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- I ate dinner at one of Ina Garten’s favorite restaurants. It was worth every penny. (businessinsider.com)
East Hampton’s Culinary Gem: Is Ina Garten’s Favorite Nick & Toni’s Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
When the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten, gives a restaurant her stamp of approval, you can bet locals and visitors alike take notice. Such is the case with Nick & Toni’s, a true Hamptons institution that has long held a special place in Garten’s heart, and on her palate. We recently paid a visit to this famed East Hampton eatery to see if it truly lives up to its legendary status, and if dining “Ina’s way” is worth the splurge.
Nestled in one of Long Island’s most exclusive enclaves, Nick & Toni’s has been a fixture since it first opened its doors in 1988. Rapidly approaching its 40th anniversary, this Mediterranean- and Italian-inspired spot has not only charmed Garten (she’s featured its chef on her show and even based a pasta recipe on their dish) but has also become a well-known haven for A-list celebrities, from Jack Nicholson to Paul McCartney. Its history, while storied, also includes a touch of tragedy with the passing of co-founder Jeff Salaway in 2001, yet the restaurant has persevered, maintaining its reputation as a beloved neighborhood spot—albeit one where you might rub shoulders with Hollywood royalty.
Upon arrival on a beautiful late-summer evening, we opted for an al fresco dining experience, taking in the dramatic sunset. The outdoor seating, complete with crisp white linens and elegant blue placemats, set a sophisticated yet relaxed tone. Inside, the restaurant, deceptively spacious despite its quaint Tuscan farmhouse facade, was bustling and cozy, each room thoughtfully decorated.
The menu at Nick & Toni’s changes seasonally, reflecting its commitment to fresh ingredients. While Ina Garten’s famously adored penne alla vodka wasn’t on offer during our visit, the array of pastas, salads, fresh fish, and hearty meats certainly looked promising.
Our culinary journey began with the rosemary focaccia, served with whipped honey ricotta and tomato confit pesto, priced at $22. This appetizer was an absolute triumph.
The focaccia, baked fresh daily, was warm, soft, and bursting with flavor. And the whipped honey ricotta?
Simply divine – a truly unforgettable start to the meal.
For our main courses, we sampled three distinct dishes, all generously portioned. First up was the wood-oven roasted king trumpet mushrooms ($34), accompanied by basil pesto fregola, leeks, and toasted chickpeas. A delightful surprise, the mushrooms were perfectly prepared, and the accompanying pesto pasta and chickpeas added wonderful texture and flavor.
Next, we savored the swordfish ($47), the catch of the day, served with light and lemony summer vegetables—tomatoes and potatoes. This dish epitomized summer dining, fresh and perfectly balanced. The menu notes that this seasonal offering now features eggplant caponata, mâche, and lemon vinaigrette for fall visitors.
Finally, we indulged in the tilefish ($48), a flaky white fish often compared to lobster or crab, served with pesto, potatoes, and microgreens. While the lobster comparison might be a stretch, this dish was undoubtedly excellent—melt-in-your-mouth tender and remarkably light.
The grand total for our dinner for three, including the appetizer, three main courses, two sodas ($6.50 each), an espresso ($7), and two cappuccinos ($8 each), came to $203.36 before tip. While certainly not an everyday price point for many, it’s also not the most exorbitant bill you’ll find in the Hamptons.
So, is Nick & Toni’s worth the investment? If you’re “out East” and keen to immerse yourself in the Hamptons’ upscale dining scene, perhaps even hoping to channel your inner Ina Garten, the answer is a resounding yes.
From the exquisite food to the inviting atmosphere and the undeniable allure of potential celebrity sightings, Nick & Toni’s delivers an experience that justifies the splurge. It seems the Barefoot Contessa’s taste is, once again, impeccable.
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- I ate dinner at one of Ina Garten’s favorite restaurants. It was worth every penny. (businessinsider.com)