Best Bakery: Back Door Donuts
1-11 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3688, backdoordonuts.com
Runner-up: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
That smell coming out the back door? That’s the scrumptious scent of apple fritters and doughnuts from Back Door Donuts. If you’ve got the time, wait in line. 7a Foods boasts an array of cookies, muffins, scones, and some of the best biscuits in town.
Best Bar/Pub: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Since 1997, Offshore Ale Co. has poured its pints for the thirsty masses in Oak Bluffs. From the roasty Steeprock Stout to the award-winning East Chop Lighthouse Golden Ale, there is a brew for everyone. Lookout Tavern’s great grub and drinks add to the scenic view.
Best Breakfast: The 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
After an almost two-year hiatus, the ArtCliff Diner reopened its doors to eager eaters, serving up a broad selection of classic and creative breakfast dishes, from corned beef hash and eggs to berry scones. On Circuit Avenue, Linda Jean’s specializes in traditional diner fare.
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
Get to 7a early and get the cheddar-jalapeño biscuit – it sets their egg sandwich apart from the competition. The veggies on top make it a balanced meal. The Scottish Bakehouse offers a variety of options, so you can tailor the sandwich to your taste.
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
Atria’s wide variety of juicy burgers heaped with unique topping combinations have earned the Edgartown eatery a devoted cult following over the years. In Oak Bluffs, Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar is the perfect joint for a late-night burger craving.
Best Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
508-693-3318, buckleyscatering.com
Runner-up: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering & Party Design
508-560-4364, vhamlincatering.com
Whether it’s an elevated menu featuring rib eye for a rehearsal dinner, or a birthday party with a whole roasted suckling pig, Buckley’s Gourmet Catering makes all hosts and their guests feel like royalty. V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons believes every meal is an opportunity to celebrate food. The proof is in their catered events.
Best Chowder: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.
9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, chowdermv.com
Runner-up: Menemsha Fish Market
54 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2282, menemshafishmarket.com
Known for its lighter consistency but fulsome flavor, Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.’s Island-famous clam chowder recipe is also gluten-free. Stanley Larsen’s rich, fresh chowder at the Menemsha Fish Market is the perfect warm up before a day on the harbor.
Best Clambake: Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co.
508-627-8809, mvclambake.com
Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
If a catered clambake of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes is what you’re looking for, Bill Smith’s is the obvious choice, whether it’s for a few family members or a 200-person wedding reception. Larsen’s clambakes pair best with a chilled bottle of wine and a Menemsha sunset.
Best Cocktails: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
Runner-up: 19 Raw Oyster Bar
19 Church Street, Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
For more than a decade, voters have crowned Alchemy’s creative, crafty, sweet, and strong drinks the Best Cocktails on Martha’s Vineyard. Around the block, the bartenders at 19 Raw are shakin’, stirrin’, and mixin’ unique concoctions that have already gained a fast following.
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: Catboat Coffee Co.
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 774-563-5296, catboatcoffee.com
Thirty years ago, Mott Hinkley opened Mocha Mott’s. Since then, no coffee drinker has complained about a lack of good fair-trade java on Martha’s Vineyard. From drip to café au lait, the Island runs on Mott’s. Want to expand your coffee palate? Check out Catboat Coffee Co.’s turmeric latte.
Best Family Dining: The Barn Bowl & Bistro
13 Uncas Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9800, thebarnmv.com
Runner-up: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
The Barn Bowl & Bistro has a menu that can please the whole family and prices that won’t do damage to your wallet. Weekend specials include Brazilian rodizio. Nomans has space to spread out, tasty bites, and lawn games to keep the kids happy.
Best Farm Market or Stand: Morning Glory Farm
290 Edgartown–West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com
Runner-up: Ghost Island Farm
27 Davis Look Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-5161, ghostislandfarm.square.site
Morning Glory’s farm stand is the standout spot for Island produce, meat, and baked goods. The market, complete with a food truck and soup station, offers a wide range of culinary delights. Ghost Island Farm has down-to-earth prices, meats from Nip ’n Tuck Farm, and a great selection of veggies.
