Lunch Spots

Top Lunch Spots

These are Nantucket's most popular midday destinations, from quick-service favorites to restaurants worth a longer stop. Each offers something unique, whether you're grabbing food for the beach or settling in for a proper meal.

1. 1

   Provisions

   3 Harbor Square, Straight Wharf

   The island's go-to gourmet market and deli for exceptional sandwiches, fresh salads, and prepared foods. Their sandwiches are made to order with quality ingredients - try the turkey avocado or the classic Italian. Perfect for beach picnics or a quick lunch on the wharf. Also stocks gourmet groceries, cheeses, and specialty items if you want to build your own spread. Can get busy at peak lunch hours, but the line moves fast.

2. 2

   Something Natural

   50 Cliff Road

   Legendary Nantucket institution serving oversized sandwiches on their famous homemade bread since 1970. The Portuguese bread and herb bread are island icons. Sandwiches are massive - most people can share - and made with quality meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. The outdoor garden seating is quintessential Nantucket. Cash only, a bit outside downtown but worth the bike ride. Order at the counter, find a garden table, and settle in. Chocolate chip cookies are a must.

3. 3

   Lola 41

   15 South Beach Street, Downtown

   A stylish spot serving globally-inspired lunch fare with an emphasis on fresh, healthy options. Known for their tacos, poke bowls, and creative salads. The fish tacos are a standout, and the acai bowls make for a lighter lunch option. Indoor and outdoor seating with a buzzy, social atmosphere. Great for when you want something more interesting than a standard sandwich. Reservations helpful but not always necessary for lunch.

4. 4

   Dune

   20 Broad Street, Downtown

   Upscale lunch in a sophisticated setting. This is where you go when you want more than a quick bite - think business lunch, special occasion, or simply treating yourself. The menu features refined takes on classics: elevated salads, perfectly executed fish dishes, and creative seasonal plates. Prices reflect the quality, but the experience is worth it. Reservations recommended, especially for patio seating in summer.

5. 5

   The Handlebar

   15 Washington Street, Downtown

   A cyclist-friendly cafe serving excellent sandwiches, salads, and coffee. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with outdoor seating that's perfect for people-watching. Sandwiches are creative and satisfying - try the Cuban or the veggie options. Great smoothies and fresh-pressed juices for a healthier refuel. Popular with the local bike crowd and those who appreciate quality without pretense. Fast service makes it ideal for a quick lunch break.

6. 6

   Millie's

   326 Madaket Road, Madaket

   The ultimate casual, beachy lunch spot. Located out in Madaket near the beach, Millie's serves Tex-Mex inspired fare in a relaxed, colorful setting. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and frozen drinks are the main attractions. It's the kind of place where flip-flops and sandy feet are welcome. A bit of a trek from downtown but pairs perfectly with a Madaket Beach day. Outdoor picnic tables, live music some nights, and a quintessentially island vibe.

7. 7

   Sayle's Seafood

   99 Washington Street Extension

   A local favorite for fresh, no-frills seafood at fair prices. Their fish sandwiches are some of the best on the island - fried or grilled, served simply and letting the fresh catch shine. Also excellent lobster rolls, fish and chips, and clam chowder. This is a working fish market, so what's available depends on the day's catch. Counter service, picnic table seating. Not fancy, just really good seafood. Cash preferred.

Quick Lunch vs. Sit-Down Options

Your lunch choice depends on your day's plans. Here's how to pick the right spot for your schedule.

Quick Lunch (Under 30 Minutes)

When time is tight or you're heading to the beach, these spots have you in and out quickly. Most offer counter service and takeout-friendly packaging.

• Provisions: Order at counter, ready in 10-15 minutes. Perfect for grabbing lunch before the ferry or beach.
• The Handlebar: Fast, friendly service. Great for a quick sandwich between activities.
• Sayle's Seafood: Counter service - order, grab a picnic table, eat, and go.
• Something Natural: Despite crowds, the line moves. Aim for off-peak hours for fastest service.

Leisurely Sit-Down (45+ Minutes)

When you have time to relax and enjoy, these spots offer full service and a more complete dining experience.

• Dune: Full restaurant service in an elegant setting. Plan for an hour or more.
• Lola 41: Table service, cocktails available. Great for a social lunch with friends.
• Millie's: While casual, the location encourages lingering. Grab a drink and stay awhile.
• Brant Point Grill: Hotel restaurant with harbor views - perfect for a leisurely waterfront lunch.

Beach-Friendly Takeout

Planning a beach day? These spots pack lunch that travels well and tastes great on the sand.

• Something Natural: The ultimate beach sandwich. Sturdy bread holds up, portions are generous, and they wrap everything for easy transport.
• Provisions: Sandwiches, salads, cheese plates, and snacks. They'll pack it all up picnic-ready.
• Sayle's Seafood: Get a lobster roll to-go. Best eaten within an hour for peak freshness.
• The Handlebar: Sandwiches pack well, and they have great grab-and-go snacks.
• Bartlett's Farm: More of a market, but excellent prepared foods, sandwiches, and salads. Stock up for a full beach picnic.

Beach Lunch Tips

• Pack a cooler with ice packs - sandwiches with mayo or seafood need to stay cold
• Bring extra napkins and wet wipes - eating on the beach is messier than you'd think
• Pick up lunch before 11:30am to beat the noon rush at popular spots
• Something Natural's cookies are the perfect beach dessert

Best Value Lunches

Nantucket isn't cheap, but these spots deliver quality without breaking the bank.

• Something Natural: Sandwiches are big enough to split - two people can eat well for under $20
• Sayle's Seafood: Fresh fish at fish-market prices. Their basic fish sandwich is a steal.
• The Handlebar: Reasonable prices for downtown, with genuinely satisfying portions
• Millie's: Tacos are filling and fairly priced - three tacos and a drink is a proper meal
• Provisions: Not the cheapest, but excellent quality for the price. Their smaller sandwiches are budget-friendly.

Money-Saving Tips

• Split large sandwiches at Something Natural - they're truly huge
• Water is free; skip the $4 bottled drinks
• Counter-service spots save you tipping 20%
• Grocery stores have decent prepared foods at lower prices