About The Gaslight
Opened in June 2019, The Gaslight is a premier dining and live music venue in downtown Nantucket. Co-owned by Chef Liam Mackey, Mixologist Clinton Terry, and Sommelier Stephen Bowler, the establishment offers a Japanese Izakaya-inspired menu featuring haute street food-style pan-Asian cuisine. The open-concept bar and restaurant provide a lively atmosphere, complemented by live music performances from local and regional artists.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Hamachi Ceviche: Fresh hamachi prepared with a Japanese twist.
- Japanese Short Ribs: Tender short ribs with authentic flavors.
- Cheeseburger Bao Buns: A fusion of classic American and Asian cuisines.
- Beverage Selection: The bar program features innovative, fresh ingredient-forward cocktails with culinary-inspired themes, rotating craft beers on tap, and a wine list focusing on fun, funky, natural selections. Notably, The Gaslight houses Nantucket’s only Champagne vending machine, courtesy of Moët.
- Ambiance: The Gaslight boasts a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with live music starting around 10:30 PM during the summer. The venue features both indoor and outdoor seating, including a patio area, making it a popular spot for both dining and entertainment.
Why Choose The Gaslight?
- Innovative Cuisine: Experience a unique blend of Japanese Izakaya-inspired dishes crafted with local ingredients.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by talented musicians, enhancing your dining experience.
- Creative Beverages: Savor inventive cocktails and a curated selection of wines and beers.
Getting There
Located at 3 North Union Street, The Gaslight is easily accessible from downtown Nantucket. Street parking is available, though it may be limited during peak hours.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. For a unique experience, visit during the late-night hours to enjoy live music alongside your meal.
About The Nautilus
Established in 2014, The Nautilus is a cornerstone of Nantucket’s dining scene, offering a unique blend of New England coastal cuisine with Asian and global street food influences. Owned and operated by a trio of culinary entrepreneurs—Executive Chef Liam Mackey, Mixologist Clinton Terry, and Sommelier Stephen Bowler—the restaurant emphasizes a shared social dining experience in a lively atmosphere.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Blue Crab Fried Rice: A flavorful dish featuring fresh blue crab and aromatic rice.
- Pork Belly Buns: Steamed buns filled with tender pork belly and complemented by house-made sauces.
- Japanese Hamachi Crudo: Fresh hamachi served with creative accompaniments.
- Beverage Selection: The Nautilus boasts an extensive selection of wines, sakes, and innovative cocktails crafted with seasonal and regional inspirations.
- Ambiance: With less than 50 seats, The Nautilus offers an intimate yet energetic setting, featuring curated music and a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
Why Choose The Nautilus?
- Innovative Cuisine: Experience a fusion of New England and global flavors, crafted with creativity and precision.
- Shared Dining Experience: The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a communal and interactive meal.
- Expertly Curated Beverages: Enjoy a diverse selection of wines, sakes, and cocktails that perfectly complement the menu.
Getting There
Located at 12 Cambridge Street, The Nautilus is just steps off Main Street in downtown Nantucket, making it easily accessible by foot, bike, or car. Street parking is available but can be limited during peak hours.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s limited seating. Bookings can be made online up to seven days in advance, starting at midnight. For a unique experience, consider reserving the Captain’s Table, which accommodates larger parties and offers an extended dining time.
About The Club Car
Situated in the heart of downtown Nantucket, The Club Car is a historic restaurant and piano bar renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. Housed in a vintage train car from the original Nantucket railroad, the establishment underwent a significant rebranding in 2017, introducing a modern interior with soft blue booths and abundant greenery. The Club Car offers a contemporary American menu with a focus on fresh, local seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Steamed Mussels: Served with root vegetable chips.
- Crab Cake: Accompanied by beurre blanc.
- Grilled Octopus: Paired with zucchini fritters.
- Beverage Selection: The Club Car features an extensive selection of wines, specialty cocktails, and is particularly noted for its excellent piña coladas.
- Ambiance: The establishment combines historic charm with modern elegance, featuring live piano music that encourages guest participation, creating a lively and engaging dining experience.
