Descriptions of 52 restaurants, including dozens of longtime favorites and a few fresh newcomers
Feel like going to your favorite restaurant tonight or this weekend? You know, the one with the incredible lobster rolls, never-ending oysters and mouthwatering filet mignon. Or, would you rather hit up that new place in town? You know, the one with the succulent sushi rolls, gourmet cheeseburgers and all those hard-to-pronounce ingredients that taste so good.
Getting hungry? If so, you’re in luck. In the following pages we offer descriptions of 52 restaurants on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Individually, the write-ups are brief—think of them as appetizers—but collectively, the section is a hearty meal with 52 diverse and delicious dishes.
Another point. Most of the restaurants featured are established favorites, “tried and true” venues that have delivered the goods for years. However, we are also featuring a selection of restaurants—a baker’s dozen or so—that have opened in the past two years and are already building a reputation for exceptional food and service. So this “meal” is a mix: some new, some tried and true.
Allow me to elaborate. One tried and true restaurant that many Cape Codders and visitors have come to love over the years is the Chart Room at Kingman Yacht Center in Cataumet. Built on a former barge, the Chart Room offers a one-of-a-kind seaside setting, and it has become a summertime tradition for many. Patrons can sip on fun cocktails like the Rum Swizzle or a Maine Squeeze while awaiting their meals, and menu items include stuffed quahogs, gazpacho and crab salad sandwiches—not to mention lobster rolls (Yes!). If you’re on Cape Cod, it’s advisable to steer your way to the Chart Room—a tried and true tradition.
On the other hand . . . who doesn’t like to try something “new”? For example, have you been toBucatino Restaurant & Wine Bar yet? Opened in 2016, the North Falmouth restaurant serves grilled pizzas, and dishes like shrimp and linguini, or vongole, an Italian favorite with littleneck clams, sausage, pasta, tomatoes, wine broth and garlic bread. Sounds pretty good, right? Under the same ownership as The Quarterdeck in Falmouth and The Pilot House in Sandwich, Bucatino also has savory appetizers, a cozy ambiance and a selection of more than 80 wines.
If this menu’s looking good to you so far, read on! –Matthew J. Gill
Bobby Byrne’s
Branded as an “eating, drinking and talking establishment,” Bobby Byrne’s in Mashpee Commons serves pub food, tasty seafood dishes and a good pint. Open until 1 a.m., the restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. The menu features appetizing items such as baked mac and cheese, cranberry cornbread stuffed chicken, and a classic Cape Cod Reuben featuring cod, Swiss, coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye. Bobby Byrne’s opened in Mashpee Commons in 1973 and later opened restaurants in Sandwich and Hyannis. bobbybyrnes.com
Chapoquoit Grill
The Chapoquoit Grill on Route 28A in West Falmouth has been pleasing patrons since opening in 1993. “The Chappy Grill” serves Mediterranean cuisine such as steamed littlenecks tossed in a Portuguese white wine sauce and Italian pasta dishes like manicotti or mushroom raviolis. Guests can also order a variety of pizzas prepared in a wood-fired brick oven. “The Athens” comes topped with spinach, olives, feta cheese, onions and pesto oil, while the “Spicy Diavolo” features baby shrimp with a garlic tomato sauce, crushed red pepper, mozzarella and scallions. chapoquoitgrill.com
Coonamessett Inn
Under new ownership in 2017, the Coonamessett Inn on Gifford Street remains a mainstay in Falmouth, having served elegant American-style cuisine since opening in 1953. The restaurant changes its dinner menu three times per year, but Sunday brunch options remain the same by popular demand: The buffet features omelet and meat-carving stations, waffles, and a chocolate fountain for fruit dipping. Diners can relish a casual meal in the lounge or enjoy views of scenic Jones Pond in the main dining room. coonamessettinn.com
