Everything I Ate in Martha’s Vineyard (and What I’d Order Again)

My first visit to Martha’s Vineyard was a practice in being more spontaneous, because I didn’t do any real research before I arrived. When it comes to food, mostly what I knew was that I was staying in Oak Bluffs and that there were many places within walking distance. That was more than enough information as far as I was concerned because I just wanted to relax and let moments come to me on this trip. Here I’m sharing everywhere I ate, what I ordered, and the tea on what I would order again.

1. The Sweet Life Cafe

When I walked to the end of Circuit Ave. at dusk the first day I arrived in Martha’s Vineyard, I saw this cafe tucked away, and it just looked so charming with it’s whimsical string lights and cute bistro sets. It turned out to be my favorite restaurant that I ended up going to twice in one trip. I loved that all of the dishes I ordered were fresh. Read my full review to see exactly what I ordered.

2. Nancy’s Restaurant

Nancy’s was highly recommended (per TikTok), so I made it a point to stop by for lunch. Depending on the time of day and the season you travel to Martha’s Vineyard, you may need a reservation. Of all the restaurants in Oak Bluffs, it always seemed busiest here. You can dine outside or inside, and there is hightop seating that overlooks the marina that caused a bit of a stir while I was there, as a seagull landed on someone’s plate and began eating their food. Aside from this startling and hilarious moment, my experience was smooth.

As far as what I ordered, I started with the fried clam strips, which I loved, and then for my entree, I had the fried fish sandwich (cod) with fries. Would I eat here again? Sure. It’s reliable seafood and it’s nice for an afternoon or evening meal by the water, but I would perhaps try a different entree the next time.

3. Giordano’s Restaurant

Pizza is not great at every destination, but here, it is. Giordano’s is the Italian spot that has been in Oak Bluffs since 1930, and like many of the restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard, it’s ideal for family dining. The night I had Giordano’s, I was intending to do pizza takeout, but you have to pay with cash, which I didn’t have. That’s something to note for your awareness, but on the chance you don’t have cash, it’s also nice to dine in as well.

There’s plenty of seafood on the menu, characteristic of a Martha’s Vineyard restaurant, but there’s also plenty of pasta, and of course, pizza. This was some of the best pizza i’ve ever had, and that is not an exaggeration. I grew up eating meatlovers, so I created my own version of that, topping the pizza with sausage, pepperoni and bacon, and I would 100% order this again.

4. Biscuits

It’s nice to find the breakfast spot at any destination I travel to, and Biscuits was that place. It’s the simplicity that I love. Biscuits seem like they’d be easy to make, but everyone doesn’t get them right. Here, they do. I ordered a sausage and egg biscuit and added bacon, and it isn’t the fanciest meal in the world, but I would order it again and again.

I was there for just about 45 minutes, and in the time I sat near the door, there were a good amount of tourists, but I also could tell there were many local regulars, which is always a good sign. There aren’t very many tables and their hours are 7:00a.m.-3:00p.m. so it’s somewhere you’ll want to arrive early, especially in peak season, to enjoy it.

5. Fat Ronnie’s

I love a good burger joint, and I loved even more that this one is owned by five generations of Black butchers. This was my final meal on the island, and I was not at all disappointed. I ordered the Fat Ronnie Black Angus Beef Burger with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon and red onion. Would I order it again? Absolutely. I’m also told, though, that the lobster roll is an underrated menu item here, so perhaps that is a next time order.

6. Back Door Donuts

Of all the restaurants and shops in Martha’s Vineyard, this may be one you’ve come across on social media before. They are known for their delicious apple fritters (not pictured), but they also have many other options, including the buttermilk glazed and maple bacon you see below. It is called back door donuts, because late at night, you actually order from the back door of the restaurant after 7:00pm, opposed to the front door you enter during the day. It’s special because the donuts are good but also because it’s open until 2:00am. A late night treat spot on an island is not something you necessarily think you need, but you’re glad you have it. Would I go again? For sure.