Best Lobster Rolls in Nantucket

Understanding Lobster Roll Styles

Before we dive into the rankings, you need to understand the great lobster roll divide. This isn't just preference - it's a fundamentally different eating experience.

Connecticut Style (Warm with Butter)

The Connecticut-style lobster roll serves warm lobster meat, lightly dressed in melted butter, tucked into a toasted split-top bun. The warmth of the lobster releases its natural sweetness, and the butter amplifies every briny, oceanic note. The texture is tender, almost silky. This is the style that showcases the lobster itself - there's nowhere for inferior meat to hide. When done right, it's transcendent. The butter should glisten, not pool. The bun should have golden, crispy edges from the griddle. What sets Nantucket apart is that the warm Connecticut style dominates here, and the lobster quality is exceptional enough to carry it.

Maine Style (Cold with Mayo)

Maine-style serves chilled lobster meat bound with mayonnaise, often with a touch of celery for crunch and lemon for brightness. It's refreshing, substantial, and perfect on a hot summer day. The mayo adds richness without overwhelming, and the cold temperature makes it ideal beach food. Some purists dismiss it, but a well-made Maine-style roll has its own kind of perfection - especially when the mayo is homemade and applied with restraint.

My take: I lean Connecticut, but I respect both traditions. What matters most is execution - and on Nantucket, you'll find excellence in both camps.

The Definitive Ranking: Nantucket's Best Lobster Rolls

I've evaluated these on lobster quality, portion size, bun execution, overall flavor, and value. Here's where to eat.

1. 1

   Cru

   Straight Wharf | Connecticut Style | $38-42

   The lobster roll at Cru divides loyalties on this island, and I understand why - it's expensive, and the portions don't look enormous. But here's what sets it apart: the lobster quality is impeccable, sourced from local waters and prepared with the precision of a kitchen that knows exactly what it's doing. The meat arrives warm, glistening with clarified butter that's been seasoned just enough to enhance without overpowering. The split-top bun is griddled to golden perfection, with a slight crunch that gives way to pillowy softness. Every bite is balanced. Add the harbor view, a glass of crisp Sancerre, and that first moment when sweet lobster meets warm butter... this is the lobster roll experience at its most refined.

   Best for: Special occasions, lobster purists, anyone who prioritizes quality over quantity

2. 2

   Sayle's Seafood

   Washington Street Extension | Both Styles | $28-32

   If Cru is the tuxedo, Sayle's is your favorite broken-in jeans - and sometimes that's exactly what you want. This fish market and takeout counter supplies half the restaurants on island, which means their lobster couldn't be fresher. The roll itself is generous, piled high with sweet knuckle and claw meat, served on a buttered and griddled bun. You can get it Connecticut or Maine style - I've had both, and both are excellent. There's no pretense here, just pure lobster satisfaction. Grab your order, drive to a beach, and eat it with sand between your toes. This is what a lobster roll should be.

   Best for: Locals, value seekers, beach picnics, anyone who wants the real Nantucket experience

3. 3

   Straight Wharf Restaurant

   Straight Wharf | Connecticut Style | $40-45

   This Nantucket institution has been serving lobster rolls since 1976, and they've had decades to perfect their technique. The warm buttered lobster is beautifully prepared - chunks of sweet meat that practically melt on your tongue. What elevates this roll is the setting: the outdoor deck overlooks the harbor, boats bob gently at their moorings, and the late afternoon light turns everything golden. The kitchen sources impeccably, and the butter-to-lobster ratio is pitch-perfect. It's expensive, yes, but you're paying for a complete experience. Pair it with their excellent chowder for the full Nantucket seafood immersion.

   Best for: Sunset dinners, romantic occasions, visitors seeking a quintessential Nantucket moment

4. 4

   B-ACK Yard BBQ

   Cisco Brewers Complex | Connecticut Style | $32-36

   Here's a secret the beer-focused crowds at Cisco sometimes miss: B-ACK Yard makes one of the island's best lobster rolls. Tucked into the brewery complex, this BBQ spot might seem an unlikely lobster destination, but they nail it. The roll is generously stuffed with warm, butter-kissed lobster meat, and the split-top bun has the perfect amount of griddle char. The casual vibe - picnic tables, craft beer, live music floating from the brewery - makes this feel like a celebration. Don't skip the coleslaw on the side; it's vinegar-based and cuts through the richness beautifully. Order a Whale's Tale Pale Ale, find a sunny spot, and understand why people keep coming back to Cisco.

   Best for: Craft beer lovers, casual groups, afternoon hangs, anyone who wants great lobster without fine-dining formality

5. 5

   Millie's

   Madaket | Connecticut Style with a Twist | $34-38

   Millie's does everything a little differently, and their lobster roll is no exception. The California-Mex influence shows up in subtle ways - a whisper of lime, fresh herbs, a brightness that traditional rolls lack. The lobster is warm and buttery, but there's a lightness here that makes it feel less heavy than some competitors. The real draw, though, is the setting: Madaket at sunset is magic, and eating a lobster roll while watching the sky turn pink over the harbor is an experience that transcends the food itself. Make the trip out here for an early dinner and stay for the show.

