Set your standards high for these Martha’s Vineyard dining experiences.
The island of Martha’s Vineyard was once a self-reliant, small community of growers, fishers, and farmers who relied on each other and the land to meet their needs. Thankfully, islanders have passed these ideals on to shape the distinct character of Martha’s Vineyard today – even as the island emerges as a leading tourism destination.
The result is a unique local economy in which restaurants serve farm-to-table fares provided by the growers and fishermen right on island.
Food has the capacity to destroy our land, threatening our own survival, or indeed, to potentially be at the forefront of efforts to rebuild our natural world.” – Lily Cole, Who Cares Wins
Grey Barn
Grey Barn Farmstand
What is Farm-to-Table?
Before we overuse this term, let’s define it. Farm to table dining is the practice of sourcing locally grown ingredients and serving them at local restaurants. This community-focused way of eating keeps money flowing in the local economy and prioritizes the health of consumers, who get the privilege of knowing where their food comes from.
Why is it important?
Farm to table dining eliminates many of the issues present in today’s agricultural industry. When food comes from local growers, it’s less likely to be processed and more likely to be fresh. Farms are also held accountable to produce safe crops, free from pesticides and chemicals, when consumers know where their veggies are coming from. The majority of farms on Martha’s Vineyard are organic and often family run. This practice also highlights the best aspects of tourism: when you can support the local businesses in the places you visit.
In short, farm to table dining is a true partnership between local farms and restaurants that benefits people and the environment. On Martha’s Vineyard, you can make a conscious choice to support the businesses that have gone above and beyond to create environmentally conscious dining experiences for you.
Below is a list of the Top 10 Martha’s Vineyard Dining Experiences that incorporate fresh and local ingredients into mouth watering dishes.
The Port Hunter
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
We’re not one to save the best for last – the Port Hunter is top notch. Located in downtown Edgartown and open 5:30-10:00 pm, this dinner restaurant combines some of the best ingredients grown and harvested across the island to make delicious dishes.
Start with the Raw Bar and try our very own Top Shell oysters (Maddie’s Topshell oysters are sold exclusively at this restaurant!).
Eat This:
- Top Shell oysters – $3.5 each
- Maine Mussels – $19
- Vegetabowl – $28
- Curry Bowl – $32
Scottish Bakehouse
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
A true original, Scottish Bakehouse focuses on sustainable farming and offers “food plucked straight from the earth.” Located in Vineyard Haven, this eatery opens early at 6:00 am. Scottish Bakehouse has an on-site farm just behind the kitchen, where they grow salad greens and vegetables for their delicious soups, sandwiches, omelets, etc. This restaurant partners closely with local growers and sources their meat and eggs from nearby farms like Allen Farm and Beetlebung Farm.
Eat This:
- Brazilian Plate – $15
- Coconut Tofu – $15
Don’t forget to try their weekly specials and something from the cold case.
19 Raw Oyster Bar
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Pescatarian friendly
19 Raw gets our award for best all-around menu because this restaurant offers unmatched variety for all types of eaters. This warm and welcoming indoor-outdoor dining experience is located downtown Edgartown just off main street, and open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Of course, 19 Raw is known for its diverse offering of oysters. 4 of the 10 oysters on the menu come directly from the surrounding waters of Martha’s Vineyard, and these are the ones we recommend you try.
In addition, this eatery has everything from prime steaks to crudos and ceviche. It is worth noting that it’s not the most vegetarian friendly option, as every dish is centered around fish or meat – but fresh salads and a variety of sides still make it possible for vegetarians to find something appetizing.
Eat This:
- Menage A Trois – $26
- Scallop Bowl – $42
- Sriracha Fries – $12
Rosewater Market
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
Rosewater makes healthy breakfast look–and taste–easy like Sunday morning. This family owned business is located downtown Edgartown, just off Main street. Open from 7am-2pm, it’s the perfect cafe to start your day at.
Rosewater serves breakfast all day, along with a flavor-packed lunch menu full of locally sourced ingredients. The market takes pride in working with many of the local farms on Martha’s Vineyard – you can find the long lists of farms they’re currently partnering with written on a chalkboard inside.
Eat This
- House made English Muffins and Biscuits
- Veggie Burger – homemade sweet potato and black bean burger
- Spicy Tofu Peanut Bowl – made with MV Mushrooms
Don’t forget to try the bakery items made fresh daily.
The Pawnee House MV
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
The Pawnee House cooks up what is arguably the best gluten-free, vegan food in Oak Bluffs with a variety of fresh produce from local growers on Martha’s Vineyard. You can find the long list of farms they currently partner with hanging behind the bar, which also happens to be the ideal spot for a craft cocktail. Located just behind Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs on Kennebec Ave, this dinner restaurant opens at 5pm and offers a late night menu until 11pm. Plus, there’s an appetizing Sunday Brunch menu with everything from french toast, to country-fried steak, to vegan skillets.
