Montauk Restaurants

Although it’s been a Montauk staple for decades, the buzz around Duryea’s has grown lately, thanks to a sleek makeover two years ago. Instead of rustic picnic tables and a BYOB policy, there are now bottles of Provençal rosé, white banquettes, and clean-lined, bleached wood tables and chairs that create a setting that wouldn’t look out of place on Mykonos—especially with its waterside view of Fort Pond Bay. The steamed lobster and lobster rolls are a no-brainer, but also consider the perfectly grilled skirt steak, the small plates (baked cherrystone clams and steamers), the lobster club salad, and oysters from Orient Point, just across Gardiner’s Bay.

Like the name suggests, this quirky, divey restaurant sits a few steps away from one of the main fishing docks in Montauk and serves hearty, straightforward dishes of the kind you’d want after a day on the open water (many of the regulars are fishermen). There’s clam chowder, soft shell crab sandwiches, grilled tuna steaks with coleslaw and fries, and a peanut butter and chocolate pie that’s probably the most decadent dessert in Montauk. The decor, meanwhile, is an eclectic mix of taxidermied geese and deer heads, Halloween-worthy masks, and vintage model sailing ships.

At the entrance of Montauk Harbor, Gosman’s (which opened in 1943) epitomizes a kind of classic, unfussy seafood restaurant visitors have come to associate with the town. A bright, airy dining room looks out over passing fishing boats, and the menu is dominated by regional comfort food like Atlantic cod fish and chips, baked stuffed clams, steamed lobster, and Maryland-style crab cakes with a corn and jicama slaw. There’s also a walk-up window for those who don’t want a full sit-down meal, where you can order huge lobster rolls and plates of crisp, fried calamari to take to the water for an impromptu picnic.

Go to the Crow's Nest's restaurant for the same reason you'd stay at the hotel—the incredible atmosphere created by Sean McPherson's incredible eye. Indoors, the vibe is an eclectic mix of design pieces that still feels thoroughly Hamptons—whiteboard walls are decorated with earthy mud cloths and pirate flags, and Mediterranean mezze platters and hearty salads are served on warm wooden boards. If possible, book a table on their outdoor patio or—better yet—on the lawn, where four-tops are situated under elegant wooden cabanas.

Father-and-son duo Eric and Adam Miller opened this eatery in Montauk in recent years–and we've heard nothing but good things. Eric (chef) sources local seafood and meats to create his dishes, which he whips into small plates and crudo, with a few larger selections, while Adam mixes specialty cocktails.

Arbor serves a mix of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and seafood, pizzas, small plates, and the usual go-tos (raw bar, cheeseburger, mussels, and fries). The space is romantic but contemporary and clean, dressed in hanging exposed lights, with a long, generously stocked bar. The wine list here is good, as is the beer lineup, which includes some local IPAs and ales. And new this summer: The Garret at the Arbor, a breezy new patio and outdoor bar with a curated drink menu.

Dave’s Grill, one of Montauk's most beloved spots, moved to the other side of Lake Montauk. Now called Dave’s Gone Fishing, this iteration of the old classic leans heavier on small, shareable plates. Note: While Dave’s Grill formerly took day-of reservations, Dave’s Gone Fishing is fully first-come, first-serve.

This New England-inspired bar and restaurant—with locations in New York, on Nantucket, and in Aspen—now has a spot in Montauk. The lobster roll is a Grey Lady favorite, as is the Dark 'n' Stormy. Don't overlook the local seafood dishes, though, like monkfish served with asparagus and fava beans.

With an all-day raw bar and a menu made for sharing, this is the perfect place to go with a big group post-beach. With weekly live shows and DJ sets, it's a nightlife fixture for sure, but if you get there before the lights dim, you’re in for some delicious food, from Farro Risotto to Drunken Lobster.

In the same vein as many old-school Montauk establishments, this relative newcomer offers a particular brand of no-frills dockside dining with a modernized menu, making it a nice antidote to the traditional Hamptons scene. Whether you go for lunch or dinner, the pull is the fresh fish, from very good, very well-priced sushi to fish tacos to the swordfish BLT.