Best Bakery: Back Door Donuts
1–11 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3688, backdoordonuts.com
Runner-up: Black Dog Bakery Café
509 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-8190, theblackdog.com
Doughnuts after dark might sound a little scary, but chocolate coconut doughnuts and apple fritters from the back (or front) door are something you’ll only want to run toward. Pastry chef Laura Beckman at the Black Dog Bakery Café brings custom cake dreams to life.
Best Bar/Pub: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
If you’re lucky enough to secure seats on the Lookout’s sun-washed patio, heave a sigh of relief; the only thing left to do is relax – and eat. The massive menu includes quick bites and shareable plates, and there’s no shortage of refreshing cocktails being mixed. Each pint ordered at Offshore Ale Co. comes with a story about how it was made on-Island.
Best Breakfast: ArtCliff Diner
38 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1224, artcliffdiner.com
Runner-up: Linda Jean’s Restaurant
25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-4093, lindajeansrestaurantmv.com
New year, new restaurant layout, new website, same amazing banana pancakes, huevos rancheros, and dozens of other famous breakfast favorites at the ArtCliff Diner in Vineyard Haven. Since 1976, Linda Jean’s has been an Oak Bluffs favorite for early morning omelets, milkshakes, and French toast.
Best Breakfast Sandwich: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Runner-up: Scottish Bakehouse
977 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6633, scottishbakehousemv.com
No bad day ever started by lining up outside the 7a takeout window, where egg sandwiches on freshly baked biscuits and smoked salmon bagels sell better than hotcakes. At the Scottish Bakehouse, five bucks will get you a bacon, egg, and cheese with veg on your favorite type of bread.
Best Burger: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
Runner-up: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar
7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-6600, fatronniesburgerbar.com
You can’t talk about cheeseburgers on the Island without mentioning Atria, where burgers are made with top-notch beef and served on a toasted brioche bun. There’s a solid portobello burger too. Fat Ronnie’s is perfect for a late-night snack or a bite on the go when strolling along Circuit Avenue.
Best Caterer: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering & Party Design
508-560-4364, vhamlincatering.com
Runner-up: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
508-693-3318, buckleyscatering.com
The Hamlins are highly skilled at filleting fish and grilling steak for 400 people, but did you know they can pull off small portions too? In a year of pivoting, Jaime and her team brought their food directly to your doorstep, and let’s just say it was something we all needed. Buckley’s pivoted too with home lobster roll kits for two.
Best Chowder: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company
9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, mvchowder.com
Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
You definitely won’t find Manhattan-style clam chowder at the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company. Then again, you won’t find a typical New England chowder either. The Oak Bluffs restaurant’s original recipe is heavy on clams, light on thickeners, made with just a bit of dairy, and always gluten-free. Larsen’s, in Menemsha, keeps things fresh and traditional.
Best Clambake: Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Company
508-627-8809, mvclambake.com
Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
Long before the pandemic made outdoor dining the in thing, Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Company perfected the art of the plein-air party. Options include casual backyard get-togethers, wedding receptions, and do-it-yourself to-go options for groups as small as six. Larsen’s Fish Market serves all the fixings for a beachside feast.
Best Cocktails: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
The bartenders at Alchemy are industry pros, so it only makes sense their cocktails have the best reputation in Edgartown. The fan-favorite French Quarter martini is so good that even if it was removed from the menu, guests would still order it. The Lookout serves fun cocktails with equally fun names.
Best Coffee: Mocha Mott’s
10 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-1922
15 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-3155, mochamotts.com
Runner-up: Espresso Love
17 Church Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9211, espressolove.com
Iced in the summer, piping hot in the winter – however you take your coffee, you can trust Mocha Mott’s to be open “every damn day” to serve it. Pair it with a breakfast sandwich served on a Cape Cod bagel, delivered fresh each morning. Espresso Love makes a solid cappuccino and has a selection of sandwiches and baked goods.
Best Family Dining: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
Runner-up: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
Forget the Olive Garden; when you’re at Giordano’s, you’re family. In addition to the inviting atmosphere and smiling staff, Gio’s offers an impressive fuss-free menu that literally has something for everyone. Feel like getting out of the house for some fries and Jenga? Pile the kids in the car and drive over to Nomans.
Best Farm Market or Stand: Morning Glory Farm
290 Edgartown–West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com
Runner-up: The Grey Barn & Farm
22 South Road, Chilmark, 508-645-4854, thegreybarnandfarm.com
Morning Glory Farm doesn’t just sell a huge assortment of Island-grown veggies and yummy baked goods; it also hosts beloved seasonal events including strawberry and pumpkin festivals. Last year was filled with waiting in lines, but a favorite line to wait in was for the croissants at the Grey Barn’s farm stand.
