It wasn't that long ago that Nick and Toni's was a start-up looking to create a name for itself on the Hampton's dining scene. But along with tried-and-true eateries, a summer in the Hamptons is also about finding the new gem. The trend of late seems to move toward understatement, from barbecue pits and burgers to more Italian. Here are five eateries that are relatively fresh on the scene, including the first-ever restaurant at the long-standing Southampton Inn. One addition that’s being kept hush-hush by his handlers is an East Hampton outpost of the steak house Kobe Club, from venerable restaurant impresario Jeffrey Chodorow.

Almoncello
The Mexican spot Almondito has been given a Northern Italian makeover in time for the summer as Almoncello (290 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, 631-329-6700). Owners Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner (Almond) have renovated the space with leather booths and deep red tones throughout. The rustic fare focuses on Bologna, but the wine list is pan-Italian.

Tutto Il Giorno
With former Conde Nast CEO Steve Florio as one of the founders, Tutto Il Giorno (6 Bay St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-7009) made a splash on the Hamptons dining scene last summer. Florio has since passed away, but the restaurant, Italian for "all day long," lives on. The vibrant space, located across from the Sag Harbor marina, serves pan-Italian creations by chef Maurizio Marfoglia (Barolo, Coco Pazzo) from morning to night.

Townline BBQ
Last summer, the owners of Nick & Toni's went the brisket route with Townline BBQ (3593 Townline Rd., Sagaponack, 631-537-2271). After traveling the country on a ‘cue-tasting tour, they settled on a mostly Texas menu that features dry-rub smoked meats, including gigantic beef ribs. The dining room, with its centrally placed washing station and the obligatory deck, is the perfect sun-soaked spot to enjoy a pint and lazily watch over lush acres of sprawling farmland.

Surf Shack
Putting a twist on tastemaker Danny Meyer's famed burger joint and ice cream parlor, bar guy Alex Gordan has opened party spot Surf Shack (2095 Montauk Highway, Amagansett, 631-267-6980). The space has been a revolving door of restaurants over the years, including short-lived 27 Authentic Mexican Kitchen. But with a laid-back menu of sliders, seafood and 30 flavors of ice cream, Gordan is looking to keep some stability. The 200 seats inside and outside—not the mention plasma screens that loop Elvis beach movies, and two-for-one lobsters—may help as well.

OSO
After 35 years of heeding to their guests’ every need, the owners of the Southampton Inn opened OSO (91 Hill Street, Southampton, 631-283-1166), their first restaurant, in May. Helming the kitchen at this steak house in the Tudor-style brick-and-stucco hotel is award-winning chef Peter Dunlop (Café Des Artistes, The American Hotel). Dunlop's fine-dining menus for breakfast and lunch will change often, but the centerpiece here is five cuts of meat daily on the dinner menu: fillet mignon, sirloin, porterhouse and two others that will rotate daily.


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