🍝 What the Locals Eat on Martha's Vineyard

no gatekeeping! 15 memorable dishes and restaurants island residents swear by

I asked 200 islanders for their favorite dishes they repeatedly order from restaurants, and some items were mentioned over and over again. I compiled them into an ultimate “Locals Love This” list - it’s my new bucket list for menu items that I need to try!

Each item that made the list was mentioned at least 5 times, so you know it’s vetted. This list also tends towards restaurants that are open year-round, and most dishes are reasonably priced by island standards, with a few splurge-worthy items in the mix.

Fried Clams from Coop de Ville in Oak Bluffs

1. 7A

• Locals love the Liz Lemon Sandwich and the Spring Veggie Melt

• West Tisbury / Mon-Sat 7a-3p Year-Round / More Info

2. Art Cliff

• Some Breakfast/Brunch favorites are the Pork Hash and Almond Crusted French Toast

• Vineyard Haven / Open Daily 7a-3p Year-Round / More Info

3. Bangkok Thai Cuisine

• I’ve been told to order the Pad Kee Mao

• Oak Bluffs / Open 12-9:30 Year-Round / More Info

4. Chef Deon

• Tucked away outside of town this unlikely spot is a culinary standout - order the Buffalo Calamari and the Key Lime Pie.

• Oak Bluffs / Open Daily 12:30-9:30 Year-Round / More Info

5. Coop de Ville

• You’ll be surrounded by Wings and Lobsters, but we hear the hidden gem is the Fried Clams.

• Oak Bluffs / Open Seasonally Mon-Sun 11a-8p / More Info

6. John and Sandy’s Fish

• Order the Fish and Chips or the Swordfish Dinner for a true coastal taste

• Vineyard Haven / Mon-Sat 11a-7p Seasonally

7. Mikado

• Don’t miss the Thai Veggie Basil Dumplings or the OMG Roll - this is locals favorite spot for sushi

• Vineyard Haven / Open Daily 11:30a-9:30p Year-Round / More Info

8. Mo’s Lunch

• The Roast Beef Sub is a classic favorite (you can’t go wrong with any sub), and the Dinner Specials are repeatedly suggested but rotate daily.

• Vineyard Haven / Mon-Sat 10a-6p Nearly Year-Round / More Info

9. Offshore Ale

• Try the hearty Chili or the Potato Pizza for a satisfying meal.

• Oak Bluffs / Mon-Sun 11:30a-9p Nearly Year-Round / More Info

10. Red Cat Kitchen

• The Fried Chicken and Big Ass Scallops are highly recommended (I can vouch - they’re unforgettable)

• Oak Bluffs / Open Daily 5:30p-10p Year-Round / More Info

11. Rockfish

• Enjoy the Short Ribs with Kale & Leek Mashed Potatoes or the Short Rib Poutine.

• Edgartown / Open Daily 5p-9:30p Year-Round / More Info

12. State Road

• The Veggie Burger is a standout choice for vegetarians (or anyone really).

• West Tisbury / Thu-Mon 5:30p-9p Seasonally / More Info

13. Lookout Tavern

• Try the incredibly fresh Mahi or Lobster Tacos

• Oak Bluffs / Open Daily 11:30a-10p Seasonally / More Info

14. Tigerhawk Sandwich Co

• The Fried Chicken Sandwich Tiger Style is a must-try for sandwich lovers.

• Oak Bluffs / Mon-Sat 11a-3p Seasonally / More Info

15. Winston’s Kitchen

• The Garlic Chicken is a flavorful standout with a hearty portion too.

• Oak Bluffs / Mon-Sat 11a-7p Year-Round / More Info

Runners Up

Those that didn’t make the main list, but were mentioned by multiple people:

• Waterside: French Quarter sandwich

• The Barn: Brazilian feast

• The Atlantic: Osso Bucco or Pork Shank

• Beach Road: tempura shrimp appetizer

• 19 Raw Oyster: scallop crudo

• Larsens: steamers

• The Galley: chowder

• Pawnee House: strawberry shortcake

• Atria: inferno burger

What would you add to the list?! Leave me a comment!

For More Eating Inspo, these links were also compiled from locals recommendations!

🥠 Roundup: 15 Meals under $15 on Martha's Vineyard (2023)

🍔 Prepared Food Options on Martha's Vineyard (2023)