Peter Som’s Sag Harbor

Designer Peter Som is something of a Renaissance man: award-winning fashion designer, chef, expert party host, food journalist, Pinterest pro (he has more than three million followers on the platform), and all-around bon vivant. And when he’s not in New York City or traveling, he’s often in Sag Harbor, where he is a longtime resident.

He first visited the area around 30 years ago. “It was such a charming, quiet town,” he says. “At the time it was ‘off the beaten path,’ and I instantly fell head over heels for it.”

He spent most of the pandemic Out East, and has continued to return in the years since. “I go out as much as possible—it’s truly a little piece of heaven and a place to exhale.” The appeal: “I was drawn to the area for a few reasons. Firstly—convenience! Its central location makes it easy to get to everywhere relatively easily, yet it’s removed enough to feel secluded. Secondly, the town is the most charming place and features almost all small or local businesses that are open year round—from the grocery store to the restaurants to the bookstore to antique shops to (my favorite) the variety store—there’s a real sense of community in Sag.”

Below, Peter shares some of the places he loves most in that community.

“Bell & Anchor is the perfect place to grab a bite year-round (i love sitting at the bar)—no matter what I order, I usually start with their perfect Caesar Salad.

“The Beacon is only open during the summer, but its waterfront location is perfect for a sunset dinner.” His order: “The halibut baked in parchment with pearl couscous—I get it almost every time I’m there.”

“The American Hotel is a landmark on Main Street—a porch seat during the summer is great for people watching during brunch, while the cozy interior is ideal in the winter. I can always count on the Blue Claw Crab cakes.”

“Vin Sur Vingt is new and sure to be a mainstay (they have other locations in New York and D.C.). Their classic French brasserie fare is always a hit for me. Their tuna niçoise as well as the grilled skirt steak with shallot sauce are my go-tos.”

“Hands down it’s Harbor Market—they have a full menu of sandwiches and pizzas but my favorites are their salads and their chicken kabobs which are already boxed up for easy grab and go. And I never leave without one (or two) of their Kitchen Sink Cookies. My other favorite place is Grindstone Coffee for their decadent donuts and Carissa’s Bakery for their legendary pickled rye bread (and pretty much everything else there).”

“There are so many great shops in Sag Harbor,” Peter says. A few of his favorites:

Sag Harbor Variety Shop: “An old-school emporium that has almost everything—from toys to crafting supplies, kitchen supplies to fabric—it’s here.”

1818 Collective: “They have beautiful furniture and lighting—but it’s their tabletop selection that I invariably can’t resist.”

Bloom: “A curated shop with a lovely selection of Astier de Vilatte dishes.”

Hudson Grace: “For clean crisp classic housewares.”

Joey Wolffer: “For womenswear that’s both classic, beachy and fun, along with vintage jewelry and finds.”