Why Choose The Club Car?
- Historic Setting: Dine in a vintage train car, offering a unique and nostalgic atmosphere.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live piano performances, enhancing the dining experience with music and guest interaction.
- Central Location: Conveniently located on Main Street, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
Getting There
The Club Car is located at 1 Main Street in downtown Nantucket, within walking distance of the ferry terminal and other central attractions. Street parking is available, though it may be limited during peak hours.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy season. The piano bar can become lively in the evenings; for a quieter dining experience, consider booking an earlier reservation.
About The Summer House Restaurant
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the charming village of Siasconset, The Summer House Restaurant epitomizes romantic dining on Nantucket. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home, the restaurant offers an elegant yet cozy atmosphere, featuring a fireplace and a baby grand piano. Guests can enjoy indoor dining year-round and, during warmer months, dine on the porch with stunning ocean views.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Lobster Roll: Fresh, locally sourced lobster served in a buttery roll.
- New England Clam Chowder: A classic, creamy chowder brimming with tender clams.
- Grilled Swordfish: Expertly prepared and accompanied by seasonal sides.
- Beverage Selection: The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list and a variety of specialty cocktails, designed to complement the seafood-focused menu.
- Ambiance: With subdued lighting, flickering candles, fresh flowers, and live piano music, The Summer House Restaurant creates an atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by, offering a quintessential Nantucket dining experience.
Why Choose The Summer House Restaurant?
- Scenic Oceanfront Dining: Enjoy meals with panoramic views of the Atlantic, enhancing the dining experience.
- Romantic Atmosphere: The combination of elegant décor and live piano music makes it ideal for special occasions.
- Historic Charm: Located in a restored Victorian home, the restaurant exudes classic Nantucket character.
Getting There
Situated at 17 Ocean Avenue in Siasconset, The Summer House Restaurant is accessible by car, bike, or the NRTA shuttle. Limited street parking is available; during peak seasons, alternative transportation is recommended.
Insider Tip:
Before or after dinner, visit the lively piano bar, where guests often join the pianist in festive sing-alongs, adding a unique touch to the evening.
About Sister Ship
Nestled within the Faraway Hotel in downtown Nantucket, Sister Ship is a restaurant, café, and relaxed cocktail club offering elevated cocktails alongside seafood-forward, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The menu showcases New England seafood and local ingredients, providing a unique dining experience that blends coastal charm with Mediterranean flavors.
Far Away Hotels
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Island Creek Oysters: Freshly shucked oysters sourced from local waters.
- Rib-Eye for Two: A tender rib-eye steak, perfect for sharing. Boston Magazine
- Tuna Tartare: Fresh tuna prepared with a Mediterranean twist.
- Beverage Selection: Sister Ship offers a curated selection of elevated cocktails, wines, and beers, designed to complement their Mediterranean-inspired menu. Far Away Hotels
- Ambiance: The interior combines nautical chic with cozy décor, reminiscent of turn-of-the-century captain’s quarters meets underground speakeasy, creating an inviting atmosphere for both dining and socializing. Boston Magazine
Why Choose Sister Ship?
- Innovative Cuisine: Experience a fusion of Mediterranean flavors with New England seafood, crafted with local ingredients.
- Relaxed Cocktail Club: Enjoy a variety of elevated cocktails in a comfortable and stylish setting.
- Central Location: Situated in the heart of Nantucket, Sister Ship is easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
Getting There
Located at 29 Centre Street, Sister Ship is within walking distance of many downtown attractions. Street parking is available on Centre Street, Chestnut Street, Hussey Street, and Broad Street.
OpenTable
Insider Tip:
Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season. For a unique experience, consider dining in the garden courtyard or enjoying the subterranean speakeasy vibes.