Order locally caught fish on special, or try dishes made with the famous MVM shiitake mushrooms. Few restaurants in Oak Bluffs prioritize a farm-to-table dining experience like this one.
Eat This:
Vegan Spring Pot Pie/Chicken Pot Pie – $22-25
Red Beans & Rice Bowl w/Blackened Daily Catch – $32
Vegan Bea’s Farmhouse Salad – $21
Whatever you do, don’t forget to browse the cocktail menu – the quaint atmosphere in this restaurant allowed the bartender to take her time preparing delicious drinks for each individual.
The Covington Restaurant
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
Covington aspires “to be a love story about Martha’s Vineyard,” and we’re all about love stories around here. Their website lists the 12 local farms this restaurant partners with to source the ingredients for the incredible menu. Located in downtown Edgartown and open 5-9:30 pm, the food here is next level. Unfortunately, the mouthwatering pairings make this one of the most difficult spots to grab a table on island. We recommend booking a dinner reservation well in advance.
We won’t waste our time recommending anything specific when we truly believe you will enjoy anything on this menu – choose whatever sounds most delicious to you!
7a Foods
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
A local couple started 7a Foods in 2010, using produce from their small farm. Located in West Tisbury, this tiny sandwich shop is open 7am-3pm daily and perfect for lunch. Chef and owner, Daniel Sauer, is known for picking fresh and seasonal foods from his own gardens to create unmatched dining experiences. Even better, all meat is antibiotic and hormone free and the menu varies depending on seasonality – so you can guarantee you’ll be enjoying the freshest fruits and veggies packed into your salads and sandwiches.
Eat This:
- Asparagus melt – $12
- Roasted Beet Wrap – $12
- Daily Frittata
State Road
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
In general, up-island eateries are known for incorporating local ingredients into their menus, and State Road is no exception. Located in West Tisbury and open 5-9:30 pm, this tavern draws on the up-island atmosphere to create a distinct and peaceful Martha’s Vineyard dining experience.
This seasonally focused menu is planned around the herb, fruit and vegetable gardens that surround the restaurant. State Road is committed to, “supporting our local food shed and sourcing from regional farmers, fishermen and food artisans.”
You won’t want to miss this restaurant if you’re looking for a true culinary experience unique to the island. Ask your server for specials and specific recommendations on which dishes are packed with the most locally grown ingredients.
Garde East
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian friendly
Garde East offers the best outdoor dining views of the Vineyard Haven Marina. This restaurant has a private beach and a culinary approach that incorporates local produce — making it a true Martha’s Vineyard dining experience. Located in Vineyard Haven and open daily from 11am-10pm, Garde East boasts lunch, afternoon-dockside, and dinner menus. The afternoon menu’s main feature is none other than a lobster roll.
It’s not difficult to find something locally grown on this menu with dishes like the MV Farmers Vegetable Tartar. Note the Grey Barn Cheeses in the European Charcuterie, the MV Honey Comb on the Grey Barn Pork Belly (that’s right, locally sourced meat!), plus the Local Bass and Oyster Selection.
If you miss out on the cheeses as an appetizer, don’t forget to try the Greybarn Cheeses for dessert!
Larsen’s Fish Market
Gluten free, Dairy free, Pescatarian friendly
Larsen’s Fish Market is not your traditional sit down restaurant, but it’s a farm to table experience visitors won’t want to miss – especially if you like seafood. Larsen’s is located in Menemsha – Martha’s Vineyard’s fishing village – and open 9am-7pm. We recommend driving up to Menemsha in the afternoon and ordering a lobster before walking over to Menemsha beach to enjoy a stunning sunset.
Interestingly, this family owned and run business began way back in 1969 and has long been known for its great prices and fresh seafood. You can pick up raw seafood fresh off the fishing boats, or order and eat at a picnic table outside.
Don’t forget about the raw bar with delicious oysters.
Feel Good Food
As a traveler, it can be even harder to find good places to eat than it already is at home. Especially if your definition of ‘good’ is ethically sourced, locally grown, organic produce. That’s why we love the Farm to Table movement. It’s the best indicator we have found of restaurants that go above and beyond to do the most for their communities and their consumers.
If your goal is to travel sustainably, finding farm to table restaurants wherever you go is a great way to do so. If you want to know more about visiting Martha’s Vineyard, explore our Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Guide.
We hope this post inspires you to eat local, wherever you are in the world.
All our love,
Your Baggage girls