Courtyard Restaurant & Pub
Former Boston Bruin Jay Miller and his wife, Paula Perini-Miller, took over this popular establishment on Route 28A in Cataumet in 1992. Customers can share appetizers including steamed mussels, or enjoy entrées such as Parmesan-encrusted salmon and brick oven pizzas. Open daily until 1 a.m., The Courtyard is a popular spot for live entertainment and dancing. Bonus: Sports fans can watch a game and enjoy a cold brew on the outdoor patio, and singer Rene Rancourt has been known to stop by. courtyardcapecod.com
Dan’l Webster Inn
In business for more than 300 years, the Dan’l Webster Inn on Main Street in Sandwich offers four cozy dining rooms, including the garden-side conservatory where patrons can enjoy floral views by day and the moon by night. Popular dishes include steak, shrimp pad-Thai and lobster crusted cod. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the inn is a revered spot, and the tavern is a replica of the original, where patriots dined during the Revolutionary War. danlwebsterinn.com
Fishermen’s View
Local fishermen brothers, Robert and Denny Colbert, opened Fishermen’s View at the Sandwich Marina in August of 2016. Visitors can select fresh seafood in the onsite market or dine at indoor and outdoor tables overlooking the Cape Cod Canal. A friendly, family business, Fishermen’s View is putting a fresh twist on seafood. Among the many menu offerings, one can order a knuckle sandwich—a BLT served with lobster knuckles and avocado—or BBQ jumbo shrimp with spicy sesame soba noodles. fishermensview.com
Landfall Restaurant
Although Landfall Restaurant has endured a fair share of hurricanes and nor’easters since opening in 1946, patrons enjoying the Woods Hole restaurant’s fine fare—and stunning views—would say it’s all been worthwhile. Built from wood salvaged from ship wreckage, the Landfall is known for seafood and its many lobster offerings. They offer baked lobster, lobster pie casserole, and Savannah Lobster—lobster stuffed with more lobster, mushrooms and shallots. Feeling fruity? Customers can sip on a Dirty Banana (rum, Kahlua and Bailey’s) while watching the sunset. landfallwoodshole.com
Lobster Trap
What began in 1969 as a neighborhood fish market has grown into a popular seafood restaurant and a catering and distribution company. With buoys and string lights hanging from the wooden rafters, The Lobster Trap on Shore Road in Bourne offers a casual, nautical-themed dining experience. A signature entrée is The Lobster Bucket, which comes with steamed lobster, steamers, corn and linguica. Other favorites include scallops rubbed with chili lime seasoning and a surf ‘n turf burger topped with lobster and guacamole. lobstertrap.net
Silver Lounge Restaurant
Talk about a historic coastal vibe, much of the paneling at The Silver Lounge Restaurant on Route 28A in North Falmouth consists of driftwood found scattered along Cape Cod’s beaches. The casual restaurant, which opened in 1938, serves seafood, steaks and sandwiches like the lobster grilled-cheese or the Silver Burger, which comes on an onion roll. Another chef’s special is apple crisp, served hot or cold. One of the dining rooms is built in a real caboose from an Altoona, Pennsylvania train. silverloungerestaurant.com
The Flying Bridge Restaurant
Customers can enjoy a complete Cape Cod dining experience at The Flying Bridge Restaurant on Scranton Avenue by savoring a seafood sampler from the raw bar while watching boats come into Falmouth Inner Harbor. Pleasing customers since 1958, the restaurant is known for its seafood, including dishes like seared scallops and a savory fish stew. Diners often pair their entrées with onion rings. Still have room? For dessert, try the s’mores filled with chocolate mousse, toasted marshmallows and hot fudge. flyingbridgerestaurant.com
Mid Cape Dining
Alberto’s Ristorante
Located in downtown Hyannis, Alberto’s Ristorante is a popular spot for delicious Italian food. Opened in 1984, Alberto’s is known for its traditional dishes such as chicken saltimbocca and pappardelle, a wide-cut pasta. The restaurant features elegant dining rooms and a lounge with a pianist. In warm weather, one can people watch while dining al fresco on the Main Street patio. Here’s more sweet news: For dessert, one can try spumoni, biscotti and other Italian treats. albertos.net
Baxter’s Boathouse
Situated over Hyannis Harbor, Baxter’s Boathouse on Pleasant Street serves up tasty seafood to guests who arrive by foot, car or boat. One popular entree is the Lazy Man’s Lobster which features lobster meat baked with cracker crumbs—and no shell to tangle with. Other options include traditional fish ‘n chips and Baxter’s Hawaiian Burger, which comes topped with pineapple and grilled shrimp. Thirsty for something different? Try the Binnacle, which is prepared with Baxter’s custom Bloody Mary mix, locally made Oysterville vodka and shrimp. Bonus: Baxter’s celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017! baxterscapecod.com
Captain Parker’s Pub
Captain Parker’s Pub has been preparing its award-winning clam chowder and many other American seafood and pub-style dishes since opening in West Yarmouth in 1981. One favorite is the fisherman’s platter, a heaping helping of shrimp, scrod, scallops and clam strips that’s meant to be shared. The restaurant on Route 28 also offers burgers, oysters and salads, and the dining room comes with built-in views of Parker’s River. Fresh tip: if the line’s too long for dining, order chowder to go. captainparkers.com
Chart Room at Crosby’s
New in 2017, Chart Room at Crosby’s on West Bay Road offers the only public waterfront dining experience in Osterville. With the same owners as the iconic Chart Room in Cataumet, the eatery has a fun nautical décor, a succulent seafood menu and stunning views of the Crosby Basin. Diners can enjoy Chart Room favorites like the lobster salad sandwich and broiled swordfish, with some new additions like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and filet mignon. Note: this is a great sunset-viewing spot! chartroomcrosbys.com
Dolphin Restaurant
Opened in 1948, the Dolphin Restaurant is a landmark on Main Street in Barnstable Village. A true family endeavor, the Dolphin has been passed down through three generations of owner Nancy Smith’s family. Smith devotes most of her time to working in the restaurant, either greeting customers or cooking in the kitchen. Diners can choose from several creative options such as duck & chicken piccata or sole almondine as well as pasta dishes like littlenecks in white clam sauce. thedolphincapecod.com
Encore Bistro & Bar
In 2016, Encore Bistro & Bar opened on Dennis’ cultural campus, a stone’s throw from Cape Cinema and The Cape Cod Museum of Art on Hope Lane. For brunch, Encore prepares unique dishes like lobster and mango towers and a roast beef French dip, while lunch and dinner options include crispy flatbreads with various toppings. Open year-round, visitors can also enjoy desserts—and the late night menu is available until 11 p.m. It’s a great spot for an after-movie bite. encorediningcapecod.com
Sam Diego’s
With large portions of great food and a whimsical ambiance created by colorful artwork and cacti, Sam Diego’s Mexican restaurant is an institution on Route 132 in Hyannis. Open since 1982, Sam Diego’s offers a wide variety of Mexican fare, including chimichangas, tamales and nine different kinds of quesadillas, like chicken, spinach and artichoke. Customers who want a bit of everything might try the Santa Cruz Combo, which includes a BBQ pulled pork burrito, a beef taco and a chicken enchilada. samdiegos.com
Spoon and Seed
The staff at Spoon and Seed on Thornton Drive in Hyannis prides itself on preparing fresh, healthy meals. Opened in 2015, the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. One creative dish, “Eggs in Jail,” consists of eggs served in bread with bacon as the jail bars. For lunch, one can choose from a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. On weekends, customers can enjoy parmesan-and-herb-dipped eggplant cutlets or try the hippie burger, guilt-free. It’s made from chickpeas! spoonandseed.com