Best Fine Dining: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
Runner-up: Outermost Inn
81 Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, 508-645-3511, outermostinn.com
A night off of cooking in 2020 felt like a well deserved vacation. Atria helped to ease burdens with its Island-grown version of global comfort food, including Chef Christian Thornton’s coconut-crusted prawns, prosciutto-wrapped cod, and tiramisu. The Outermost Inn is romantic; it’s the perfect place for celebrations or just to unwind.
Best Fish & Chips: The Net Result
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com
Runner-up: The Newes from America
23 Kelley Street, Edgartown, 508-627-4397, thenewesfromamerica.com
The Net Result knows seafood; in fact, its fresh, crispy fish and chips plate could give the U.K. a run for its quid. The Newes cranks out some major New England staples; the fish and chips keeps anyone who orders
it happy and full.
Best Fish Market: The Net Result
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com
Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
The Net Result serves the luck of the catch, yet luck always seems to abound when standing in front of display cases stocked with local quahaugs, scallops, and striped bass. The sushi and takeout menu is pretty great too. Larsen’s isn’t just a harbor-front fish market; it’s a classic Vineyard experience.
Best French Fries: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
It makes sense that the Island’s favorite burger restaurant would also serve the best fries. If it’s difficult to choose between truffle or regular, go ahead and order one of each. Offshore Ale fans fall hard for the Parmesan truffle fry appetizer plate.
Best Fried Clams: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
Runner-up: The Net Result
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com
Giordano’s knows not to mess with a good thing. The family-run restaurant, site of the Island’s first clam bar, still serves whole clams and strips straight out of the fryer with a side of coleslaw, fries, and tartar sauce. Customers are as satisfied as they were when it opened in 1930. The Net Result fries ’em and sells ’em almost as fast as they shuck ’em.
Best Grocery Store: Cronig’s Market
357 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-4457
469 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-2234, cronigsmarket.com
Runner-up: Reliable Market
36 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-1102, thereliablemarket.com
Sometimes it’s hard living on an Island, but Cronig’s Market makes it easier by stocking both pantry staples and specialty items for every home cook on Martha’s Vineyard. Reliable Market is a family-run grocery store where the staff is always available to help point you in the right direction.
Best Ice Cream Shop: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
20A Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-0008, benandbillsmv.com
Runner-up: Mad Martha’s
48 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-5883
12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-9151
7 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8761
What’s more quintessentially Martha’s Vineyard than stopping for an ice cream nightcap after dinner? Top-spot winner Ben & Bill’s doles out big scoops of more than fifty flavors of ice cream. Mad Martha’s has a massive menu too, with creative flavors.
Best Island-Made Candy/Chocolate: Murdick’s Fudge
21 North Water Street, Edgartown
5 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Corner of Union and Main Streets, Vineyard Haven, 888-553-8343, murdicks.com
Runner-up: Salt Rock Chocolate Co.
508-449-0708, saltrockchocolate.com
Since 1887, Murdick’s has been crafting fudge for folks with a sweet tooth. While purchasing some Cape Cod cranberry or butter pecan fudge, grab some peanut brittle too. Newcomer Salt Rock Chocolate Co.’s Tiasquam Truffles and Great Rock Bites have already developed a loyal following.
Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church
Corner of Woodlawn Avenue and William Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332, graceepiscopalmv.org (Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m. through September 3)
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Toss your bib but bring your appetite; the best way to enjoy lobster on the Vineyard is to order a takeout lobster roll from Grace Episcopal Church. Plump lobster meat – available dressed with or without mayo – overflows a split-top bun. Looking to dine in? There’s a generous roll over at runner-up Lookout Tavern.
Best Lunch: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Runner-up: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Beet wraps with goat cheese, Marcona almonds, spinach, and balsamic. Asparagus melts with dried blueberries. The freakin’ Liz Lemon. 7a’s Dan Sauer might be the G.O.A.T. when it comes to sandwiches. MV Salads has healthy bowls of unique combinations, such as cauliflower, fennel, grapes, crispy chickpeas, raisins, and kale.
