It’s the first full summer for Amalfi Coastal Kitchen in Hampton Bays

Salvatore and Nina Biundo wanted to bring their favorite place in the world — the Amalfi Coast — to Long Island.

“We just love the Amalfi Coast,” said Salvatore, on the inspiration of the waterfront restaurant at 32 Lighthouse Road in Hampton Bays.

Their goal was to create a place where people could enjoy dinner and feel like they’re on vacation — no passport required.

“Everyone comes out here and they’re like, ‘Wow, you guys nailed it,’” the owners told GLI.

The husband-and-wife duo opened Amalfi Coastal Kitchen in the middle of last summer. As they head into their first full summer, the waterfront restaurant has already become one of the East End’s buzziest new spots.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Salvatore is a first-generation Sicilian-American who learned to cook as a kid while peeling tomatoes at his grandmother’s side.

“My grandma raised me,” Salvatore said. “I used to sit on a chair and peel the tomatoes. That was my first job.”

He’s spent the last 15 years working in restaurants on the East End — including Centro Trattoria in Hampton Bays, where he met Nina.

“I was working for a firm that designed bars and restaurants,” said Nina. “Everyone that walked in the door knew me.”

They left the restaurant business last summer thinking they’d take a break — maybe even move out of state.

“This was unexpected,” Salvatore said. “The owners of this property approached him. And we opened this place in four days.”

Amalfi Coastal Kitchen officially opened July 5, 2024.

IF YOU GO

Amalfi Coastal Kitchen offers seating for about 50 inside and another 50 on the porch. A floating dock is coming soon, allowing boaters to pull up for dinner or drinks.

“You walk in and you’re like, ‘You’re on vacation,’” said Nina. “That’s what everyone says — you guys made this feel like you’re on vacation in your own hometown.”

The menu leans southern Italian with Mediterranean touches, including one of Salvatore’s favorite dishes: octopus.

“I got this recipe — it’s done in such a way that makes it so tender,” he said. “It’s actually very simple, but it comes out perfect.”

When it comes to drinks, it’s all about spritz culture — with options like the classic Aperol to Hugo and limoncello spritzes.

The restaurant will also be open for lunch in July and August.

Since opening, they’ve hosted a variety of events, including weddings, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, holiday gatherings, and more. They’ve also teamed up with brands like Aperol for special collaborations.

Starting Memorial Day weekend, a new weekend DJ series will launch on the restaurant’s lawn, GLI has learned.

“Our events have been awesome,” said Nina. “People are calling nonstop. It’s been overwhelmingly successful.”

Amalfi Coastal Kitchen is open seasonally from Mother’s Day to Columbus Day. Scroll down for photos of the space.