Many say, “if you’re lucky enough to be on Nantucket, you’re lucky enough”, so who would need to seek out the best of the best culinary experiences on the planet? Someone looking to WOW that special someone, someone like me who has zero interest cooking in the summer, or a group of friends out to experience the island in its entirety. This blog offers up the top 5 restaurants for date night, for groups of friends, and for beach grub hot spots. Reservations are strongly suggested!
The Top 5 Restaurants for a Date Night
The ‘Sconset Café
Get the window seat facing Main St, at sunset. You will feel transported to another land and experience the old and truly organic feel of Nantucket. ‘Sconset Cafe is a BYOB restaurant.
Galley Beach
Go at sunset and you may have the feeling of not even being on Nantucket. A table on the beach, sand on your toes and your favorite libation in hand, you will think you’re in heaven at Galley Beach.
Toppers
Arrive by their shuttle which leaves from the docks in front of the White Elephant. Toppers is an elegant setting, an extensive award winning wine list, a relaxing experience that is more than just the food. A true Nantucket experience not to be missed.
Straight Wharf
Fresh, local ingredients and true summer classics in a romantic setting. Wander down to Straight Wharf, enjoy dinner, then an ice cream and wander the docks.
American Seasons
Sit under the awning at a candle lit table and vines surrounding you. Then bite into the menu, which will not disappoint. At American Seasons, you’ll find yourself slowly relaxing and melting away into your chair.
The Top 5 Restaurants for a Groups of Friends
The Proprietors Bar & Table
Chef Mike Lascola and his wife, Orla have cornered the market on shareable plates. Proprietor’s features dishes created with Nantucket’s seasonal offerings, excellent cocktails, and an atmosphere that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Ventuno
A delicious rustic Italian experience that will leave you wanting to return time and time again. As a group on a hot summer night, get a table at the outside back bar then roll your evening into a fun after dinner party at Ventuno.
Cru
Chef Erin Zircher and her team bring the freshest of the sea to you each and every lunch and evening throughout the summer at Cru. A shareable seafood tower is the way to go if you are with a Cru… they have appropriately named it the Grand Cru.
Slip14
Great food, a great location and a light and always FUN atmosphere. Set among the docks at the end of Old South Wharf, you may even catch a boat returning with a giant catch while you dine at Slip.
LOLA41
At the bar, at a high top, at the private corner table, outside, or at the sushi bar, there is a table for everyone at Lola. And a menu with selection for all!
The Top 5 Food Truck & Beach Grub Locations
Surfside Beach Shack and Taco Truck
Two reviews in one! Salads, chicken sandwiches and ice cream at your traditional beach side food shack… or venture around the corner of the parking lot to the Taco truck – exactly as it sounds and quite yummy. Order ahead of time, stop for a quick lunch or better yet, ride your bike out and burn off that ice cream!
167 Raw
Lobster rolls, tuna burgers, poke and more, oh my! When you’re looking for a nice lite bite, stop by the 167 Raw food truck located outside of their fish market, and enjoy your meal in their garden.
Nantucket Lobster Trap
Located at Cisco Brewery (who doesn’t know where that is??). They’re a fixture at the brewery on the weekends, offering great fried foods and specials… they also offer a Little Red Truck for catering events.
Millie’s Cart
Visit the Millie’s food cart at the Brewery or rent the cart for a private event! Offering baha cuisine favorites such as chicken, steak and fish tacos, quesadillas and Mexican street corn.
Nantucket Poke
Traditional Hawaiian poke bowls – yum! They donate a portion of their sales to local organizations that focus on land and ocean conservation. Visit their site for the truck locator.
EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY