Great Food and Great Waterfront Views are Indigenous to MV
by Diane Alter
With a plethora of restaurants and food market peppered across Martha’s Vineyard, there is no shortage of choices when it comes to eating out. Without question, the Vineyard’s dining landscape is expansive and highly competitive. Yet when it comes to eating out in MV, the most coveted eateries are those with wonderful waterfront views. To be sure, enjoying good food along with the island’s majestic water views boosts serotonin levels. Surely that has been proven somewhere. Here are some restaurant standouts boasting great food and the best seaside scenes on this charming ocean framed island.
The Seafood Shanty boasts one of the best waterfront views in Martha’s Vineyard. Located at 31 Dock Street in Edgartown, the “Shanty” is situated on the legendary Edgartown Harbor. The backdrop is indeed mesmerizing. Azure waters, fanciful sailboats and playful seagull greet every diner. View aside, the restaurant’s food and drink offerings are also something special. The lengthy lunch and dinner menus offer something for everyone. Peel and eat shrimp, shrimp cocktail, buffalo wings, salads, fish tacos and burgers are just some of the Shanty’s food offerings. Chef ’s recommendations include the lobster quesadilla and the crazy tuna roll. The Shanty is popular among locals, visitors and celebrities. The list of personalities who have dined at the Shanty is long and growing.
Up island, The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant stands out in Vineyard’s crowded dining scene. Located on the gorgeous Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, this restaurant is one of the island’s oldest. Owned and operated by the Vanderhoop family, The Aquinnah Shop offers the finest in authentic American, Native American and Seafood dishes. The restaurant’s exceptional salad and raw seafood bars are customer favorites. Outside seating provides guests with an opportunity to enjoy outstanding ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Aquinnah Shop is located at 27 Aquinnah Circle in Aquinnah.
Menemsha Fish Market in Chilmark has been supplying islanders and visitors with fresh local and international seafood since 1946. This family owned business is dedicated to excellence and great, speedy customer service. Offering a vast array of fresh fish and expertly prepared seafood specialties including swordfish burgers, lobster quesadillas and seafood chimichangas, the quintessential fish market is always bustling. Order lunch or dinner and enjoy Menemsha’s unrivaled ocean views and sunsets that only poets and painters can accurately describe.
Larsen’s Fish Market offers fresh, locally caught seafood in its spotless market. Special seafood fare is also available from its busy kitchen. Fresh seafood selections include an enticing variety of right-off-the boat fish and shellfish. Cooked to order items include lobster, chowder of the day, lobster bisque, stuffed quahogs, stuffed scallops, crab cakes, steamers and mussels. Located at 56 Basin Road in Chilmark, Larsen’s is always buzzing in season. Locals and visitors alike stop in for take-away lobster rolls and chowders to enjoy while watching the famous Menemsha sunsets that put on a sensational ocean spectacle of color night after night.
In Oak Bluffs The Sand Bar & Grille is located just a short walk from the ferry in Oak Bluffs at 6 Circuit Ave Ext. Known for great food, great fun, great atmosphere, and great water views, the Sand Bar is warm and welcoming. Sit outside and dig your toes in soft sand that serves as your floor, with moonlight and stars as your ceiling. Menu items include burgers, lobster rolls, salads, and libations. The Sand Bar is renowned for serving some of the island’s best high end sushi. Located right on the lovely Oak Bluffs Harbor, which is always dotted with a bevy of boats resting on sapphire waters, the Sand Bar embodies the spirit of MV.
The Lookout Tavern offers unrivaled waterfront views and fantastic food. Located at 8 Seaview Avenue in Oak Bluffs, The Lookout is a favorite and lively spot for lunch, dinner and drinks. The extensive lunch and dinner menus offer plenty of seafood options and sushi, as well as burgers, sandwiches, paninis and traditional finger foods. The drink menu offers a carefully curated selection of beers, spirits, cocktails and wine. The Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, perfect any time of the day, pairs sweet with savory. Sit on the porch and “lookout” into the waters ahead in every hue of blue and green.
