Another hot new restaurant has opened in Montauk! Arbor has replaced the space formerly occupied by Ciao by the Beach.  Offering a Mediterranean style menu with a casual chic vibe and is poised to be a dynamic addition to the burgeoning Montauk dining scene. Owned by Apollo Global Management co-founder, Marc Rowan, Arbor is under the direction of Managing Director Steven Jauffrineau and Executive Chef Pierre Sudre. Jauffrineau brings his experience from the highly acclaimed Manhattan French bistro La Goulue and Shelter Island hot spot Sunset Beach. Sudre, who hails from a small village in the South of France, sharpened hisculinary expertise with the Sofitel Hotel group in Miami, Houston and Los Angeles.

The design of the restaurant is a collaboration between Alden Fenwick Design, Rowan and Jauffrineau. The style echoes that of a Mediterranean wine and beer bistro. The exterior space is highlighted by an arbor entrance and is surrounded by lush gardens and features a circular outdoor bar. The interior is open and airy with a fun relaxed energy. Neutral tones are prominent throughout the space with several custom items creating a polished look – such as the 30-foot bar and beautiful bar stools. The sunken dining area is surrounded by half walls to create a cozy dining atmosphere. The semi-private dining area is flanked by the impressive wine cellar featuring floor to ceiling glass walls.

The Mediterranean influenced menu created by Sudre features creative and delicious selections. Appetizers range from $11 – $17 and include: raw bar selections such as crab dijonaise and local clams; charcuterie and cheese plates featuring duck rillette and cured meats; and small plates such as grilled merguez with braised lentil, bell peppers, soffrito and Dijon mustard and charbroiled oysters with blue cheese butter. Main plates range from $24 – $36 and include: Gambas skewer with braised fennel and lemon; and free-range chicken with roasted potatoes, lemon and basil. As well there will be a selection of homemade pizzas such as the roasted pear and prosciutto with arugula and mozzarella and the seafood pizza with crab, sun dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella and caramelized onions. YUM!

The beverage program at Arbor is an important element of the restaurant concept. The wine program features an impressive wines by the bottle list housed in the restaurant’s wine cellar in the main dining area. As well, a large emphasis is placed on the wines by the glass. Roughly 15 – 20 wines by the glass are offered at four price points: #1 A Steal $10, #2 Best Value $12, #3 The No Brainer $14 and #4 Treat Yourself $16. All wines by the glass selections are available in a carafe as well as in a flight. Location: 240 Fort Pond Rd, Montauk, NY 11954;  631-238-5430

− By Tiffany Goldstein