Nantucket Eats & Drinks
We’ve visited Nantucket more times than we can count, and each trip has only deepened our love for this little island. From beachside sandwiches to unforgettable seafood dinners, we’ve eaten our way through the best of what Nantucket has to offer. Whether you're planning your first visit or coming back for more, this guide has all our tried-and-true favorites for where to eat and stay. Check out our top lobster rolls on Nantucket here, our 10 must try spots, and 48 hours on Nantucket.
Coffee/Breakfast
Right on Main Street, Lemon Press is a super cute coffee spot to start your day. Their matcha and fun drinks are the move.
A really great cup of coffee. Get the whipped coffee with their amazing homemade pistachio milk.
A simple, straightforward diner where you can get a great omelette, stack of pancakes, and brunch-y dishes.
Black-Eyed Susan’s
If you're looking for caffeine and a cozy spot to relax, Handlebar Cafe is the place. This laid-back neighborhood favorite serves quality coffee, light bites, and has one of the best patios on the island. It's perfect for a slow morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.
This is one of downtown’s busiest breakfast spots and there will likely be a line but go for their homemade bread which they of course serve breakfast sandwiches on. They also do all kinds of coffee + matcha.
Lunch
This is THE sandwich spot on the island. We got a turkey sandwich with stuffing, mayo and cranberry sauce and then another sandwich exploding with tons of veggies and turkey. Definitely a go-to spot to grab sandwiches for the beach.
Something Natural
Here, we got bruschetta, tuna poke, street corn, tuna tacos, and salads, but the main event was of course the lobster. We tried the lobster roll—our first we ever tried on ACK!!—and a lobster quesadilla that is not to be missed.
Millie’s
Another lobster roll stop—this take-out spot serves up extremely fresh seafood.
Continuing the lobster roll taste tests at Walter’s Deli. This lobster roll is the cheapest lobster roll we’ve found on Nantucket and is absolutely massive…it’s $35 now but still cheaper compared to many others.
Walter’s Deli
This spot is right on the water and features a classic American menu. We tried the chicken milanese, burger, caesar salad, and of course, another lobster roll.
Here, everything is farm fresh. They serve the corn raw because it’s picked that day—and it’s perfect. The lobster roll here was also very good. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, prioritize staying in one night and cooking with ingredients from here!
Barlett’s Farm
Yet another lobster roll stop! We tried both their hot and cold lobster rolls here and they did not disappoint. Their poke is also amazing. A good spot for a snack before or after a few beers at Cisco.
167 Raw
This Nantucket institution was our last lobster roll stop of our first trip. This is a great spot to come for all things seafood.
This sandwich shop has been open since 1973 and we can see why. Known for their legendary turkey sandwich, this is the place to come for sandwiches to bring to the beach.
Dinner
This spot is adorably chic and serves incredible seafood and small plates. We started with the prawns, tomato and burrata salad, crudite with fava bean hummus and tuna tostadas. Then, for our mains we loved the spicy rice cakes and the duck carnitas were out of this world.
Or, The Whale
Le Languedoc Bistro blends classic French technique with the best local and seasonal ingredients. The menu is elegant yet approachable, focusing on simple preparations that let each flavor shine. Skip the cheese soufflé and go straight for the steak frites or the pan-roasted lobster. This spot is a must if you're craving a polished dinner in the heart of town.
Le Languedoc Bistro
Lola 41 is always a go-to for a fun night out. The sushi hits every time, the cocktails are strong, and the vibe is cool without being over the top. And don’t sleep on the mac and cheese…it’s low key one of the best things on the menu.
One of the best restaurants in town, Cru was definitely one of our top meals of the trip. The harbor house rolls are made fresh to order in a skillet. And, of course we had to try the lobster rolls here, too. In addition to their classic cold lobster roll which was phenomenal, they also have a hot one with caviar (that costs $99!!), and we think it’s absolutely perfect!
Cru
Another top meal on the island. Come here for the duck—our top dish from this meal was a whole roasted peking duck. The giant platter comes overflowing with all the fixing to make duck buns.
The Nautilus
The Brotherhood of Thieves has been a Nantucket favorite for over 50 years. Today, it’s home to four unique spots under one roof, including the classic pub downstairs, the surf-inspired Cisco Kitchen upstairs, and a lively garden patio. In the back, you’ll find Notch, a whiskey bar that looks like a dive but serves some of the best sushi on the island. Whether you're in the mood for burgers, beers, or something a little unexpected, this place has you covered.
The Pearl has an Asian fusion menu featuring lobster rangoon, scallop crudo, steak—and we tried it all. For our mains, we got their signature salt and pepper wok-fried noodles with lobster and an insane tomahawk steak with yuzu butter.
The Pearl
Bars
This is definitely the spot to get a mudslide on Nantucket.
Nantucket’s only piano bar, this lively spot is a great spot to grab a drink before dinner.
This rustic brewery is a great outdoor spot to grab a drink before dinner.
Ethos is a cozy little wine bar that feels like a hidden gem. The wine list is great, the vibe is low-key, and every now and then they’ll surprise you with chartreuse jello shots. It’s the kind of place you pop into for a glass and end up staying all night.
Ice Cream
Known to be the best ice cream on the island—making homemade waffle cones, handed to you warm. Definitely worth the long line!!
The Juice Bar
Stay
We stayed in a gorgeous house that we found through Nantucket Rentals. Our house was incredibly cozy, cute, and right on the water.
