7 Best Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

A dark, intimate wine bar and restaurant with hardwood floors and richly colored banquette seating, Détente serves more than a dozen wines by the glass as well as numerous half bottles. Even if you're not much of an oenophile, it's worth a trip just for the innovative food, much of it from local farms and seafood purveyors. Owned by a husband and wife, the menu reflects their travels; think of it as Europe-meets-New England on a plate.

High ceilings, exposed beams, and a beautiful stone fireplace make for a warm and light-filled meal. The menu takes advantage of delightfully prepared local and organic products, creating memorable dishes.

Nothing says 'summer on the island' like slurping local oysters outdoors on a patio, and head chef Joe Monteiro will make sure you have a shucking good time. They aim for a true oyster bar—something the Vineyard was lacking—and they nail it, right down to the reclaimed wood and industrial accents. While glistening oysters are the star of the show, other fresh seafood dishes (that ceviche!), even duck, pack plenty of flavor.

Alchemy aims for a European-chic bistro-style scene and menu, missing only the patina of age—and French working-folks' prices—but you can expect quality and imagination. On balmy evenings, the half-dozen outdoor tables on the candlelit brick patio are highly coveted.

Michael Brisson has been at the helm of this creative French kitchen since the mid-1980s, yet his dedication to fresh, exquisitely prepared local food remains as fervent as ever. Changing with what's seasonally available, his menu many include sautéed Menemsha fluke or perhaps roasted Long Island duck breast; for lighter fare or to indulge in a fancy martini, head to the stunning copper bar with its sleek leather-backed chairs or the lovely terrace for alfresco dining.

Standing at nearly 6½ feet tall and covered with colorful tattoos, chef-owner Ben Deforest turns out an extraordinary array of dishes—chorizo-stuffed local calamari, crab and wild mushroom risotto, or truffle arancini—from a tiny kitchen visible from the dining room. Regulars love the funky artwork, thundering tunes, and the irreverent spirit of the place, but no question here: it's the food that keeps them coming back.

Housed in a charming Victorian house, this island favorite's warm hues, low lighting, and handsome antique furniture will make you feel like you've entered someone's home. The cooking is more sophisticated than home style, however: dishes are prepared in inventive ways and change often with the seasons. Ask for the Obama's favorite table (if they're not already occupying it.)