Best New Restaurant: Salvatore’s Ristorante
20 Union Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9457, salvatoresristorante.com
Runner-up: Sarah Brown’s Comfort Food
25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 516-526-3943, sarahbrownsmv.com
Salvatore della Torre opened his namesake restaurant in Vineyard Haven just when the Island needed some extra amore. Try his take on classics such as arancini, risotto, and duck with pappardelle. Sarah Brown’s Comfort Food is an ode to South Carolina specialties. Check them out nightly in the space it now shares with Linda Jean’s.
Best Outdoor Dining: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
Runner-up: The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant
27 Aquinnah Circle, Aquinnah, 508-645-3867, theaquinnahshop.com
The outdoor dining area at Nomans is like a big backyard where everybody is welcome. Guests come for the food but stay for the lawn games and picnic tables – it’s a place to meet your friends or bring the entire family. The Aquinnah Shop offers a breathtaking ocean view perched atop the clay cliffs.
Best Package Store: MV Wine & Spirits
17A Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-627-7557, mvwinestore.com
Runner-up: Our Market
1 East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3000, ourmarketmv.com
MV Wine & Spirits is conveniently located off Edgartown–West Tisbury Road, but it’s worth a visit no matter what direction you’re headed in. Craft beer fans rave about the curated collection. Not feeling so crafty? The staff is eager to answer questions or point you in another direction. Our Market also carries an impressive array.
Best Picnic Food: Black Sheep
17 Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-338-7770, blacksheeponmv.com
Runner-up: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Black Sheep’s daily prepared sides, sandwiches, and rotating specials make for the perfect picnic meal: grab a container of sesame rice noodles or quinoa salad and pair it with a grab-and-go sandwich and chips. At 7a Foods, baked goods, sandwiches, and soups are readily available.
Best Pizza: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
Runner-up: Rocco’s Pizzeria
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1125, marthasvineyardpizza.com
You can always count on Gio’s to have fresh cheese and pepperoni slices at the ready. In need of a more substantial treat? Try a traditional Neapolitan pie, grab some paper plates, and enjoy it by the harbor. Rocco’s cherry pepper and ’roni pizza, a popular combo, is a must try.
Best Sandwich: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Runner-up: Waterside Market
82 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-8899, watersidemarket.com
When it comes to selecting a sandwich at 7a, it’s hard to pick just one. From the turkey BLT wrap to the toasted Italian sub, 7a’s use of locally sourced ingredients guarantees any choice is a good one. With Waterside’s daily lunch specials, you can switch up your choice every day.
Best Seafood Restaurant: 19 Raw Oyster Bar
19 Church Street, Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
Runner-up: The Seafood Shanty
31 Dock Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8622, theseafoodshanty.com
For those looking for a meal that came strictly from the sea, 19 Raw Oyster Bar is the place to go. Start with Island-grown oysters or scallop crudo before dining on lobster Bolognese or baked cod. The Shanty serves up seafood – Captain’s Platter, anyone? – right on Edgartown Harbor.
Best Sushi: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Runner-up: The Net Result
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com
A variety of specialty rolls and traditional sashimi brings sushi fans back to the Lookout Tavern time and time again. For something mild, try the dragon roll. More adventurous types will want Mike’s Special Roll made with black peppered tuna, spicy mayo, jalapeño, and wasabi. The Net Result’s sushi chef can make any roll for diners on the go.
Best Takeout: Bangkok Cuisine
67 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-6322, bangkokcapecod.com
Runner-up: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
There was no better time to test who had the best takeout game than 2020. Bangkok Cuisine really showed off its stuff by keeping the curry hot and the crab rolls crispy. Giordano’s never fails at carry-out because its entire menu is available to go.
Best Vegetarian Meal: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Runner-up: Little House Café
339 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9794, littlehousemv.com
MV Salads has seven signature salads, five of which are vegetarian and vegan, so the staff knows a thing or two about providing a solid veggie-based meal. Little House serves up lunch and dinner options like a sesame noodle salad and falafel wrap.
Best Wings: Coop de Ville
Dockside Marketplace, 12 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3420, coopdevilleshuckshack.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Coop de Ville doesn’t just serve wings; it celebrates them. Menu options include mild, medium, hot, sweet chili, Suicide, 3-Mile Island, Dragon Fire, LJ Style, Kickin’ Bourbon, and Maryland. What do those last ones taste like? Like the best wings on the Vineyard. Offshore Ale Co. sticks to the delicious classics.
Best Year-Round Restaurant: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Runner-up: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
Offshore Ale is there for Vineyarders when they need it the most – in the cold, dark months of winter. It even stayed open all year long during the pandemic. Alchemy is equally reliable and offers an upscale fine-dining experience.
