Apart from being one of the best-preserved historic towns in the country, and the island with some of the most beautiful beaches, Nantucket has also become a foodie haven.
There are many top-class restaurants, diners, and bars on this New England Island, so you may want to know which ones to visit on your next trip there.
The good news is that since the island is pretty small, you can get to any point without driving or riding a bus or cab for hours. So, go ahead and book your preferred hotel room, or even better, choose one of the many gorgeous available residential rentals for your stay. Then, you are set to explore the local culinary and cocktail scene.
Here are some of the best places to drink and eat in Nantucket, MA.
9 of the Best Places to Eat and Drink when in Nantucket
Topper’s at The Wauwinet
This restaurant is in the iconic Wauwinet Hotel and is a well-known destination for foodies from around the globe. You can eat the best fresh local oysters, which are farmed and sourced only 300 yards away from the restaurant. You can also pick from more than 1,500 of the finest wine listed on the award-winning menu.
Òran Mór Bistro
This bistro combines the New England historic charm with some upscale fine dining dishes and exclusive wines and cocktails. Try the Duck Bolognese Cavatelli or Bison Au Poivre while enjoying the welcoming interior of the restaurant, tastefully decorated with nautical and other antiques.
Straight Wharf
With a history of more than five decades, Straight Wharf is a restaurant where you can eat some of the freshest local catches but in an elevated style. You can also choose from the extensive menu of inventive cocktails, the best local brews, and wines.
CRU
CRU is a glamorous waterfront restaurant that has one of the best oyster bars on the island.
You can sit back, enjoy the chilled lobster roll with tarragon and kumquat from the raw bar and watch the luxurious yachts pass by. For an elevated taste of the local specialties, we recommend you try the chilled lobster on a toasted brioche. And don’t forget to try the signature Crucomber cocktail.
The Proprietor’s Bar & Table
At this charming bar, you can sip on one of the unique handcrafted cocktails, which owners Orla and Michael LaScola first introduced to Nantucket. Apart from some of the best drinks, you can also order a comforting dish in the cozy restaurant reflecting the history of Nantucket.
or, The Whale
The inventive name of this eatery is after the subtitle of the Moby Dick novel, written by Herman Melville and inspired by a true story of a whaling ship from Nantucket.
The bistro has a bright and contemporary interior and offers some delicious dishes. These include classic breakfast food, brunch, and dinner meals, such as tomahawk steak or Thai-inspired shrimp croquettes, which you can order and enjoy on the airy patio, along with a cocktail, wine, or brew of your choice.
Via Mare at Greydon House
If you like to enjoy brunch or dine in style, then Via Mare is the place for you. Designed by Roman & Williams, it has a stunning interior and an even more spectacular menu. You can enjoy the Venetian-style inspired small plates and antipasti boards along with a dry-aged ribeye with black truffle butter as a second course, along with the curated cocktails and Italian wines.
The Club Car
This iconic gathering place is where you should go if you want to enjoy the California cuisine dinner pop-up, as well as some of the best tropical cocktails. At night, there is live music in this beach chic eatery and bar, housed in an original train from the former railroad of Nantucket.
Cisco Brewery
Cisco Brewery is listed among the top-rated attractions on the island of Nantucket. It is more than simply a brewery. This is the place where people of all ages go to enjoy some of the best local crafted beers, spirits, and wines. It has a large beer garden, and there is live music every day from 3 pm during the summer season, along with food trucks to grab some snacks with your drinks.
Some of the best brews to try are the Whale’s Tale Pale Ale, the Wandering Haze IPA, and the Grey Lady Wheat Ale. There is a gift shop where you can buy some of their products to take home as souvenirs or presents.
