Where to Eat Fish Tacos in the Hamptons and on the North Fork
Summer is here, and it’s the best time of the year to explore the East End for your favorite food! Fish tacos migrated east from Hawaii and California long ago and have become a seasonal favorite. While there are plenty of restaurants that now offer great ones, here are “fab fishy four:”
668 the Gig Shack
782 Main Street, Montauk
631-668-2727, 668thegigshack.com
Head to 668 The Gig Shack in Montauk for one of the more ingeniously named of the fish tacos: the “Montaco!” The blackened local fish Montacos are served with a delightful, homemade mango salsa and creamy coleslaw. The simple combination of flavors allows the dish’s natural freshness to come through. Perfectly beachy, the tacos can be ordered in groups of two or three. Heed our warning: You’ll want at least three!
La Fondita
74 Montauk Highway, Amagansett
631-267-8800, lafondita.net
La Fondita in Amagansett has a variety of authentic taco options, but the outdoor eatery’s fish taco, created by Executive Chef Joe Realmuto, is a clear standout. Lightly fried with a dark beer batter with mustard and chili powder, the cod is flakey and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The soft corn tortillas are lightly crisped, and the addition of raw cabbage (instead of boring lettuce) and chipotle mayonnaise makes for lunchtime perfection!
Petulant Wino Bistro & Wine Bar
739 Main Road, Aquebogue
631-779-3900, petulantwino.com
The Tuna Pizza at Chef Tom Schaudel’s Petulant Wino, Bistro & Wine Bar in Aquebogue may not be a fish taco, but it’s not strictly a “pizza” either. Long renowned for his work with tuna tartare, Schaudel’s treatment of it in this presentation does not disappoint. Composed of a light scallion pancake covered with tuna tartare, avocado and micro greens drizzled with wasabi aioli and soy sauce, it is everything one could ask for—even though it’s not a fish taco.
ALure Chowder House & Oysteria
62300 Main Road, Southold
631-876-5300, alurenorthfork.com
Speaking of chef and restaurateur Tom Schaudel, be sure to try his Baja Fish Tacos at ALure in Southold. The fresh fish topped with a bit of tangy guacamole and spicy tomato chili salsa will hit the spot. Add a margarita and, well, it’s summer!