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Nantucket Food Guide

if you've never visited nantucket island, you most definitely have to add it to your bucket list.. its new england coastal charm is unbeatable. about 30 miles south of cape code and formerly a hub for the whaling industry, this little island offers endless shingle cottages and colorful flowers, amazing beaches, cobblestone streets, zero traffic lights and delicious food. 

by no means am i an expert on nantucket's culinary scene, but through our travels have tried lots of eateries on the island. it's so easy to keep returning to our favorite spots but ben and i make it a point to try new restaurants and have been pleasantly surprised on numerous occasions. 

so if you're anything like me and your day revolves around (hopefully good) food, i think my list of restaurants will come in handy during your visit. 

breakfast.
petticoat row bakery
this has definitely become our go-to while on-the-go breakfast spot on the island. for the most delicious breakfast sandwiches on biscuits, coffee and loads of baked goods (love the blueberry scones) located right in town, you can't beat it.

black eyed susan's 
for a casual sit down option also located in town. if you get a seat at the bar, you can sit mesmerized (as i did) watching the chefs cook a million things at once. their breakfast vegetarian scramble is a great way to start the day.

downyflake 
i can't speak towards their actual breakfast but i can tell you that their donuts are yummy! family run, located mid-island and open since 1935, it has definitely lasted the test of time. they have a take out and a sit down area.. highly recommend stopping by, grabbing a coffee and donut and heading to the beach to enjoy them!

lemon press
relatively new to the island and located right on main street, they offer lots of healthy breakfast options, fresh pressed juices and smoothies and, of course, coffee. they also have a to-go area with perfect snacks for a day at the beach.  


lunch.
millie's 
open seasonly and located in madaket (biking distance from town), this little gem serves a perfect mid-summer lunch.. salads, seafood, tacos, quesadillas. they also have a take out window serving sandwiches and salads which are ideal to accompany your beach day at madaket beach (a short walk away). and if you're looking to plan a rager, apparently, the market is the only place on the island to sell kegs. 

oath craft pizza
a little hole in the wall with amazing views and some of my favorite pizza ever. on the pier of straight wharf, they offer made to order pies on thin crust in both half and full size. the pizzas are small which are perfect for trying multiple flavors (ben and i share 3 halves).

something natural 
located on cliff road which is a short walk from town and close to jetties beach, this little sandwich shop is so good! don't forget to try their award winning cookies!

slip 14
located near the boat basin, this casual restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood on the island.. i literally ate fish that was caught hours before.. they also have great cocktails and wine, outdoor seating (with a roof) and views of the water.

dinner.
cru
oysters, oysters and more oysters.. need i say more? they also have awesome outdoor seating with comfy chairs, string lights and some of the best views of the harbor.  

galley beach
a great location to celebrate a milestone as it is pricey (we celebrated our wedding night) but the sunsets are absolutely stunning. they have delicious meals and wine.. i recommend the filet mignon, a good cabernet and creme brûlée for dessert! also, take a look at the diamonds on some of the women in that place.. sweet jesus they are large. 

the nautilus 
one of our favorite places!
a hot spot serving asian and spanish inspired small plates and craft cocktails.. another place where you should sit at the bar and watch the bartenders work their magic. they don't take reservations until the day of but we've never made them and have always been lucky enough to grab a bar seat within 45 minutes. they have a bartender who serves drinks to those standing and creates a wait list for the bar.. so fair and no fighting for spots! check out their drink menu.. very creative names!
 

dune 
located in town, this restaurant is super intimate with modern feels and serves melt in your mouth dishes. ben and i ate here on the night we got engaged!

lola 41
another spot that only allows same day reservations (you'll find a line start to form outside around 3pm) but a great place for sushi! after dinner hours, they also crank up the music for a more clubby feel.

other food. 
the juice bar
if you go no where else i recommended.. please.. do yourself a favor and go here. i've never had better ice cream in my life (and i've had a lot of ice cream). there may have even been days i've gone twice.. but it's vacation so it's totally acceptable. my favorite is the strawberry dark chocolate chip in a homemade waffle cone (which you can smell down the street). and don't let the line around the building intimidate you.. i promise it's 200% worth the wait.

bartlett's farm
the market located around the corner from cisco brewery is filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, wine, snacks and so much more. while we were on the island in july, we bought all the essentials to make our own cheese platter which we enjoyed a few days on the patio of our hotel, the roberts house. 

cisco brewery
the brewery is definitely a place you need to visit if you're on nantucket. and, despite the name, they don't just make beer.. they also make their own liquor for mixed drinks and wine so there is something for everyone. each day they have different food trucks.. each with delicious options!
 

can you tell we love oysters? 
and is your mouth watering yet? mine is. now go book a trip to this amazing island and get eating! 

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