The Hamptons Guide: Le Bilboquet
Address | 1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Recently we dined at Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor, a beloved spot known for its chic, coastal take on classic French bistro fare. With its prime location overlooking the marina and its effortlessly elegant atmosphere, Le Bilboquet is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a leisurely, celebratory meal. We had the perfect reason to visit — to celebrate our son’s 16th birthday — and the experience did not disappoint. From the thoughtful service to the beautifully composed dishes, each course reflected the refined yet relaxed spirit that defines dining in the Hamptons. Over the course of the evening, we sampled a variety of menu highlights, from seafood to vegan options, cocktails to dessert, all while enjoying the lively harbor views and a festive atmosphere. Le Bilboquet proved once again why it remains a go-to for special occasions in Sag Harbor.
Over the course of the evening at Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor, we enjoyed a leisurely exploration of their cocktail menu, each drink bringing its own distinct personality to the table. We began with their signature Harborview — a beautifully balanced combination of gin, passionfruit, and vanilla foam. It was both refreshing and indulgent, with the vanilla lending a soft, creamy finish to the tart passionfruit.
Next was the playful Oh La La, a watermelon and gin cocktail that perfectly captured the essence of summer in the Hamptons. Light, bright, and subtly sweet, it was as easy to sip as it was to admire, arriving in a tall glass with a delicate garnish.
To end, we opted for the bold Nuestra Dama — a spicy mix of jalapeño, tequila, and a tajín rim. It delivered just the right kick of heat, balanced by a clean, citrusy finish.
For hors d’oeuvres at Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor, we began with two distinct and beautifully presented starters that set the tone for a leisurely dinner by the marina. The first was the Le Crab & Avocado — a light yet indulgent combination of lump crab, ripe avocado, and shaved fennel. The dish struck a perfect balance between the rich, sweet crab and the creamy avocado, with the fennel lending just a hint of crisp brightness to keep each bite feeling fresh. It was elegantly plated, in the typical Bilboquet style — unfussy, but with an eye for restrained luxury.
For the vegan option, Lynette opted for the Soupe du Jour, which on this visit was a tomato and eggplant soup. Served piping hot in a simple white bowl, the soup was deeply flavorful, with the roasted eggplant lending a smoky depth to the vibrant tomato base. A drizzle of olive oil on top added a touch of richness, and the texture was smooth and velvety without feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of dish that feels thoughtfully composed for those seeking something plant-based without sacrificing flavor or sophistication.
Together, these starters reflected Le Bilboquet’s Sag Harbor outpost perfectly: light, refined, and attuned to the leisurely, elegant pace of a Hamptons afternoon. Whether you’re ordering seafood or vegan, their menu manages to capture the essence of French bistro charm with a breezy coastal sensibility.
For the mains at Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor, we each opted for something entirely different, which made for a wonderfully varied and memorable dining experience. For the vegan option, Lynette ordered the Socca, a chickpea crepe that was generously topped with charred broccolini, fresh greens, creamy avocado, and a smooth eggplant purée. The socca itself had that classic, slightly crisped edge with a tender center, providing a hearty base for the vibrant toppings. The charred broccolini offered a smoky depth, the avocado added creaminess, and the eggplant purée tied everything together with an earthy, savory note. It was a thoughtful and satisfying plant-based dish, clearly composed with attention to flavor and texture.
The birthday boy indulged in the New York Prime Steak, served traditionally with Pommes Frites and a Sauce au Poivre. The steak was beautifully seared, cooked to a perfect medium as requested, with the rich peppercorn sauce adding a luxurious, velvety finish. The fries were crisp, golden, and generously portioned — exactly what you’d hope for from a classic French steak frites presentation.
For my main, I chose the Swordfish, accompanied by a saffron-yellow pepper purée and zucchini blossoms. The fish itself was exceptionally fresh, with a delicate flake and firm texture that showed it had been handled with care. While the preparation was elegant and seasonal, I found the swordfish just a touch under-seasoned and could have used a brighter element to lift the plate. However, the saffron-yellow pepper purée brought a gentle sweetness and depth, and the zucchini blossoms added a lovely visual and textural contrast.
Altogether, the mains reflected Le Bilboquet’s refined yet approachable French coastal style, with something to please every palate at the table.
By the end of our meal at Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor, we were quite full, having thoroughly enjoyed each course. However, we couldn’t pass up the chance to celebrate Jack’s 16th birthday properly — with a beautiful dessert and, of course, a candle for his birthday wish. To mark the occasion, we ended the evening with the Vacherin, a light yet indulgent dessert that felt just right for a summer celebration. It arrived as a delicate assembly of crisp meringue, strawberry sorbet, creamy vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and fresh berries. Each bite offered a contrast of textures — the crunchy meringue, the cold, smooth sorbet and ice cream, and the soft, sweet berries all working together in harmony. It was festive without being overly heavy, the perfect sweet ending to a special dinner. Jack made his wish, and we toasted to another wonderful year ahead.
Our evening at Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor was everything we hoped for in a celebratory dinner — elegant, relaxed, and filled with thoughtful touches that made Jack’s 16th birthday feel extra special. From the fresh, beautifully plated seafood to the vibrant vegan dishes and expertly crafted cocktails, every course reflected the restaurant’s reputation for quality and style. While some flavors could have been slightly more bold, the overall experience captured the spirit of dining in the Hamptons: leisurely, scenic, and rooted in simple pleasures done well. Ending the night with the delightful Vacherin dessert and a birthday wish by candlelight was the perfect sweet finale. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable meal by the water, Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor remains a standout choice for those seeking classic French bistro fare with a breezy, coastal charm unique to the Hamptons.