Friends, if I’m being honest, today’s blog post is one that I’m having to mentally gear up for. I typically can sit down and write, write, write, but today’s seems so big, overwhelming and irrelevant to 99% of you that it’s taken me far too long to just dive in.
Welcome.
Today, I’m breaking down NANTUCKET RESTAURANTS 😉 .
A few things to note:
1: I’ve literally eaten my way through this island over the last 7 weeks, so when you add that to the prior 27 years that I’ve been coming, the list seems too long and tedious to cover every restaurant I’ve ever been to plus all the ones that are still on my to-eat list (because yes, believe it or not, there are still SO MANY that I haven’t enjoyed!).
2: There are too many little nuances of every restaurant (price, location, dress code, reservation requirements, food, etc) that if I really broke each of those things down I would be here all week on this one post that…as I previously said, most of you really will never need/care about.
3: So, I’m just going to give you the QUICK SHAY’S RECAP of the island and a “few” of these places just to assist any of you planning a trip. I will not be getting into the weeds. Each of these restaurants have websites/social media that can give you a lot of other information.
4: Most of these places do require advance reservations, and oh the craziness that is a “Nantucket dinner reservation”. They all have different schedules. Some places require 30 days. Some require 14 days. Some 7 days. Some don’t care when you make it. One crazy place only allows you to call them starting at 4:00 PM the day you want to dine there and make them then (between our four phones, we called on Saturday and got in after 660 attempts…that is not a typo). It is truly bananas, so godspeed.
5: I’m not going to rank them. They’re all great!
6: Hold everything I say here loosely please. I’m just trying to organize my thoughts, not saying “this is exactly the right thing, you may not deviate” below.
7: Please keep in mind that these restaurants are not open year around. Read that again. If you’re not coming during June through September, they could be closed (maybe for the week, maybe for the entire season). Some of them stay open “year around”, but that doesn’t always mean every single day during the off season, so just keep that in mind (some take big breaks).
I could have included about 150 other photos with this post, but I did limit myself and only sprinkled in a few. In a nutshell, here we go.
As a reminder…
…thank you Fisher Real Estate on Nantucket for the perfect map!
RESTAURANTS IN TOWN
Cozy spots, no water views, good for adults:
1: The Nautilus
2: Dune
3: American Seasons
4: The Club Car
5: Oran Mor
6: Queequegs
7: Lola 42
8: The Pearl
9: Proprietors
10: Ventuno
Spots on the water:
1: Cru
2: The Charlie Noble
3: Brant Point Grill
Spots outside (but not on the water):
1: The Tap Room
2: Slip 14
3: Bar Yoshi
4: Or, the Whale
5: The Boarding House
6: The Tavern
Casual, delicious and family-friendly:
1: The Lobster Trap
2: bACKyard BBQ
3: The Brotherhood of Thieves
4: The Breeze
5: The Rose and Crown
Quick Bites (we’re still talking about ‘town’):
1: The Hub
2: The Lemonpress
3: Steamboat Pizza
4: Surfside
5: Stubby’s
6: Nantaco
7: Provisions
8: Fresh
PLACES TO EAT MID-ISLAND(-ISH)
Quick Bites:
1: Something Natural
2: The Bake Shop
3: Cisco Brewery
4: 45 Surfside
5: Yummy
6: The Downyflake
7: Bartlett’s Farm
Other mid-island restaurants for meals:
1: The Sea Grille
2: Faregrounds
3: The Muse
4: Fusaro’s
5: Island Kitchen
PLACES TO EAT AROUND THE EDGES OF THE ISLAND (you’ll drive to these spots)
1: Millie’s in Madaket for both quick bites at the market and a great sit down restaurant with water views for lunch and dinner.
2: The Chanticleer in Sconset very cozy, some outdoor seating in the “yard” plus inside a very old building (restaurant established in 1909), very nice and lovely.
3: Toppers at The Wauwinet Hotel and Resort super formal for dinner, more casual for lunch on the patio.
4: Claudette’s in Sconset for breakfast sandwiches and unch sandwiches served daily during the summer and a few nights a week, burgers for dinner.
5: Galley Beach isn’t really mid-island, but it’s not really in town either…it’s at Jetties Beach, you most likely won’t be able to walk here. You can eat inside or outside in the sand. Our kids have been here, but it’s definitely not your typical kid-friendly restaurant.
6: Sandbar at Jetties Beach
Did I miss some? FOR SURE! Did I do my best? Yes 🙂 .
What are the two best ways to see photos and videos of my family actually eating at these establishments?
Option #1:
Option #2:
Whew! That is 50 places to eat here on Nantucket!
If you have questions, you know the drill, leave ’em below!
Don’t forget, you should check out my NANTUCKET BEACHES post too!
That wraps up this Tuesday!
I’ll see you guys tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
God bless you for putting together this list! I’ve been loving all your restaurant posts! Everything looks delicious!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Tony P. says
Great recap – too many to list! We also enjoy getting a lobster dinner to go from Sayle’s – they make dinner easy.
