Top Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard
Top 10 restaurants in Martha's Vineyard, United States
Yes, getting there is a bit of a project. But vacationers have been braving the ferry for years, and this tiny island off Cape Cod remains one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in New England. Among the island's towns, you're sure to find the Vineyard that's right for you. With stately Greek revival houses dating back to the whaling era of the early 19th century, Edgartown is a seaside village of boutique shopping and pristine harbor views. For more of a "beach town" feel, Oak Bluffs has the Flying Horses carousel, an arcade and an easy walk to the beach, plus the history and charm of the "gingerbread" houses in the Methodist campgrounds. Vineyard Haven offers visitors a blend of both. For a real retreat, Chilmark/Aquinnah is the place to get away from it all. In the off-season, the island is quieter and far less crowded, but the shore is always beautiful. Whenever you visit, leave your car behind! Cabs are plentiful and greet the incoming ferries to help you reach your destination. Most visitors prefer to explore the island on a bicycle, scooter or tourist-friendly public buses.
Things to do in Martha's Vineyard
1. 20byNine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
The 20byNine philosophy is centered on craftsmanship, quality, and community. CRAFTSMANSHIP: Craftsmanship means a departure from our rush to modernization, and a return to knowing more about the 'who, what, where' of our food and drink production. 20ByNine brings you American craft beer and whiskey paired with locally-sourced food whenever possible to encourage a mindful return to the craft of good food and good drink. QUALITY: From true craftsmanship, we expect high quality. 20ByNine prioritizes high quality, seasonal ingredients for our small-plates menu and partnership with like-minded breweries and producers to ensure we're putting out the best there is. COMMUNITY: We are committed forming lasting relationships with our craftsmen and women, our farmers, and our customers. 20ByNine is a gathering place where our customers will enjoy good food, good beer, and good company. This is the first location opened by the Celestial Restaurant Group, a Martha's Vineyard-centric group focused on providing high quality restaurant experiences. Before Celestial and 20byNine we have been in the restaurant business collectively for over 50 years, and hope to serve you well.
Reviewed By Doubleabret - Maine, United States
This was perfect for us, we arrived not overly hungry but wanted to eat something. Everything they serve is in small portions and can be shared. This place had the largest whiskey selection I've ever seen in the Northeast. I'm not a whiskey drinker at all, but our server (who was attentive and knowledgeable) recommended a drink where the whiskey was not overpowering - it was perfect (sorry don't recall the name of it). There is a "cool" vibe to this place, but it's very small and I'm not sure that more than 4 people can be accommodated - there were 4 of us and we fit into their booth.
We got a charcuterie board - which had all kinds of exotic fruits, cheeses, pastes, etc. and my favorite was the sausage/pretzel wrap.
2. The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Randysmum - Boston, Massachusetts
As always a great dining experience. Summer or winter this restaurant is one of the best not only on Martha's Vineyard but one of the best I have experienced. The ambiance is only topped by the food and very attentive but not smothering attention to customers by all employees. Last night I was disappointed to have missed the best member of the staff, the beloved golden retriever, who had already retired for the evening. I'll have to go back soon!!
3. The Red Cat Kitchen at Ken N' Beck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
Reviewed By Marcia D - Bartow, Florida
Our great experience started with trying to make a reservation. I called when they weren't open and didn't leave a message but 10 minutes later a delightful woman called me back saying she saw my missed call. The earliest table available was 9pm but she offered us 6pm at the bar, which we took. Turns out that the woman who called me was also the bartender. I've never seen a bartender work so fast and furious, while still being so patient and friendly. We both ordered the scallops which were the best scallops I've ever eaten!
4. Larsen's Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
We are located in the fishing village of Menemsha on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Open seasonally, we offer fresh, locally caught seafood in our market and from our kitchen. Come enjoy your food with us on the harbor, on the beach, or take something home to prepare yourself.
Reviewed By rbitner2016 - Kulpsville, Pennsylvania
If you like linen topped tables and a more formal place to eat, move on, This isn't one of those.
It's a small shack on the docks that serves up the freshest boat-to-dock-to-plate seafood you'll find on Martha's Vineyard. Forget going into Edgartown for a crowded dining experience. This place can get really busy but my wife and I went there around 3:30 pm for what call "Linner". Not lunch and not dinner.
The oysters were the freshest ever. The lobster roll with hot butter was to die for. Not a mayonnaise based cold version. Just solid chunks of the sweetest claw meat you'll ever eat. Their lobster bisque is full of chunks too! If we get back to MV, first stop is Larson's.
