Whether you’re looking for takeaway for the beach or a satisfying dinner after a sun-drenched day, we’ve got your Vineyard eats covered.
Photo courtesy of 19 Raw Bar.
When the weather turns warm and New Englanders’ hearts and eyes turn to the sea, Martha’s Vineyard always beckons with its sandy beaches, lazy days spent sailing and warm nights under the stars. But all that glorious summer fun leads to one thing: a hungry belly and a thirsty mouth.
While the island is only 87 square miles, it’s packed with restaurants. We’ve rounded up our all-time favorites for every occasion—so whether you’re traveling with kids, want to destroy a seafood tower on a date-night, or simply try something the locals love, read on for our favorites on the island.
Note: Do call or check restaurant websites for open times and dates before showing up, especially in the off-season. Many restaurants are summer only, and may not be open early or late.
Photo courtesy of 19 Raw Bar.
19 Raw Oyster Bar
This “shucking amazing” spot has the best raw bar on the island, serving on ice oysters raised in the waters of the Vineyard, Maine, New Brunswick, and elsewhere—you can even add a bite of caviar. The very modern seafood menu, meanwhile, offers fresh crudo and specializes in share-friendly small plates like the Lobster Caviar Slider—lobster topped with caviar served on a grilled brioche bun with vinegar chips. The cozy spot’s patio is also a fine place for digging into gorgeous dry- or wet-aged steaks during dinner service.
19 Church St., Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
Atlantic Restaurant
Waterfront seating is the draw at this classic seafood and chops house overlooking scenic Edgartown Harbor, where weekday afternoons are made for oysters on the patio (or perhaps a whole branzino). That said, Atlantic is also perfect for that one person in your group who doesn’t do seafood; just show them to the street-style shawarma tacos, a mix of veal and pork topped with French feta. Show up early if you want to grab a drink at the bar, though, because you’re probably going to have to wait at this no-reservations spot—not that you’re in any hurry to get out of here.
2 Main St., Edgartown, 508-627-7001, atlanticmv.com
Photo by the Barn Bowl & Bistro via Yelp.
The Barn Bowl & Bistro
Craving a pizza tonight? Want to keep the kids busy? Is it—heavens no!—a rainy day? Take cover in the Barn, where you’ll find creatively-topped pies aplenty (including gluten-free options with a cauliflower crust), along with Jamaican jerk wings, curry mussels, and more people-pleasing tavern fare. The beer selection also has something for everyone, there’s a 10-lane ten-pin bowling alley for family fun nights, and ample outdoor seating. What more do you need after a long day at the beach?
13 Uncas Ave., Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9800, thebarnmv.com
Chef Deon’s Kitchen
For a non-New England take on seafood in Oak Bluffs, head to the local VFW hall to get a taste of Caribbean-inflected cooking. Their kitchen is a little tough to find, but Jamaica-born chef Deon Thomas and his wife Emily have been serving up an ever-changing menu of jerk or blackened salmon, “zesty island kale soup,” conch, plantains and more in this relaxed space for years, and there’s often live music in the evenings. If Deon’s famous jerk chicken is on the menu, get it, and get it spicy.
14 Towanticut St., Oak Bluffs, 508-627-0330, chefdeon.com/
Chilmark Tavern
There aren’t a lot of places—unless you’re cooking at home, or grabbing takeaway–to sit down for a meal in quaint and quiet Chilmark, but after a day climbing the Menemsha Hills, unwind afterwards with the Tavern’s menu of bistro classics. The menu leans heavily on New England farm-sourced ingredients, from the pasta with island littlenecks to the veggie curry with Vineyard-raised shiitake.. Take note: the Tavern is BYOB, as Chilmark is “the wettest dry town in America,” as the locals say—but if you provide the bottle, they’re happy to contribute mixers and can make you “most” cocktails.
9 State Road, Chilmark, 508-645-9400, chilmarktavern.com
Lookout Tavern
Every east coast summer destination calls for a perfect summer shack serving lobster rolls and fried clams, and the Lookout is our favorite on the Vineyard. It checks every box with its waterfront views, sidewalk and patio seating, and a full bar to kick off the evening (or afternoon, if we’re being honest). Most importantly, you’ll find those aforementioned lobster rolls (toasted, buttery and said to be the best on the Vineyard), alongside fried seafood, raw bar offerings, and a solid assortment of fresh sushi, all available to go—plus refreshing rum punch and margaritas, when you’d rather settle in and soak up the vistas. Happiness.
8 Seaview Ave., Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Nomans
Casual dining made delicious is on the menu at Nomans, the best place on the island to walk in and grab a sandwich or salad for enjoying in the sun outside, cooling off with the A/C inside, or taking over to the beach. The soba noodle bowl is filling but light, flecked with watermelon, daikon radish, carrot and snow peas, and the heartier buttermilk fried chicken sandwich makes for an ideal vacation lunch. Did we mention the cocktails? We should, because the pineapple mint daiquiri is exactly what you want to be drinking on a summer afternoon. Cheers!
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
The Red Cat Kitchen
There’s a lot to love about this cozy, art-filled restaurant and bar mere steps from the ferry in Oak Bluffs. For starters, the food is some of the most interesting on the island, with a seasonal farm-and-sea-to-table menu that changes regularly. (If you’re lucky enough to catch the oyster pan fry or scallops and risotto on the menu, order straight away.) The warm and friendly staff mixes up rock-solid cocktails too, and as you’ve probably heard, you’re likely to spot a celebrity or former president tucking into a meal on the patio.
14 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, 508-696-6040, redcatkitchen.com
Photo courtesy of the Sweet Life Cafe.
The Sweet Life Café
Helmed by Puritan & Co. vet chef Hal Ryerson and his wife Erin, who manages the front-of-house, this sweet spot’s menu emphasizes their relationships with island farmers and fisheries, and it pays off in a big way with ever changing and always delicious plates from the kitchen—past favorites include squid ink tagliatelle and kingfish crudo. It’s all set in a classic Cape home with garden-patio seating that invites real relaxation. Top-notch hospitality (and a killer music playlist) make this a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, 508-696-0200, sweetlifemv.com
State Road Restaurant
Enjoy creative American fare inspired by the farms surrounding this charming up island favorite, with much on the menu plucked by chef Jonathan Warnock from the very gardens surrounding the tavern. This is true farm-to-table dining, where you can choose patio seating or tuck into the antique filled farmhouse, with an expansive fireplace as a centerpiece, for well prepared favorites like fresh farmstand salads, salt cod fritters, and a bar that invites you to linger all evening.
688 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-8582, stateroadrestaurant.com