Vegan in the Hamptons: Estia's Little Kitchen
Estia's Little Kitchen
Address | 1615 Sag Harbor Turnpike Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Just off the main road between Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton, Estia’s Little Kitchen is a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its colorful garden, bright turquoise exterior, and small dining room packed with character, Estia’s has quietly become one of the most beloved brunch destinations in the Hamptons. Though the menu leans heavily on Mexican-influenced comfort food and farm-fresh ingredients, it also offers a handful of solid options for those seeking a plant-based meal.
We stopped by Estia’s Little Kitchen for a midweek brunch, which turned out to be an excellent decision. On weekends, the parking lot overflows and the wait can stretch well over an hour. But on this particular Wednesday morning, we were seated right away, greeted by friendly staff, and quickly settled into the easygoing, sunny atmosphere that has made Estia’s such a staple on the East End.
Mason Jar Iced Coffees and Casual Comfort
One of the small but memorable touches at Estia’s is how they serve their iced coffee in large mason jars—it feels very fitting for the relaxed, almost homey vibe of the place. We ordered ours with almond milk, and the coffee came out strong, refreshing—ideal for a leisurely brunch. It’s these small details that make Estia’s feel less like a restaurant and more like visiting a friend’s house where someone happens to be an excellent cook.
The Vegan Options: Simple, Satisfying, and Flavorful
While Estia’s isn’t explicitly a vegan restaurant, it’s not difficult to enjoy a plant-based meal here if you know what to order. On this visit, we tried two of their best vegan-friendly offerings: The Rich Roll and the Vegan Breakfast Bowl.
The Rich Roll is a nod to the endurance athlete and wellness advocate of the same name, though Estia’s doesn’t explicitly market it as such. The dish arrives as a tightly wrapped flour tortilla stuffed with spinach, sautéed vegetables, and refritos (refried beans). The flavors are bright, well-seasoned, and balanced, with the creamy richness of the beans contrasting beautifully against the slight bitterness of the greens.
The Vegan Breakfast Bowl is essentially the same combination—spinach, sautéed vegetables, and refritos—but served in a more deconstructed, bowl-style presentation. Instead of being wrapped in a tortilla, the ingredients are layered, allowing each component to shine on its own. The vegetables, which included bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, were cooked just until tender, bringing a nice texture and sweetness to the plate.
Though these dishes weren’t complex or overly inventive, they were deeply satisfying in that way only thoughtfully prepared, simple food can be. They were also generously portioned, which is not always the case at trendy brunch spots.
Hot Sauce, Housemade and Worth Trying
One unexpected highlight of the meal was Estia’s housemade hot sauces, which come in small bottles placed on every table. There’s a green sauce, bright and herbaceous with a hint of serrano heat, and a red sauce, smoky and slightly spicier. Both are excellent additions to just about anything on the menu, but they especially livened up the Rich Roll and Breakfast Bowl, giving them an extra layer of depth and heat without overpowering the other flavors.
If you’re a fan of hot sauce, these are worth tasting—and perhaps even taking home if they’re available for sale during your visit. They reflect Estia’s broader ethos: simple things done very well, with care and attention to detail.
A Place That Feels Like Home
What stands out most about Estia’s Little Kitchen isn’t just the food—it’s the atmosphere. Owner Colin Ambrose has created a space that feels welcoming to everyone, whether you’re a local grabbing coffee on your way to work, a family lingering over pancakes, or a vegan brunch-goer seeking something fresh and satisfying.
There’s an unmistakable charm to the mismatched plates, the rotating local art on the walls, and the handwritten signs listing specials. On weekdays, it feels almost like a secret, a hidden gem where you can escape the summer crowds and enjoy a quiet moment with good food and good company.
On weekends, though, prepare yourself: Estia’s is a destination. The wait can be long, especially in July and August, but most regulars will tell you it’s worth it. Bring a book, chat with other patrons, or stroll through the garden while you wait for your name to be called.
Tips for Visiting as a Vegan
If you’re planning to dine vegan at Estia’s Little Kitchen, here are a few tips:
Ask questions. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to accommodate dietary restrictions where possible.
Modify as needed. While the menu isn’t labeled vegan, many dishes can be easily adjusted—skip the cheese, swap dairy for almond milk, and verify how things like rice or beans are prepared.
Embrace simplicity. The vegan options here are straightforward, centered on fresh vegetables, beans, and tortillas. It’s hearty, healthy fare that feels right at home in a kitchen focused on wholesome ingredients.
Why Estia’s Remains a Favorite
Part of what keeps people returning to Estia’s Little Kitchen is that it doesn’t try too hard. The food isn’t flashy, the décor isn’t curated within an inch of its life, and the menu doesn’t chase trends. Instead, Estia’s offers dependable, flavorful meals in a setting that feels rooted in community. It’s not surprising that even on a weekday, the patio fills up quickly with people who know that a good meal here is more than just food—it’s part of the rhythm of life in the Hamptons.
For vegans, Estia’s won’t offer the breadth of options you might find at dedicated plant-based restaurants in NYC or LA, but what it does offer is done well. It’s a place where you can sit with your iced coffee in a mason jar, watch the world go by, and enjoy a breakfast bowl brimming with honest, unpretentious flavors.
Final Thoughts
Vegan dining in the Hamptons can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt, piecing together sides and substitutions from menus heavy on lobster rolls and omelets. Estia’s Little Kitchen is a reminder that it doesn’t have to be complicated. A good tortilla, well-cooked beans, fresh vegetables, and a dash of housemade hot sauce can go a long way.
If you’re visiting during the week, take advantage of the shorter wait times. If you’re braving the weekend crowd, come prepared with patience and an appetite. Either way, Estia’s Little Kitchen remains one of the best spots in the Hamptons for a relaxed, satisfying vegan brunch.