The Old Yarmouth Inn
First opened in 1696, The Old Yarmouth Inn has more than three centuries of experience in the hospitality business. Located on Route 6A in Yarmouth Port, the restaurant offers a cozy dining experience in the Red Room, traditional elegance in the main dining room, and casual meals in the pub-like tavern. The chefs prepare time-honored meals like roasted duck with strawberry-rhubarb sauce and orange lavender sole. The inn also serves a historically good brunch on Sundays, with highlights including an omelet station, mac ‘n cheese and dessert. oldyarmouthinn.com
The Wee Packet
The Wee Packet has been in business on Depot Street in Dennis Port since 1949. Owned by Dublin native David Shortt, the restaurant begins each day serving omelets, pancakes, homemade Irish soda bread, and for a taste of the old country, the full Irish breakfast. The restaurant offers American and Irish fare throughout the day, including lobster served four different ways, steak tips and Reuben and corned beef sandwiches. Guinness is on tap at the bar—and for dessert, there’s peanut butter pie! weepacketrestaurant.com
Lower Cape Dining
28 Atlantic at The Wequassett
Open since 2002, Twenty-eight Atlantic is one of the fine restaurants at The Wequassett Resort on Route 28 in Harwich, and it’s the Cape’s oldest four-star restaurant. While savoring dishes like buttered lobster or scallops a la plancha, guests can take in views of scenic Pleasant Bay. Other culinary delights include Hazelnut Crusted Lamb Loin and Charred Corn and Lemon Risotto. Feeling adventurous? Try the Cape Escape, a sweet creation of papaya, pineapple, mango and champagne lychee sorbet. wequassett.com
400 East Restaurant & Bar
In business on Route 39 in Harwich since 1989, 400 East Restaurant & Bar is known for its quality cuisine and its super clean dining room. Patrons can try various salads, seafood dishes and burgers, or experience the macaroni and cheese Cape Cod style—with lobster. The restaurant changes its menu seasonally, offering new and fresh dishes throughout the year. Tough week? Indulge in the 400’s giant chocolate chunk cookie sundae! the400east.com
10 Yen
New in 2017, 10 Yen on Route 28 in Harwich Port is a Japanese restaurant serving a variety of sushi and seafood. The restaurant is open Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, offering a large selection of sushi rolls like the Tuna Tango Dip and the Cherry Blossom Roll. Another specialty is ramen noodles, which are served in savory and spicy broths, per customers’ preference. Adding to the experience, one can dine at the bar and watch the chefs prepare their meal. 10yenharwichport.com
Brewster Fish House
Located on Route 6A in Brewster since 1982, Brewster Fish House is a gourmet seafood restaurant serving flavorful contemporary fare. Entrees to look for this summer include butter-poached Sesuit lobster with sweet corn and chorizo ratatouille; a slate-grilled bigeye tuna with mushrooms, bean sprouts and Udon noodles; and a crispy whole Veta la Palma Loup de Mer served with summer beans, radish and saffron—each plated with panache. For a hoot, try the snowy owl martini! brewsterfishhouse.com
Captain Linnell House
A pillar of fine dining on the Lower Cape for more than 70 years, The Captain Linnell House on Skaket Beach Road in Orleans is a romantic spot near one of the Cape’s most beautiful beaches. Built in a former ship captain’s home, the venue is chef-owned and hosts elegant wedding receptions and other events, and the restaurant is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, through Columbus Day. The menu features entrees such as a chicken and lobster sautéed and served with rice and Thai green curry. The restaurant’s main dining room offers stunning garden views at any time of year. Linnell.com
Land Ho!
