8 Best Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Basically a retail fish store, Larsen's has a raw take-out counter and will also boil lobsters for you. Dig into a plate of fresh littlenecks or cherrystones; oysters are not a bad alternative. There's also seafood chowder and a variety of smoked fish and dips. Bring your own bottle of wine or beer, buy your dinner here, and then set up on the rocks, the docks, or the beach: there's no finer alfresco rustic dining on the island. Sunset-watching is wildly popular here; call ahead or expect to wait a bit.

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.

There will be a line, but this hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint is a great spot for grabbing a hand-held breakfast sandwich—say, a honey-chicken biscuit—en route to the ferry. If you're not in a rush, nab a table, and peruse the extensive menu featuring Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles along with stuffed French toast and linguica hash.

This island landmark—part of a mini-complex that includes a general store and a kid's shop—lies just steps from the ferry terminal in Vineyard Haven. The dining room—roaring fireplace, dark-wood walls, maritime memorabilia, and a grand view of the water—makes everyone feel at home; there's additional seating on the patio when the weather allows. Sure, it's touristy--but it's fun.

When you need a pick-me-up, pop into Espresso Love for a cappuccino and a homemade raspberry scone or blueberry muffin. If you prefer something cold, the staff also makes fruit smoothies. Light lunch fare is served: bagel sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and delicious pastries and cookies—all homemade, of course.

Sometimes, you don't feel like a fifty-dollar, fancy-schmancy entrée—you just want a big, fat lobster roll and a beer, and that's what you'll get at Lookout Tavern. Dig into fresh lobsters from Katama Bay, eight kinds of tacos (beer-battered cod is the best), or sushi and sashimi. Pro tip: Skip the indoor tables and head to one of the stools facing the water—perfect for watching ferries and pleasure boats glide by (and even better with a rum punch in hand.)

The island's first microbrewery restaurant is quite popular with locals and visitors alike, especially since it is open year-round. There are private wooden booths, a dart board in the corner, and live music year-round. Grab some peanuts from a barrel by the door and drop the shells on the floor; then order from a menu that includes steaks and burgers, chicken, pasta, gumbo, and fish. However, to truly appreciate the beer, try it with one of the wood-fired brick-oven pizzas. There's a nice shaded patio for outdoor dining.