Fine Dining

Top Fine Dining Restaurants

These exceptional establishments represent the pinnacle of Nantucket's culinary scene, each offering a distinct experience that showcases the island's commitment to excellence.

• 1

  Topper's at The Wauwinet

  The Wauwinet, 120 Wauwinet Road

  The crown jewel of Nantucket dining, Topper's offers an unparalleled combination of waterfront elegance and exceptional cuisine. Located at the exclusive Wauwinet hotel on the island's northeastern tip, the restaurant overlooks both Nantucket Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The menu showcases sophisticated New American cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood and seasonal ingredients. The wine program is extraordinary, with an award-winning cellar featuring over 1,500 selections. Reserve a table for sunset and arrive early to enjoy cocktails on the lawn - it's a quintessential Nantucket experience.

• 2

  The Galley Beach

  54 Jefferson Avenue, Cliffside Beach

  Dining with your feet nearly in the sand, The Galley Beach delivers what may be Nantucket's most magical setting. This beachfront restaurant offers stunning sunset views over Nantucket Sound, with tables set on a deck just steps from the water's edge. The contemporary American menu features impeccably prepared seafood and seasonal dishes that match the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Reservations for sunset seating are among the most coveted on the island - book weeks in advance during summer. The experience of watching the sun sink into the ocean while enjoying world-class cuisine is truly unforgettable.

• 3

  Company of the Cauldron

  5 India Street

  This intimate candlelit restaurant offers one of Nantucket's most unique dining experiences. With just 45 seats in a historic cottage setting, Company of the Cauldron serves a prix fixe menu that changes nightly, featuring four courses of thoughtfully crafted dishes. The single-seating format means everyone dines together, creating an elegant dinner party atmosphere. Live harp music on select evenings adds to the romantic ambiance. This is the place for proposals, anniversaries, and truly special celebrations. The no-choice menu format means you'll need to trust the kitchen - and they've earned that trust over decades of excellence.

• 4

  Straight Wharf Restaurant

  6 Harbor Square

  A Nantucket institution since the 1960s, Straight Wharf Restaurant has long been the island's premier destination for exceptional seafood. The harborfront location offers views of fishing boats and yachts, while the menu celebrates the ocean's bounty with preparations that range from classically elegant to innovatively contemporary. The raw bar is outstanding, and the wine list thoughtfully curated. The outdoor deck is magical on summer evenings, though the candlelit interior dining room is equally inviting. This is where Nantucket's culinary reputation was built, and it continues to set the standard.

• 5

  CRU

  1 Straight Wharf

  CRU brings a sophisticated raw bar and coastal cuisine concept to one of the island's best waterfront locations. The extensive oyster selection features varieties from both coasts, and the seafood towers are spectacular presentations perfect for sharing. Beyond raw preparations, the kitchen excels with grilled whole fish, lobster, and creative seasonal dishes. The wine program emphasizes crisp whites and roses that pair perfectly with the ocean-centric menu. The outdoor deck overlooking the harbor is the place to be on summer evenings, offering prime people-watching alongside exceptional food.

• 6

  Le Languedoc

  24 Broad Street

  French-inspired cuisine finds a welcoming home in this elegant restaurant set in a historic Nantucket building. Le Languedoc offers refined continental dishes with an emphasis on classic techniques and seasonal ingredients. The cozy dining rooms, decorated with antiques and fine art, create an atmosphere of intimate sophistication. Standout dishes include duck preparations, rack of lamb, and exceptional seafood with French accents. The wine list features excellent French selections alongside New World options. For a more casual experience, the upstairs bistro offers lighter fare and a charming bar scene.

• 7

  Boarding House

  12 Federal Street

  Contemporary American cuisine meets Nantucket sophistication at Boarding House, a downtown gem that has been a local favorite for decades. The menu artfully blends global influences with island ingredients, resulting in creative dishes that feel both innovative and approachable. The Asian-inflected preparations are particularly notable, alongside impeccable raw bar offerings. The covered outdoor patio is perfect for warm summer evenings, while the stylish interior bar is a destination in its own right. The wine and cocktail programs are excellent, making this an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or a full evening of dining.

What to Expect

Nantucket's fine dining scene maintains high standards while preserving the island's relaxed, welcoming character. Here's what you should know before making reservations.

Dress Code

The dress code at Nantucket's upscale restaurants ranges from smart casual to dressy, reflecting the island's blend of sophistication and ease. Men typically wear collared shirts, khakis or dress pants, and boat shoes or loafers - a blazer is appropriate but rarely required. Women often choose sundresses, elegant separates, or resort wear. While you won't need a jacket and tie, leave the beach cover-ups and flip-flops at your rental. When in doubt, err on the side of dressier - Nantucket takes its dinner rituals seriously, and looking the part enhances the experience.