With locations on Route 6A in Orleans and Route 28 in Harwich Port, Land Ho! has food that’s finger-licking good in cozy pubs where everybody knows your name. The menu has seemingly as many choices as there are decorative signs hanging from the rafters, including steak tips, fish ‘n’ chips, knockwurst and savory pastrami sandwiches. The two locations are similar, but Orleans was the first, opening in 1969. Land Ho! Harwich Port, which opened in 2010, also has a new outdoor raw bar. Both offer daily blackboard specials and are open year-round. land-ho.com
Mom & Pops Burgers
Who, one might ask, are Mom and Pop? The couple behind Mom & Pops Burgers, which opened on Route 28 in Chatham in 2016, is Tom and Pelinda Deegan respectively, and they hail from Connecticut and the Philippines. The restaurant serves traditional burgers as well as hot new takes such as the Naughty Dyablo Burger, which comes with jalapeno peppers and ghost pepper cheddar cheese. Try something new? How about Filipino pork egg rolls or a steamed cheeseburger? The dishes are throwbacks to Mom and Pops’ childhoods. momandpopschatham.com
Orleans Waterfront Inn
The Orleans Waterfront Inn on Old County Road provides guests the opportunity to savor heartwarming meals while taking in enchanting views of Town Cove. Patrons can sit in the dining room or the tavern, or on the waterfront deck, and choose from favorites like the grilled portabella mushroom sandwich or the sea scallop and peaches casserole. Feel like staying? The historic inn, which dates back to the 1940s, has 11 cozy guestrooms and suites. orleansinn.com
Pate’s Restaurant
In 2017, Pate’s Restaurant at 1260 Main Street in Chatham celebrates 60 years of pleasing customers with delicious dishes including prime rib, lobster, seafood and more. Pate’s serves classic Cape Cod fare and hasn’t changed its menu for years. Hasn’t had to. Diners keep coming back for the clam chowder, the shrimp scampi with pasta and other beloved dishes. And regardless of the weather, customers will likely enjoy the Snow Ball or the Molten Chocolate Cake, two popular Pate’s desserts. patesrestaurant.com
Rock Harbor Grill
The credentials of the crew at Rock Harbor Grill are impressive: Owner Chuck Konner was director of catering at Chatham Bars Inn, while executive chef, Stuart Hirsch, held the same role at Phusion in Woods Hole and was head chef at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for several years. Open since 2013 on Old Colony Way in Orleans, the restaurant serves tasty dishes like fish ‘n’ chips and wood-fired pizzas as well as crispy fried Brussels sprouts and homemade potato chips served with homemade French onion dip. rockharborgrill.net
Outer Cape Dining
Central House at Crown & Anchor
A prominent venue with roots dating back to the mid-1800s, Central House at the Crown & Anchor on Commercial Street in Provincetown serves a variety of dishes created by executive chef Michele Ragussis. Highlights for hungry visitors include a rib-eye steak and grilled Vermont lamb, or seafood entrees like seared scallops and roasted halibut. Ragussis also prepares a delicious entree of linguine and clams and a pretty amazing lobster roll. Dine outdoors for colorful views! onlyatthecrown.com
Fanizzi’s by the Sea
With views overlooking Provincetown Harbor, Fanizzi’s by the Sea on Commercial Street in Provincetown is a fantastic spot to enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch in a modern, up-scale setting. The restaurant serves many appetizing seafood dishes, from pulled salmon sandwiches to Cajun seafood alfredo. Another popular option is the Fanizzi Favorite Burger, which is served on an English muffin. Fanizzi’s juts out over the water, and many guests have spied whales and dolphins through the windows since the restaurant opened in 2001. fanizzisrestaurant.com
Karoo Restaurant
With inspiration from owner/chef Sanette Gorenwald’s South African homeland, Karoo serves time-honored recipes that date back eight generations. Karoo first opened in Provincetown, before opening a second restaurant on Route 6 in North Eastham in 2013. Diners can enjoy Karoo’s savory cuisine, including bobotie, a mild curried meatloaf with rice and chutney. The chef also prepares Cape Malay Stew, a Cape Town favorite featuring chicken, tofu, veggies, shrimp and mussels. Note: Live music plays Thursday to Sunday. karoorestaurants.com
Lobster Pot Restaurant
