Tutto il Giorno: "Hamptons Chic" Top 5 Page for this destination Long Island Restaurant Tip by nicolaitan

An upscale predominantly Italian restaurant just north of the Southhampton Village is owned by Gabby Karan, daughter of designer Donna Karan. Set in a white building with the restaurant name indicated only be a blackboard on a bench in front, Tutto il Giorno is soooo typical of upscale Italian restaurants on the Hamptons. The crowd is hip although a bit older than average for the area, the food very good but not breathtaking, the prices exorbitant as expected, and the decor sophisticated. The white room features a big wooden chandelier, lovely white orchids on the larger tables, lots of wood, and both uncomfortable chairs and benches softened by pillows.

In comparison to the Sag Harbor restaurant of the same provenance, we found the tables a little farther apart, the service still harried but perhaps somewhat less condescending, and the high noise level slightly less. There is a great outdoor dining terrace but be warned that these tables go first.

Prices are high of course ( this is Southampton ), with appetizers $15-20, a selection of both standard and interesting pastas mostly in the high $20s, and almost all entrees over $30. The restaurant favors Italian specialties and particularly seafood, which our party ordered. A tricolore salad at $14 was large enough to share, drizzled in a parmesan balsamic dressing, quite good. Our entrees, labeled secondi piatti, included roasted branzino and a very good oven roasted halibut with baby artichokes and potatoes, artfully arranged and dressed in a lemon tinted sauce ( the menu specifies house preserved lemons - a bit of pretention there ). All sides are $10 - not sure we actually ordered them but a large bowl of truffled fried potatoes which suddenly appeared was also excellent.

Specify early on that tap water will be fine, or the expensive bottled waters will appear. Prices for coffee, tea, soda, wine - these can really run up an already large tab.

Overall, this venue is a more enjoyable experience than the insanity of the little Sag Harbor original, located at 5-6 Bay Street, telephone 725 7009. The food is very good at both and we can recommend them.

Address: 56 Nugent St, Southampton NY 11968
Comparison: more expensive than average
Directions: Across from CVS, on street parking and a free lot on one side with plenty of space after business hours.

Pictures to follow.
Phone: 631 377 3611
Price: US$41 and up
Rating: 4
Theme: Italian