Nantucket is a popular tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. The island is home to various attractions, and there are also a variety of shops, restaurants, galleries, and plenty of recreational activities. Its delicious cuisine is something that draws in many guests, making it a much sought-after destination for food lovers.
If you are heading to Nantucket, you’re in for a treat with the island’s incredible cuisine! From fresh-caught seafood to classic cocktails with an Atlantic Ocean backdrop, savor the charming town’s locally-sourced fare. Many of the fine dining restaurants are open year-round, giving you a chance to indulge in culinary delights even during winter; the others are only in the summer season.
Make the most of Nantucket’s. Here are some of the best restaurants to visit to enjoy the island’s delicious dishes and drinks. Try the delightful tastes this beloved island has to offer.
CRU
- Location: 1 Straight Wharf, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-9278
- Website: www.crunantucket.com
CRU has become an iconic culinary destination in Nantucket since its opening in May 2012. Tucked away right in the heart of Nantucket Harbor, it’s the perfect spot for a getaway any time of day. With a chic, elegant atmosphere, it’s no wonder CRU is the ideal place to watch the yachts come in and enjoy a delicious cocktail. Enjoy the sunset with a glass of champagne or indulge in caviar and oysters at this casually elegant venue. Cru menu boasts an extensive selection of raw bars and exclusive seafood. Take a stroll down the pier to experience the magnificent New England Cuisine.
For lunch, 11:30 am to 4 pm, you can try the Calvisius Hiver served with crème fraîche and blinis, or a range of sandwiches, desserts, and raw bar offerings such as the Premier Cru Plateau – with oysters, shrimp, and blue crab cocktail or lobster cocktail. In the evening 5 pm to 10:30 pm, feast on dishes like the Parker House Rolls baked to order or the Baked Lobster with tarragon butter crumble, spinach, and artichoke. Bookings for the 2023 season, starting Thursday, May 11, are now available.
American Seasons
- Location: 80 Centre St, Nantucket, MA 02584, US
- Contact: 508-228-7111
- Website: americanseasons.com
In 2015, experienced Chef Neil Ferguson joined forces with his friend Sundip Murthy to take over American Seasons and continue its 25-year legacy. Five years later, the space was given a complete makeover using hand-painted techniques and treatments, providing the perfect backdrop for Neil’s approachable yet flavorful dishes.
Located at 80 Centre Street in Nantucket, this fine-dining establishment is a must-visit for anyone looking for one of the best food on the island. American Seasons is a charming fusion of Nantucket’s architecture, art, and cuisine, offering an inventive and delicious take on modern cooking with locally sourced produce. From Chicken Liver-Foie Gras Parfait and Washashore Farm Duck Egg to Sticky Toffee Pudding and Warm Date and Molasses Cake served with Créme Fraîche, the full menu is sure to impress.
The cozy bar is home to expertly made cocktails, beers, and a great selection of wines by the glass. If you’re looking for a special event venue, American Seasons is the perfect choice for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, and more. Also, chef Neil Ferguson can create a menu tailored to your needs.
American Seasons will reopen for the 2023 season on Thursday, May 4th, serving dinner from 5:30 pm to 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations can be made online.
Topper’s Restaurant
- Location: 120 Wauwinet Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-8768
- Website: www.wauwinet.com/dining/toppers
The Wauwinet, located at 120 Wauwinet Road in Nantucket, Massachusetts, is an iconic hotel that offers visitors the opportunity to visit its famous restaurant, Topper’s. Here, you can enjoy outdoor dining overlooking Nantucket Bay while feasting seasonally inspired New England cuisine made with local produce and seafood. Oysters are harvested just 300 yards away and paired with a cocktail or one of 1,550 wines and rare vintages. With indoor or outdoor seating, Topper’s is the perfect destination for a culinary experience.
Chef Kyle Zachary and his team collaborate with local markets and farms to create a menu of modern coastal cuisine. The wine program, created by sommelier Jason Irving, won TOPPER’S Wine Spectator Grand Award.
Enjoy breakfast at Topper’s between 8 and 10:30 am. Take a lunch break at 2 p.m. For dinner, join them from 18:00. Their Deck Menu is served for lunch from 9 pm. Reserve your table and check out their amazing menus here! Take a Look, and Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample the available delicious fare.
Breeze Restaurant
- Location: 77 Easton St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-4730
- Website: thenantuckethotel.com/breeze/
Breeze Restaurant is situated in the Nantucket Hotel at 77 Easton Street. Their signature dish, the clam chowder, is renowned as the best chowder on the island. A must-try is their lobster tacos. This family-friendly restaurant specializes in a combination of Contemporary coastal and international cuisine in New England.