Known for great food and the recognizable neon sign that hangs above its front door, Lobster Pot Restaurant has been an icon on Commercial Street in P-town for nearly 50 years. Customers can choose from two dining rooms that overlook Provincetown Harbor as well as savory menu items from oysters and lobster rolls to BBQ pepper shrimp and sautéed squid with garlic pesto sauce. Recognizing the community’s heritage, The Lobster Pot also serves Portuguese dishes, like baked Portuguese clams and Portuguese fish—both served with linguica. ptownlobsterpot.com
Strangers & Saints
New in 2016, Strangers & Saints serves Mediterranean-style food in a lively tavern setting on Provincetown’s Commercial Street. Built in a stately former ship captain’s home, Strangers & Saints offers an attractive nautical décor to go along with its creative menu options such as lobster with bourbon bacon jam toast and curried octopus. The plates are intended for sharing, and the ham and cheese croquettes are not to be missed. strangersandsaints.com
Terra Luna
Terra Luna is a popular restaurant serving Mediterranean fare in North Truro. Open since 1993, the eatery offers nontraditional options such as grilled duck with a pomegranate glaze, roasted lobster, and baby Portobello mushrooms filled with white beans, sage and lemon zest. Patrons are also said to be over the moon for Terra Luna’s polenta fries. Finally, another star menu attraction is the cherry chocolate cake served with cherry sauce and peppermint ice cream. 508-487-1019
The Beachcomber
Perched on a bluff looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, The Beachcomber on Cahoon Hollow Road is a popular spot for food, drinks and dancing in Wellfleet. Built in a former lifesaving station, the restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2017. Diners in the casual setting can enjoy fresh scallops and raw bar selections just steps from the beach. The Beachcomber is also known for its fun atmosphere, live music and tasty cocktails, including the Goombay Smash, a sweet concoction of fruit juice and rum. thebeachcomber.com
Van Rensselaer’s
With a 49-year history, Van Rensselaer’s on Route 6 in South Wellfleet is a comfortable, family-run restaurant that is Cape & Islands Green certified. The restaurant offers a well-stocked salad bar and a menu that’s loaded with fresh seafood options such as potato crusted salmon, seafood linguine and garden shrimp scampi. Guests can also visit Van Rensselaer’s for breakfast, daily in season, weekends in the off season. vanrensselaers.com
Victor’s
Instead of ordering a single entrée, guests at Victor’s in Provincetown can order small plates to sample and share. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2017, the restaurant on Bradford Street Ext. has an attractive design with a cathedral ceiling and a stone fireplace. Small plate options include calamari, pork dumplings, and crab and three-cheese Rangoon. Open daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thursday to Sunday the rest of the year. Bonus: Victor’s hosts a raw bar happy hour from 4-6 p.m., shelling out oysters, clams and shrimp for 99 cents each. victorsptown.com
Yolqueria
Where on Cape Cod can one order fried chicken and waffles? What about pancakes made of quinoa, or a homemade cinnamon roll drizzled with cream cheese icing? Opened in 2016, Yolqueria on Commercial Street in Provincetown serves “breakfast in the morning, tacos in the evening,” and margaritas at suppertime. Breakfast items are offered from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and after that the lunch menu features tacos with traditional Mexican fillings. yolqueria.com
Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket Dining
Martha’s Vineyard
Beach Road
In 2015, the owners of State Road opened Beach Road, a modern American seafood restaurant near the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority terminal. The décor was inspired by the nearby shipyards, and guests can enjoy captivating views of Lagoon Pond. The raw bar serves shrimp cocktail, pickled shrimp and several locally sourced oyster varieties including Cottage City, Honeysuckle and Katama Bay. Entrees include cod, sea scallops and steak frites, which go nicely with a side of fried Brussels sprouts. Open for dinner nightly. beachroadmv.com
Garde East
In 2016, Vineyard Haven welcomed a new seafood restaurant, Garde East. Created by well-known executive chef Robert Sisca, the classic French-inspired eatery—also located near the ferry terminal—has an open feel with scenic waterfront views and light streaming in from the windows. Diners can try inspired dishes such as monkfish and escargot, tuna poke, and beetroot gnocchi, as well as traditional favorites like the Garde East clambake featuring lobster, clams, corn, mussels and more. Bonus: Vineyard fishermen have reeled in most of the seafood served. gardeeast.com
