Best Bakery: Back Door Donuts
1-11 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3688, backdoordonuts.com
Runner-up: Morning Glory Farm
120 Meshacket Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com
With an endless array of delicious doughnuts, plus huge apple fritters and assorted pastries, Back Door Donuts offers the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your craving any time of day. Morning Glory Farm is home to a variety of fresh baked goods that change with the seasons.
Best Breakfast: ArtCliff Diner
38 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1224, artcliffdiner.com
Runner-up: The Black Dog Tavern
20 Beach Street Extension, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-9233, theblackdog.com
The ArtCliff Diner is known among Islanders and visitors alike for its classic breakfast options. Think: waffle and pancake dishes, frittatas, benedicts, and more. The Black Dog Tavern on the harbor also offers a popular breakfast menu plus a great view.
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
Start your day the delicious way at 7a Foods. The melt-in-your-mouth cheddar-jalapeño biscuit pairs expertly with an egg, spinach, tomato, and your choice of meat. Scottish Bakehouse’s breakfast sandwiches go best with one of its delicious pastries.
Best Burger: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar
7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, fatronniesburgerbar.com
Runner-up: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
The name makes it clear: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar means business when it comes to burgers. Each bite packs a tasty punch, especially late at night. Atria elevates the classic burger to another level with roasted mushrooms and tarragon aioli.
Best Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
508-693-3318, buckleyscatering.com
Runner-up: Black Sheep
17 Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-338-7770, blacksheeponmv.com
A self-serve heirloom tomato bar, lobster fritters, and taco stations with local fish are only a handful of the reasons why Buckley’s Gourmet Catering has earned best caterer again this year. Black Sheep, with its grazing tables and picnic-to-pantry focus, brings elevated party food to you.
Best Chowder: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.
9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, chowdermv.com
Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
In keeping with its namesake, Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.’s chowder is light, flavorful, and made from scratch – plus it’s gluten free. Larsen’s Fish Market’s heartier soup is perfect for a sunset picnic on Menemsha Beach.
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 you’re looking for a casual and delicious seafood feast, Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co. has been hitting the spot for more than sixty years. Larsen’s Fish Market serves up ingredients for a clambake as close to the water as you can get.
Best Cocktails: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
Runner-up: The @ttic
82 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9448, theatticmv.com
At Alchemy, the cocktail menu is a master class in creativity. From signature sips, such as The French Quarter, to playful twists on classics, every drink is crafted to delight. The @ttic boasts the Vineyard’s largest selection of bourbon.
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
An Island staple available in Vineyard Haven year-round and Oak Bluffs during the summer, Mocha Mott’s offers “good coffee every damn day” alongside muffins, bagels, and other baked goods. For a delicious latte or mocha, try Catboat Coffee Co.
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 provides families with quality eats for any age, plus the perfect activity to do while enjoying the fare. At Nomans, the outdoor games, live music, and tasty menu provide a backyard party atmosphere.
Best Bar/Pub: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Runner-up: The @ttic
82 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9448, theatticmv.com
Offshore Ale Co.’s award-winning, handcrafted beers, such as the Lazy Frog IPA, pair perfectly with brewpub food favorites. The @ttic’s bourbon selection plus their hearty dishes make for the perfect night out.
Best Farm Market or Stand: Morning Glory Farm
120 Meshacket Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com
Runner-up: Ghost Island Farm
274 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-5161, ghostislandfarm.square.site
Rooted in tradition and bursting with seasonal flavor, Morning Glory Farm is the heart of Island-grown goodness. The farm store offers fresh local produce, cheese, baked goods, and meat. Ghost Island Farm is stocked with a mix of all-natural veggies.
Best Fish & Chips: John’s Fish Market/Sandy’s Fish & Chips
5 Martin Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1220, johnsfishmarket.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
It wouldn’t be called Sandy’s Fish & Chips if they hadn’t mastered the New England classic. Sandy’s – part of John’s Fish Market – serves this crowd favorite with fresh fish and well-seasoned fries. Offshore’s fish and chips are salty and delicious, giving pubs in England a run for their money.
