We were big fans of Della Famina and were sorry to see it go, but the East Hampton Grill, opened in 2011, is a wonderful addition to the dining scene in the Hamptons. Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, the restaurant joins the Rutherford Grill in Napa and the Palm Beach Grill in Florida among others. We loved the Rutherford Grill during our visit last year and were so impressed with the East Hampton Grill we ate there twice during one weekend.

The formula is so simple you wonder why others don’t get it; warm and cozy decor, great staff and wonderful food. The bright, white decor of Della Famina has given way to a darker, more intimate patina with dark woods, striking artwork and fresh flower displays. The open floor plan is now smaller with more intimate dining nooks. The lively bar area remains mostly the same.

The menu is not particularly elaborate, but what is there is done exceptionally well. This is good old American comfort food at its best. Start with an order of Heavenly Biscuits with rosemary, butter and honey. Try also the deviled eggs, I had them twice! The pan fried true Dover Sole was lightly breaded, perfectly cooked and fresh out of the water. BBQ ribs fell off the bone and were served with hand-cut french fries and a fantastic coleslaw. Jumbo lump crab cakes were pan fried blue crab with Pommery mustard, french fries and that wonderful coleslaw. Can’t wait to try their prime rib and rotisserie chicken.

Good wine list with some excellent choices, albeit a bit pricey, but hey this is East Hampton.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“A HOT new spot, the East Hampton Grill, which opened in May, is lighting up the summer on the East End. It’s a scene, but with good reason, the food is terrific.”

Owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group, which also runs the Palm Beach Grill in Florida, the East Hampton Grill has taken over the space that was home to the restaurant Della Femina for nearly 20 years. It breaks the light, airy Hamptons mold with an enticing dark, woody look, reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts style.”

There is a stunning floral bouquet at the dining room entrance. Walls are wood-paneled; a room divider with shelves holding books, baskets and pottery breaks up the space. New York Times.

“There’s something for everyone at this happening East Hampton American from the group behind Houston’s, specializing in upscale comfort food heaped in large portions; dark lighting and wood-accented decor are warm to some, un-Hamptons to others, while a few take issue with expensive tabs and service that can be in a rush.”  ZAGAT