“This is a follow up to our 2023 review of R., Aire at the Hampton Maid in Hampton Bays. As superb as R. Aire was during the past eighteen months, recent visits underscore that the restaurant continues to reach new culinary heights under Chef and Owner Alex Bujoreanu. In a landscape of high priced and often mediocre restaurants on the East End, R. Aire is a unique venue - a chef driven restaurant which offers sophisticated cuisine inspired by the classics of Spain - in an elegant, serene setting - and at moderate prices.Although we have previously taken note of R. Aire’s outstanding signature paellas, the “non rice” sections of the menu offer a range of equally delicious dishes - all made with the finest (and often local) ingredients and reflecting the chef’s masterful synthesis of both classical and modern influences.For example, Chef Bujoreanu offers an amazing Fideua - a short grain pasta dish cooked in the method of paella (in a paella pan) in a richly flavored sofrito. R. Aire’s Fideua is a textural wonder, served two ways - as a seafood and squid ink classic or a rustic wild mushroom and duck version. Fideua is rarely offered in the U.S. - these renditions are authentic and superb.R. Aire’s appetizers and small plate “pinchos”offer an array of delectable choices, from flavorful morsels of grilled lamb (Morunos), aromatic grilled Shishito peppers, succulent octopus, airy meatballs and a lovely heirloom beet salad. One could construct a deeply satisfying dinner from these perfectly composed small plates.In addition to the Fideua and traditional paellas for which R. Aire is known - the paellas have a perfect “socarrat” base and are cooked to order and served in individual paella pans - the non rice dishes are equally impressive. Memorable main courses include pristine local sea scallops, breast of duck, Iberico pork and a filet mignon of Wagyu beef. This is cooking at a very high level.The service at R. Aire is warm and inviting. The restaurant’s gracious manager, Grigore, provides an attentive hands on presence in the dining room; he is clearly focused on delivering the service and hospitality which has been the restaurant’s credo since it opened.It should be noted the restaurant’s wine list has continued to evolve, offering a range of wines from Spain and the U.S. and other wine regions from excellent producers - and at fair prices.In a world of formulaic restaurants and homogeneous food, R. Aire stands out for its warmth, value and brilliant cooking. Bravo to Chef Bujoreanu and his team for creating a special venue in Hampton Bays.“
“Had a great brunch with my mom a few Sundays back. I had the shrimp and grits and my mom a breakfast specialty bowl. Also had the duck empanadas. Food and service were excellent and we had a great view of the bay as we ate and chatted. First time dining there and it was great. Bar and dining area set up With a great island vibe.“
“Food was excellent and service was very attentive. I think prices are reasonable. Was disappointed that we had to sit in the other room on Valentine's Day...it was bright and no fireplace. No real decor. The main dining area was much nicer.“
“What an adorable spot! The servers were very kind to allow us outside seating and turned the lights on for us. Our server was super helpful and cheery and enjoyed the night with us. The seafood penne a la vodka had plenty of lobster in it and they were kind enough to oblige our request for a different sauce for the steak. The merengue key lime was also delish! I’m surprised this place doesn’t have more reviews, such a nice gem in Hampton Bays!“
“Love this place! My husband & I come here sometimes. Everybody is so nice, great menu & the food is delish! Great outdoor space with nice canal views!! Gets super busy in the summer & they have live music as well!! Check out their FB page!!“
“Came here for a bridal shower and couldnt believe the view and food! The spaghetti and meatballs was extraordinarily delicious and they kept the amazing bread coming! I even asked for extra to take home. They did an amazing job hosting the bridal shower. I have it on my radar to go back for dinner in the near future as well. Great experience here.“
“we still miss the days of Cor-J but fortunately little has changed and this is still our #1 choice for seafood on the east end~ best product/selection + knowledgeable staff. they'll do #littlenecks on the halfshell (when we dont have time to shuck at home) it's a dream and reasonably priced. the blackfish was write-home-about level delicious“
“I recently ate at this restaurant with a good friendYou look out the window and can see Shinnecock canal beautiful view in summer you can dine outside tooI like fish and chips and the cod was fresh battered and the sweet potato fries great tooMy friend had the steamed razor clams in garlic sauce along with breaded calamari he managed to eat the clams but had to take the calamari home to his wifeDraft beer fresh dessert“
“We came here for my mom's birthday lunch. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Mom had the lobster and enjoyed every bite. My granddaughter had the chicken fingers, she ate some, but decided my fish and chips was better than her chicken. My daughter had the burger, which came out the exact temp she asked for. The views are beautiful, parking was easy. All in all we had a very nice day. Price wise it's what you would expect for the Hamptons. But not over the top.We will most likely be back“
“Love this place! My husband & I come here sometimes. Everybody is so nice, great menu & the food is delish! Great outdoor space with nice canal views!! Gets super busy in the summer & they have live music as well!! Check out their FB page!!“
“The bartender Shawn was the best. Such a hustling guy he was able to handle the entire bar on his own and it was full. I will go back when I'm in town. The folks next to me had chicken sandwiches, one grilled and one fried. They said they were excellent. A nice spot on the water, but unfortunately it was raining otherwise deck seating would be awesome.“
“A wonderful casual dining restaurant with simple, well-prepared fresh fish (there are meat options too), potatoes, vegetables and salads, as well. I am always impressed by the attentive, helpful, knowledgeable friendly young men who work here. Great place!“
“i love the ambiance, food, and view there but honestly the wait can be very frustrating. so many times we simply order our food and drinks and sit in the outdoor bar area. there are 2 indoor bartenders there whenever we go there, one is a very bubbly, blonde irish woman who is very friendly, patient and helpful but towards the other side of the bar around the service side a very nasty, unfriendly, horrible bartender named Kyle who won't crack a smile no matter what. I had a big order, between our entrees and drinks and immediately he complained "I don't like this one bit!" obviously he dislikes his job and customers. Next time i will not make the mistake of ordering through him!! By the way, the 2 middle age blonde women in hostess area also snappy and unfriendly. I love the food especially the salmon but so disappointed they discontinued the delicious mash potatoes that came with it. Now it comes with a simple relish. Please remember to order the delicious fresh bread with garlic butter. I love it there, however there are many restaurants in that area i'd rather go to without getting scolded by and receiving cold treatment.“
“Great location on the water. The service was impeccable, the waitress took order for 6 people without taking notes and nailed every meal and drink. Amazing. The clam chowder was delicious although the NY steak was a little tougher than I expected, but the side of truffle fries almost made up for it.Would return and recommend as all the dishes looked great.“