4 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.

With its ample windows looking out to the serene lagoon, lofted ceilings, and mellow globe lighting held aloft by sturdy ropes, the decor aptly reflects the kitchen's "sea-to-table" theme for its seasonally inspired and locally sourced offerings. Everything is scratch-made, including the baked goods, and the massive bar is a popular spot for dining and cocktails.

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.