First Look | Navy Beach

In Montauk terms, going for dinner and a show means dining with your toes in the sand and waiting for the nightly coming attraction, the incredible East End sunset.  At Navy Beach, partners Frank Davis, Kristina Davis, Leyla Marchetto (of Scuderia) and Franklin Ferguson have created the ultimate beachfront restaurant with a relaxed summer vibe and a menu of fresh seafood and local produce.

Chef Paul Labue, who many will fondly remember from Nick and Toni’s in East Hampton and The Beacon in Sag Harbor, offers a variety of New American classics including a Warm Lobster Roll with Butter Poached Lobster and Bibb Lettuce, the Navy Burger with Cabot Cheddar, Bacon Marmalade and House Pickles, Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Cheddar Jalepeno Cornbread and Halibut Ceviche with Green Olives, Sweet Onion and Cilantro. For the little ones, a selection of kid-friendly favorites includes mini burgers, haute hot dogs and baskets of fish and chips.

Designed by Kristina Davis, the decor has an inspired nautical theme with the requisite brass porthole windows, blue and white bistro chairs and nautical flags mixed in with chic shadow boxes filled with vintage bathing suits, swimming caps and images of 1950′s bathing beauties.  Wall to wall windows give diners a breathtaking view of the beach and Block Island Sound.

Boaters are invited to anchor in the protected waters of Fort Pond Bay and wade onto the beach to the restaurant – lured in, no doubt, by the promise of savory treats and chilled cocktails that await them on shore.   The wine list, which has most bottles coming in under $100, features both international selections and local wines chosen by Ferguson, a certified sommelier.

Reservations can be made up to one week in advance in the main dining room that seats 81 guests. On the beach, there are 50 additional seats and, for those looking for a quick snack and a drink, another 26 spots in the bar area. Private events for 15 guests and higher may be arranged including wedding receptions, ceremonies on the beach, cocktail parties and seated dinners.

Navy Beach | 16 Navy Road, Montauk, New York, 631-668-6868

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Chris Foster for Navy Beach

You may also like -

Retrospective | The Best of 2011Culinary Council | Tastes From Barcelona and SwedenBright Idea | Escort (Card) GirlsFirst Look | Missoni for Target