Montauk was once known as a diamond in the rough, elegant in it’s simplicity, the best-kept secret on the East End. Amid rumblings of the quiet evolution of Montauk, a restaurant new to the culinary landscape manages to walk the fine line of keeping it simple while bringing elegant cuisine to town.
Navy Beach has made its new home in the former Sunset Saloon, giving the interior a nautical inspired facelift splashed in hues of white, navy and dark wood. Even the beach has an added polish, ideal for having a cocktail during sunset, or listening to live music. Wildly popular early in the season, crowds that brave the winding road over the railroad tracks are growing.
Lively cocktails such as the Madoff, a blend of pureed guava and fresh mint Mojito and Navy Grog, a smooth concoction of three rums, grapefruit, orange and pineapple were a delight. The Navy Beach menu is concise as it is appealing, offering a wide swath of choices without overwhelming the senses. Small plates include Lobster or Halibut Ceviche, Salmon Tartare and Tuna Takaki Salad. Our Jumbo Lump Crab Cake balanced gently on a pile of green apple fennel slaw, plump with slabs of crabmeat and crisp exterior. The Fried Calamari salad plated with golden rings of calamari tucked between fresh mixed greens was a sassy combination of flavors and textures.
Large plates at Navy Beach showcase seafood with hints of comfort; Buttermilk Fried Chicken paired with cheddar jalapeno cornbread, and the Navy Burger crowned with onion bacon marmalade compliment the butter poached Warm Lobster Roll and Pan Seared Sea Scallops with fingerling potatoes and sweet corn. We tasted the juicy Pan-Roasted Salmon with garlic noodles and sweet tamarind glaze along with the Seafood and Chips; a hearty trio of shrimp, scallops and cod. Tempting sides include Truffled Macaroni and Cheese and Parmesan Fries.
Desserts were impressive indulgences of Toasted Almond Pannacotta, Key Lime Custard with coconut crust and an inventive selection of Sorbet and Ice Cream. We closed our meal with the opulent Chocolate Mousse Cake, rich in complexity and intense in flavor.
Navy Beach has quickly become a beacon for guests seeking a relaxed evening of brilliant food in a casually elegant space. In a town that battles evolution while staying true to Montauk, Navy Road is a dazzling addition that is a lot less rough and a lot more diamond.
Navy Beach
16 Navy Road, Montauk
631.668.6868
www.navybeach.com
