Best Bakery: Back Door Donuts
1–11 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3688, backdoordonuts.com
Runner-up: Morning Glory Farm
290 Edgartown–West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com
Back Door Donuts may evoke a speakeasy connotation, but its splendid apple fritters and decadent doughnuts are no secret to locals and visitors alike. Morning Glory offers sweet and savory treats from its recently revamped baking program.
Best Bar/Pub: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Just a few steps from the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal, sautéed lobster tacos are beckoning. A gorgeous view, fun cocktails, and shareable bites create a jovial atmosphere at Lookout Tavern. Offshore Ale Co. seasonally rotates an extensive, made-on-premises draught beer list and American fare that pleases.
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, 508-693-9223, theblackdog.com
With generous portions, phenomenal dishes such as spicy pulled pork hash, and rave-worthy scones, ArtCliff Diner has been serving hearty comfort food with clever twists since 1943. Bearing the Vineyard’s most recognizable logo, The Black Dog Tavern has a robust variety of breakfast dishes with creative names.
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
If bread is the canvas upon which a sandwich is painted, 7a Foods just may be Picasso. Popular options include fluffy egg sandwiches with house-made regular or cheddar-jalapeño biscuits and bagels and lox. Pile on “the works” – spinach, tomato, onion, cheese – and a Scottish Bakehouse sandwich will work wonders for you.
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
In a world of conflicting opinions about the quintessential burger, Atria’s McRip Off has settled the debate with its meticulously seasoned patties. You can also opt for the Veggie PETA 2.0. Fat Ronnie’s marries beautiful simplicity with
impeccable execution for a late-night burger fix.
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
Fresh ingredients, artisanal presentation, show-stopping flavor: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering hits all the right notes with its versatile bites and beverages, as well as detail-oriented service. V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons’ talented team provides plenty of steak (and lobster) to match the sizzle.
Best Chowder: Menemsha Fish Market
54 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2282, menemshafishmarket.com
Runner-up: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.
9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, chowdermv.com
“Boat-to-table” is no exaggeration when you can see the fishing vessels from the Menemsha Fish Market window. The hearty clam chowder – there’s no skimping on clams or potatoes – rounds out an awesome beach day. Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co. serves up gluten-free chowder made from scratch.
Best Clambake: Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co.
508-627-8809, mvclambake.com
Runner-up: Menemsha Fish Market
54 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2282, menemshafishmarket.com
From laid-back gatherings to special occasions, large or small groups, stationary or on the go, Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co. masterfully tailors the New England clambake experience to fit your style. Menemsha Fish Market prepares beach-ready sunset dinners to eliminate any hassle.
Best Cocktails: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
Runner-up: Atria
137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com
Take a trip to The French Quarter and secure yourself a Winning Bet, all without having to leave the bar. Alchemy’s refined yet approachable cocktail menu appeals to adventurous and classic drink enthusiasts alike. Accentuated by the alluring Brick Cellar Bar, Atria’s cocktails are artisanal and refreshing.
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
Reliably open and ready to supply you with iced or hot java any time of day, Mocha Mott’s will leave you smiling like the beaming cartoon face gracing your cup. You also can’t go wrong with a craft coffee and sandwich from Espresso Love.
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
Giordano’s maintains a friendly atmosphere that makes dining with the family a breeze. Choose from an extensive menu that will satisfy eaters of all ages and appetites. With its abundance of outdoor games, Nomans aims to keep the kids entertained while the parents unwind.
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
Find all the elements for your next meal at Morning Glory.
The Island-grown produce, premium meats, collaborations with local vendors, and superb selection of entrées and baked goods will not disappoint. In addition to its many fabulous wares, Grey Barn makes
internationally acclaimed, award-winning cheese.
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
Mastering the balance of exquisite food, soulful wine pairings, and lovely ambiance is no easy feat, yet Atria consistently delivers. One bite of the crispy wok fired Island lobster is both nostalgic and decadent. To dine at the Outermost Inn is to pamper your palate – and your eyes. The view is hard to beat.
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
John’s Fish Market/Sandy’s Fish & Chips pays homage to this Island staple by using fish caught fresh each morning and the flakiest of batters, bringing you the best of the land and sea in every bite. The Net Result uses premium fish and serves them hot and crispy.
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 has become synonymous with quality seafood on the Island. The daily selections may convert your search for one item into multiple purchases, as you’ll likely want to sample every catch. Larsen’s Fish Market is home to harborside delights.
Best French Fries: 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
Toppings are a tool, not a crutch, for Atria’s fries. The string frites balance crispiness and fluffiness, while the Parmesan, arugula, tarragon aioli, and truffle are a delightful bonus. Fat Ronnie’s fries are easy to devour and
difficult to share.
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
Whole clams and strips, unadulterated, fried to order – Giordano’s keeps it simple but scrumptious with a side of fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Did we mention this place is ideal for the picky eater (see above)? The Net Result boasts lightly breaded clams without excessive grease.
