Ok, to be fair, we can't begin to review every place to eat on Nantucket. (And even if we did, it would only be helpful if you enjoyed what we did) So we'll give you a brief summary of our favorites along with a few unusual offerings and those places that we wouldn't want to miss if we were a visitor.
Hummock Pond Road (road to Cisco Beach)
The Nantucket equivalent of biking through France with a baguette, a hunk of cheese and a bottle of wine! Grab a bike and head to Cisco beach but stop first at Bartlett's Farm for some farm-grown tomatoes, fresh fruit or a pre-made sandwich or snack. Then make your way to the brewery for a quick tasting of their locally brewed beers. Don't forget to buy something for the beach ( -- or about the beach itself!)
Easton Street at the White Elephant hotel
508 228-2500
For an island, Nantucket is not known for its waterfront dining. Thankfully, the BPG solves that problem with style. The actual dining room is quite small but the outdoor, covered (and occasionally heated) deck certainly makes up for that. Overlooking beautiful Nantucket harbor, this view would make oatmeal taste good. But this is a real foodies delight - with everything brunch should be (don't forget the Bloody Mary!)
Reservations recommended. Smart casual attire. Live entertainment.
Broad Street
508 228-2551
The Brotherhood had been a Nantucket tradition for years. However, a small kitchen fire some years ago almost ended that tradition. Thankfully a couple of local restaurateurs managed to save "the hood" and we couldn't be happier! For the most traditional experience be seated downstairs in the whaling bar. Or enjoy a cocktail at the more formal upstairs bar. Great casual menu covers all the bases -- including the kids.
Lunch and Dinner. Outdoor patio. New late night menu.
No reservations.
Amelia Drive (off Old South Road)
508 325-5151
Michael Sturgis is a bit of celebrity on Nantucket. After doing the bartending thing in-town for years, Mikee stepped out from town and the bar a few years ago to make this most unique Nantucket offering. Its authentic Spanish tapas in the most amazing space - sleek and chic but completely warm and comfortable.
Order four to seven items per person and be certain to share. Outdoor dining. Great bar. Dinner only. Late night menu.
Center Street
508 228-8470
Ruth and Tim Pitts, who own and operate this tiny space, had been the executive chefs elsewhere on island for some years. When asked what the new menu would be like they replied " it will be Ruth and Tim food - things we like to serve". And we think that says it all.
Eclectic. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating. Beer and wine only. Reservations for dinner only (essential).
Lola 41
South Beach Street
508 325-4001
"Lola" stands for longitude/latitude. and if you follow longitude 41 around the globe, you will find that it begins in Nantucket and then passes through Spain, Tuscany, Japan and Napa Valley on its way back to Nantucket. And that's the theme of the menu -- tapas, wine country cuisine, sushi and, of course, seafood.
On the small side, great bar, great design. Dinner only, no reservations. No website. Review from
Yesterday's Island
Provisions
Straight Wharf
508 228-3258
Whether a island bike ride, a harbor cruise or an afternoon fishing trip this is the place to "provision" your day. Famous for the original "Turkey Terrific" the menu features a huge selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and treats -- all homemade, of course.
Early coffee to late lunch. Take out only (although Straight Wharf offers endless possibilities to sit and people watch).
Queequeg's
Oak Street
508 325-0092
The owner of this casual in-town restaurant (and Kitty Murtagh's, the islands only Irish bar and restaurant) started his career bartending at the Nantucket Inn. The place is small (and the bar is even smaller) but the food and the service are wonderful. But our favorite spot is a table on the outdoor patio - an oasis in the heart of the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Dinner only. Reservations recommended, especially for the patio. No website.
New Times Review (and yes!
Queequeg is a central character in
Moby Dick)
Washington Street
508 228-4599
Find your own special place and Sayle's will provide the food! Traditional lobster dinners (and more!) with all the goodies, fully cooked, packed and ready to travel. How easy is that? Call ahead to order!
Old South Wharf
508 228-2033
As the name implies, this mostly outdoor (but covered) spot is sandwiched between the harbor and the art galleries on South Wharf and is dedicated to fresh locally caught fish and seafood. Fun, casual and occasionally loud -- this is the seafood restaurant most visitors are hoping to find!
Lunch and dinner. Lively bar. Walk the wharf to discretely check out the other slips!
Wauwinet Road
(water taxi leaves from Straight Wharf)
508 228-8786
Located just before the entrance to Great Point (about 9 miles from town) The
Wauwinet Lady does make getting here, half the fun (water taxi service begins mid-June - the complimentary jitney gets you back and forth until then). Among the best dining rooms on the island for dinner, seated on the porch enjoying the harbor view, lunch is a more casual affair. But the food doesn't disappoint. And in
celebration of their 20th year, all lunches until mid-June are just $20!
Appropriate attire requested. Lunch and Dinner. Meal reservations required to use water taxi.
