With Manhattan and Brooklyn restaurants constantly popping up in the South Fork, the Hamptons can often feel like the sixth borough. You don’t need to pretend you’re in the city to have an excellent meal by the beach, but it is a little too easy to stumble into a mediocre, overpriced restaurant Out East. To avoid those spots—and to explore your options beyond the usual grab-and-go stores—keep this list of restaurants handy. On it, you’ll find everything from taco stands and clam shacks to sit-down places that, though sometimes pricey, serve actually great food in a pleasant environment. Just make reservations wherever you can to avoid the peak season waits. 

Headed out to Montauk? Check out our separate guide to the best restaurants there.