4 Photos
Kumiso has brought Japanese cuisine to East Hampton Village. Georgia Kenny photo
Smokey Buns specializes in Smash Burgers, among other items. Courtesy photo
Smokey Buns is one of several new eateries that have opened in East Hampton Village in the last two years. Georgia Kenny photo
Tutto Caffe brings the flavors, and feel, of a European coffee shop to the village. Georgia Kenny photo
East Hampton’s Park Place has long been renowned as the home to two deeply rooted, family-run restaurants: John Papas Café and Fierro’s Pizza. While these establishments have been staples for locals and tourists alike for decades, options for foodies in East Hampton Village have expanded significantly in the last two years with eateries like Tutto Caffè, Kumiso, Smokey Buns, Scoop & Waffle and Amber Waves Farm offering an array of dining experiences.
Old Reliable
The iconic diner John Papas Café is the picturesque scene for comforting ambiance, dependable home-cooked style food, friendly staff, and a place with a deep sense of community, filled with good memories, nostalgia, and authenticity. Despite initial concern regarding John Papas retiring and the shift in ownership to Klever Lopez in 2021, the cafe has remained a culinary gem. The versatility in their menu allows for something for everyone; from omelets and pancakes to sandwiches and salads, nobody will leave hungry.
Likewise, Fierro’s Pizza has been the longest-standing restaurant on the Reutershan parking lot, marking its 40th year as an acclaimed hotspot for camaraderie, fun dinner dates, or just a simple spot to grab a slice of pizza at any point in the day. There is rarely a time you will stop in there without finding someone you know and many of the same people slinging slices 20 years ago and now feeding the children of their oldest customers.
Big Changes
The food revolution in East Hampton Village started two years ago with the opening of Tutto Caffè, providing East Hampton with a unique and luxurious taste of a city centric cafe. With a sophisticated and cosmopolitan aura, a wide variety of tasty drinks, Italian cuisine ranging from delicious pastries to salads to sandwiches/toasts, and the bar scene, Tutto Caffè, Gianpaolo de Felice and David Mayer hit the mark with this gorgeous yet incredibly intimate cafe.
Sourced from the Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, the East Hampton Amber Waves Farmhouse provides locally grown produce, drinks, pastries and packaged goods. Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin have strong backgrounds in agriculture and organic farming, which shines through in their success in not one, but two farm stand locations. Amber Waves farmhouse provides an easily accessible outlet for fruits and vegetables and allows patrons to support local businesses while enjoying a tasty take-away lunch.
Kumiso gives Park Place a taste of Japanese cuisine. Two of the owners, Tora and Jesse Matsuoka, also own Sen in Sag Harbor and acted upon the need for an affordable and creative restaurant, gifting East Hampton Village with its very first Izakaya, which directly translates to “stay-drink-place.” Like Sen, Kumiso delves into Japanese customs and culture. The diverse, tapas-style food gives customers the opportunity to expand their palate and try a wide range of uniquely crafted plates. The crispy rice perfectly blends crunch with a variety of different options including avocado or fish, the ramen dishes are creative and expansive, for even the pickiest or most sensitive groups, and the buns are seasoned perfectly to have just enough of a spicy hit.
The Newest Development
The Matsuoka brothers and their partners did not stop with the opening of Kumiso. They are also behind Smokey Buns, a new restaurant closer to Main Street alongside the parking lot. The team from Smokey Buns recently had a soft opening to adapt and polish their approach, including their desire to become a community-based social hub. The focus is mainly on casual comfort food including sandwiches and burgers, as well as vegetarian options, which many burger places seem to forget. The ice cream shop counterpart, Scoop & Waffle, is the icing on the cake to this fun and easy smashburger sensation, giving patrons a chance to grab a bite out without having the dread of getting fancied up for most other East Hampton restaurants.
With the addition of these new destinations, Park Place has transformed the food scene in East Hampton Village, offering a variety of options for every palate and an endless list of must-try menu items, brightening a village often associated with luxury brands with a new local flavor.
