Nantucket Restaurants

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the island of Nantucket is the fact that dining is extremely sophisticated. One might expect to see homely cafes propped up by driftwood selling today’s catch of the day with soup. However, there seem to be more exquisite restaurants here than anywhere outside New York, and there are a significant number of chefs who actually worked in some of the top named restaurants and hotels in New York and Boston before coming to settle in Nantucket. There are many restaurants that offer very sophisticated dining – so if planning to eat out here make sure you take a change of clothes. You will certainly not be allowed in to many of the restaurants in casual clothes, including jeans and so forth. Smart dress, smart shoes and a jacket in most cases will be required. If you’re not sure about a dress code, it might be better to call in advance, but taking a smart outfit will be well worth it as the opportunities for dining here are amazing.

Perhaps unsurprisingly many of the restaurants provide menus based largely on fresh seafood, and the fish cooked here is some of the freshest you’ll find anywhere. As you relax on the beach during the day you can watch the fishing boats coming in, and then after you have changed and chosen your restaurant the chances are high that you’ll end up eating the same fish you saw coming in that day. Because of this distinct focus on fresh seafood caught off the coast of Nantucket, the menu often changes to reflect seasonal changes in what is caught.

There are also a wide range of different international flavours available, including French and Italian dining. The following demonstrates some of the more popular dining venues.

Photo by Terry Pommett

Black Eyed Susan’s is extremely popular, and you’ll often find the queue bursting out of the door and quite some distance down the street. However, people are happy to wait because of the sheer quality on offer. Although alcohol isn’t served, you’re welcome to bring your own. Prices are very affordable, and the food is always of an excellent quality, with a wide variety of styles represented.

The Boarding House provides eating both inside and outside, with several very unusual seafood dishes available, including lobster broth. This place can become very booked, and so you are advised to call in advance to reserve a table to avoid disappointment. Prices here are quite high, but well worth it.

The Sea Grille is, as the name suggests, the place to go if you are a seafood fan. Here you will find time honoured traditional favourites as well as dishes of the day, based on whatever the fishermen bring in. The food here is the freshest you’ll ever get, cooked to exquisite recipes, guaranteed to make your mouth water. This is another popular location, and booking is advised. Prices range from the mid level to quite high, but for food this fresh and this mouth watering, the value is definitely there.

21 Federal is perhaps the most likely place to bump into a celebrity, as it has a tradition of being the place for local celebrities to be seen. This is a traditional American restaurant, with a bar combined. A variety of traditional American foods are available, with both meat and fish available. Prices are fairly high, but the reputation of the food is also high.

AK Diamonds is very near the airport, and seems to have picked up on the energy of people arriving or departing. This is a lively venue with an American theme to the menu, and very much caters for families. Prices are very affordable, so eating out as a family is fairly manageable, and the menu provides a wide range of choices, including some more unusual options. Again, making a reservation in advance is recommended, especially if you have children and want to avoid the wait.

American Seasons not only represents fine American dining, but does so with reference to distinct areas of America, including the South, the Wild West, New England and the Pacific. Some options on the menu might at first glance appear very traditional, but here many such traditional meals have been given distinct twists, and you’re sure to be surprised at what can be done to spice up a meal that might almost seem too traditional.

The Atlantic Cafe is one of the best places to choose to eat if you have children as they very much caster for the young. This has much more of a casual atmosphere, so if you are looking for somewhere to relax, take the children and not have to worry too much about matching the sophistication of many of the restaurants, this is a good choice. Traditional American food, with lots of meat, and fiery hot sauces to match. Burgers and Barbecue sum up much of what is on offer here, and prices are very reasonable.

Photo by Terry Pommett

The Downyflake is more like the traditional diner, with the most popular meal actually being breakfast. Here you can feast yourself on one of the heartiest breakfasts around, sure to boost your energy for the day. Breakfast and lunch are the only meals available here, so evening dining won’t be an option, and prices are low.

The Fog Island Cafe is another place which mainly focuses on breakfast and lunch, although during the summer seasons dinner is also available. Here you will find straightforward menus, though cooked excellently, and prices extremely affordable. Sandwiches and burgers are available too.

The Summer House Restaurant is perhaps the place to go if you are celebrating the summer season and all it has to offer. With outside dining available in good weather, and plenty of seafood that seems to emphasise the warm waters and even warmer air, this is an extremely popular place to eat, and both smart dress and booking in advance is essential. Prices are quite high, but again, it’s value for money considering the atmosphere, the quality of food and the cuisine.

For those who enjoy the French cuisine will enjoy the experience of dining at Le Languedoc Bistro which provides some exquisite offerings which sound absolutely divine, such as lavender coated squash blossoms with duck comfit. Just reading the menu is an experience in itself, and although prices are high here, the meals are almost works of art, and are an experience to savour.

Italian food is also represented in Nantucket, by two restaurants. The first is Cioppino’s is a very casual restaurant, where you don’t have to worry at all about dressing up. You can eat inside or outside, and although prices are medium to high, the food is well cooked and the menu choices are wide. The other Italian offering is Sfoglia which has a particularly wide range of beautiful pasta dishes, and the menu changes very frequently, meaning that eating there provides a wide choice even if you have been before. A relaxed, casual atmosphere, prices are in the medium to high range, and booking in advance is recommended.