5. l'etoile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown Edgartown, l'etoile offers a casually elegant dining and bar experience l'étoile is a vibrant modern restaurant located in a restored historic whaling captain's house on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Chef-owned & operated, our focus is on guest satisfaction. We offer an inventive, fresh, seasonally-driven menu along with similar lighter fare in the bar. dine in our contemporary, casually elegant dining rooms or outdoors on our festive tented patio. bar-l'étoile is a stylishly intimate and vibrant destination to enjoy a "Startini" or one of our many specialty cocktails or one of 18 wines by the glass before or after dinner. A seat at the lively bar or at your own high-top table - or the porch and adirondack chairs on the lawn in the summer - are the perfect place to have a drink, a relaxed meal or or small plate from the eclectic bar bites menu. our full dinner menu is also offered in the bar.
Reviewed By Elise H - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The atmosphere is quite charming, located in an old captain’s house in downtown Edgartown. My husband ordered the octopus appetizer, which was delicious. He also ordered the black bass which was very good. My dining experience was disappointing. I ordered the seafood Trio as an appetizer; the Cajun shrimp was tasteless, as was the scallop. The soft shell crab was good. For the main course, I ordered the rack of lamb. I should have sent it back, because it was served medium instead of medium rare. However, it was already late (service was slow), and I didn’t want to “eat dinner alone! “ The sides, which included sautéed vegetables and potato gnocchi were so-so at best. The gnocchi was actually inedible. It was surprising that one person‘s experience was terrific, and the other person was disappointed. (By the way, I tried my husbands dishes and agreed they were very good!) I look for consistently good food when I eat out, and I didn’t find it here. With so many other choices on Martha’s Vineyard, I don’t think I would try this restaurant again.
6. Menemsha Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By Beluga4162 - Connecticut
We love the idea that you can sample the soups before ordering them! The new England chowder is so delicious! The lobster is wonderful too! Any size you want and they cook it for you and you can take it outside to enjoy. Amazing view!
7. Artcliff Diner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By bbbob84 - Staten Island, New York
We chose the Art Cliff Diner because of the TA reviews and an article we read that this was Carly Simon's favorite place to have breakfast in Vineyard Haven. A small establishment with limited parking, but well worth the challenges. We were greeted nicely and seated promptly even though there were little or no tables free. The staff did a great job of turning the tables over and keeping up with demand. Our waitress was attentive, informative and cordial. I don't know why I noticed, but she made great eye contact. My wife enjoyed a three egg omelet with Chorizo, Avocado and Cheddar. You can choose your own three ingredients from their list in any three egg omelet. With the potatoes and toast it was too much for her to finish. Nice portions. I enjoyed the Irish Breakfast. I chose my eggs over easy with the potato pancakes and Irish Bacon. Nicely prepared and delivered. My only warning is because of the size of the restaurant if you are near the entrance (which opens and closes more than you would imagine) you will get a cold draft then it opens. On the particular day we visited the wind chill was in the single digits. Overall a great experience and we will definitely return when visiting MV.
8. Biscuits
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By acknewf - Nantucket, Massachusetts
After finishing the MV Triathlon, my friend and I, ended up at Biscuits with a huge appetite. The serving sizes did not disappoint! I had the cod cake eggs benedict on a biscuit. My friend ordered the chorizo hash. The restaurant was extremely busy, but the service was spot on.
9. Among The Flowers Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Reviewed By Beluga4162 - Connecticut
If you like moldy seat cushions while you are having breakfast and plastic utensils stirring your less than average coffee, then this is for you! Awful blueberry muffins that have zero flavor and average egg omelets can be found at this popular place for breakfast. We all felt that it is just over priced and not good t all.
10. Lookout Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
Called Lookout Tavern for a reason, the establishment has one of THE best water views on Martha's Vineyard! Overlooking the Nantucket Sound, the Lookout Tavern caters to both sea and land lovers alike. Known for it's amazing sushi, raw bar and seafood, Lookout also offers diners great sandwiches and burgers.
Reviewed By DellaStreet61 - Fairhaven,
We visited this place on a Saturday evening, in part because it was still open after Columbus Day and we had limited options. It's right across the street from the water, so the view can't be beat. Despite it being crowded, we were seated right away. Because it was crowded, I found it to be very noisy but that's my only complaint. The food was great. We ordered Mike's special sushi, a lobster roll, a Cuban sandwich, and a bottle of wine. Everything was delicious! The lobster roll had just a small amount of mayo and plenty of lobster (which is perfect) and was served on a warm buttery roll. Probably one of the best lobster rolls I've ever had. My husband was equally satisfied with his Cuban. All totaled, our bill came to right around $100 but it was well worth it!
Shout out to our server, Mike, who I saw glance over at our table, notice that my husband was finished but I was still eating, and he waited until we were both finished with our meals before returning to clear our plates. I'm a traditionally slow eater and it is a pet peeve of mine when a server starts clearing plates while I'm still eating.
