Sag Harbor Kitchen To Open At Former Dockside Spot On Bay Street

SAG HARBOR, NY — A new restaurant is set to open at the Sag Harbor spot on Bay Street where the Dockside Bar & Grill was located for years.

Michelin award-winning chef Melissa O’Donnell is partnering with leading culinary platform, Kittch, to open Sag Harbor Kitchen, "a coastal culinary haven offering a wide selection of fresh local seafood, lobster, steaks, vegetarian and vegan specialties, and the best burgers in the Hamptons," according to a release.

Sag Harbor Kitchen will feature a limited menu beginning Memorial Day weekend and host its official grand opening on June 15.

Through its partnership with Kittch, Sag Harbor Kitchen will offer a new level of personalized dining experiences, including events with other renowned chefs, cooking classes, kitchen live streams and more, the release said.

Although the East Hampton Star reported last year that the location's new incarnation would be the Bay Street Tavern, with Eric and Adam Miller, along with Adam Potter, helming the business, the Millers later opted not to pursue the plans, according to the Star.

Located in "an iconic location" that has shared its rich history with the American Legion for more than 25 years, "Sag Harbor Kitchen has reimagined the classic space, blending contemporary design with nostalgic charm to create a unique hospitality experience that celebrates the maritime roots of the community," the release said.

Chef O'Donnell has spent her career as a pioneer on the New York restaurant scene and has been recognized for her work over the years with five Michelin Bib Gourmand awards at three different restaurants, the release said. The Bib Gourmand is the Michelin designation for establishments that offer great food at affordable, neighborhood prices.

In 2001, she opened her first restaurant, Stella, to "rave reviews" in The New York Times and other publications; Stella introduced the concept of communal dining to the New York restaurant scene, the release said.

Her next restaurants, Salt and Salt Bar, expanded on the communal table tradition Chef O'Donnell had introduced; she has been celebrated as a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, the release said.

With Salt, she won her first Michelin award. Her next two endeavors, Thelma on Clinton, and Li’l Gem, were also recognized by the Michelin Guide.

"Sag Harbor Kitchen’s goal is to, at once, be both new and novel, and at the same time feel like it's always been there," the release said.

O'Donnell is dedicated to the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients from land and sea.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting new endeavor in beautiful Sag Harbor. I’ve been coming to Sag for many years, and this opportunity to make this my next chapter is a dream come true,” O’Donnell said. "My culinary inspiration at Sag Harbor Kitchen are the great waterfronts from Lisbon to Sicily to Beirut, yet we've crafted a uniquely Sag Harbor cuisine. My team and I are committed to creating unforgettable dishes that celebrate the local seafood and fresh, seasonal ingredients from the amazing farms around the Hamptons. We strive to surprise people with our menu of everything from great burgers and steamers, to the freshest seafood off the Montauk boats. And, hopefully, our communal table and community focus will turn SHK into a place that introduces new neighbors to each other, and rekindles old friendships.”

In an exclusive partnership with Kittch, Sag Harbor Kitchen will offer special events with renowned chefs from around the world, cooking classes, and live streams from the kitchen, the release said.

In addition to its sea-to-table menu, SHK will offer an extensive wine list.

The restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as special events. Guests will have the option of enjoying drinks and a bar menu on the outdoor deck, featuring fire tables and lounge seating, enjoying sunset on the dining deck, or experiencing the sights and smells of the Kitchen itself, the release said.

SHK will also have a an apres-beach cocktail and food menu, as well as an apres-theater dessert and drink menu. The eatery also offers a private dining room for dinner parties and special events.

"Committed to supporting the local community, Sag Harbor Kitchen embraces its partnership with the American Legion, with plans to aid local veterans and their families through various initiatives and events," the release said.

For additional information, click here or follow SHK on Instagram @sagharbor.kitchen.