Dining Out & After Hours

Nantucket has lots of great restaurants. The epicurean tradition began in earnest after World War II when Harold and Gwen Gaillard opened the Opera House in the classic French Bistro, white jacket waiter style. In the early 1970's additional sophisticated restaurants began to open offering a range of fine cuisine. Today, there are many high-end eateries, most feature local produce, and of course fresh fish. The island also has it share of more down to earth places, featuring local seafood and simple menus.

Below are the places we most frequent. The comments are not "travel brochure" variety. We also recommend using the Zagat's guide for Cape Cod and the Islands as it has a good read on most island restaurants. Check the individual website for menus and call us if you want any more opinions. If we did not make comments below it is not a reflection on quality.

 

For A More Extensive List of Restaurant Profiles and Menus Log onto: www.nantucketrestaurantguide.com


Óran Mór

(508) 228-8655, 2 South Beach Street
This second floor upscale restaurant has it all….amazing food, great service and a great setting and its in the heart of town. This should be on anyone’s short list.


LoLa 41

(508) 325-4001, 15 South Beach Street
Part of the Galley Beach group, this is trendy, noisy place with an eclectic menu from sushi to pasta to a burger with fois gras dipping sauce. It is very lively, aimed at the older 20 and younger 30 crowd. With a no reservation policy, it can sometimes be hard to get into. - Fine Dining

Black Eyed Susans

(508) 325-0308 , 10 India Street
This cozy, open-kitchen restaurant seats only 32 patrons, and offers savory breakfast and and excellent dinner selections. It is BYOB, so the end result is very good food and very reasonable prices. The reservation policy is an odd one (we won't go into the details) but the food and dinner ambiance is unique and worth it.- Casual Dining

Nantucket Gourmet

(508) 228-4353, 4 India Street
The core business is kitchen supplies but the store is also a local’s favorite for great sandwiches to go. This is a super easy and economical lunchtime option.

The Summer House

(508) 257-9976, 17 Ocean Avenue, Sconset
The atmosphere and ‘Sconset setting is one of a kind and the piano bar and old world feel makes you feel like you’re in another time. While the food and service is pretty good the reason why one shells out a lot of money is to enjoy the decayed elegance that seems hard to find these days

Brant Point Grille at the White Elephant Hotel

(508) 325-1320, 50 Easton Street
This is the islands closest option to an upscale chop shop. The steaks are amazing and the waterfront setting is unique. Perhaps the only negative to this otherwise comfortable setting is that it does have a more institutional feel to it. If you are okay with that than this is a wonderful and fine experience.

Demarco Restaurant - Italian

(508) 228-1836, 9 India Street
The owners of this establishment have a don’t fix it if it isn’t broke attitude. While the pasta at this Northern Italian restaurant is really good it takes a fairly undaunted individual to overcome the atmosphere that a bit dated to put it politely.

Fresh

(508) 825-2100, 5 Salem Street
This is an eclectic mix of a liquor store and gourmet take out. The business is focused on catering to the boat basin but if you find yourself hungry and walking by its worth wandering in and ordering a sandwich…and if you’re having that kind of day you can pick up a bottle of booze too.

Slip 14

(508) 228-2033 , 14 Old South Wharf (in the Boat Basin)
This restaurant has a special island feel to it. The bar and large portion of the dining area is under an awning that looks over South Wharf which is a picturesque enclave of galleries overlooking the boat basin.  The atmosphere and consistent food is what makes it worth trying this restaurant

Company of the Cauldron

508-228-4016, 5 India Street
Located in the heart of Nantucket's Historic District, romantic ambience abounds. The menu is preset for each evening so check ahead for what is being served. This place is a Nantucket gem and Al Kovolincik serves a very creative menu. - Fine Dining

Le Languedoc

(508) 228-2522, 24 Broad Street
Le Languedoc's cuisine is based on classic French techniques, yet influence and elegance is drawn from the freshest, regional ingredients. The Bistro and bar is more casual with a no reservation policy and simple menu. They have one of the best burgers on the island. It is consistently good but definitely on the traditional side. - Fine Dining

21 Federal Street

(508) 228-2121, 21 Federal Street
Try the upstairs back (two tables) dining area on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights, with John Krebs behind the bar. This restaurant has excellent (but pricey) American cuisine and a lively bar scene. There is an outside patio bar and dining area as well. If you go to the patio say hi to one of our agents, Carl. - Fine Dining