About Via Mare
Nestled within the charming Greydon House boutique hotel, Via Mare offers a whimsical take on Venetian small-plate dining. Opened in the spring of 2019 by the team behind island favorites Ventuno Restaurant and Pizzeria Gemelle, Via Mare draws inspiration from Venice’s rich history as a central hub in the spice trade. The menu adventurously follows these trade winds, curating an eclectic array of dishes that highlight the bounty of the garden and sea. The interior, thoughtfully designed by Roman & Williams, provides a bohemian living-room-cum-bar ambiance, complemented by an intimate dining room overlooking Broad Street, an open-air porch, and street-side café-style seating.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Cicchetti: Venetian-style tiny bar bites, such as deviled eggs, hot chicken Milanese with Moroccan pancakes, and baccala whipped salt cod.
- Small Plates: Offerings like hand-pulled stracciatella, local lettuces with garden herbs, and crispy squid with lemon aioli.
- Pasta: House-made options including tarfalle with spring peas, favas, and parm cremo.
- Beverage Selection: An eclectic wine and cocktail program that complements the adventurous cuisine, with selections inspired by Venice’s spice trade history.
- Ambiance: A bohemian and intimate setting, offering various seating options to suit different dining preferences, from cozy indoor spaces to open-air porch seating.
Why Choose Via Mare?
- Venetian-Inspired Cuisine: Experience a unique take on Venetian small plates, thoughtfully crafted to highlight seasonal ingredients.
- Eclectic Atmosphere: Enjoy dining in a space that blends bohemian charm with intimate settings, designed by the celebrated firm Roman & Williams.
- Central Location: Situated in downtown Nantucket within the Greydon House, Via Mare offers convenience for both locals and visitors.
Getting There
Located at 17 Broad Street, Via Mare is easily accessible from downtown Nantucket. While parking can be limited during peak hours, the central location makes it convenient for walking or biking.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season. If you don’t see availability online, consider calling the restaurant directly, as they may have additional seating options.
About Ventuno
Situated in a mid-19th century Federal Street mansion, Ventuno offers a contemporary Italian dining experience infused with the charm of classic Nantucket architecture. The restaurant features intimate dining nooks, each adorned with fireplaces, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Ventuno presents a menu that evolves with the seasons, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Handmade Pasta: The menu frequently features fresh pastas, such as aglione with ramps and sweet peas or rich ragù with heritage pork over malfadi.
- La Fiorentina: A prime porterhouse steak for two, exemplifying the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Italian flavors.
- Desserts: Notable options include the baked-to-order fruit crostata, a delightful end to any meal.
- Beverage Selection: Ventuno boasts a carefully curated Italian wine list, complementing its culinary offerings and enhancing the dining experience.
- Ambiance: The low lighting, stocked wine room, and historical setting contribute to a current yet timeless feel, making it a go-to for date nights or intimate dinners.
Why Choose Ventuno?
- Historic Charm: Dine within the walls of a historic mansion, adding a unique backdrop to your meal.
- Seasonal Italian Cuisine: Enjoy dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients, reflecting the flavors of each season.
- Romantic Atmosphere: The intimate setting, complete with fireplaces, offers a cozy and inviting dining experience.
Getting There
Located at 21 Federal Street, Ventuno is easily accessible from downtown Nantucket. While parking can be limited during peak hours, the central location makes it convenient for walking or biking.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season. For a delightful dessert experience, inform your server early if you wish to order the baked-to-order fruit crostata, as it requires preparation time.
About TOPPER’S
Nestled within The Wauwinet, Nantucket’s exclusive Relais & Châteaux property, TOPPER’S offers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends elegance with the island’s natural beauty. Overlooking Nantucket Bay, the restaurant provides both indoor and alfresco seating, allowing guests to savor their meals amidst stunning waterfront views. Renowned for its culinary excellence, TOPPER’S has received the Wine Spectator Grand Award for many years, reflecting its commitment to quality and service.
OpenTable
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Locally Harvested Oysters: Fresh oysters sourced just 300 yards away, offering a true taste of Nantucket’s waters.
- Seasonal New England Cuisine: A menu that evolves with the seasons, highlighting the freshest local produce and seafood.
- Prix Fixe Dinner: A curated selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts that showcase the chef’s creativity and the region’s bounty.
