Where to Eat in Nantucket, Massachusetts

The Proprietors’ duck breast tiradito.
Credit: Courtesy of The Proprietors   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.com Something 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.com Lola 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.com Black-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.com Juice 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.

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