A Local’s Guide: The 12 Best Restaurants in Montauk, New York
Wondering where you should eat when visiting Montauk, NY?
Whether you spend your summers in Montauk, or just out for a day-trip, you’ll find many great Montauk restaurant choices for food, drink, and entertainment. Pick one or a few places to enjoy with friends and family. However, we know it can be difficult to pick a place based on online reviews. Therefore, we’ve complied a guide to some of the best Montauk restaurants that even the locals recommend.
Exciting New Montauk Restaurants
Sel Rrose *
No, that’s not a typo. The name, a winking nod to female alter-ego of Marcel Duchamp, Rrose Sélavy. Standing where the former NY eatery Zum Schneider stood on S. Elmwood Avenue, in Downtown Montauk, Sel Rrose is a NY-meets Paris inspired oyster and cocktail bar. From an existing successful location in Manhattans Delancey street, this one is sure to impress Montauk this summer.
MTK Lobster House *
Right on Main Street and just a year old, they have already proven to be on the way to the top ten. The lobster in the name gives away their specialty with fresh and fast casual seafood, to eat in or take out. Look for items like chunky lobster rolls, mouth-watering fish tacos, crispy fish & chips, an amazing “MTK Lobster House Boil” and the popular “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em”.
Tried and True Montauk Dining
On the other hand, it is so common to see an establishment come to Montauk one summer and the next season it’s gone. Here are some top tens that have stood the test of time.
Harvest on Fort Pond *
Not quite totally Italian but definitely Family-Style. Influences from Italy, France, and Spain, as well as Greece, Turkey, and Portugal. Harvest On Fort Pond offers a sophisticated bar and lounge serving creative cocktails, a view of the sunset over Fort Pond, and outside alfresco dining in a fully-functional vegetable and herb garden. In-season it is packed from 6:00 on.
Duryea’s Lobster Deck
Image Source: duryealobsters.com/photos/
Although there are new owners for the last few years, they kept the Duryea’s name where the restaurant and the fish market go back 30 years. They continue with the tradition of the freshest fish in Montauk. Raw bar and platters, shareable and mains, everything is great and lobster is everywhere. With a new dock on fort pond bay, just tie-up and dine. First-come-first-served; BYOB.
Shagwong Tavern *
If there ever was a “local joint”, this is it! Like Duryea’s, these are new owners the last few years but they kept the name and tradition of serving great local fare in this historic and legendary tavern. A menu selection to satisfy everyone; and now serving Sunday Brunch-11:00 – 2:00
The Clam and Chowder House at Salivars Dock *
Another old name new owners. The Clam and Chowder House at Salivars Dock is home of the Great White Shark. Made famous by Captain Mundus who was the inspiration of the movie JAWS! You can see that world record shark here. They take pride in their commitment to serving fresh and local seafood provided to them by numerous Montauk commercial fishing boats. The new Salivars still possesses the charm while keeping the diner like qualities of the old-time Salivar’s Restaurant that many Montauk locals knew and loved.
Gosman’s Dock
A couple of choices at Gosman’s Dock. The main restaurant. The inlet café and sushi bar. And the most breathtaking panoramic view of Montauk Harbor at Gosman’s Topside (weather permitting).The outdoor bar has an extensive cocktail menu that specializes in frozen refreshments. The menu features daily kitchen specials with the freshest seafood and produce.
Grey Lady
As one of the best-rated restaurants in Montauk, Grey Lady is a hot spot for all. Boasting their New England fare, tasty cocktails, and delicious seafood, this restaurant is one you won’t want to pass on.
Not only does their food taste good, but it’s beautiful, too! Enjoy your lunch or dinner while sitting on their outdoor patio overlooking Lake Montauk and the marinas.
Favorite Local Montauk Restuarants
Meanwhile, these Montauk, NY restaurants take care of the locals all year long. In fact, that’s tough to do in Montauk without local support.
Sammy’s *
Born and raised in Montauk, Sammy was the former executive chef at Gosman’s. Now in his 6thyear, he has earned his lobster chops and is a local favorite. Home of the original Lobster Burger, Sammy’s is all Montauk, casual, family friendly, and laid back. Even though seafood plays prominently on the menu, other fare is offered along with soups, salads, and sandwiches.
The Montauket *
Although the simple, casual, fresh menu is great to enjoy out on the picnic benches overlooking Fort Pond Bay, the biggest draw here is the best sunset view on Long Island. Sip some cocktails, share some apps, enjoy chatting with the locals as they watch the hipsters and ogle the pretty girls. No, really, you have to come to watch the sunset here.
Extra Shout Out!: Montauk Brewing Company
Montauk Brewing Company*
I have to include one more location that embodies the spirit of the town (pun intended). Their sense of adventure and passion about the simple lifestyle, the owners started 7 years ago delivering kegs on bicycles to local bars. No, they don’t have a restaurant on premise, but you can go next door to St. Peter’s Catch and bring your lunch to the brewery!
A fish market/ grocer, the eat-in take-out restaurant has certainly the freshest fish in town. From chowders to platters, lobster rolls, and coconut shrimp. Grab a fresh tuna sandwich and go next door for a watermelon session ale. Cheers!
*Open mostly Year-Round, which in Montauk means if they feel like closing for a few weeks or a month they will; but that’s usually in the deep winter. If you are planning a trip off season call ahead to make sure they are open.
Lunch, anyone?
Lunch Lobster Roll*
Nestled along the picturesque Montauk Highway, the Lobster Roll Restaurant, affectionately known as “Lunch” due to its iconic sign, has been a staple in the Montauk dining scene since 1965. With its quaint nautical decor, the place encapsulates the laid-back charm that Montauk is celebrated for. The star of the menu, as the name suggests, is the Lobster Roll: tender, succulent lobster lightly enveloped in a warm, toasted bun, offering a simple yet satisfying seaside delight.
Beyond the signature Lobster Roll, the menu sails through a variety of seafood treasures. From crispy fish tacos, comforting clam chowder to a delightful array of fresh salads and seafood platters, there’s a catch for every palate. Whether you choose to cozy up in the retro indoor space or enjoy the fresh Montauk breeze on the patio, “Lunch” offers a casual, inviting ambiance for both locals and travelers alike, making every meal a cozy seaside retreat.
Conclusion: More Montauk Delights
To wrap it up, there are even more Montauk restaurants to choose from. This is a great start for newcomers and seasoned visitors. On top of all that you still have the best pizza at Primavera. Mexican at The Hideaway, The Lobster Roll, aka “Lunch” on the Nappeague Stretch. Bakeries, pancake houses, coffee shops, no Starbucks here. Breakfast at Anthony’s Diner Celebrating his 65thyear. Bagel shops, grocery stores and Ben & Jerry’s.
Remember, Montauk is not only home to some of the best restaurants in New York, but also home to some of the best beaches. Indeed, including a world class surfing beach known as, Ditch Plains. If you are looking to relax in Montauk check out our nearby accommodations and book a great vacation rental in Montauk.
Ultimately, these are some of the best of the best of Montauk’s dining options to try on your next Montauk vacation. Be sure to try the fabulous selection of seafood, steak, and incredibly farm to table food creations by world-class chefs.
An incredible selection of diverse cuisines where you can taste the delights of fresh, locally sourced food that Long Island is known for.
If you’re interested in relaxing in Montauk, check out nearby accommodations and book a great vacation rental in Montauk. In fact, at New York Rental By Owner, you can book the same vacation rentals for less by dealing directly with verified owners.
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