:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ina-Gartens-Guide-to-the-Hamptons-FT-BLOG0824-ea1d61e32ca5497abc1911dea12eceb6.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Ina Garten’s Guide to The Hamptons")
For visitors, there are two versions of The Hamptons: There’s the party version seen on reality shows and TikTok feeds, and then there’s Ina Garten’s Hamptons, in which the South Fork of Long Island is an oasis of produce, seafood, vineyards, and dozens of restaurants making the most of the local bounty. And of course, Ina’s version rules. The Barefoot Contessa has her own private home and estate in East Hampton (one of several New York towns including Southampton, Bridgehampton, and Sag Harbor that make up “The Hamptons”), and is known to shop and dine out on the east end. Every so often, Ina shares a tip or two on social media about her favorite culinary and hosting hubs to visit in her neighborhood.
Here’s your Ina-inspired itinerary for a delicious trip to The Hamptons.
Loaves and Fishes
A haven of ready-to-eat picnic foods (don’t miss the cold fried chicken, really) and specialty groceries, Loaves and Fishes Foodstore is an essential stop for any food lover in The Hamptons. The small roadside cottage full of treats is as close to Ina’s original East Hampton shop, Barefoot Contessa, as you’ll get these days. In fact, one of her employees, Anna Pump, started this store that her daughter and granddaughter now own. “If you’re coming to the Hamptons, treat yourself to a slice of cake at Loaves & Fishes,” Ina suggested on Instagram. If you insist, Ina! Various flavors of cake are sold daily by the slice or whole, as are plentiful pastries, ready-to-heat fridge meals, cheeses, and so much more. A few picnic benches outside allow visitors to nosh on-site.
Round Swamp Farm
Before the influencers were stocking up on oversized blueberry muffins, bean salads, and local fish sticks, Ina was a Round Swamp loyalist. “Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton has the best produce, prepared foods, and baked goods,” she posted. The homemade jams make for a great gift, and the swath of packaged prepared foods, ranging from curry chicken salad to heartier meals like mushroom lasagna, are perfect for a beach picnic or stocking a rental fridge for fresh meals throughout a vacation. Round Swamp’s three locations are also a go-to for fresh produce. Prices are high, but the quality is excellent.
Cavaniola’s Gourmet
This legendary cheese shop has two locations and both spots are worth visiting for specialty imported cheeses and curated accouterments. Cavaniola’s ages the cheeses in-house, so you’re getting seasonal specials and can certainly taste samples as you pick options for the perfect cheese board. Grab a panini at the counter for a quick meal, and stock up on local beer to make it a whole party. Ina opts for the “pecorino with truffles” so ask for a wedge of that before checking out of the small shop.
Carissa’s the Bakery
This bakery shows up on Ina’s Instagram more than any other Hamptons locale, so we’d say it’s absolutely one of her favorites. She’s a devotee of the croissants, which appear on her brunch tablescapes, and she’s posted about the “perfect” gazpacho from Carissa’s. The Pantigo Road location is the only Carissa’s with seating, so if you’re looking to spot Ina herself, it’s most likely at this Carissa’s. Visit early before the famous jambon beurre sandwich with cornichons sells out or opt for a luxe lobster roll on a homemade brioche bun.
The 1770 House
This charming restaurant, tavern, and inn indeed dates back to 1770 and is a unique historic culinary experience in East Hampton Village. “The meatloaf at 1770 House in East Hampton is the best classic dish I’ve ever had. It’s always perfect,” Ina told Food Network’s Best Thing I Aver Ate. Served by the slice with spinach, potato puree, and garlic sauce, the famous meatloaf is only available in the tavern (as opposed to the upper-level restaurant with a more formal menu). In nice weather, diners can also eat seasonal comfort food outside.
Sag Harbor Florist
Fans of Ina know the perpetual host loves her flowers. And out east, she’s an avid fan of this floral shop with a retail location in the heart of Sag Harbor. Sag Harbor Florist hosts group classes and private workshops for anyone to learn how to arrange flowers as well as Ina herself.
Vine Street Café
Another one of the “best things” Ina Garten’s ever eaten is the pasta with homemade bolognese sauce at Vine Street Café, a Shelter Island restaurant prioritizing local produce and seafood. A $40 prix fixe, aka the early bird special, offers a two-course menu on weeknights from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. A sibling restaurant, Cove Hollow Tavern in East Hampton, is another Ina fave and a bit easier to access than the ferry-required Shelter Island spot.
Pike Farms
Vending what Ina calls the “best corn on the planet,” this chic farmstand owned by Jim and Jennifer Pike is a must for all of summer’s best ingredients. Ina raves about the seasonal farmstand (open June through October) in her cookbook, Barefoot Contessa at Home, calling Pike Farms the source of “the most wonderful vegetables” including tomatoes, basil, melons, and more.
Amber Waves
One of many farmstands and specialty shops on Ina’s top list, Amber Waves is a highlight for those seeking excellent produce, plus specialty groceries like housemade salsas and sauces, locally milled pastas, pre-made lunches, and more. An in-store cafe offers beverages and light bites, with plenty of benches outdoors for frolicking, noshing, and chatting recipes. The shop also vends stylish merch, for visitors looking for a souvenir.