rubirosa — an offshoot of the Nolita favorite — make a comeback this year. Sag Harbor’s favorite, the Corner Bar, around since 1978, makes a triumphant comeback under new owners around the Fourth of July.
New chefs and restaurateurs continue to fill old familiar spaces this year, and discovering the latest East End dining spots will once again be part of the seasonal fun. Here is a list to get you started. — Additional reporting by Tierney Plumb
