Nick & Toni's 136 N. Main St. East Hampton, NY (631) 324-3550 www.nickandtonis.com

Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton is widely recognized as the most sought-after seat in the Hamptons, and each year brings fresh praise. Gael Greene of New York magazine wrote, "I’ve practically leased a table at the East Hampton Nick & Toni’s. The crew meshes as if they’ve been doing this forever – as some of them have. Am I imagining it? The food is better than ever."

Joe Realmuto, longtime executive chef at the famed eatery, has fine-tuned his skill at creative Mediterranean country fare, aptly described by Mary Alice Kellogg of Bon Appetit magazine as "simple yet sophisticated." The menu changes seasonally, often using produce grown in Nick & Toni’s own one-acre organic garden. Realmuto’s woodburning oven specials, such as the whole fish served with savory sides such as trevisano, French beans, basil and olives, are perennial favorites. The famed woodburning oven turns out inventive, mouth-watering pizzas like the "Cozze," topped with Prince Edward mussels, white bean puree and sweet onions; and the “Funghi” with wild mushrooms and taleggio. Sample appetizers include: Wood Roasted Sardines with peperonata and Grilled Quail with fava beans, frisee and grana padana. Entrée selections include: Spaghetti with rock shrimp, asparagus, oregano and garlic, Diver Scallops with sweet pea sformato, fennel and mint vinaigrette and Spice Rubbed Rib Eye Steak with Roasted Satur Farms baby vegetable and salsa verde. Dessert items include: Chocolate Almond Tart with espresso cream and toasted almonds and Butterscotch Custard with mascarpone cream and peanut butter cookies. The delicious fare is enjoyed in an atmosphere of simple country elegance: wood and white tablecloths, fresh flowers and soft lighting, with the rustic brick oven as the focal point.

With good reason, Nick & Toni’s legendary popularity marches on. The New York Times rated it "excellent," and Condé Nast Traveler recommended it to readers visiting the Hamptons - while advising them to book well ahead. Of course, the restaurant’s loyal clientele is as famous as its food. "To see the Hamptons glitterati in their native dining habitat, nothing beats Nick & Toni’s," wrote Bon Appetit’s Kellog. A regular influx of movie stars, rock stars, and CEO’s keep Nick & Toni’s in the news; look for Jack Nicholson, Sting, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Tom Hanks, Mick Jagger and others. New York Times food critic sums it up perfectly ". . . still our favorite. . . don’t miss Nick & Toni’s."