Vegan in the Hamptons: Camp Rubirosa

Camp Rubirosa

Address | 31 Race Ln, East Hampton, NY 11937

When it comes to date nights in the Hamptons, we’re always on the lookout for restaurants that strike the perfect balance of vibe and flavor — especially those that cater to our mixed dietary needs. So when we heard whispers about Camp Rubirosa, the stylish Italian-American restaurant pop-up in East Hampton with retro camp nostalgia and rave-worthy pizza, we knew it had to be our next dinner spot. With vegan cheese on the menu and a fun, summery atmosphere, it checked all the boxes.

From the moment we stepped onto the property, Camp Rubirosa delivered on its promise of chic camp vibes. Think upscale summer camp meets Italian trattoria — twinkle lights strung across the patio, canvas elements, rustic seating, and vintage-inspired branding that immediately put us in vacation mode. There’s an effortless charm to the place that feels both curated and nostalgic, like something out of a stylish Wes Anderson film set in the Hamptons.

For this night out, Lynette stayed fully vegan while Seis went with a more flexible approach and tried a few of the dairy options. One of the highlights right off the bat was the cocktail menu. We kicked things off with the Negroni dell’Estate, a citrusy twist on the classic Negroni made with Malfy Citrus Gin, Campari, di Torino vermouth, and a limoncello mist. It was refreshing, bright, and felt like a perfect toast to summer. The limoncello added a soft, lemony sweetness that balanced the bitterness of the Campari — definitely a standout.

Naturally, we had to try the pizza. Camp Rubirosa proudly offers a vegan cheese substitute, which is always a welcome surprise when dining in a traditionally cheese-forward cuisine like Italian-American. Lynette opted for the Classic Pizza with tomato sauce and vegan cheese — based on their family’s 60-year-old New York-style recipe. The crust was delish: thin and cracker-like, with a beautiful char from the oven and just the right crunch. The tomato sauce was clean and bright, clearly made from quality ingredients, and the vegan cheese melted nicely into the mix without overpowering the simplicity of the pie.

Seis ordered The TIE DYE Pizza™, their signature pizza with vodka and tomato sauces, fresh mozzarella, and pesto (which contains pine nuts). The tie-dye effect from the swirl of sauces and vibrant green pesto made this one of the most visually striking dishes of the night — and the flavor lived up to its looks. Rich and creamy from the vodka sauce and cheese, with the basil-forward pesto cutting through for balance. While not vegan, it was declared “exceptional,” and definitely a good pick for anyone who doesn’t avoid dairy.

To round out the meal, we split the Spaghetti alla Chitarra, a long, square-cut pasta traditionally made by pressing dough through strings — named for the guitar-like tool used. We asked for it without the parmigiano to keep it vegan-friendly, and the kitchen was happy to accommodate. The dish itself was simple and elegant: fresh tomato and basil sauce that clung beautifully to the pasta. Even without cheese, the dish didn’t feel like it was missing anything — the texture of the pasta and the bold, ripe tomato flavor carried it on their own. It’s a great reminder that Italian cooking, at its heart, is about celebrating high-quality ingredients in a straightforward way.

The service at Camp Rubirosa was excellent. The staff was warm, attentive, and well-informed, especially when it came to dietary preferences. They were happy to confirm ingredients and make suggestions based on what could be made vegan — always appreciated when dining somewhere for the first time. The ambiance, too, was perfect for a summer evening: relaxed but lively, and groups of friends and couples all enjoying the same vacation-like energy.

It’s worth noting that the menu is designed to be crowd-pleasing but also offers a degree of customization. From salads and vegetable-forward sides to the ability to substitute vegan cheese or hold the cheese entirely, Camp Rubirosa makes it easy to eat plant-based without having to build your meal from scratch or feel like you’re settling.

For us, date night at Camp Rubirosa was a win across the board. Lynette was able to enjoy a fully vegan meal without feeling like she had to compromise, while Seis got to sample some of the house specialties. The pizza alone is reason to return — that cracker-like crust and those clean, classic sauces are something special — but it’s the whole experience that makes this spot stand out. From the playful branding and inviting design to the thoughtful touches in the kitchen and bar, Camp Rubirosa captures the spirit of summer dining in the Hamptons.

Final thoughts? If you’re plant-based, vegan-curious, or dining with a group that has a mix of dietary preferences, Camp Rubirosa is a fantastic choice. It’s casual but elevated, nostalgic yet modern, and most importantly — delicious.