On the north shore of Long Island’s South Fork, Sag Harbor is a small but notable highlight of the Hamptons community. During the winter months, its charming main drag—which lazily winds toward the bay and is dotted by shops and cafés—is quiet. In summer, Sag Harbor transforms into a buzzy vacation destination known for its nightlife, beautiful beaches and celebrity sightings. The town is also home to a historically Black community that traces its roots back to a free enclave from colonial times. Although the year-round population is only 2,735, Sag Harbor has a vibrant restaurant scene, including the sunny and sleek Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Lulu Kitchen and Bar.
Lulu is found on Main St., a five-minute walk from the Sag Harbor Village Marina and an even shorter walk from the American Hotel, a Grand Award winner. Since opening in 2017, Lulu has been helmed by chef Philippe Corbet, who has harnessed his experiences cooking in his native France, his travels through the Middle East and his stints in top New York City kitchens like Bouley to form a menu that centers on farmstand-fresh ingredients and makes frequent use of a wood-fired grill.
French Touch, Sag Harbor Charm
Dishes change seasonally or even daily depending on local offerings; produce comes from nearby suppliers like Balsam Farms in Amagansett, while daily specials of fluke, black sea bass, striped bass and other fish come from just off the coast of Montauk. Year-round staples include an impressively large roasted head of heirloom cauliflower, whole grilled branzino and 14-day dry-aged duck. A raw bar offers local and Canadian oysters, tuna tartare and other shellfish, available individually or in one of three seafood tower options. Meat lovers can look to plates like skirt steak with chimichurri and grilled rack of lamb. (General manager Joshua Fishbein recommends pairing the latter with Bordeaux, particularly the 2014 Château Giscours Margaux.)
Lulu’s 275-selection list is overseen by the restaurant’s corporate managing director Steven Jauffrineau. While plenty of Old and New World options are available, the focus is undeniably French. The Burgundy section is rich with bottles from producers like Patrick Piuze, Olivier Leflaive and Tollot-Beaut. Rhône producers include M. Chapoutier and Paul Jaboulet Aîné, while other French regions like the Loire, Bordeaux and Alsace are also well covered.
Beyond France, there are California wines from Merry Edwards, Joseph Phelps and Ridge, while additional international options include Chile’s Viña Leyda, New Zealand’s Te Mata, Italy’s Antinori and more.
The list also features several white wines, rosés and Champagnes by the glass and bottle, ideal for summer and al fresco dining. Bubbles are available from producers like Louis Roederer, Ruinart and Billecart-Salmon, and rosés from Domaines Ott and Minuty serve as fitting pours for the Provençal vibes of the restaurant’s shady, plant-filled back patio. The restaurant has also created its own private-label rosé in partnership with Château St.-Maur in Provence.
Lulu is owned by Alchemy Hospitality, which also operates three Duryea’s locations, known for upscale seafood, on Long Island. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with brunch on Sundays.
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