I come out to Southampton year-round, and consider my home out East my happy place. I love to eat, and eat healthy, so I am always up for finding creative new dishes at our local spots. What better time to enjoy seafood than the waning days of summer? Here are six places not to be missed on your seafood crawl throughout the East End.
E.M.P Summer House, East Hampton
What to get: Lobster bake
Why you’ll love it: Wow! It is a lobster boil served at a picnic table in a covered patio for 6-8 people, which includes whole lobsters, clams, shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, summer vegetables, wood-fired bread and a seasonal cobbler served warm (that will make you break whatever diet you are on!). The waiter comes over with two very large pots of what seems like an endless amount of seafood for all to enjoy. empsummerhouse.com
Shinnecock Lobster Factory, Southampton
What to get: Make-your-own lobster roll
Why you’ll love it: Very casual and super fun for everyone to be able to pick what they want. Choose from a selection of toppings including local tomatoes, fresh lemon, marinated mixed peppers and applewood-smoked bacon, to make your own roll however you like. Be sure to order a side of corn with secret seasoning. shinnecocklobsterfactory.com
Cowfish, Hampton Bays
What to get: Mahi mahi sandwich
Why you’ll love it: Cowfish is one of my go-to places year round for the freshest mahi mahi sandwiches. You can always skip the bread and order the fish atop their legendary North Fork salad composed of Brussels sprouts leaves, dried berries, manchego cheese, macadamia nuts and bacon. cowfishrestaurant.com
Le Bilboquet, Sag Harbor
What to get: Crab and avocado salad
Why you’ll love it: The scene, the view, the food…this is a gem located on the Sag Harbor marina. The crab and avocado salad is light, fresh and big enough to share—the perfect appetizer. 631.808.3767
Duryea’s, Montauk
What to get: Lobster Cobb salad
Why you’ll love it: Now this is what I call a salad! It is as big as it is fabulous, served with a housemade tarragon dressing and topped with shaved Fairview Farm cheddar cheese, smoked bacon crispy bits, diced avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs and local heirloom cherry tomatoes. Definitely a share plate—serves 2-3 people. duryealobsters.com
Sunset Beach, Shelter Island
What to get: Steamed mussels and French fries (definitely worth splurging on)
Why you’ll love it: Feast on a plentiful pot of mussels in white wine and garlic, at such a beautiful location. Make sure to pack your appetite and dance moves, as lunch quickly turns into a party. Feel free to dance, and burn off those calories! sunsetbeachli.com