The Hamptons International Film Festival, affectionately known as HIFF, is one of the East End’s most anticipated event. In between the renowned roster of spotlight, narrative and short films, guests of the film festival will surely work up an appetite.
Pair great food and conversation with cinematic screenings across the Hamptons. Below, discover several great restaurants to dine at during the Hamptons Film Festival. Most restaurants are conveniently located within an easy walking distance of the Sag Harbor Cinema and the UA East Hampton Cinema, and other event venues, respectively.
Bostwick’s Chowder House
East Hampton
Forget to make reservations? Bostwick’s Chowder House on Pantigo/Montauk Highway is a first come first serve restaurant. Their restaurant is one of the most popular seafood spots in the Hamptons. The menu offers an array of fresh local seafood specialties.
And, if you’re traveling with kids, they offer a guppy menu AND soft serve ice cream.
Calissa
Water Mill
Calissa in Water Mill off of Montauk Highway offers fantastic seafood and Greek dishes year-round. The name Calissa is derived from the brightest constellation in the summer sky. A year round Hamptons favorite, Calissa brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the East End. The restaurant features a classic Greek-inspired menu and expansive wine list. Known for its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect spot to stop by before or after film screenings.
Diners who visit the same day as their film festival ticket, will receive 20% off for their bill. Just show your waiter the ticket in order to receive this special offer.
Calissa will participate in Long Island Oyster Week (October 11–19). Diners can indulge in the restaurant’s signature $1 oysters at the bar daily from 5–7 PM, a seasonal highlight that has become one of the Hamptons’ most anticipated fall traditions.
Fresno
East Hampton
A quick walk from East Hampton Town and steps from the East Hampton Train Station, Fresno Restaurant is one of East Hampton’s best kept secrets! Dine al fresco on their gorgeous and spacious patio and be sure to ask your server about their nightly specials. Fresno is well known for their cocktails and sensational desserts!
Lulu Kitchen & Bar
Sag Harbor
Lulu Kitchen & Bar in Sag Harbor is a year-round convivial bistro featuring woodburning cuisine and located less than one minute away from the Sag Harbor Cinema. The kitchen is under the direction of Philippe Corbet, a French-trained chef with several years of experience in Michelin-star rated restaurants as well as top tables throughout Long Island.
The menu at Lulu Kitchen is centered around a woodburning grill and oven and local products. Lulu Kitchen & Bar is currently open Thursday-Monday for lunch and Wednesday-Monday for dinner, perfect for visiting before or after a film screening.
Nick and Toni’s
East Hampton
A short trip from East Hampton Village, Nick & Toni’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in the Hamptons. Rooted in farm to table Mediterranean cuisine, the philosophy of the restaurant is to source everything possible locally.
From the woodburning oven in the dining room to the 1-acre garden behind the restaurant, the menu revolves around seasonal produce prepared simply with emphasis on the natural flavors.
Old Stove Pub
Sagaponack
This iconic Hamptons restaurant and celebrity haunt is best known for its glowing neon sign, bucking horse statue, porch front piano, and the slogan “When You’re Fed Up with the Chic, Come to the Greek”. Originally an 1820 farmhouse, the property became an Irish pub in 1967, a Greek restaurant and steakhouse in 1969, and the rest is history. Now known best for its famous dedicated patrons, live music nights, and classic Greek and steak menu, the Old Stove Pub is open year-round for dinner, weekend brunch, and private events.
Rowdy Hall
Amagansett
Located just outside East Hampton Village in Amagansett, this favorite neighborhood restaurant offers an English pub French bistro style menu at reasonable prices. From the delectable French onion soup and the fresh local ingredient salads to the famous Rowdy Burger and delicious meatloaf, there’s something for everyone.
Indoor and outdoor dining available. Open for lunch on weekends and dinner seven days.
The 1770 House
East Hampton
One of the top essential Hamptons restaurants is The 1770 House on Main Street in East Hampton. Conveniently located diagonally across from Guild Hall and a ten minutes’ walk from the East Hampton Cinema, The 1770 House is a HIFF mainstay for celebrities and film goers alike. Beloved by luminaries including Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Garner, Scarlett Johansson, Jerry Seinfeld, Mariska Hargitay, and Stanley Tucci.
Chef Michael Rozzi presents an $85 two-course fine dining menu of seasonal, locally inspired dishes served in the elegant main dining room, the cozy downstairs Tavern, and outdoors on the patio (Thursday–Sunday throughout the festival, weather permitting).
Tavern classics such as The 1770 House Meatloaf (an Ina Garten favorite!) and the Tavern Burger may also be requested as part of the prix fixe menu upstairs or enjoyed à la carte downstairs, where moviegoers can stop in for a relaxed, quick bite between screenings.