L’etoile
A star Edgartown attraction since opening in 1986, L’etoile is an elegant French restaurant in The Sydney hotel. Enjoying dishes like lobster with lemon-pepper pappardelle and mustard-crusted salmon fillet with sweat pea and pistachio salad, guests can dine at the bar, in the dining room or on the patio, which is especially romantic in the evening. L’etoile also boasts a robust wine selection, and desserts such as chocolate-glazed peanut butter bombe. L’etoile is open for dinner, nightly, during the summer season. letoile.net
State Road
Open since 2009 in West Tisbury, State Road has quickly established a reputation for serving fresh, house made American-style cuisine. The restaurant is open nightly for dinner, and on Sunday for brunch, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner guests can enjoy appetizing dishes like halibut and sunchokes (a type of artichoke) served in a savory brown butter. At Sunday brunch, one can enjoy both traditional and creative breakfast fare, and in winter, Thursday nights are burger nights (veggie burgers too!) Stateroadrestaurant.com
The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn
Under chef Justin Melnick’s reign since 2012, The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn in Edgartown caters to patrons seeking American cuisine spiced up with some French and Italian influences. Popular menu items include salmon tartare served with mango, capers and grapefruit segments, and a lamb chop dinner with crispy kale, mint jelly and a twice-baked potato. The charming restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere with an old-world décor. Finally, end your visit on a sweet note with the lemon pot de crème. theterracemv.com
Nantucket
Brotherhood of Thieves
Pleasing patrons since 1972, Brotherhood of Thieves is a family-friendly pub specializing in sandwiches, hearty pub favorites and seafood using fresh, all natural ingredients. The Brotherhood offers multiple dining areas and a selection of local brews including Cisco Brewery’s Whale’s Tail. Diners can choose from several burgers and salads, as well as a fried combo platter of cod, scallops and calamari. In winter, musicians raise spirits with live entertainment—it’s truly a bright spot on The Grey Lady. brotherhoodofthieves.com
Company of The Cauldron
With its creative fare and ivy-covered look, Company of the Cauldron is a true standout. Opened in town in 1975, and under new ownership in 2017, the restaurant serves a prix-fixe meal where diners enjoy four dreamy courses prepared by the Cauldron’s chefs. The restaurant announces a new menu at the beginning of each week; for example, one night’s menu included salad, beef bourguignon, a cheese plate and a dessert featuring lemon curd. Also, on “Lobster Mondays,” diners can savor lobster prepared various ways. companyofthecauldron.com
Dune
Located in town on Broad Street, Dune is a modern restaurant known for its cozy elegance, delectable cuisine and artistic food presentation. Opened in 2009, the restaurant has three dining rooms as well as a bar and patio. For dinner, guests can enjoy dishes like Spanish red shrimp, braised pork tostada and Greek chicken roulade, which features olives, a cucumber-pepper salad, chickpea crisp and whipped feta. Desserts are equally appetizing with highlights like blueberry brioche bread pudding. dunenantucket.com
Sandbar at Jetties Beach
For those who love to stay at the beach all day, Sandbar at Jetties Beach is the perfect retreat. Opened in May, the eatery is located right on popular Jetties Beach offering outdoor seating, warm breezes and and fresh seafood and American fare. They’ve got hot dogs, burgers, fish sandwiches and “The Ultimate Grilled Cheese.” There’s a raw bar and cocktails, too! For parties of four or more, the staff will prepare a classic Jetties clambake. jettiessandbar.com
The Proprietors Bar & Table
The idea of sailors returning to their homes with knowledge of the wider world influenced the cuisine of The Proprietors Bar & Table in downtown Nantucket. The restaurant caters to the “well-traveled palate,” and uses ingredients grown on small farms in the region. Dishes on a recent menu included fried green tomatoes, carrot hummus, buttermilk brined chicken and chicken fried trout. At Sunday brunch, one can try a “croque madam,” a grilled cheese sandwich with egg and ham. proprietorsnantucket.com
Michaela Anne Quigley
Michaela Quigley is a resident of Woburn. She will be graduating from Syracuse University in May 2017 with a degree in magazine journalism. She is a former editorial intern at Cape Cod Life Publications.