- Wine Selection: TOPPER’S boasts an extensive wine list featuring over 2,000 bottles, including rare vintages and selections that perfectly complement the menu offerings. OpenTable
- Outdoor Dining: The lower patio provides a relaxed setting with breathtaking views of the bay, ideal for enjoying a cocktail or a leisurely meal.
Why Choose TOPPER’S?
- Award-Winning Excellence: Consistently recognized for its culinary standards and service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- Scenic Location: Situated on the bay, offering unparalleled views and a serene atmosphere.
- Seasonal and Local Focus: A commitment to using the freshest local ingredients, resulting in a menu that reflects the best of Nantucket’s offerings.
Getting There
TOPPER’S is located at 120 Wauwinet Road. For guests without vehicles, The Wauwinet offers complimentary transportation options, including the Wauwinet Lady boat from the White Elephant Hotel and a jitney service from Federal Street in downtown Nantucket.
OpenTable
Insider Tip:
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. For a unique experience, consider arriving via the Wauwinet Lady boat, which offers a scenic journey to the restaurant.
About Straight Wharf Restaurant
Established in 1976, Straight Wharf Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Nantucket’s dining scene for nearly five decades. Situated harborside, it offers patrons a blend of classic and contemporary seafood dishes, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance reflects Nantucket’s maritime heritage, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- Dayboat Scallops: Freshly caught scallops prepared with seasonal accompaniments.
- Sustainable Catch: Daily selections of locally sourced fish, highlighting the best of Nantucket’s waters.
- Clam Bake: A traditional New England clam bake featuring lobster, clams, and mussels.
- Beverage Selection: An extensive wine list complements the seafood-centric menu, along with a curated selection of craft cocktails and beers.
- Dining Areas: Guests can choose between the elegant main dining room or the more casual bar area, both offering views of the harbor.
Why Choose Straight Wharf Restaurant?
- Harborside Dining: Enjoy meals with picturesque views of Nantucket Harbor, enhancing the dining experience.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: A commitment to fresh, local produce and seafood ensures high-quality dishes.
- Historic Charm: With decades of history, the restaurant embodies the essence of Nantucket’s culinary traditions.
Getting There
Located at 6 Harbor Square, Straight Wharf Restaurant is easily accessible from downtown Nantucket. While parking can be limited during peak seasons, the central location makes it convenient for walking or biking.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season. For a more relaxed experience, consider dining on the patio to enjoy the pleasant Nantucket evenings.
About LoLa 41
Established in 2006, LoLa 41 is a unique dining destination named after its location on the 41st parallel. The restaurant offers a fusion of global bistro fare and sushi, drawing inspiration from various cultures along the 41st latitude. With its chic ambiance and commitment to high-quality ingredients, LoLa 41 has become a staple in Nantucket’s culinary scene.
Dining Highlights
- Signature Dishes:
- King Crab Rangoon: Cream cheese, scallion, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce.
- Hoisin Baby Back Ribs: Sriracha hoisin glaze, scallion, sesame seed, fresno chili, and micro cilantro.
- Chicken Lettuce Cups: Boston bibb lettuce, garlic, ginger, sweet soy, sesame seed, pickled vegetables, fresno chili, and micro cilantro.
- Sushi Selection:
- A variety of rolls and sashimi, including the Tatara Roll with spicy tuna, daikon radish, avocado, eel sauce, wasabi sprouts, and togarashi.
- Beverage Program:
- An extensive list of cocktails, wines, and sakes to complement the diverse menu offerings.
Why Choose LoLa 41?
- Global Flavors: Experience a culinary journey with dishes inspired by countries along the 41st parallel.
- Chic Atmosphere: A stylish setting perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
- Quality Ingredients: A focus on sourcing local, organic, and high-quality ingredients ensures a memorable dining experience.
Getting There
Located at 15 South Beach Street, LoLa 41 is just steps from the heart of downtown Nantucket. While street parking is available, it can be limited during peak hours; consider arriving early or using alternative transportation.
Insider Tip:
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy summer season. For a more relaxed experience, consider dining on the patio to enjoy the pleasant Nantucket evenings.