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
Since 1969, Larsen’s Fish Market has been reeling in the freshest catch. From buttery sea scallops and briny oysters to fresh-caught swordfish, every bite captures the essence of Vineyard waters. The Net Result offers a wide selection of fish, shellfish, smoked seafood, and more.
Best Fine Dining: Outermost Inn
81 Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, 508-645-3511, outermostinn.com
Runner-up: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
At the Outermost Inn, you can enjoy delicious octopus, duck, or scallop dishes with an unbeatable view on the side. At the other end of the Island, Atria serves up wok-fried lobster and braised short ribs.
Best French Fries: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar
7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, fatronniesburgerbar.com
Runner-up: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
The best fries on the Island can be found at Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar. Alongside a late-night burger, these fries – either regular, sweet potato, or with cheese – have a fantastic crunch. For truffle fries served with aioli, try Atria.
Best Fried Clams: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
Runner-up: Nancy’s Restaurant
29 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0006, nancysrestaurant.com
If you’re looking for the best fried clams on Martha’s Vineyard, head straight to Gio’s. They sling them in boxes and bags out of their takeout window and in baskets inside their sit-down restaurant. Nancy’s also offers delicious fried clams from the takeout window or restaurant.
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 boasts a variety of products at its two Island locations. The aisles are always filled with essentials and an opportunity to try something new. Reliable Market has been serving Islanders and visitors alike for over seventy-five years in the heart of Oak Bluffs.
Best Ice Cream Shop: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
20a Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-0008
22 Dock Street, Edgartown, benandbillsmv.com
Runner-up: Mad Martha’s
7 North Water Street, Edgartown
12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
24 Union Street, Vineyard Haven, 202-492-3072, madmarthas.com
Ben & Bill’s offers dozens of flavors of ice cream that are perfect to beat the summer heat, plus sweets of all kinds. Mad Martha’s is another staple for those with a sweet tooth. In the off-season, grab their pints at Island grocers.
Best Island-Grown Oysters: Cottage City Oysters
508-299-7745, cottagecityoysters.com
(TIE) – Runners-up: Honeysuckle Oyster Farm
508-939-1580, honeysuckleoyster.com
Martha’s Vineyard Spearpoint Oysters
508-942-4046, mvspearpoints.com
Grown using regenerative farming techniques in Vineyard Sound, Cottage City Oysters’s bivalves are praised by chefs for their “ocean candy” taste. Patrons of Island raw bars love them too. Katama Bay–raised Honeysuckle Oyster Farm oysters are known for their briny flavor while Martha’s Vineyard Spearpoint Oysters – grown in both Katama Bay and Menemsha Pond – pack a flavorful punch.
Best Island-Made Candy/Chocolate: Salt Rock Chocolate Co.
508-560-4122, 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
There are boxes of chocolate and then there are Salt Rock boxes of chocolate, which stand out thanks to owners Sarah and Ali Flanders. They handcraft each almond cluster and Quitsa cranberry. Murdick’s Fudge, with multiple Island locations, is the perfect souvenir to take home to friends and family.
Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church
34 Woodlawn Avenue, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332, graceepiscopalmv.org (Fridays, 3 to 6 p.m. through August 29)
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Every Friday during the summer, volunteers at Grace Episcopal Church prepare their generous-sized and tasty lobster rolls to raise money for various ministry and mission projects. Lookout Tavern serves both hot and cold lobster rolls that are so large you can save half for the next day and still be full.
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
With its rotating creative specials paired with its staples, such as classic turkey sandwiches and bánh mi, Mo’s Lunch is the perfect stop for a quick lunch. At MV Salads, you can choose from delicious signature salads or customize your own.