Erika Slaughter says
Your extensive summer research is coming in handy for anyone who might be visiting! Now get home so I can take you to the new Mi Cocina!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LEGIT CANNOT WAIT!
Jeanie says
Question 1: Which ones are your top 3 and why?
Question 2: Do you have any of them that you have been going to for years that are sentimental to your family? We love going to the “same old, same old” when we go to our beach house.
Love this look at all things Nantucket.
Mix and Match Mama says
Agh! I can’t rank them! I love them all. I would say the ones we visit the most are The Lobster Trap, Brant Point Grill, The Tavern, The Sea Grille…see, I can’t rank them, I want to keep going. Something Natural is always a very sentimental favorite because I’ve been going there forever.
Rachel says
I’m curious about your history with this island. You said you’ve been visiting it for years- did you go there as a child? Your brother says he went for the first time this summer. How/why did your family become New England people if you’re from Texas?
Mix and Match Mama says
My dad has always loved New England and visited many, many times (I think this year alone, he’ll be here 8 or 10 times?). The first time though we visited Nantucket, was when I was 14 and my brother was 12 (on her “12 year old vacation” with my grandparents in the Bahamas). It was love at first sight for my mom and dad who have been coming back just about once a year ever since (all of my grandparents have been many times, my aunt and uncle, they’ve brought so many of their friends, etc). I came as often as I could (almost always in summer but occasionally in fall), but my brother always elected to stay home. Sean was very much a homebody (I mean, he still kind of is), so he didn’t always travel with us unless the destination was like the Caribbean or Hawaii (I remember one trip with him to Europe, but I took many without him). He would stay home with grandparents. Even when Andrew and I were first married, you’ll see lots of vacations on my blog of us traveling with my parents, but I think the only one that Sean wanted to go on with us was Puerto Rico. So, that’s it in a nutshell!
Jeanie says
We have a kid like that too. He would much rather stay home with friends or grandparents while the rest of us are off exploring. Different strokes for different folks.
Mix and Match Mama says
My parents were really good and leaning into each of our own desires. They did a great job of that!
Becky Simpson says
I’ve only been to Nantucket once, for 2 1/2 days. Had an excellent lunch at Somethiing Natural, and a BBQ place. (Can’t remember the name.) We had a fabulous dinner at Straight Warhf, but only an OK dinner at Slip 14.
Angie says
How in the world does one little island have so many restaurants? I’m surprised they can all stay in business.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s crazy too considering how many of them are open less than six months out of the year and then they pull their signage and close up.
Sarah M. says
I cannot fathom how there can be so many restaurants on such a small island and that they can all be this good, but all of your photos show the food and atmosphere look amazing. You must be in some strange magical nexus of the universe!
I would love to visit someday just to eat my way around!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, I literally just lol in my kitchen reading this. And I didn’t even scratch the surface! THERE ARE SO MANY MORE I want to try!
Mary Brown says
Great list! Over the summer, how many lunches & suppers a week on average does your family eat out?
Mix and Match Mama says
We’ve eaten out way more than normal. Breakfasts are almost always at home except for Sunday mornings when we eat breakfast as a family at Island Kitchen before church and then once a week, Smith and I have breakfast sandwiches together at The Hub. Other than that, breakfast is at home. We eat a lot of lunches at home (or at the beach but food we brought from home). For dinner, as a family, we have been eating out 3ish times a week and then Andrew and I at least one night a week on top of that.
Libby says
Dang! That’s a lot of restaurants for one small island.
Mix and Match Mama says
I barely scratched the surface too!
Kristina says
Do you have recommendations for places that are good with gluten free options? Not just offer them, but truly understand cross-contamination. I have celiac and am going there the end of Aug and get super sick from even cross-contamination. Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say that Kensington has not had any issues with cross contamination at any of these places. We always lead with the gluten issue and order accordingly. For example, at The Hub, K would only get a coffee drink and not a baked good or at Something Natural, they do cross contaminate with the sandwiches (they don’t even offer g-free bread), but they are very careful with the salads, so she orders that. I’m not going to say any of them are perfect though, so please be very clear when you order/make your reservations.
Kelly says
We set our alarms for Nautilus and it was 10000% worth it. Truly some of the best flavors we’ve ever eaten. The Cru view though, can’t be beat.
Tree House outdoor bar for lunch, highly recommend!!
Ellen says
It sounds like there are SO MANY great places! (And fun to see some names I’ve seen in Elin H. books!)
Do you feel like the restaurants get crowded/impossible to get into, or is there always some place you can find dinner? We went to the Outer Banks a couple of years ago, and I actually felt like it was a little hard to get into restaurants. You had to rigorously plan, or get takeout. Nantucket seems like it has so many options, I’m wondering if maybe it is easier to eat out. (No shade to the OBX … we liked it, just didn’t find it the easiest place to eat out.)
Mix and Match Mama says
Again, take everything I say with a grain of salt, but a lot of these places require you to make reservations the first day it’s possible to make reservations and then other places (I would say the less-Elin Hilderbrand-y places) are easy to walk into like The Rose and Crown, The Charlie Noble, The Lobster Trap, bACKyard BBQ, The Tavern.
