Vegan in the Hamptons: Pineneck Pizza
We absolutely love early October in the Hamptons, it’s a season that feels unlike anywhere else. The days still hold onto the last traces of summer warmth when you can still sneak in an afternoon dip in the ocean, but the early mornings and evenings bring a crispness that whispers in an autumn breeze. The air smells faintly of woodsmoke and salt, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the rhythm of life slows down after the rush of summer crowds. For those of us who call this place home, autumn in the Hamptons is when the magic really begins.
On one of those perfect October evenings, a good friend stopped by, and what began as a casual hello quickly turned into hours of conversation under the stars. We settled into the garden and opened a bottle of champagne—because sometimes, you don’t need an occasion beyond good company. To pair with it, we brought out a few favorite salty snacks: a crinkly bag of salt and vinegar kettle chips, briny vegan caviar that felt like a little indulgence, and a bowl of assorted nuts for that perfect crunchy balance. We gathered around and lit a fire, wrapped ourselves in light sweaters, and watched the flames flicker as the minutes quietly stretched into hours.
There’s a rhythm to these evenings in the Hamptons: nothing planned, nothing rushed, just the slow unfolding of time with friends. But as the night grew later and our stomachs reminded us that snacks alone wouldn’t quite do, we started craving something more substantial. None of us wanted to break the spell of the night by cooking a complicated meal inside or heading to a restaurant. What we needed was casual, cozy, and shareable—something that could be carried out to the backyard and enjoyed by the fire.
That’s when Pineneck Pizza came to mind.
The beauty of Pineneck is that it’s just within walking distance, which makes the journey part of the experience. Leaving the warm circle of firelight, I set off into the night, enjoying the familiar autumn breeze on my face. One of the charming quirks of our Hamptons neighborhood is the absence of streetlights. The streets are lit only by the moon and the occasional porch light, which makes a nighttime walk feel natural, hushed, and a little otherworldly. The crunch of fallen leaves beneath my shoes, the quiet houses set back from the road, and the soft glow of the October moon turned what could have been an errand into a moment of reflection.
When I arrived at Pineneck, the welcome was as warm as ever. One of the things I appreciate most about this spot is how accommodating they are when it comes to dietary preferences. As someone who chooses plant-based meals, it can sometimes feel like pizza options are limited, but not here. The staff happily worked with me to build a fully vegan pie. We started with their classic red sauce—a rich, tangy base that immediately sets the tone—and then piled it high with toppings: earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, salty olives, and colorful peppers. It wasn’t just a pizza, it was a garden’s worth of flavors brought together in one bubbling, delicious package.
Carrying the warm box back under the stars, I felt a little thrill at the thought of what was waiting for us at home: a casual, unfussy dinner that perfectly matched the energy of the evening. Back in the garden, we spread out the pizza on the table beside the fire and dove in. There’s something almost ceremonial about eating pizza outdoors, each slice pulled hot from the box, steam rising into the cool night air. The flavors came together beautifully—the sweetness of the peppers balancing the brine of the olives, the richness of the mushrooms blending with the bright acidity of the sauce. The spinach added a fresh, earthy note that made the whole thing feel both hearty and surprisingly light.
It was exactly what the evening called for. No fuss, no pretense, just good food shared in good company. The crackle of the fire, the sparkle of champagne glasses, and the laughter drifting into the night made it feel like we had stumbled onto something timeless. These are the kinds of moments that remind me why I love living here—the ability to enjoy something simple yet so fulfilling without ever needing to leave our neighborhood.
Of course, Pineneck’s pizzas are famously large, which meant that even after the three of us ate until we were comfortably full, there was still plenty left. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The next morning, I reheated a few slices for brunch. If you’ve never had cold or reheated pizza on a Saturday morning, let me tell you: it’s one of life’s underrated pleasures. The flavors had deepened overnight, the crust crisped up beautifully in the oven, and with a fresh cup of coffee, it made for a brunch that was both indulgent and effortless.
What I love about experiences like this is how they highlight the flexibility of vegan eating. So often, people assume that plant-based meals are complicated or restrictive. But here was a perfect example of how easy—and satisfying—it can be. With just a little creativity and a welcoming restaurant like Pineneck, a vegan meal can feel every bit as comforting and delicious as its traditional counterpart. In fact, I’d argue that a vegetable-loaded pizza like ours brings more dimension of flavor and texture than the standard cheese-heavy pie.
The Hamptons is often associated with fine dining, chic restaurants, and elaborate seasonal menus—and while those certainly have their place, there’s a different kind of luxury in the nights that are simple. A garden fire, a bottle of champagne, good friends, and a pizza shared under the stars can rival any five-star experience. In fact, it’s those spontaneous evenings that often leave the strongest memories.
Walking back from Pineneck that night, I thought about how the Hamptons’ slower autumn rhythm encourages these kinds of gatherings. In summer, the pace can be frenetic, with packed schedules, crowded beaches, and endless events. But in October, the landscape shifts. The beaches are quiet, the restaurants less crowded, and there’s room for stillness. The lack of streetlights, which in summer might frustrate visitors, becomes an invitation to see the night differently—to walk under the moon, to listen to the crickets, to feel the season in its fullness.
Pineneck Pizza, in this way, feels like part of that rhythm. It’s not flashy or fussy, but it’s rooted in community, comfort, and good food. The staff’s willingness to accommodate a vegan request without hesitation made the experience even more meaningful. It’s one thing to order a pizza; it’s another to feel welcomed and seen in the process.
By the time the fire had burned low and the last bottle of champagne was gone, we were full in every sense of the word—full of food, yes, but also of laughter, warmth, and connection. The evening had unfolded organically, without plan or expectation, and that’s what made it so memorable.
The next time you find yourself in the Hamptons on an early autumn night, I can’t recommend enough the simple joy of grabbing a pizza from Pineneck and settling into your own version of this scene. Whether it’s by the fire, around a kitchen table, or even as a solo indulgence, there’s something special about a pizza that brings people together. And if you’re plant-based, don’t hesitate to ask for a custom creation—it might just be one of the best pizzas you’ve had.
In the end, “Vegan in the Hamptons” doesn’t always mean dining at upscale restaurants with meticulously designed tasting menus. Sometimes, it’s about celebrating the everyday joys—walking under the moonlight, eating with your hands, savoring the company of friends, and finding comfort in a neighborhood pizza that feels like it was made just for you. Pineneck Pizza delivered all of that and more, making one October night in the Hamptons one to remember.
