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
Sweet smells of fresh, fried treats waft from Back Door Donuts, tempting those passing by to indulge in a delicious apple fritter or scrumptious doughnut. Morning Glory Farm beckons visitors with its wide range of baked goodies, including pies, cookies, and scones.
Best Bar/Pub: Offshore Ale Co.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Since 1997, Offshore Ale has provided thirsty patrons with fresh beer and hearty meals in a warm, cozy setting. Brews range from hoppy double IPAs to the award-winning East Chop Lighthouse golden ale. Lookout Tavern boasts an extensive list of beer, cocktails, wine, and sake.
Best Breakfast: Linda Jean’s Restaurant
25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-4093, lindajeansrestaurantmv.com
Runner-up: The Black Dog Tavern
20 Beach Street Extension, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-9223, theblackdog.com
The new owners of Linda Jean’s Restaurant set the Circuit Avenue morning mood high with an extensive menu of American favorites – from Benedicts to pancakes to egg sandwiches – and a touch of Jamaican flare. The Black Dog Tavern offers tasty meals on the shorefront of Vineyard Haven Harbor.
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 you’re looking to start your day right, look no further than an egg sandwich at 7a Foods. Make it even better by getting it on a cheddar-jalapeño biscuit. The Scottish Bakehouse has a plethora of options for your eggs, from ham to linguiça and even “fakin’ bacon.”
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
Flavor-packed, juicy, delicious – Atria’s specialty handhelds are a step above the rest. Try the Fast Eddie with bacon, avocado, American cheese, aïoli, and an over-easy egg. At Fat Ronnie’s, you can design your own burgers with fun sauces and hefty toppings.
Best Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
508-693-3318, buckleyscatering.com
Runner-up: Black Sheep
17 Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-338-7770, blacksheeponmv.com
Buckley’s innovative catering menus run the gamut, from tasting spoons of shrimp and grits, to skewers of grilled beef tenderloin, and even a raw bar boat named Just Chillin’. Black Sheep pairs high-quality ingredients with artful presentation, suitable for everything from holiday get-togethers to weddings and brunches.
Best Chowder: Larsen’s Fish Market
56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com
Runner-up: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.
9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, chowdermv.com
At Larsen’s Fish Market, the clams are always fresh and the chowder is always hot. A helping of their rich and hearty broth is best enjoyed with a view of Menemsha Harbor. The Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co. draws a crowd for its lighter, gluten-free recipe.
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
Summer on the Island isn’t complete without a New England clambake, and Bill Smith’s can help execute a perfect one. The longtime experts provide the chowder, lobster, shellfish, corn, and more. All you need to supply is a big appetite. A clambake from Larsen’s should be at the top of every Vineyard bucket list.
Best Cocktails: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
Runner-up: 19 Raw Oyster Bar
19 Church Street, Edgartown, 774-224-0550, 19rawoysterbar.com
Alchemy’s team of bartenders don’t just mix drinks; they create experiences. A favorite is the Edgartown Old Fashioned (bourbon, house-made apple cider bitters, simple syrup, and orange). A few steps away, 19 Raw reimagines the classics. Think: sangria and an espresso martini.
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
A true Island staple open “every damn day,” Mocha Mott’s brews an undeniably delicious cup of joe – be it hot or cold. A visit to either location will boost your caffeine addiction. You may walk out with a fresh bagel too. Caffeinated drinks from Espresso Love are crafted with care and artistry.
Best Family Dining: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
Runner-up: Giordano’s Restaurant
18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com
An evening at Nomans has a little something to keep everyone entertained, from lawn games and live music to cocktails, burgers, and grilled cheese. At Giordano’s, enjoy a cozy family atmosphere with classic Italian-American cuisine, such as lasagna and chicken Parmesan.
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
Since it was founded by the Athearn family in 1975, Morning Glory Farm’s down-Island farm stand has been a go-to spot for a wide range of Island veggies, meat, and dairy, homemade baked goods, and other culinary accoutrements. Up-Island, the Grey Barn specializes in their own gourmet cheeses, meats, and bread.
Best Fine Dining: Outermost Inn
81 Lighthouse Road, Aquinnah, 508-645-3511, outermostinn.com
Runner-up: Alchemy
71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com
At the Outermost Inn, views of the Gay Head Lighthouse, rolling hills, and soaring osprey vie with the beautifully plated gourmet courses on each prix-fixe plate. The understated elegance of Alchemy sets the tone of city sophistication and Island traditions with fine ingredients from around the world.
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 serves schooner-sized portions of freshly battered and deep-fried fish, accompanied by piping hot French fries and a side of slaw. The Net Result keeps it simple with ultra-fresh fish and a pile of crispy fries. Suggested pairing for both: a Vineyard Haven sunset.
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
Fresh fish and a friendly staff make the Net Result your number one place for cod, live lobsters, bay scallops, soft shell crabs, salmon, and more, as well as ready-to-eat seafood, dips to take home, and sushi. Larsen’s Fish Market is a top source for straight-from-the-sea fare up-Island.
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
Case closed: Best of the Vineyard voters like their fries thin, crispy, hot, and not too heavily seasoned, which is probably why Atria takes first place year after year in the French fry category. Fat Ronnie’s offers both regular and sweet potato fries. You won’t go wrong if you get both.
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
All the fried seafood at Gio’s is legendary, but voters agree: the clams are especially good – crunchy and crispy on the outside with the perfect amount of chew inside. The Net Result’s fried clams are always hot, satisfying, and fresh.
