by Sue Giustino
As the iconic Gosman property embarks on its next chapter following its recent sale, I was assured that the new team is working hard to balance its vision for the space while protecting its legacy. They aim to elevate the area while preserving its historic, family-friendly charm and serving just-caught seafood with locally sourced seasonal ingredients we all love.
Following the recent renovations and rebranding, Gosman’s has maintained the classic charm of two of its premier dining spots. Topside features an open-air bar and restaurant perched above the inlet, offering breathtaking views of Block Island Sound, Lake Montauk, and the Coast Guard Station. Down below, the Lobster House & Clam Bar continues its tradition of serving fresh seafood in a classic, dockside setting. Guests can enjoy harbor views while dining indoors, sitting outside on the docks, or grabbing a quick, convenient meal to-go from the takeout window. The main Gosman’s Restaurant has been transformed into Gosman’s Dock by Bagatelle. This high-end dining experience is managed in partnership with the luxury Bagatelle Group, and features French-Mediterranean cuisine.
On a lovely evening in June, we had a great experience dining at the new Gosman’s Lobster House & Clam Bar, the reimagined space of the former Inlet Café. While the team has evolved, familiar faces like Chef Eddie G and our waitress Giselle, along with the fantastic food and atmosphere made our visit truly special.
Sheltered from the brisk June breeze on the dock behind the building, we sipped signature drinks and took in the peaceful early evening sights along Lake Montauk. Each creative cocktail was both tasty and refreshing: The Bermuda Triangle — a ginger beer twist on a rum punch; a Spicy Margarita mixed with 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila; and Don Julio Paloma.
Our culinary journey began with a sampling of all three soups on the menu. The Lobster Bisque stood out as an aromatic, velvety favorite, generously garnished with chunks of lobster. Meanwhile, the New England Clam Chowder had a thick, creamy consistency and distinct clam flavor accented by fresh herbs. Finally, the Manhattan Clam Chowder proved to be a robust, hearty option brimming with a savory mix of clams, vegetables, and herbs.
From the list of starters, we chose an array of dishes, including creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese. Combining orecchiette, sweet lobster meat, and a blend of cheeses, this crowd favorite goes toe-to-toe with some of the best lobster mac in Montauk. Tender, crisp, and light, the gently fried Calamari melts in your mouth — the table’s pièce de résistance. Yet the fresh, delicately smooth raw Oysters as well as the clean, sweet Steamers were also exceptional choices!
Beyond the raw bar, soups, and salads, the menu rounds out with handhelds, main plates, sides, and desserts. On the recommendation of Gosman’s Dock General Manager Sean Kiley, we ordered the 1¼-pound broiled lobster loaded with a light, crab-heavy breadcrumb stuffing. The sweet meat and gentle char made this dish the ultimate summer indulgence. For another classic option, you can get a hot or cold lobster roll. We opted for the Hot Lobster Roll, featuring generous, butter-poached lobster on toasted brioche with crispy fries and a pickle.
Another delectable creation is the Blackened Mahi Tacos. The expertly blackened, aromatic mahi-mahi is perched in two flour tortillas assembled with lettuce, pico de gallo, and a delicate cilantro aioli. Our final plate was from the extensive sushi and sashimi menu—the Tuna Lovers Roll. A specialty sushi item, this roll is made for tuna enthusiasts; it features a base of spicy tuna and avocado wrapped in seaweed and sushi rice, generously topped with fresh slices of raw ahi tuna, and drizzled with spicy mayo.
Having dessert after that meal was definitely an overindulgence, but Chef Eddie made us an offer we couldn’t refuse by sending out three incredible confections! The Key Lime Pie was beautifully dense and tart, while the crustless cheesecake was light, creamy, and topped with a lovely burnt sugar lace. For a chocolate lover like myself, however, the Lava Cake topped with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream was irresistible—when cut open, the dark, moist cake revealed a rich, flowing chocolate center.
It doesn’t get much better than enjoying fresh, just-caught Montauk fish dockside with a breathtaking view. With its delectable array of food choices, Gosman’s Lobster House & Clam Bar is the perfect location for a meal with friends and family—and there’s not a bad seat in the house! This season also brings live music to the dock: Gosman’s Lobster House & Clam Bar hosts a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where you can enjoy live tunes by the water alongside 50% off drinks and buck-a-shuck oysters!
For complete hours and more information visit https://www.gosmansdock.com/.