Featured Artist Ross Watts above in the garden of Little Estia’s Kitchen with his “Schooling Bass” installation; Top Right-hand corner, Colonial Flag of reclaimed books, Ross Watts

Photography by Daniel Gonzalez
The Nice Niche Article

“The food is what draws crowds and I like to think it’s the artwork created for us by our friends that adds to our atmosphere.”
—Chef and Owner, Colin Ambrose

Unassumingly delightful, Little Estia’s Kitchen is located off of the Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton, New York. Opened in 1998 by (award winning) Chef Colin Ambrose, Estia’s not only boasts amazing flavors from the area’s finest farms and fishermen, it also claims an art collection of successful local artists. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual — making you feel like you are in someone’s home. The juxtaposition of local fare and art creates a symmetry that is undeniable.

Artist, Ross Watts and his family live a block from the Sag Harbor location, they visit weekly and dine there often with their children.  His work fits both concepts decorative focuses, striped bass in Sag Harbor and Americana in Darien. He also shares a focus on renewing things that others may see as waste. “His work is created from found objects, we like to compost from the kitchen, buy plates and tableware at auction and recycle old food preparation techniques.”—Ambrose

Similar to Estia’s, Chef Ambrose recently opened Estia’s American in Darien Connecticut—bringing the home cooled and local art collection model to a second location.