Nantucket Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Nantucket

April 14, 2018 Karren Gelb

Windswept beaches, sand dunes, blinking lighthouses and a charming pace of life await on this 50-square mile island. The world's former top whaling port is now designated a National Historic District. Leave the car and take the shuttle or bike around. Seaside cottages, old whaling captains' mansions and historic harbors contain quaint inns, boutique stores, chowder shacks and upscale dining delights. Swim, surf or load up the tackle for Nantucket's excellent striper, bluefish and bonito fishing.
Things to do in Nantucket

1. The Nautilus

12 Cambridge St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3585 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Asian, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 39 +1 508-228-0301
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

The Nautilus

Located in the heart of downtown Nantucket just steps off of Main Street, The Nautilus is owned & operated by a local trio of culinary entrepreneurs, Executive Chef Liam Mackey, Mixologist Clinton Terry & Sommelier Stephen Bowler - all formerly of island favorites the Pearl and Boarding House - are thrilled to bring our vision to your plate. The Nautilus is a truly special dining destination focused on the interplay between food, cocktails & wine, & our feeling that these are best enjoyed shared. Open-kitchen dining featuring a chef's bar, a lively drink bar, communal & banquette seating - perfect for both intimate encounters & large group liaisons. The menu is focused on vibrant small plates & multi-person "feasts" using local/seasonal ingredients. Globally styled dishes with strong Asian and Latin roots are a perfect complement to our culinary-inspired cocktails or a great glass of wine. Come early, and stay late, the energy is infectious and the experience is unlike any you will have anywhere else on the island. The Nautilus is open year round and is happy to book your next private party or special event Come get a taste.

Reviewed By Swanboat48 - Marion, Massachusetts

We came here with 10 family and 2 friends and we're seated at the Chef's table. Usually a table for 12 at a small restaurant is uncomfortable and lacks intimacy, however, the servers did an outstanding job. The conversation was lively around many servings from the tapas menu followed by 2 orders of the Peking Duck. Every this was delicious, stands outs; the oyster tacos, the mushrooms, and the tuna poke.

2. Something Natural

50 Cliff Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554-3644 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast SGD 10 +1 508-228-0504
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 258 reviews

Something Natural

Reviewed By evelilei - Pasadena, California

This place has amazing sandwiches. Sometimes, you've run out of money because Nantucket is a tad expensive and you just need a simple meal to take with you to a beach. Something Natural has delicious food and very reasonable prices.

3. Ships Inn Restaurant

13 Fair St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3741 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards American, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 63 +1 508-228-0040
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

Ships Inn Restaurant

Reviewed By dmmahoney9 - Boston, Massachusetts

Service was great, ambience very good food was okay... I do recommend the key lime tart! We came in for a late dinner, kitchen closes at 9:30....

4. Centre Street Bistro

29 Center St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3687 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible American, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast SGD 26 - SGD 31 +1 508-228-8470
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Centre Street Bistro

Reviewed By Tom B - Worthington, Ohio

Discovered while walking the area during a day trip and the posted menu out front looked interesting. A tiny room sized establishment tucked in the back of a small collection of shops just off Centre Street between India and Chestnut Streets with lots of quaint charm.

We had a BLT and a Crispy Chicken wrap which were both served with very small sides of fresh field greens and a potato pancake. Enjoyable and satisfying if not particularly memorable. We were pleasantly amused to discover that it's BYOB, so we ordered a couple glasses of tart cranberry.

The sole server who also served as host, cashier, and bused the tables was friendly, informative, and efficient. The prices were very moderate by Nantucket standards. Suggestion: If you plan to eat here I'd check their website or call to be sure they are open.

5. Dune

20 Broad St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3562 Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 59 - SGD 85 +1 508-228-5550
Excellent
63%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 602 reviews

Dune

Dune, new to Nantucket in 2009, is a creation of Michael Getter, formerly of 21 Federal and American Seasons restaurants. The décor in our three distinct dining rooms is a blend of sophisticated elegance and soothing comfort. Along with our exotic quartzite bar and charming patio we offer an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, spirits and cordials along with offering full lunch, dinner and dessert menus. The ever changing menu showcases an innovative selection of the finest in seasonal local produce, fish and meats from regional farms and select purveyors. During the summer season we serve lunch and dinner daily. Bar opens at 5:00pm every day.

