One of the hottest vacation spots in New England, the tiny island of Nantucket is a paradise for beachgoers, nature lovers, history buffs, influencers, photographers, and watersports lovers.
In the past years, the island has also become one of the places to go to taste the best fresh seafood, Maine lobsters, and oysters and drink the finest craft cocktails.
The superb culinary destination is home to some of the best fine dining, casual chic, and other eateries and food establishments in Massachusetts.
It is also abundant in charming and fabulous coastal residences, which you can rent for your stay.
Here are some of the top places to book reservations for or enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, or a casual meal with the best drinks on the island.
LoLa 41
This chic and vibrant restaurant is the place to go for some Insta-worthy and mouthwatering Asian-inspired dishes, sushi, and epicurean burgers.
The name LoLa 41 refers to “Longitude” and “Latitude” and the exact point at which the two cross and where this charming eatery is located.
The cuisine here is inspired by the 41st parallel and all of the countries which it passes through, including Japan, Spain, and some US states.
You can see coins from all the countries on the 41st parallel embedded on the floors of the restaurant’s sushi bar and cocktail bar.
For the best experience, we recommend the Poke Nachos or a Tuna Tartar as a smaller plate. Then, you can try the elevated Lobster Fried Rice or the Grilled Salmon Lo Mein as entrees.
And, of course, try the sushi, which includes starters, specialty rolls, traditional, classic, and nigiri rolls with the best fresh seafood and ingredients.
The specialty rolls and sushi starters include the Yutaka with BBQ eel and king crab, the Tuna Tataki, or the Hoka Sake.
For drinks – there is an excellent selection of the best sake, wines from the region and around the world, and wonderful Nantucket-inspired cocktails.
Queequeg’s
If you want to spend a romantic evening in an elegant setting, eating some of the best New American dishes, then Queequeg’s is one of the top places in Nantucket to do so.
The restaurant is set up in a pre-Civil War home. It has patio seating and a cozy dining room, as well as a unique tree bar.
The name comes from the main character from “Moby-Dick” – a novel which was inspired by the real-life adventures of the local whaling ships and their heroic captains.
The owners and the chef have created a one-of-a-kind European-inspired American eclectic menu.
The hidden gem is located in the historic downtown of Nantucket. Unlike many other eateries in town, it is open all year round.
Some of the best dishes to taste include the Twin Steaks with sautéed mushrooms and Jameson peppercorn sauce, Shrimp Scampi, the Halibut with wild mushroom risotto, and the Bolognese with veal, beef, pork, pancetta, and pappardelle.
The Charlie Noble
This family-friendly eatery with a bar is right next to the Nantucket Athenaeum – the beautiful historic library of the island.
It is perfect for enjoying a beer with delicious lobster rolls, oysters, and fresh mussels inside or outdoors, where the view is gorgeous.
There are Asian-inspired burgers, soups and snacks, and dishes prepared from the freshest catches with a perfect taste of the Atlantic.
You can go for a long and leisurely weekend brunch, for a family lunch, or to enjoy some of the best beers and other beverages in town at The Charlie Noble.
The staff is friendly, the setting is cozy, and the prices are reasonable for a Nantucket lounge and bar.
or, The Whale
Named after the lesser-known subtitle of the classic American novel “Moby-Dick”, this bar and bistro is the epitome of the Nantucket lifestyle and cuisine.
It is located on Main Street downtown and offers some delicious Asian-inspired versions of the local cuisine and seafood.
The atmosphere is modern and friendly, which is why or, The Whale attracts both vacationers and locals alike.
You can go for a leisurely Sunday brunch and enjoy an alfresco meal, including some Duck Confit Rosti, Tuna Tostadas, and Avocado Toast.
Or try popular dishes like Vietnamese Pho, Shrimp Croquettes, and Korean Pork BBQ, along with some of the best beers, wines, craft cocktails, or other beverages on the menu. There are some superb vegetarian and vegan options for those on plant-based diets as well.
It is also the place to go for some drinks, delicious snacks, and watching sports when vacationing in Nantucket.
TOPPER’S
Topper’s in The Wauwinet is among the top-rated fine-dining restaurants in Nantucket. It is known for its elevated menu of different dishes from New England’s cuisine, as well as its carefully curated wine list and the menu of cocktails and other beverages.
The décor is in an exquisite Victorian style, with some beautiful statues and paintings. There is also an outdoor dining area on the deck where you can enjoy your meal among the lush greenery and stunning views.
You can go for an upscale brunch at Topper’s and try the fresh Retsyo Oysters, Lobster and Crab Cakes, Lobster Roll, and Topper’s Burger with Wagyu beef.
Some dishes to try are the North Atlantic Halibut with roasted eggplant and a tomato sauce Vierge base, the Yellowfish Tuna, or Butter Poached Lobster with uni.
B-ACK Yard BBQ
This solid BBQ joint was voted among the best in Massachusetts and is the place to go for exquisite barbeque dishes combining the best of Southern and New England cuisine.
The restaurant and sports bar has an extensive menu with absolutely delicious plates. The dishes we recommend include lobster rolls, lobster empanada, smoked salmon, tender pulled pork, Mac and Cheese and crunchy burnt ends, brisket, chicken wrap with cilantro cream, and kielbasa prepared with pineapple.
The “ACK” in the restaurant’s name is a nod to the FAA code of the Nantucket Memorial Airport.