Haute Living Explores Zagat’s Top Rated Restaurants in the Hamptons.

With summer nearly here, Manhattanites and the who’s who of the Empire State are undoubtedly preparing to trek it to the Hamptons for some down time. And now, Zagat has just released their 2011/2012 guide to The Hamptons’ best eateries. Here, we examine their top five in more detail.

1. North Fork Table

Located in Southold, the North Fork Table & Inn offers a frequently changing, progressive American menu. With locally grown biodynamic and organic produce, fresh seafood from the pristine Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound, award-winning North Fork artisanal cheese, as well as prize-winning Long Island wines to offer it’s no wonder why North Fork Table has topped the list once again.

2. La Plage

La Plage Restaurant in Wading River is renowned for its eclectic and creative French-American cuisine. The menu reflects the season and fresh produce is brought in each day. Set on beautiful beachfront, the restaurant was deemed “the most romantic restaurant on Long Island” by The New York Times.

3. Dave’s Grill

The cozy, waterfront bistro Dave’s Grill is located right on the Montauk Harbor. The husband and wife owned and operated restaurant is known for its extremely fresh seafood, pasta, steak, and vegetarian selections. A foodie favorite is Dave’s Grill’s famous Chocolate Bag, a “bag” of Belgian chocolate filled with scoops of vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream, with raspberry sauce and creme anglaise.

4.  Starr Boggs

A Westhampton Beach landmark, Starr Boggs is highly regarded for its fresh local seafood and farm produce. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine selection a menu filled with tried and true classics from the legendary Chef Starr, such as Almond Crusted Flounder. Starr Boggs is also known for its Monday Night Lobster Bakes throughout the summer.

5. Mirko’s Restaurant

Mirko’s Restaurant, located in Water Mill, offers an eclectic European-inspired menu and has a cozy, country feel to it. Chef Mirko Zagar and his wife Eileen are known to be selective of their clientele, and like to get to know them. Signature entrees and desserts include risotto served with shrimp pancetta and red wine, roasted duck breast with a wild rice griddle cake, peach fig chutney, and honey lime vinegar sauce, and iced lemon souffle.

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