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
Recognized near and far for their glazed and jelly doughnuts and mammoth-sized apple fritters, Back Door Donuts is the go-to spot to satisfy a nighttime sweet tooth. Morning Glory boasts a rotating selection of freshly baked breads and sweets that hit the spot any time of day.
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
With its cozy atmosphere, selection of delicious craft beers, and prime location in downtown Oak Bluffs, Offshore Ale Co. is a place where it feels like everybody knows your name. The @ttic offers chic, intimate vibes and an array of creative cocktails.
Best Breakfast: ArtCliff Diner
38 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1224, artcliffdiner.com
Runner-up: Biscuits
26 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2033, mvbiscuits.com
ArtCliff Diner’s cozy setting and old-school Vineyard charm are best enjoyed with a generous pour of syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Over at Biscuits, the menu puts a Southern twist on classic breakfast favorites, with dishes such as shrimp and grits or biscuits and gravy.
Best Breakfast Sandwich: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Runner-up: The Black Dog Bakery Cafe
509 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-696-8190, theblackdog.com
At 7a Foods, breakfast is kept simple and delicious. Order a plain or cheddar-jalapeño biscuit and pile it high with an egg, spinach, tomato, and bacon. At the Black Dog Bakery Cafe, select one of the six breakfast sandwich options, all of which come on a toasted brioche bun.
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
With thick, never-frozen patties and a constellation of classic toppings, Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar lets you have it your way. No wonder it has expanded to locations in Miami and New York City. Atria offers an upscale take on the American classic with toppings such as truffle aïoli and crispy jambon.
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 you’d like to celebrate with a pig roast or a barbecue cookout, Buckley’s can bring the flavors and service to you. Menus from V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons include refined favorites, such as roasted local striped bass with Morning Glory Farm succotash and a tomato-basil beurre blanc.
Best Chowder: The Black Dog Tavern
20 Beach Street Extension, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-9233, theblackdog.com
(TIE) Runners-up: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.
14 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, chowdermv.com
The Black Dog Tavern’s rich, flavorful chowder is the kind that warms even the coldest, weariest sailor. Larsen’s Fish Market dishes it up hot and fresh, right on Menemsha Harbor, while Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co. lives up to its name with a gluten-free take on the dish.
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
Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co. is a regular Best of the Vineyard winner. Look no further for decades of expertise. At Larsen’s Fish Market, you’ll find all the clambake seafood classics; grab something to go and enjoy a picnic on Menemsha Beach.
Best Cocktails: The @ttic
82 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9448, theatticmv.com
Runner-up: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
The @ttic offers an extensive selection of high-end spirits, turning classic cocktails into something extraordinary. Their creative in-house drinks, such as the “Smoky and the Grapefruit,” stand out. At Alchemy, give the “Edgartown Old Fashioned” a try.
Best Coffee: Mocha Mott’s
10 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-1922, mochamotts.com
Runner-up: Catboat Coffee Co.
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 774-563-5296, catboatcoffee.com
Mocha Mott’s is not only friendly and inviting – the coffee will warm you up from the inside out. Try a latte or spice up your life with a dirty chai. At Catboat Coffee Co., go for the kicky turmeric latte.
Best Family Dining: The Barn Bowl & Bistro
13 Uncas Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9800, thebarnmv.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
The Barn Bowl & Bistro is a playground for families. Kid-friendly menu? Check. Island-themed bowling lanes? Absolutely. The vibe is fun for all ages. Offshore Ale offers a different kind of family-friendly approach: adults sip on house-brewed beers while kids enjoy snacks and soft drinks.
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
Step into farm-to-table bliss at Morning Glory, where Island-grown produce and house-made prepared foods make it easy to eat local. Ghost Island Farm, a community supported co-op and farm stand, offers its own produce alongside a variety of other local goodies.
Best Fine Dining: 19 Raw Oyster Bar
19 Church Street, Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
Runner-up: Outermost Inn
81 Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, 508-645-3511, outermostinn.com
Oysters steal the show at 19 Raw Oyster Bar, but don’t overlook the rest of the menu. Crudos, steaks, and salads mean there’s something for everyone. Outermost Inn pairs a refined dining experience with breathtaking views.
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
Sandy’s Fish & Chips, made fresh at John’s Fish Market, is nostalgia on a plate. Hot, crispy, and perfectly golden, they’re ideal for eating outside in the sunshine. Offshore Ale’s take on the classic pairs perfectly with a house-brewed beer.
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
Looking for shellfish, smoked seafood, or the freshest catch? The Net Result delivers with variety and quality that never disappoints. Larsen’s combines excellent local seafood with Island hospitality.
Best French Fries: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar
7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, fatronniesburgerbar.com
(TIE) Runners-up: The @ttic
82 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9448, theatticmv.com
Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Crispy, perfectly salted fries at Fat Ronnie’s are a must with any burger – or on their own. Offshore Ale’s fries are seasoned with an in-house blend, while the @ttic’s are the ultimate sandwich companion.
Best Fried Clams: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Nothing screams summer louder than a carton of golden fried clams. Giordano’s serves theirs hot and fresh, perfect for enjoying in the park or on the beach. Lookout Tavern’s version is just as tempting, crisp, and satisfying every time.