Best Fine Dining: Outermost Inn
81 Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, 508-645-3511, outermostinn.com
Runner-up: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
The Outermost Inn is an up-Island crown jewel with a multi-course menu of delights, such as fresh local tuna and duck confit. Superb service and breathtaking views round out the experience. Alchemy’s elegant offerings and sophisticated cocktail list make the Edgartown restaurant a real treat.
Best Fish & Chips: John’s Fish Market/Sandy’s Fish & Chips
5 Martin Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1220, johnsfishmarket.com
Runner-up: The Net Result
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com
Now in its seventy-fifth year of operation, John’s Fish Market/Sandy’s Fish & Chips certainly has the experience to serve up a flavorful, heaping helping of fried fish and potatoes. Down by the Vineyard Haven waterside, the Net Result keeps the fish fresh and the French fries crispy.
Best Fish Market: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
Runner-up: The Net Result
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com
When it comes to fish, fresh is best. When it comes to fish markets, however, oldies are often goodies. At Larsen’s Fish Market, shoppers can pick up their catch steps away from the dock where the fish first hit land. Down-Island, the Net Result offers the latest catch, sushi, and deep-fried bites.
Best French Fries: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar
7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-6600, fatronniesburgerbar.com
Runner-up: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar makes fries fresh, with the perfect amount of crunch. The burger joint also offers cheese fries for those wanting to elevate their spuds. Atria’s truffle fries have been a long-time Island favorite.
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
A sunny day in Oak Bluffs isn’t complete without a basket of fried clams straight from Giordano’s fryer. Over in Vineyard Haven, Net Result patrons clamor for clams served to order.
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
Cronig’s Market prides itself on variety, and the two locations have just about everything you need. Produce from local farms, a salad bar, and thoughtfully sourced meats are all there. Reliable Market has been serving Islanders for almost eighty years in downtown Oak Bluffs.
Best Ice Cream Shop: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
20A Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-0008, benandbillsmv.com
Runner-up: Mad Martha’s
24 Union Street, Vineyard Haven, 12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 7 North Water Street, Edgartown, 202-492-3072, madmarthas.com
Got a sweet tooth? Then Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium is your Eden. Test out the more than two dozen flavors while perusing a cornucopia of candy. Mad Martha’s homemade ice cream has been a fan favorite for decades; signature pints can be found at Island grocers.
Best Island-Made Candy/Chocolate: Salt Rock Chocolate Co.
508-449-0708, saltrockchocolate.com
Runner-up: Murdick’s Fudge
21 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8047, 7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2335, 9 Union Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-7344, murdicks.com
If life is like a box of Salt Rock Chocolate, we know exactly what we’re going to get: tasty Vineyard-inspired candy, such as Quitsa Cranberry clusters and Bend in the Road Bars. Fudge lovers unite at Murdick’s, where rich and smooth fudge is made and sold in fourteen different flavors.
Best Lobster Roll: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Runner-up: Grace Episcopal Church
Corner of Woodlawn Avenue and William Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332, graceepiscopalmv.org (Fridays, 3 to 6 p.m. through August 30)
If you’re looking for the biggest lobster roll on Martha’s Vineyard, look no further than the Lookout Tavern, where both cold (with mayo) and hot (with butter) versions are served overstuffed with juicy chunks of lobster meat. Lobster purists rejoice at Grace Episcopal Church for Friday night bites.
Best Lunch: Mo’s Lunch
137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9744, moslunch.com
Runner-up: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Specializing in heaping deli sandwiches, seasonal specials, and a host of sweet baked treats, Mo’s Lunch is the perfect destination for a midday feast. For a healthy and refreshing meal with a tasty dressing, MV Salads cannot be beat.
Best New Restaurant: The@ttic
82 Main Street, Second Floor, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9448, theatticmv.com
Runner-up: Catboat Coffee Co.
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 774-563-5296, catboatcoffee.com
Vineyard Haven’s culinary landscape has grown with new and exciting additions including the @ttic, a fun gem with burgers, bar bites, and chill vibes. Down the road, find deliciously crafted Lebanese sandwiches and a rotating selection of artisanal snacks at Catboat Coffee Co.