Best New Restaurant: El Barco
16 Union Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-684-5001, elbarcomv.com
Runner-up: 9 Craft Kitchen & Bar
9 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-338-7431, 9craftkitchen.com
Located by the ferry terminal, El Barco serves delicious tacos, burritos, and various cocktails. Patio seating allows for a lively atmosphere too. 9 Craft Kitchen & Bar uses locally sourced ingredients and offers an elegant twist on classics, such as lobster risotto and miso cod.
Best Outdoor Dining: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
Runner-up: Outermost Inn
81 Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, 508-645-3511, outermostinn.com
At Nomans, the dog-friendly policy and live music provide the perfect outdoor setting for guests to enjoy the raw oyster bar, refreshing entrées, and tasty cocktails. The Outermost Inn offers a serene escape.
(TIE) – Best Package Store: MV Wine & Spirits
17A Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-627-7557, mvwinestore.com
Our Market
1 East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3000, ourmarketmv.com
Runner-up: Al’s Package Store
258 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-4347
MV Wine & Spirits has a kind staff and fantastic selection of wine and beer. Our Market, on the Oak Bluffs Harbor, has a variety of libations, the foods that go with them, and a selection of everyday grocery necessities. Al’s Package Store also has a great inventory of spirits.
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
Planning a picnic? Black Sheep carries a variety of options – from pasta salad to salmon to caprese sandwiches – that will make it memorable. MV Salads offers flavorful options to put in your basket, such as the Menemsha lobster Cobb salad.
Best Pizza: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Pizza from Giordano’s, either by the pie or the slice, is a summertime must. The delicious crust and the family’s secret sauce recipe makes it a great choice after a long day at the beach. To satisfy a craving for pizza in the off-season as well as the summer, try Offshore Ale Co.
Best Sandwich: Mo’s Lunch
137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9744, moslunch.com
Runner-up: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Whether you want a burger or a tuna melt, Mo’s Lunch is your best bet for a sandwich. The restaurant serves a variety of choices for takeout or a casual dine-in experience. 7a Foods also has a stellar sandwich menu with seasonal specials.
Best Seafood Restaurant: 19 Raw Oyster Bar
19 Church Street, Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
19 Raw Oyster Bar boasts fresh and delicious seafood dishes, such as scallop crudo, lobster caviar sliders, and local oysters. Lookout Tavern serves up classics, such as lobster rolls and fish and chips.
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
Lookout’s large sushi menu delivers on almost every type of roll you can think of – California, spicy tuna, dragon – complemented by a fantastic ocean view. Indulge in hand-rolled fresh sushi and sashimi at Mikado Asian Bistro.
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
For quick and easy takeout, MV Salads has salads packed with flavor, fresh wraps, and even dessert – perfect for the days you don’t feel like cooking. For a savory sandwich, mouth-watering onion rings, and sweet treats, Mo’s Lunch is another great option to grab some food to go.
Best Vegetarian Meal: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Runner-up: Bangkok Thai Cuisine
67 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-715-3312, bangkokcapecod.com
MV Salads offers hearty and healthy options to satisfy every vegetarian and vegan palate. Summer peach salad, anyone? Bangkok Thai Cuisine cooks up Thai favorites with vegetarian options, including curries, dumplings, and noodle dishes.
Best Wings: Coop de Ville
Dockside Marketplace, 12 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3420, coopdevilleshuckshack.com
Runner-up: The @ttic
82 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9448, theatticmv.com
Coop de Ville serves up crispy and delicious wings that can be coated in various sauces and rubs, such as sweet chili and Jamaican jerk, in a lively, no-frills setting on the Oak Bluffs Harbor. At The @ttic, you can order wings as a starter – or a meal, we won’t judge.
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
No matter the season, Offshore Ale offers lunch, dinner, and house-brewed beer in a casual and cozy setting. For those looking for some additional year-round fun, The Barn Bowl & Bistro offers food, drinks, and, of course, bowling.