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 turns grocery shopping into an outing at either of their locations thanks to the organic produce and a huge selection that keeps you coming back. Reliable Market lives up to its name with a convenient option 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, 508-939-4069, 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 Chocolate Emporium makes the already enjoyable experience of eating ice cream even more fun. With its whimsical atmosphere, plentiful candy selection, and array of flavors, it’s hard to go wrong. Mad Martha’s serves signature Island flavors seasonally in stores and year-round at various Island retailers.
Best Island-Grown Oysters: Cottage City Oysters
Oak Bluffs, 508-299-7745, cottagecityoysters.com
Runner-up: Honeysuckle Oyster Farm
Edgartown, 508-939-1580, honeysuckleoyster.com
Cottage City Oysters’ regenerative aquaculture methods produce oysters straight from Vineyard Sound that taste like a dry, crisp white wine. Honeysuckle Oyster Farm grows their oysters responsibly in Katama Bay, ensuring every bite is fresh.
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
5 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2335
79 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-7344, originalmurdicksfudge.com
Salt Rock Chocolate Co. turns out delicious and inventive confections using a variety of local ingredients. For a slab of freshly-made fudge, head to a Murdick’s Fudge location in any of the down-Island towns.
Best Lobster Roll: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Runner-up: Grace Episcopal Church
34 Woodlawn Avenue, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332, graceepiscopalmv.org (Fridays, 3 to 6 p.m. through September 4)
After arriving at the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal, head to the Lookout Tavern for a buttery roll packed with fresh lobster dressed either with mayo or sautéed in butter. On Friday summer evenings, stop by Grace Episcopal Church for a feel-good fundraiser in the form of a lobster roll.
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
At Mo’s Lunch, affordable and delicious fare go hand-in-hand. Try the “Leo Burger” or the kale salad. For dessert, enjoy a house-made brownie or cookie. MV Salads keeps it fresh, healthy, and convenient with salads and bowls.
Best New Restaurant: Black Joy Kitchen
7 Oakland Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7750, blackjoykitchen.com
Runner-up: Maker Café
339 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9794, makercafemv.com
Black Joy Kitchen is about more than food; it’s about storytelling. Chef Ting’s dishes celebrate the African Diaspora, each bite rich with culture, connection, and flavor. Chef Carlos Montoya at the Maker Café offers handmade pasta with a modern twist that keeps locals coming back.
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
If you like dinner with live music, fun cocktails, and maybe a dog or two, the lively patio at Nomans is your happy place. For a more serene experience, Outermost Inn serves elevated dishes, such as Wagyu beef and escargot, in a stunning setting.
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
The selection at MV Wine & Spirits leaves no stone unturned. Whether you’re looking for wine, beer, or liquor, if you want it, they’ve got it. Our Market is a one-stop shop in town for drinks and snacks.
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
When the warm weather hits, Islanders know it’s time to get outside and enjoy it. Black Sheep makes it easy with a distinct selection of prepared salads, sides, and sandwiches that make any picnic feel special. MV Salads keeps things fresh and simple, perfect for a light outdoor meal.
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
Whether you stop by the takeout window or dine in at Giordano’s, you’re in for a slice of happiness. The crust is crisp, the cheese is gooey, and the toppings range from linguiça to pineapple to black olives. Over at Offshore, you’ll find both classic and inventive pies, such as a potato pizza with a garlic oil base.
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
Mo’s Lunch is a sandwich lover’s dream, with fresh toppings, flavorful proteins, and prices that won’t break the bank. Enjoy a no-frills burger or a bánh mì with pâté. At 7a Foods, try the Liz Lemon, a take on a Reuben that includes potato chips.
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
On an Island known for seafood, this award means a lot. 19 Raw Oyster Bar shines with oysters, tuna tartare, crudo, and plenty of cooked dishes too. Lookout Tavern is a family favorite with something for every taste, from popcorn shrimp to clam chowder.
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
Lookout Tavern serves rolls that are beautiful to look at and even better to eat, with colorful sauces that impress every time. Mikado Asian Bistro is a staple for Asian fusion cuisine, offering fresh specialty rolls, sashimi, and more.
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
After a long day at the beach, takeout is a lifesaver. MV Salads delivers light, fresh, and satisfying options, such as the “Menemsha Lobster Cobb” and “MV BLT.” Mo’s Lunch delights with perfectly crafted sandwiches, daily specials, and sweet treats.
Best Vegetarian Meal: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Runner-up: Catboat Coffee Co.
Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 774-563-5296, catboatcoffee.com
MV Salads is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans. With toppings such as crispy chickpeas, shiitake “bacon,” and wedges of roasted cauliflower, you won’t leave hungry. Catboat Coffee Co. proves that Lebanese veggie-forward plates and dips are both flavorful and hearty.
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
Hot, sweet, or spicy – these two spots have wings for every craving. Coop de Ville’s basket filled with lemon pepper wings by the water is perfect for an afternoon snack. At the @ttic, try gluten-free options and flavors such as mango habanero and Old Bay.
Best Year-Round Restaurant: 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
The transition from frenetic Island summers to isolating winters – and back again – can feel a bit like a roller coaster, but year-round restaurants such as Offshore Ale Co. keep hearty Islanders well-fed and happy through it all. The @ttic keeps the lights on and the drinks flowing all year long in Vineyard Haven.
