East Hampton rejects scaled-down Montauk restaurant plan, prompting owner to revert to original larger design

East Hampton residents successfully blocked a revised, smaller restaurant concept that would have featured an omakase menu and reduced seating. The Town Planning Board rejected the proposal, pointing to discrepancies in the submitted use plans and noting that occupancy estimates for both versions differed by roughly 11 patrons. Owner Marley Dominguez, proprietor of the Offshore Montauk hotel, announced that he will revert to his initial plan for an Italian restaurant and bar named Este, which the board had approved in December.

The original scheme envisions a three-story, 8,250-square-foot structure capable of holding more than twice the number of guests allowed under the rejected plan. The board’s earlier approval was based on expectations of a small staff, no direct bar service, and compliance with the town’s definition of a restaurant. Local critics fear the venue could become a noisy daytime nightclub, while a rival business is alleged to have spurred a petition against the project.