Reviewed By CarTRVLR - Carlisle, Massachusetts

I've wanted to like Dune more- its roots are with the old 21 Federal, which never disappointed. But in the summer, we gravitate to places with outdoor seating, and that also offer great food (think SWR, Cru, Boarding House). But Dune's outdoor space is decidedly off-putting---think eating in a split-level home garage. Or someone's rec room. And the last few times at Dune, the menu was very reminiscent of the previous years... not much 'new'. However, a winter visit to ACK offered an opportunity to revisit Dune (one of the few year-round restaurants on the island)-- and it was the highlight of the meals on this visit. The prix-fixe appetizer/half entree/dessert option was just perfect, with a wonderfully flavored soup (always a Dune strength) and complex tastes for all the selections we tried. Service was a bit slow at times, but we're so glad we tried Dune again in the off-season.

6. Millie's

326 Madaket Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554-2676 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Mexican, Bar, Seafood, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 508-228-8435
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 389 reviews

Millie's

Reviewed By BeachMtnDesert - Durango, Colorado

We heard great things about Millie's which has a feel of where the locals eat. The food was good but the service was the worse we had experienced in Nantucket. We placed our order and that was the last we saw of our waitress. She vanished and someone else delivered the food and we had get up to find someone to fill our drinks, etc. The poor service ultimately ruined our visit. We would have stopped to talk to a manager but never found anyone in that role.

7. Oran Mor

2 S Beach St, 2nd Floor, Nantucket, MA 02554-3528 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 38 - SGD 79 +1 508-228-8655
Excellent
72%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Oran Mor

Oran Mor Bistro is located up a flight of copper stairs in an historic Nantucket home. The restaurant has an intimate bar and three dining rooms with attractive earth-toned decor that are a warm prelude to delicious, beautifully prepared food. The bar radiates warmth of the past with its wide plank flooring, pen and ink bar top and gaff-rigged wine glass racks. Oran Mor features handcrafted cocktails from the freshest ingredients, house infusions and specialty spirits. The wine list predominantly features wines from France, small American producers as well as a travelogue of wines from around the world. Oran Mor Bistro is owned by Chef Edwin Claflin and Jon Tancinco. The cooking style is one of inspired simplicity; each ingredient complements one another to create a unique, savory dish. The evolving and innovative menu is derived from the changing seasons and their bountiful offerings. Showcasing native seafood, fresh local produce and naturally raised meats from select farms.

Reviewed By eyeu - Chicagoland

Very classy place...informal attire...I had the duck which was outstanding! Others in the group had the chicken and the pork chop. Both were very very good. Appetizers included the peas and wildflowers...heirloom tomato...the the half beet salad. Service was also first class. Very busy so have reservations in season. A top place!

8. Fog Island Cafe

7 S Water St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3552 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cafe, Soups, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 39 +1 508-228-1818
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 502 reviews

Fog Island Cafe

Reviewed By Bobby A

This is a great place to get breakfast on the island. Friendly staff, delicious food, and a perfect way to start the day.

9. Seagrille

45 Sparks Ave, Nantucket, MA 02554-3962 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout American, Seafood, Soups, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 24 - SGD 39 +1 508-325-5700
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 240 reviews

Seagrille

Reviewed By ConcordNHMonet - Concord NH

After looking thru several sites and reviews for restaurants during our first visit to Nantucket we decided to try Seagrill. This was by far the best meal we have had in Nantucket. Everything was fresh and expertly prepared. I had the grilled shrimp with lemon herb sauce with vegetables. Warm and inviting staff and atmosphere. Will definitely return.

10. Straight Wharf

6 Harbor Sq, Nantucket, MA 02554-6107 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 66 - SGD 131 +1 508-228-4499
Excellent
64%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 324 reviews

Straight Wharf

Reviewed By jasoncrh - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Overall I still really love this restaurant. My friends and I eat here at least twice a summer - once at the beginning in May/ Memorial Day, and once around Labor Day. What's good about this restaurant is that the staff seems completely turned on and fully fluent in the menu/ the service methodology/ etc at all points during the summer. In May when we were there there was not one point where service faltered. We were at a few other restaurants during that visit of the same caliber where service wasn't quite point and we received apologies from the management that the season was still early so people were still getting up to speed. No such experience at this restaurant, so cheers for great service. Our service this trip in September was also excellent - so after what I'm sure was a long summer the staff were still delivering high quality, flawless service. One thing - we've been coming here at least twice a year since 2009 and it it kind of annoying how they've changed the restaurant configuration. We use to routinely come here with parties of 12-13 people but now the most they can accommodate is 8, as they have replaced most of the large tables for more circular 8 people max tables. Makes for a bit more of a crowded dining room and it makes it tough for my friends and I as we usually have more than 10 people in our house. Still, though, the food is great (always get the clambake, the galette, and I enjoyed the Bartlett farm tomatoes this time) and all my other guests enjoyed it as well. the shortbread they serve with the bill continues to be delectable as well! Will continue to return. would recommend for a beautiful dinner on nantucket.

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