The Boarding House and The Pearl

(508) 228-9622 / (508) 228-9701, 12 Federal Street
Established in 1972, the Boarding House is an island standard. Seth and Angela Raynor have presided over the Boarding House for the last 15 years then opened the Pearl in 1999. The Boarding House has a very lively bar scene and patio dining over looking Federal Street. The Pearl is just next door, very chic in decor with food and spirits to match. You will find some of the most inventive food on the island here but a more urban décor. - Fine Dining

The Club Car

(508) 228-1101, 1 Main Street
Started by Michael Shannon and Joe Pantorno, the Club Car has been an island mainstay for over 25 years. The menu is more classic French oriented and the service white jacket professional. For a classic, more formal dining experience , this is will not disappoint. The Club Car bar, styled like a train car, has a lively piano-bar scene. - Fine Dining

Sfoglia

(508) 325-4500 , 130 Pleasant Street
Sfoglia has a well earned reputation (with a very successful sister in NewYork), for good Italian food. There is a new bar that adds a more casual walk-in atmosphere. The bread has been called “the essence of life”. - Fine Dining

The Seagrille

(508) 325-5700 , 45 Sparks Avenue
Run by Robin and EJ Harvey, this is the best family restaurant on island. EJ offers an excellent menu, with enough pop for the sophisticated palate, but not over the top prices. The result is the best value on island and a very friendly local feel. Go with the kids, feel at home, and get a great meal with a good glass of wine. - Casaul Dining

Brotherhood of Thieves

(508) 228-2551, 23 Broad Street
The Brotherhood has been an island fixture since the early 70s'. New owner EJ Harvey, from the Seagrille, has kept the traditional Brotherhood fare (simple deli sandwiches, burgers, chowder, and the famous curly fries) but added a more sophisticated entreés menu. In addition to the traditional basement restaurant and bar, there is now a patio with bar and more spacious 2nd floor dining areas and mahogany paneled bar. (This is an impartial description even through Edward is an owner). - Casual Dining

The Lobster Trap

(508) 228-4200, 23 Washington Street
For the Lobster Lover "The Trap" is a Nantucket institution. A great, very casual family oriented seafood restaurant, they do operate on a first come first serve basis. You may have to hang on the lively Patio area where you can enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer of steamers while you wait. The Trap has that "sawdust on the floor" feel of old local seafood places that are hard to find. The food is straight forward but it really feels like you are in New England. Also, try the world famous "Elbow Bender". Just do not ask Larry how he discovered the drink (unless you have couple of free hours). - Casual Dining

The Ropewalk

(508) 228-8886, Straight Wharf
Nestled right at the edge of the wharf, this popular American eclectic eatery offers a breathtaking view of Nantucket Harbor. - Casual Dining


Even Keel Cafe

(508) 228-1979 , 40 Main Street
On Main Street, Even Keels serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is your typical drop in casual place, with decent food. It has a very bustling atmosphere. - Simple and Easy Dining

Fog Island Cafe

(508) 228-1818, 7 South Water Street
A very popular breakfast place with occasional long waits and popular for lunches. Informal and affordable. During Nantucket's colder months a good place to grab a cup of soup or to get take out to be enjoyed across the street in the Nantucket Atheneum's yard. Serves dinner occasionally but call to confirm they are open.
- Simple, Easy

The Faregrounds Restaurant

(508) 228-4095, 27 Fairgrounds Road
The bar here is a great place to catch a game and in the summer the outdoor patio is enjoyed by families and a regular clientele who claim the Mudslide is one of Nantucket's best. - Simple, Easy

The Jetties

(508) 228-2279, 4 Bathing Beach Road (On Jetties Beach)
Families you must go here! The perfect spot for families with children looking for a very casual meal. The Jetties offers Breakfast & Lunch takeout and a full Dinner menu. The food is very casual but being located right on the beach looking out to Nantucket Sound it does not get much better. The Raw Bar is great spot to see what Nantucket's water have to offer and the Bar is open from 5 pm until late. Open seasonally. - Simple, Easy

AK Diamonds

(508) 228-3154, 16 Macy's Lane
Another good family place that specializes in causal fare and a good salad bar. The 1st floor bar is a good place to watch a game. AK's has a nice family feel. - Simple, Easy

Rose And Crown

(508) 228-2595, 23 South Water Street
Popular for high energy, music, and spirits in downtown Nantucket.