Best Outdoor Dining: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
Runner-up: Behind the Bookstore
46 Main Street, Edgartown, 774-549-9123, btbmv.com
If you had forty-eight hours on Martha’s Vineyard, a handful of those should be spent outside at Nomans, where you can relax with live music, lawn games, cocktails, and tasty food. For something a little more romantic, Behind the Bookstore offers a leafy respite in downtown Edgartown.
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
An affable staff, a top-tier beer and wine selection, and fair prices make MV Wine & Spirits the destination for those in search of libations. Our Market is the old standby to find rarities, new releases, and just about any other alcoholic beverage that’s on your radar.
Best Picnic Food: Black Sheep
17 Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-338-7770, blacksheeponmv.com
Runner-up: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Ewe heard it here first: Black Sheep has everything you need for a perfect picnic, including sesame rice noodles, pasta salad, coleslaw, grilled honey shrimp, crackle breads, and charcuterie. Big, hearty green salads also make for great picnic food, and MV Salads is packed with options.
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
With a classic crust and a family-secret authentic sauce recipe, pizza by the slice or by the pie from Giordano’s is a summertime must. Rocco’s Pizzeria, another Island favorite, has a wide selection of toppings and daily specials.
Best Sandwich: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Runner-up: Mo’s Lunch
137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9744, moslunch.com
Which sandwich earns 7a the title of Best Sandwich each year: the Liz Lemon, asparagus melt, or turkey BLT? Guess you’ll have to try them all and decide for yourself. Mo’s Lunch could put just about anything on their freshly baked sesame seed hoagie rolls and it would be delicious.
Best Seafood Restaurant: 19 Raw Oyster Bar
19 Church Street, Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
Runner-up: The Fish House
17 Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-693-0055, thefishhousemv.com
19 Raw offers guests seafood staples, such as freshly shucked oysters, as well as unique dishes, such as shrimp fried rice and lobster salad. Popular menu items at the Fish House, a seafood market with a takeout counter, include fish tacos and poke bowls.
Best Sushi: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Runner-up: Mikado Asian Bistro
76 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-338-7096, mikadomv.com, 6 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9119, mikadoob.com
Whether you’re craving a classic bite of sashimi, a Mango Tango roll, a Tiger Roll, or Mike’s Special Roll (peppered tuna, cucumber, and jalapeño with avocado and spicy mayo), you’ll find it on the Lookout Tavern’s extensive menu. Mikado Asian Bistro serves up delicious and beautifully presented maki and sashimi.
Best Takeout: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Runner-up: Mo’s Lunch
137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9744, moslunch.com
On those days that you don’t feel like cooking, MV Salads’ plant-centric menu of hearty salads, signature bowls, and made-to-order wraps is your top choice for quick and easy takeout. Whether you want a box of cookies, onion rings, or overstuffed sandwiches, Mo’s is a favorite for food on-the-go.
Best Vegetarian Meal: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
(TIE) Runners-up:
7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Among the Flowers Cafe
17 Mayhew Lane, Edgartown, 508-627-3233, amongtheflowersmv.com
The Island’s bounty shines brightly in MV Salads’ fresh, in-season veggie bowls. Choose between signature favorites or weekly specials, or go wild and build your own. At Among the Flowers Cafe, the smoothies and breakfast bowls are top-notch meatless choices. And if you’re in the mood for delicious soup, try 7a’s curried lentil or veggie chili.
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
Some of the crispiest and tastiest chicken wings are served in Oak Bluffs. Wings have their own section of the menu at Coop’s, with over a dozen sauce and rub choices including bourbon BBQ and Dragon Fire. Offshore Ale tosses wings in six tasty flavors.
Best Year-Round Restaurant: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Runner-up: The Barn Bowl & Bistro
13 Uncas Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9800, thebarnmv.com
Offshore Ale serves up comfort food, brick oven pizza, and house-brewed beer in a laid-back atmosphere all year long. The Barn has great off-season specials and discounts through their texting program.
