Back in 1973, Jean Denoyer gave New York the kind of French brasserie that felt like it had been waiting just off Madison Avenue all along. La Goulue made its mark with the chandeliers that glowed above tables set for Dover sole, cheese soufflé, and late lunches that drift right into dinner. And when its first lease ended, the story didn’t end. Denoyer reopened on East 61st Street, and the regulars happily followed, drawn by steak tartare and just the right shade of brasserie gold. Now, for the first time, La Goulue is slipping into summer whites and heading east. Straight to Southampton Village.
La Goulue Sur Mer
Southampton’s Hampton Road has long been a crossroads for big evenings and unhurried afternoons. When Joseph DeCristofaro and Anthony Punnett, two locals who know every lane and beach path by heart, heard that the space at 210 Hampton Road was ready for something new, they knew who to call. And Denoyer didn’t just sign on to open another branch. He agreed to bring the same heartbeat that’s kept La Goulue a favorite for decades. After a quick refresh, the old Balzarini’s building, which once housed Red Bar Brasserie and Enchanté, opened its doors again this June as La Goulue Sur Mer. It’s a name that nods to the sea breeze waiting just down the road.
Design
Inside La Goulue Sur Mer you’re greeted by touches that could only belong to a brasserie with history. Red leather banquettes line the walls, vintage Thonet chairs shipped straight from France slide across polished floors, and warm mustard hues soften the corners. The long bar anchors the lounge, where old black-and-white portraits by Bert Morgan line the walls. It’s a tribute to the Hamptons’ own place in American lore. The room feels layered, never stiff, ready for an easy lunch. Or a table that fills with friends and a second bottle — just because the evening calls for it.
Food + Drink
At its heart, La Goulue Sur Mer remains faithful to the dishes that made the original famous. The cheese soufflé, rich yet airy, the steak tartare prepared just so, and the whole Dover sole that reminds you why the classics never really go out of style. But here in Southampton, there’s a coastal note too. Montauk scallops arrive with celery-root purée and local fluke might appear as a catch-of-the-day special. And of course, the kitchen is ready to celebrate the East End harvests when September’s late tomatoes or early squash are at their peak. The brasserie feel stays strong on the sweets too. Profiteroles, tarte Tatin, and the kind of chocolate mousse that doesn’t beg for reinvention. Each dish feels like a postcard from uptown, with just enough sea air to let you know you’ve traded yellow cabs for beach bikes — at least for the weekend.
What else?
Denoyer, never one for half-measures, made sure the new spot carries more than just a name. He sent the same menus, the same sense of generous plates. And the same belief that a good table is about more than what’s on it. DeCristofaro and Punnett, who once biked past this corner as kids, now stand at the door greeting old friends and new regulars alike. It’s local, it’s borrowed from the city, and it sits right at home on Hampton Road, ready to welcome year-round.
As autumn arrives and the sand cools, La Goulue Sur Mer promises to stay open when the beach crowds drift back to Manhattan. Don’t worry — there are fireplaces inside, and a glass of wine close by. And the comfort of knowing that good French food, done right, never really needs a season.
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FAQs
Q: Where is La Goulue Sur Mer located in Southampton?
A: La Goulue Sur Mer is located at 210 Hampton Road in Southampton Village.
Q: What classic dishes are served at La Goulue Sur Mer?
A: La Goulue Sur Mer serves cheese soufflé, steak tartare, whole Dover sole, and seasonal coastal specials.
Q: Who brought La Goulue Sur Mer to Southampton?
A: Joseph DeCristofaro and Anthony Punnett partnered with Jean Denoyer to open La Goulue Sur Mer in Southampton Village.
