Four Restaurants You Must Visit This August

This summer, we have been lucky to have so many new and notable restaurants that have recently celebrated their grand openings. So, which ones should you put on the top of your to-visit agenda? Below, I highlight the top four restaurants you must visit this month, if you haven’t already, while noting which ones I will be heading to in just a couple of weeks.

Showfish

Executive chef Jeremy Blutstein, an Amagansett native, highlights the bounty of the community throughout the menu at Showfish in Montauk. The menu features seafood caught daily by local fishermen for a literal dock-to-table experience. Some of my favorites include his take on a Greek salad with plenty of snap peas; the Scallop Crudo; and the selection of desserts. I recommend sitting outside on the deck and enjoying a late-night dinner with peaceful views of the marina.

The Surf Lodge

The Surf Lodge in Montauk has been a favorite spot of mine for many years, and not just for the awesome music lineup. Culinary director Shaun Hergatt and head chef Robert Sieber have developed new menu selections featuring a variety of healthy bites like the Almond Chia Pudding, the delicious Matcha Bowl, Brooklyn Waffles, Mexican Baked Eggs, and more.

There is also a selection of enjoyable toasts such as the Ricotta Toast with orange blossom honey, hazelnuts, mint, and pink peppercorns. Beside the Almond Chia Pudding, my favorites also include the Farmers Breakfast Bowl. Come early at 10:30 AM for brunch and a leisurely Sunday morning.

Morty’s Oyster Stand

Morty’s is open for lunch and dinner daily at the site of the former Cyril’s on the Napeague stretch. The casual and refined restaurant and bar offers sustainable seafood, East Coast oysters, and coastal cuisine.

Dishes to know include the White and Summer Squash Ceviche, Olive Oil Steamed Mussels, Fish en Papillote, The Best Fried Chicken, and sides like my children’s favorite, the Lobster Mac and Cheese. Highlighted desserts are Grilled Pineapple with black sesame and coconut caramel, and a BBC Ice Cream Sandwich. My favorite is the Watermelon Salad, which I pair with one of their “PG-13” juices like the Roadside Relief crafted with watermelon, lemon, mint, and honey.

Blu Mar

Open for dinner and weekend brunch, each menu features mezzes, a raw bar, pastas and grains, and fresh, simply-grilled seafood. Dinner includes caviar service to start, in addition to shareable plates including a selection of crudos like Live Diver Sea Scallop with black truffle salt. Blu Mar’s pastas are made in-house and cooked to order, like my favorite: Trofie Alla Genovese with pesto, green beans, and potatoes, and the Fedelini Alle Vongole with baby clams, garlic, parsley, and hot pepper.

The focal point of the menu is the wild Mediterranean and American seafood, featuring a rotating menu of the day’s catches. I prefer to sit outside on the patio for dinner in the early evenings.

Towards the latter part of August, I will be visiting Coche Comedor and Carissa’s new storefront both in Amagansett, Hamptons Standard in Hampton Bays, and Bel Mare in East Hampton.

What’s new and what’s hot in the Hamptons? Where are you dining this weekend? Share by tagging @EastEndTaste and using #EastEndTaste.