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 can turn any boring grocery run into a chance to try something new. You’ll find the essentials, as well as a cornucopia of produce, an array of meats, and just about anything else you’ll need for a meal. Reliable Market is a family-owned shop that’s been serving Islanders and visitors since 1947.
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
To enter Ben & Bill’s is to enter an Island Wonka wonderland, where unique ice cream flavors are ready to be sampled and served, and candies of every stripe line the shelves. Mad Martha’s has been serving classic scoops since the early ’70s and has a presence in three Island towns.
Best Island-Made Candy/Chocolate:Salt Rock Chocolate Co.
508-449-0708, 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
Chocolate makers and sisters Ali and Sarah Flanders have become favorite farmers’ market finds with their little brown boxes of Island-inspired candy, such as Quitsa Cranberry (chocolate-covered cranberry clusters) and Chilmark Fleur (white chocolate with crystallized ginger and a Fleur spice blend). Murdick’s Fudge can help hit the sweet spot before or after dinner.
Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church
Corner of Woodlawn Avenue and William Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332, graceepiscopalmv.org (Fridays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. through September 1)
Runner-up: Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com
Ready-to-eat lobster rolls from Grace Episcopal Church are an annual tradition, and are sure to draw a well-deserved crowd. Grab an order of clam chowder or pie to round out the meal. At the Lookout Tavern, enjoy a hot or cold roll with a view of Nantucket Sound.
Best Lunch: 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
The overstuffed sandwiches, polenta fries, and enormous cookies at Mo’s Lunch are the perfect size for sharing with friends during a day at the beach or gathered around a table on a cold winter night. 7a offers a much-loved selection of soups and sandwiches, including seasonal specialties.
Best New Restaurant: Bombay Indian Cuisine
7 Oakland Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2666, bombaymv.com
Runner-up: Aalia’s AM/PM
16 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9649, aaliascoffee.com
At newcomer Bombay Indian Cuisine, folks can spice up their evenings with flavorful curries, such as vindaloo or rogan josh, and a side of warm naan. On weekends, indulge in a dish from the breakfast menu. Looking to cool off on a hot summer day? Stop by Aalia’s for an iced matcha latte and fresh pastry.
Best Outdoor Dining: Nomans
15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2474, nomansmv.com
Runner-up: Aquinnah Shop Restaurant
Now closed
Soak up the sun, the sound of live music, and selections from a lunch and dinner menu while relaxing on the patio of Nomans. If crashing surf and a view of the Gay Head Cliffs is more your vibe, head to the Aquinnah Shop Restaurant.
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
Fair prices, an impressive selection of craft beers, and an approachable team of staffers happy to guide you in the right direction make MV Wine & Spirits your favorite package store. At Our Market, the large selection includes old favorites and new, hard- to-find limited releases.
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
Black Sheep is a beloved gourmet shop that’ll take your taste buds on a trip around the Island with everything from cut-to-order cheese and salami to sesame noodles and slaw, as well as hearty grab-and-go meals. Head up-Island to 7a and pack your picnic basket with baked goods, chips, and inventive sandwiches.
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
Hand-tossed dough plus a family-secret sauce recipe plus high-quality mozzarella and a wide range of toppings equals longtime winner for Best Pizza – Giordano’s. Runner-up Rocco’s has an outstanding gluten-free option and a full list of specialty pies.
Best Sandwich: 7a Foods
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com
Runner-up: Mo’s Lunch
137 Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-687-9744, moslunch.com
The Liz Lemon at 7a Foods has a devoted following and needs no introduction. We’ll give it to you anyway: pastrami, turkey, Swiss, slaw, and Russian dressing on Rye, plus potato chips right in the sandwich. It’s a winner, all right. The filet o’ fish at Mo’s Lunch also has a fan base – it’s sophisticated comfort food at its finest.
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
The kitchen at 19 Raw turns out plates of briny oysters, tuna carpaccio, cod ceviche, charred octopus, and lobster Bolognese – and that’s only a sampling of what’s available. Want a classic Vineyard experience? Dine at the Lookout Tavern with a warm cup of chowder and a chilled lobster roll.
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
Whether you’re after a classic California, a vegetarian fried sweet potato, or a colorful rainbow roll, there’s something for everyone on Lookout Tavern’s extensive sushi menu. At Mikado, watch the skilled sushi chefs at work while you sip on a lychee martini.
Best Takeout: 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
You’ll find love at first bite at Mo’s Lunch with their playful interpretations of classic sandwiches, salads, snack plates, sides, and sweets. MV Salads is an oasis for leaf lovers. Their signature MV The Dressing is available to purchase for home consumption too.
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
With an array of colorful bowls and wraps, MV Salads is a plant-based eater’s dream. The menu mayeven persuade those who prefer meat to dabble in the vegetarian lifestyle. Little House Cafe keeps folks satiated with veggie sandwiches, soups, 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
For more than thirty-five years, owner Petey Berndt has been luring locals and visitors alike to the Oak Bluffs Harbor to try Coop’s crispy wings in flavors such as dragon fire, Maryland, sweet chili, and bourbon BBQ. Offshore Ale has a beer to pair with every wing flavor on offer.
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
Clink your drinks over calamari, steamed mussels, and potato pizza all year long at Offshore Ale Co., either on the patio in the summer or by the roaring fireplace in the winter. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the start of summer or to ring in the New Year, Alchemy always has a full menu and staff ready to get the night going.