Price Range

Fine dining on Nantucket requires a meaningful investment. Expect to spend $75 to $150+ per person for a full dinner with appetizer, entree, and dessert, before wine or cocktails. Tasting menus and prix fixe offerings at top restaurants can range from $125 to $185 per person. Add a well-chosen bottle of wine, and couples should budget $300 to $500+ for an evening at the island's premier establishments. While prices are high, the quality of ingredients, skill of preparation, and beauty of settings justify the expense for a special occasion.

Reservation Timing

During peak summer season (June through August), reservations at top restaurants should be made weeks in advance. For prime sunset seating at waterfront spots like The Galley Beach or Topper's, booking three to four weeks ahead is not excessive. Weekend tables are particularly competitive. Use OpenTable or Resy for most restaurants, though some require calling directly. Shoulder seasons (May, September, October) are more forgiving, but popular spots still fill up, especially on weekends. Off-season visitors will find tables more readily available, though some restaurants close or reduce hours.

Special Occasion Dining

Nantucket's fine dining restaurants excel at creating memorable moments for life's celebrations. Here's how to plan the perfect special occasion dinner.

Proposals

For proposals, Company of the Cauldron offers unmatched intimacy with its candlelit setting and harp music. Topper's delivers romance with its sweeping waterfront views and elegant service. The Galley Beach provides a dramatic sunset backdrop that's impossible to beat. When booking, mention the occasion discreetly - restaurants are experienced at coordinating champagne arrivals, ring presentations, and special desserts. A post-sunset table (around 8:00 PM in summer) ensures the moment isn't rushed and provides beautiful lingering twilight.

Anniversaries

Anniversaries call for a blend of romance and exceptional cuisine. Le Languedoc's French elegance sets a classically romantic tone. Straight Wharf's harbor setting and impeccable seafood create timeless memories. For milestone anniversaries, consider Topper's complimentary jitney service from town - the scenic drive through conservation land adds to the sense of escape and occasion. Request a quiet corner table when booking.

Celebrations

Birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations are well-suited to Boarding House's lively yet sophisticated atmosphere or CRU's convivial waterfront deck. These restaurants excel with groups and create a festive energy while maintaining high culinary standards. For larger parties, call ahead to discuss menu options and seating arrangements - private dining spaces may be available at some establishments.

Wine Programs and Cocktails

The beverage programs at Nantucket's fine dining restaurants are as carefully curated as their food menus.

Notable Wine Programs

• Topper's: The island's most celebrated wine cellar with over 1,500 selections, deep verticals of top Burgundies and Bordeaux, and knowledgeable sommelier service. Wine Spectator Grand Award winner.
• Straight Wharf: Thoughtfully curated list emphasizing wines that complement seafood, with excellent by-the-glass selections and fair markups.
• Le Languedoc: Strong French selections befitting the cuisine, with hidden gems from lesser-known regions alongside prestigious labels.
• CRU: Focused on crisp whites, roses, and champagnes that pair perfectly with raw bar offerings and grilled seafood.

Cocktail Culture

Nantucket's fine dining bars craft exceptional cocktails using premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and creative techniques. Boarding House's bar is a destination in its own right, with inventive cocktails that draw influence from global flavors. CRU's waterfront bar serves refreshing summer cocktails perfect for harbor watching. Many restaurants offer pre-dinner drinks in beautiful lounges or outdoor spaces - arriving 30 minutes before your reservation allows time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere before dining.

By-the-Glass Selections

For those not committing to a full bottle, most restaurants offer robust by-the-glass programs. Look for Coravin-preserved premium wines that allow access to top bottles by the glass. Don't hesitate to ask for sommelier recommendations based on your courses - pairing guidance is part of the fine dining experience.

Insider Tips for Fine Dining

• Book early for sunset seating: Prime tables with water views at sunset are in extremely high demand. Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for summer weekends.
• Consider the bar: Even fully booked restaurants often have bar seating available for walk-ins. You'll receive the same menu and quality - sometimes with better people-watching.
• Mention dietary restrictions when booking: Fine dining kitchens are highly accommodating but appreciate advance notice to prepare special dishes.
• Embrace the prix fixe: Where offered, tasting menus and prix fixe options showcase the kitchen's best work and often represent good value.
• Arrive early for cocktails: Many restaurants have beautiful bars or lounges. Arriving 20-30 minutes early extends the experience.
• Ask about specials: Beyond menu items, chefs often prepare special dishes featuring that day's best ingredients.
• Transportation planning: Book a taxi or car service in advance for restaurants outside downtown, especially Topper's at The Wauwinet.