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 carries not only the essentials, but also a dynamic assortment of international and unique items to liven up your next meal. The knowledgeable staff is an excellent resource when shopping. Reliable Market is family owned and ready to inspire the home cook.
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, 508-693-5883 12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-9151 7 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8761, madmarthas.com
Setting foot in Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium brings out the inner child. The giant board of flavors combined with displays of novelty candies will turn any tooth sweet. Mad Martha’s is the good kind of zany with an assortment of playful ice cream varieties.
Best Island-Made Candy/Chocolate: 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, murdicks.com
Runner-up: Salt Rock Chocolate Co.
508-449-0708, saltrockchocolate.com
Murdick’s Fudge has been perfecting this classic indulgence since 1887. Sweeten your day with regional treats, such as the Cape Cod cranberry fudge, and watch the pros in the shop as they create it. Salt Rock Chocolate Co. puts a sophisticated twist on dessert (or breakfast – we won’t tell).
Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church
Corner of Woodlawn Avenue and William Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332, graceepiscopalmv.org (Fridays, 3 to 6:30 p.m. through September 2)
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Vineyarders and visitors wait all year for the beloved lobster rolls from Grace Episcopal Church. Add a heaping serving of lobster meat in its purest form to your annual traditions. For a sit-down option with a view, visit the Lookout Tavern in Oak Bluffs.
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
Born from owner Dan Sauer’s seemingly endless imagination, 7a’s menu will make you want to try every inventive item. From asparagus melts to veggie chili, chances are 7a has a lunch item to match your mood. Who said clean eating means sacrificing flavor? MV Salads dazzles with filling, healthy bowls.
Best New Restaurant: Mo’s Lunch
137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9744, moslunch.com
Runner-up: Winston’s Kitchen
1 East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9572, winstonskitchenmv.com
Best friends Maura Martin and Austin Racine hit it out of the park with Mo’s Lunch, their gem of a restaurant inside the PA Club that serves cauliflower melts, burgers, beer-battered haddock sandwiches, and so much more. Winston’s tag line is “Great Food at Great Prices.” Want proof? Try the $7 jerk chicken soup.
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
Picture it: live music, cozy tables, a Bright + Stormy drink, and a lively game of giant Connect 4. It must be the yard at Nomans, where socializing and good eats converge. For a more intimate outdoor dining experience, The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant takes the cake (and view).
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
Supply your dinner, gathering, or movie night with a beverage from MV Wine & Spirits. In addition to the basics, there’s plenty of hard-to-find beers, spirits, and wines. Our Market boasts an impressive inventory near downtown Oak Bluffs.
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
Elevating your moveable feast is as easy as grab-and-go with Black Sheep’s offerings. Quinoa, tomato mozzarella, and house-made egg salads pair well with sunshine and fresh air. In addition to killer sandwiches, 7a makes soups and baked delights that can be enjoyed anywhere.
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
Follow your nose to Giordano’s, where you can see your delectable pies being made through the window. The Neapolitan-style pizza has been pleasing crowds for more than seventy-five years. Rocco’s makes a solid pie with toppings for every craving.
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
Consider the Liz Lemon for a moment: hot house-made pastrami, turkey, swiss, coleslaw, Russian dressing, and potato chips on rye. Now consider this: is it any wonder why 7a’s sandwiches so frequently win? Waterside Market presents varied and mouthwatering sandwich combinations daily.
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
19 Raw provides an intimate space to enjoy the bounties of the sea and beyond. Savor scallops grown in Island waters and share tantalizing plates of salmon belly crudo. Want to get close to the harbor? The Seafood Shanty is your spot.
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 appeals to sushi aficionados of all kinds, from purists seeking stellar sashimi to those looking to Mango Tango with the likes of avocado, yuzu, tobiko, and spicy tuna. Mikado incorporates diverse flavor profiles with its fusion dishes.
Best Takeout: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Runner-up: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
MV Salads makes healthy, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients portable without compromising texture or flavor. Giordano’s provides you with the satisfaction of homemade Italian food without the hassle of cooking –
a win-win.
Best Vegetarian Meal: MV Salads
55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-7754, mvsalads.com
Runner-up: Little House Cafe
339 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9794, littlehousemv.com
MV Salads knows how to yield plant-based joy. The Campground Smok’n Vegan salad could be your new favorite, satisfying your protein craving without the meat. Little House Cafe provides indulgence with vegetarian pressed sandwiches and salads.
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’s open-air setting evokes vacation vibes. With succulent, juicy meat and a distinct assortment of sauces and seasonings, Coop’s wings also happen to be a splendid getaway. Pair your wings with an equally delightful beer at Offshore Ale Co.
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 can make even the bleak midwinter feel like the ephemeral summer months. Attentive staff and reliable food and drink to lift spirits makes this establishment a favorite among locals. Alchemy brings the cold months to life with bright, inspired seasonal dishes.
