Swifty’s Restaurant Returns the Hedges Inn to Icon Status

When I last checked in mid-June, Swifty’s restaurant already had over a 1,000-person wait list. For good reason—it’s buzzing in all the right ways and will surely be a highlight of any Hamptons summer.

It’s a return to form—elevated Hamptons dining that embraces charm over flash, style over trend, and history over hype. You’ll want a reservation at the House at the Head of the Pond.

The Palm Beach team behind the restaurant clearly understands what makes the Hamptons the Hamptons. They’ve kept most of the interiors untouched, allowing the iconic location to retain its original charm and aesthetic. That choice alone signals respect for place, something too many seasonal ventures get wrong.

As anyone who lives in East Hampton will tell you, we are more than excited to find out that the Hedges Inn and Swifty’s will be open this summer and that the new concept remains open to the public. Frankly, the Palm Beach vibe suits East Hampton Village better than an exclusive Manhattan club—it’s elegant, yes, but still accessible in the way that great Hamptons institutions have always been.

The outdoor dining space remains covered and temperature-controlled but allows for a beautiful view of the Inn’s manicured grounds. It feels like you’re at a country club—but in the middle of East Hampton Village, and without any of the pretense. From the moment you pull up to valet, you know it’s a stylish affair, and yet, there’s a warmth and familiarity that keeps it grounded.

When you arrive at the Hedges Inn, there’s an undeniable sense of provenance. It’s the kind of setting where you immediately feel like something special is about to happen, even before the first course arrives.

While the aesthetic and layout are certainly polished, there’s nothing stuffy about the ambiance. The service is gracious without being fussy. The crowd is exactly what you’d hope for in early summer. Well-dressed, well-traveled, and very much in on the secret that this is the table to get.

What stood out to me most wasn’t just the menu (which is phenomenal), but the feeling that you were part of a continuing story—elegant dining in the Hamptons for over a century, now thoughtfully updated for 2025.

Let’s start with the bread service: simple, elevated, and unexpectedly memorable. The truffle preserve jam? I wouldn’t normally go for it, but it was unreal—one of those small bites you keep thinking about well into the night.

For appetizers, we went with the scallop crudo and the chilled pea soup. The scallops were delicately sliced, dressed just enough to complement their natural sweetness. The soup was light, seasonal, and smartly plated.

Swifty’s menu leans toward the sea, and with good reason, their maritime offerings are as fresh and considered as anything on the East End. The lobster pot pie was a standout: rich, flaky, and deeply satisfying without being overly heavy.

If you’re craving something more “turf” than surf, go for the Luxury Meatloaf. Yes, that’s what it’s called, and yes, it lives up to the name. It’s comfort food, but with edge and intention.

For dessert, I didn’t expect to see a pudding on the menu, but I was thrilled I did. A soft, nostalgic finish—cool, creamy, and plated like it belonged on a Parisian tasting menu.

With a fantastic dining experience back at East Hampton Village’s Hedges Inn, all seems right in The Hamptons.