Ellen says
Thanks! I’ve never been to Nantucket, but would love to one of these days!
Becky says
Have you had the morning buns from Wicked Island Bakery? You should go in a weekday morning and expect to wait about 30-40 min but they make them fresh and they are so delicious! Such a treat!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t because I don’t *think* they’re a gf-friendly place. I only hear AMAZING things about them though!
Kay says
For what it’s worth, I’m thrilled you shared this post with us this am! I live outside of Boston and have been on day trips to Nantucket but never stayed long. (We spend more time on the Cape during the summer). Anyway, my 15 yo daughter and I have a special trip planned for Nantucket for three nights next week! (My husband and sons and dogs are not invited ;).
Any place you would recommend for just the two of us to eat? We are staying mid island and won’t have a car. Thanks, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
The Sea Grille 🙂 Have so much fun!
Ramona Puckett says
Thank you for the restaurant information. Who knew there are so many on this island? Love your posts ❤️
Taylor says
The Nantucket tap room is always a must for when we visit. I love the chill patio atmosphere and I love their drinks. I’m glad you mentioned it!! We also never visit without getting brunch at brant point grill..their eggs Benedict is my husbands absolute favorite meal. We are going back over Labor Day and have most of our reservations made!
sandi says
Others had my first thought as well… so many restaurants on such a small island. When our son went on a bro road trip up the coast of New England last summer, my favorite pictures were food related. My least favorite were the videos of the guys cliff jumping into the Atlantic, but I knew if I was receiving the video that at least they were not injured. We live along the coast of Virginia and have some pretty good seafood restaurants; I don’t think any are as creative with the plating as what I have seen from your pictures. Such a great summer with your family! Enjoy the rest of the time together.
Caroline Jones Hubbell says
If you haven’t tried it yet, definitely get a sandwich at Born and Bread on Center Street. The Rachel and Tuna Melt are amazing!!
Abby says
Thanks for putting together this awesome list, Shay!! I know you are purchasing all the art for your Nantucket home on the island but these matchbook prints of different Nantucket restaurants are so cute (maybe for your McKinney home?) I am a New Yorker and have gotten gifts for people over the years from this gallery – highly recommend!!
https://www.charlesryanclarke.com/matchbook?collection=Nantucket
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness! Thank you, thank you!!!!!
Karah Stracener says
Thank you for all the recommendations. It’s time to start trying to make my reservations for my trip in September. Your food pictures always look amazing and I am so excited to try some of these places.
Dawn Madden says
Can’t thank you enough for all the “Guide to Nantucket” posts recently. My husband and I are from NC, here celebrating our 30th anniversary by visiting Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and saved THE best for last, Nantucket today. I have referred to your posts many times today for all the things to do/see/eat. We have thoroughly enjoyed our day. It was my favorite island and hope to be bACK soon with our family. (I will be sure to tuck this Nantucket restaurant guide away for then) Sorry to have missed the lemonade stand! Enjoy your Girl’s week! 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh you’re too sweet! I’m so happy you visited!!
Alan says
Hi Shay …
My wife and I have been going to Nantucket every summer for over 40 years.We share your love of the island and what it brings to family time and memories! My wife and daughter follow your blog, especially since you’re on Nantucket. We’ve enjoyed just about every restaurant, certainly have our favorites and sadly we’ve seen some close permanently. You have certainly been to many of them. We’re surprised that you have not mentioned Ships Inn or Sconset Cafe ( added benefit being a BYOB ). They are two of our most favorite and we never miss returning to them.
I’ll just add that we’ve rented all over the island and stay 2-4 weeks every year.
Many of those years have been spent in Nashaquisset and what a great community!
Continue to enjoy your stay and “build your memories”!!
Alan
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! I loved reading your comment! Ships Inn is still on my “to do” list (it looks delicious!), and we ate at Sconset Cafe last year but didn’t love it…and now this year, it’s under new ownership, but we haven’t been (I’m not even 100% sure it’s open yet). I hope to try soon with the new owners. Summer House in Sconset is another one that we’re anxious to try again once it’s also reopened. Have a wonderful, wonderful summer!
Donna C says
What method do you use to make reservations. If it is an app do you have one that you prefer.
Mix and Match Mama says
Every single restaurant does it differently. Some use Open Table, some use Resi, some use their own websites, some you have to call and some you even have to email. Unfortunately, there is just no unified system.
Nicole says
I love to look at other people’s travel restaurant posts and pictures! So this is not irrelevant at all, even if I never make it to Nantucket. I can go down a rabbit hole looking at the menu and Instagram photos the way some look through Zillow at houses and places they will never live. Fun to dream, especially when you love to eat!😆
Mechelle Dockall says
I love this Post, I so want to take a trip to Nantucket. I love the sandals you have on in the first picture. Where did you get them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Those are from Louis Vuitton!
Bri says
You are glowing and look beautiful! I think you were meant to summer in Nantucket. 😉