   Best for: Sunset chasers, those who appreciate creative twists, anyone exploring the west end of the island

6. 6

   The Chanticleer

   Siasconset | Connecticut Style | $45-50

   The Chanticleer isn't where you go for a casual lobster roll - this is a destination. The rose-covered cottage in 'Sconset is one of Nantucket's most romantic settings, and their lobster roll matches the ambiance: elegant, refined, and unapologetically luxurious. The lobster is pristine, the butter is exceptional (I suspect there's a hint of tarragon), and the bun is a brioche that's almost too beautiful to eat. It's the most expensive roll on this list, but if you're celebrating something special, The Chanticleer delivers an experience you won't forget. Dress up a little - this isn't a shorts-and-flip-flops kind of place.

   Best for: Special celebrations, fine dining enthusiasts, anyone willing to splurge for perfection

7. 7

   Slip 14

   Old South Wharf | Maine Style | $30-34

   For a proper Maine-style lobster roll on Nantucket, Slip 14 is my go-to. The chilled lobster meat is bound with just enough mayo to add creaminess without drowning the seafood, and there's a subtle crunch from finely diced celery. It's refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for a hot summer lunch. The waterfront location means you're eating with your feet practically in the harbor, watching the boats come and go. This is casual Nantucket at its best - no reservations needed, no dress code, just good food and salt air. The lobster roll comes with excellent fries, which somehow taste better when you're eating them outside.

   Best for: Mayo-style devotees, casual lunch, families, boat-watching

8. 8

   Something Natural

   Cliff Road | Maine Style | $28-32

   Something Natural is famous for their homemade bread, and their lobster roll benefits enormously from that expertise. Instead of the traditional split-top bun, they serve their chilled lobster salad on thick-cut slices of their signature Portuguese bread - crusty outside, soft and slightly sweet inside. It's substantial, different, and absolutely delicious. The lobster salad itself is well-made, with the mayo taking a backseat to the fresh meat. This is ideal beach picnic food: grab a lobster sandwich, some chocolate chip cookies (another specialty), and head to Steps Beach nearby. The combination of their bread and fresh lobster is surprisingly addictive.

   Best for: Beach picnics, bread lovers, those who want something different from the traditional roll

9. 9

   Cisco Brewers Food Trucks

   Cisco Brewers Complex | Varies by Truck | $26-34

   The rotating food trucks at Cisco offer some of the best casual lobster roll options on island, and the prices tend to be more reasonable than sit-down restaurants. Quality varies depending on which truck is operating, but I've had consistently good experiences. The atmosphere is unbeatable - you're surrounded by the Cisco Brewers scene, with live music, happy crowds, and that golden afternoon Nantucket light. Check what's available when you visit; some trucks specialize in traditional preparations, while others get creative. Even the "just okay" lobster rolls here are pretty good, and you can't beat the vibe.

   Best for: Budget-conscious visitors, casual hangs, those who want lobster with their craft beer

10. 10

    The Juice Bar

    Broad Street, Downtown | Maine Style | $26-30

    Yes, The Juice Bar - the place with the legendary ice cream lines - serves a surprisingly solid lobster roll. It flies under the radar because everyone's focused on the homemade ice cream (which you should absolutely get afterward), but their Maine-style roll is fresh, well-proportioned, and reasonably priced by Nantucket standards. The lobster salad is chilled, creamy, and served on a properly toasted bun. It's not going to change your life, but it's an honest, good lobster roll at a fair price, and the downtown location is convenient. Order the roll, then join the ice cream line - that's the move.

    Best for: Families, downtown convenience, pairing with legendary ice cream

Best Value Picks

Lobster rolls on Nantucket aren't cheap anywhere, but some spots deliver more for your money:

• Sayle's Seafood ($28-32) - Best overall value. Generous portions, impeccable freshness, no-frills pricing.
• The Juice Bar ($26-30) - Solid roll at the lower end of the price spectrum, plus you're already there for ice cream.
• Cisco Food Trucks ($26-34) - Variable quality, but often excellent, and the casual atmosphere keeps prices somewhat reasonable.
• Something Natural ($28-32) - The homemade bread stretches the experience, and you can make it a picnic lunch.

Ordering Tips from a Lobster Roll Expert

After eating more lobster rolls than I care to admit, here's what I've learned:

• Ask about the style: Don't assume - ask if they serve Connecticut (warm/butter) or Maine (cold/mayo) style. Some places offer both.
• Lunch is often smarter than dinner: Many restaurants serve the same lobster roll at lunch for $5-10 less than dinner prices. Same kitchen, same quality, smaller check.
• Check if it's market price: Some restaurants list lobster rolls at "market price." Ask before ordering so you're not surprised by a $50+ bill.
• Skip the sides at expensive spots: A $42 lobster roll doesn't need $8 fries. Put that money toward a better roll or save it for ice cream.
• Timing matters: Waterfront spots like Cru and Straight Wharf are magical at sunset but packed. Go at lunch for lower prices and no wait, or make dinner reservations well ahead.
• The bun matters more than you think: A great lobster roll needs a properly griddled split-top bun. If the bun is soggy or untoasted, the whole experience suffers.
• Don't dismiss takeout: Some of the best rolls come from fish markets and takeout windows. Eating on a beach beats eating in a crowded restaurant anyway.