Where to Eat in Nantucket, Massachusetts

On one hand, there’s a simplicity to dining on Nantucket, the smaller but never the lesser of the Cape’s two sister islands. Unlike Martha’s Vineyard, which is divided into six towns, with restaurants scattered here and there, Nantucket is a single town unto itself (yes, there are eateries out by ’Sconset and in the mid-island area too). On the other hand, the food scene here is far more dynamic than in your typical resort town, with new properties coming online and old ones changing hands. There’s such a concentration of excellent eateries on Nantucket that you could spend a vacation in hot pursuit and still not hit every spot. Here’s a sampling of our favorites. The Proprietors Now in its fifth season, the Proprietors is the second act of Michael LaScola and Orla Murphy-LaScola, whom you may recognize from their years running American Seasons on the north side of town. With Orla managing the front of the house and the wine program and Michael in the kitchen, American Seasons earned national raves and some Beard nominations, and served as one of the most romantic spots on the island. The couple sold the restaurant to chef Neil Ferguson in 2015, and now they devote all their attention to the Proprietors, which draws on Nantucket’s history as an international whaling hub as inspiration for global dishes rooted in seasonal ingredients from local farms. Here, you find flavor combinations—Peking duck paired with johnnycakes, churros made with smoked corn, bay scallops accompanied by kumquats and hazelnuts—that surprise and delight and, most importantly, work. LaScola is that special breed of chef with an exceptional flavor sense and great technique. And he’s happy to serve up a stellar fried chicken and Cobb salad to keep more traditional eaters in their comfort zone (entrées start at $18). Nantucket’s summer population is stocked to the gills with moguls and the manor-born, and the wine program offers enough cult Napa magnums to keep that crowd happy, but the thoughtful list also includes delightful finds well below the $50 mark. And you can enjoy it all in a space that breathes history but feels fresh and welcoming. One last note: The brunch (entrées from $12) is one of the best on island. Don’t miss it. proprietorsnantucket.com

Ventuno Amanda Lydon and Gabriel Frasca—another star couple whose other restaurant, Straight Wharf, deserves an emphatic nod—found inspiration for their second property in their travels through the Friuli region of Italy, but they bring an island sensibility to the menu. The oysters with Campari ice are locally raised, and a cozy seafood stew combines local fluke with Chatham mussels and Nantucket bay scallops. ventunorestaurant.comSomething Natural Nantucket is one of New England’s most bike-friendly destinations, and this sandwich spot and bakery on the edge of town is the perfect place to grab a bite before you hit the road. Sandwiches—familiar fare like lobster salad and roast beef—are stacked high and served on homemade bread, and the cookies are a great reward for going that extra mile. somethingnatural.comLola Burger Craving a cold beer and a top-notch burger? There are 30 craft beers on tap here, and you can have your patty made from beef, pork, tuna, lamb, or falafel. The signature Lola Burger is a cardiologist’s nightmare—a half-pound patty with cheddar, red onion compote, and foie gras sauce—but it sure tastes good and hey, you’re on vacation! lolaburger.comBlack-Eyed Susan’s Here is Nantucket’s idea of a diner, only with amethyst cut-glass chandeliers and French toast made with homemade bread. Bring a friend and order the wonderfully eggy Pennsylvania Dutch–style pancakes with Jarlsberg cheese and real maple syrup and then grab a huevos rancheros “for the table.” The lines run out the door on weekends, so arrive early, or come back later for the terrific dinner service. black-eyedsusans.comJuice Bar If you’ve come to the island by ferry (as opposed to, say, private jet), chances are you’ve stopped here for a cone or frappe, or stared longingly at the people who made it to the front of the line. All the flavors, from peppermint stick to Grape-nut to local blackberry, are homemade; the freshly made waffle cones are the clincher. facebook.com/juicebarnantucket As Yankee’s senior food editor, Amy Traverso oversees the magazine’s food department and contributes to NewEngland.com. Amy’s book, The Apple Lover’s Cookbook (W.W. Norton), won an International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) cookbook award in the “American” category.