Try their famous Old Fashioned Clambakes, which take place on Monday nights from June 19th. Follow your nose to the smell of steaming lobsters, and you’ll know you’ve arrived. Start your day with breakfast in Breeze Restaurant from 7:30-10:00 am. For lunch, visit them Wednesday through Saturday, from 11:30 am-2:00 pm. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday, from 5:00-9:00 pm; also, you can try Sunday Brunch and summer clambakes.
On top of their breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, Breeze also offers a children’s menu. They also specialize in private dining and special occasions, such as rehearsal dinners, private events, weddings, and meetings. Reserve a table and make your plans today.
Dune
- Location: 20 Broad St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-5550
- Website: www.dunenantucket.com
At 20 Broad St, Nantucket, modern chic meets casual comfort in the heart of historic Nantucket. Dune restaurant has been a staple of Nantucket’s fine dining since 2009 and is the brainchild of chef Michael Getter.
Enjoy a seasonal menu of New American dishes, craft cocktails, and wines, all crafted with only the freshest local produce, fish, and meats. Sample dishes include the Spring White Asparagus Bisque, Chiled Local Oysters, House-Made Mozzarella, and Grilled Spanish Octopus. To get a full taste of the menu, check their Sample Menu.
The decor in Dune’s three dining rooms is an exquisite combination of sophistication and ease. Alongside the captivating quartzite bar and the inviting patio, they feature and an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, spirits, and cordials.
Dune has already started the 2023 season. The dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday, and the bar opens at 5 PM, and the kitchen opens at 5:30 PM. So, book your reservations – you can do it over the phone by calling 508-228-5550 or online.
Brant Point Grill
- Location: White Elephant, 50 Easton St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-325-1320
- Website: whiteelephantnantucket.com/dining/brant-point-grill
Brant Point Grill, located in the White Elephant Nantucket, is Nantucket’s premier steak and seafood restaurant. Enjoy the harbor view while indulging in the regionally-inspired New England cuisine – their signature Lobster Bloody Mary, grilled steaks, and famous lobster roll. Plus, they offer a selection of raw oysters, little necks, and a range of award-winning wines to choose from. So, enjoy the ocean breezes on our Harborside Terrace, or join in an elegant dining room for dinner parties and special events. Plus, they have live music, drink specials, and seasonal offerings throughout the year.
At Brant Point Grill, you can explore the breakfast and dinner menus. You can find Lobster Eggs, Benedict, or Spiced Buttermilk Pancakes on the breakfast menu. For dinner, enjoy steaks, seafood, and sides or salads.
In the mornings, start your day with breakfast from 8 am – 11 am. Return later for a seasonal Sunday brunch buffet from 10 am – 2:30 pm, followed by lunch from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. In the evenings, dinner starts at 5:30 pm, and the bar menu is available from 11 am – 10 pm. You can reserve online.
Ships Inn
- Location: 13 Fair St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-0040
- Website: shipsinnnantucket.com
The Ships Inn, located at 13 Fair Street, is a boutique bed and breakfast with all the amenities and comforts you could want. It is also a historical landmark, providing a unique and memorable experience on Nantucket.
Their acclaimed restaurant offers freshly-prepared, inspired cuisine with attentive service. Chef Mark Gottwald has put together an American Brasserie-style menu, with ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. Some of the ingredients are even caught on boats by staff and the chef himself!
The restaurant is situated in an 1831 whaling captain’s mansion, with a colonial atmosphere in its below-street-level dining room and lounge. It is the perfect spot for a romantic evening for two or a night out with friends.
Starting May 25th, 2023, the restaurant will be open Thursday through Sunday evenings until mid-October. Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance.
The Seagrille
- Location: 45 Sparks Ave, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-325-5700
- Website: theseagrille.com
The Seagrille, located at 45 Sparks Ave, has delighted locals and visitors alike for 31 years. Specializing in fresh, local seafood, they offer something for everyone.
Their menu features favorite dishes like Grilled Wester Ross Salmon, Littlenecks, House-made Fettuccine, Fresh Cavatelli, Sword Frites, and House-made Lobster Tortellinis.
To see the full menu, click here. Dinner is served nightly at 5 pm, and reservations are highly recommended. Call 508-325-5700 to reserve your table today and experience a taste of Nantucket!