The Chicken Box

(508) 228-9717, 6 Dave Street
Our hotspot for live music and entertainment.

El Ricon Salvadoreno

(508) 332-4749 , 17 Old South Road
This new El Salvadoran restaurant has a real Central American menu and is very inexpensive.  There is no liquor license yet but this is an interesting alternative to most island restaurants.  It is illustrative of the growing Latino population on island. 

Something Natural

508) 228-0504 , 50 Cliff Road
Another island institution, they offer huge sandwiches, fresh baked bread, and the world famous (thanks Nantucket Nectars) Matt Fee Tea.  They are located in a residential area and have nice yard to eat there if you want. - Take Out

Cook’s Sidewalk Cafe

(508) 228-8810 , 6 South Beach Street
The name is a bit misleading as this is take out only.  They specialize in all sorts of good wraps that provide an interesting alternative to the ordinary sandwich.  Great Point Properties buys lunch here regularly. We like this place. - Take out

The Downyflake

(508) 228-4533 , 18 Sparks Avenue
THE breakfast place for locals and long time seasonal folks.  Their donuts (only plain, sugar, or chocolate covered) are almost as historical and the Main Street cobblestones.  This is diner food at its best and as local as it gets. - Simple, Easy

The Galley Beach

(508) 228.9641, 54 Jefferson Avenue
The Galley Beach is located right on the beach (no false advertising here) looking west at the setting sun. Very upscale, very expensive, but well worth it. If you are lucky you will have a meal with a conversation stopping sunset. The new renovations have not detracted from the ambiance one bit and there is now a cool bar with couches on the beach!! Hip, Hip, Hip.

American Seasons

(508) 228-7111, 80 Centre Street
This excellent restaurant features a menu of regional American samplings. Nice small bar and great patio dining. The food is always inventive and tasty. Definitely go here. It is Edward's favorite, especially the bar. - Fine Dining

Queequeg’s

(508) 325-0992, 6 Oak Street
This very intimate dining area on a charming cobbled side street gives one a sense that this is a local’s secret. The food is consistently tasty and the cozy atmosphere is especially welcoming during the winter months.

Kitty Murtaghs

(508) 325-0781 , 4 West Creek Road
Owned and operated by John Keane, this restaurant reflects John's Irish home. There are Irish menu items, a good pint of Guiness and lots of football (European style) on TV. The food is good and the prices are right. - Simple, Easy

Cinco Restaurant and Bar

(508) 325-5151, 5 Amelia Drive
Out of town on the way to the airport, Cinco’s serves tapas. The décor is very “artist” and the food is excellent. In the summer there is a nice patio area for dining. It is easy to go for a quick but very tasty causal meal, but is a serious dining place as well. - Fine Dining

Pi Pizza

(508) 228-1130 , 11 West Creek Road
For delicious thin crust pizzas and Italian cuisine made from natural and fresh ingredients, this restaurant hits the spot. There are excellent antipasti, thin crust pizza, and other entreés. There is small bar as well. The end result is good Italian fare at a nice price. You always leave with a good garlic taste on the palate. -Casual Dining

Fifty-Six Union

(508) 228-6135, 56 Union Street
Fifty-Six is owned by Wendy and Peter Janelle, island residents, who have created a nice restaurant and a small but very popular bar that serves Nantucket’s community year round. Located on the edge of Town it is outside the core district’s hustle and bustle but is walking distance from Main Street. -Fine Dining

The Strip

The foot of Broad Street
There are a number of take out places located on a block just steps from Steamboat Wharf.  You can go to Taco Taco, Steamboat Pizza, Walter's Deli, Island Coffee, Stubbies, and Lola Burger. This is strict take out but the quality is decent and there is lots of variety.


The Chanticleer

(508) 257-4499 , 9 New Street, Sconset
Established originally by Jean-Charles Berruet, the personal chef of Gourmet Magazine founder, Earl and Jean MacAusland, the Chanticleer has been one of the foremost exclusive restaruants on island for over 30 years. Now run by Susan Handy from Black Eyed Susans, the Chanticleer has remained faithful to Berruet’s vision as a classic French restaurant. The setting is beautiful, and having lunch in the garden is a must. It is expensive. - Fine Dining

Centre Street Bistro

(508) 228-8470, 29 Centre Street
This is a very small tucked away place that will not disappoint. - Casual Dining