Foggy Nantucket
- Location: 147 Orange St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-680-1737
- Website: foggynantucket.com
Foggy Nantucket, located at 147 Orange St., opened its doors in 2019. Since then, it has been serving up the best Pizza and BBQ on Nantucket and a selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. They offer thick-crust pizzas in two sizes: 11-inch with four slices and 14-inch with six slices. You can also get a thin-crust pizza with six slices in one size – 12 inches. The menu is full of options, including cheese, pepperoni, BBQ, and even vegetable pizzas.
BBQ plates have two sides: a garlic knot and BBQ sauce. Sides include mac-n-cheese, baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. The restaurant also serves smoked meats and BBQ family packs. If you’d like to check out the full menu, click here. Plus, you can order online for extra convenience.
In the summer of 2023, Foggy will be expanding to include the Foggy Market. Here, you can grab a quick meal, pick up prepared foods, or grab some meats, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie for your next grill night. Stop by Foggy Nantucket and visit the Foggy Market for all your needs!
The Nautilus
- Location: 12 Cambridge St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-0301
- Website: www.thenautilus.com
The Nautilus, with its two locations in Nantucket (2014) and Boston (2021), offers an unforgettable shared social experience for guests to savor the interplay between delectable food, cocktails, and wine, in addition to a unique ambiance, energy, and atmosphere. The Nautilus is located at 12 Cambridge St., Nantucket, and is a petite restaurant with seating for only up to 50 guests.
The restaurant is rooted in New England tradition with a seafood-based menu but also embraces Asian flavors and ingredients from both high-end and street food fare, taking inspiration from the traditional Japanese izakaya and the Spanish tapas style.
The cocktails are crafted with a culinary approach, taking cues from seasonal and regional flavors. From their menu, small plates are a delightful way to start your meal – try the fat duck potatoes, tempura east coast oyster tacos, or the Vietnamese beef tataki salad. For something bigger, you can feast on a whole roasted Peking duck.
The wine, sake, and spirits selections are award-winning, and the decor has a subtle yet charming nautical feel. The music is carefully curated and playful, creating an energetic atmosphere. Check for updated hours of operation throughout the spring season on their website.
Straight Wharf
- Location: 6 Harbor Square, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-4499
- Website: straightwharfrestaurant.com
Straight Wharf has been a staple of Nantucket’s harbor for 60 years, and they have something special to offer. Their menus change with the season on any given night, always featuring the freshest local ingredients.
To start, try the Nordic Salmon Crudo or five iced Nantucket Oysters. Entrees can include slow-poached salmon, wood-grilled swordfish, or day boat scallops. Put a sweet ending on your evening with Orange Thyme Panna Cotta. For more menu options, visit their website, including their Bar Dinner Menu, Beer, Cocktails & Liquor, and more.
The start of the 2023 season is in May. Check them for hours of operation and book up to two weeks in advance using the Book Now tab.
The Proprietor’s Bar & Table
- Location: 9 India St, Nantucket, MA 02554, US
- Contact: 508-228-7477
- Website: proprietorsnantucket.com
The Proprietor’s Bar & Table opened in 2013 at 9 India Street in Nantucket, a celebration of the island’s unique heritage as a whaling hub. Every aspect of the restaurant reflects this history, from its menu of globally-inspired flavors and techniques to its tradition of family-style dining.
The Proprietors Bar & Table is an ode to the island’s adventurous palate, offering a mix of classic and creative global dishes, all made with the freshest of Nantucket’s seasonal produce and protein.
Treat yourself to dishes like Oysters in Gelee with Meyer Lemon Mignonette, Griddled Crumpet, Pretzel Parker House Roll, and Whole Trout Cafe de Paris Butter with Trout Roe and Melted Leeks. It also has vegetarian choices. Proprietors offer an inventive cocktail selection that evolves with the seasons alongside an exquisite wine list.
Open for dinner Thursday through Tuesday from 5 pm; closed Wednesdays. You can book your reservations quickly and conveniently right here!
Millie’s Restaurant
- Location: 326 Madaket Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
- Contact: (508) 228-8435
- Website: milliesnantucket.com
From the shores of New England to the sun-kissed beaches of Baja California, Millie’s offers coastal cuisine and cocktails, including the world-famous Madaket Mystery. Their menu offers a variety of options, from appetizers, sandwiches, fishers landing and salads or tacos, and also a kids menu, like summer-ready quesadillas stuffed with lobster meat, lobster rolls, slow-roasted tomato, and grilled zucchini.
It is located at 326 Madaket Rd. Millie’s Restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They will open up for the 2023 season in May. You can make a reservation for their post-sunset seating at 8:30 pm online. Otherwise, they sit parties on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the restaurant – you can also order online in the season and take advantage of their Family Style meals.