Restaurant Reservations

Reservation Platforms: Resy vs. OpenTable

Understanding which platform each restaurant uses is the first step to securing your table. Nantucket has increasingly moved toward Resy as the dominant reservation system, though some establishments still use OpenTable or phone-only booking.

Resy Restaurants

Resy has become the platform of choice for Nantucket's most acclaimed restaurants. The app allows you to set notifications when tables become available and often releases cancellations in real-time. Key Resy restaurants include:

• TOPPER'S at The Wauwinet - The island's premier fine dining destination
• CRU Oyster Bar - Waterfront seafood and raw bar excellence
• Straight Wharf Restaurant - Harbor-side institution since 1976
• Company of the Cauldron - Intimate prix fixe dining
• The Chanticleer - Garden dining in Sconset
• Ventuno - Italian elegance in historic setting
• Lola 41 - Global bistro and sushi bar
• Sister Ship - Seafood-focused waterfront dining
• Slip 14 - Casual waterfront fare

OpenTable Restaurants

While Resy dominates, several popular restaurants still use OpenTable for their reservation management:

• The Nautilus - Shared plates and craft cocktails (OpenTable only)
• The Proprietors - Global cuisine downtown
• Bar Yoshi - Japanese izakaya experience
• Oran Mor Bistro - French-American cuisine

Phone-Only Reservations

Some of Nantucket's most iconic restaurants maintain a more personal approach, taking reservations only by phone:

• The Galley Beach - Call 508-228-9641 (10am-5pm)
• Black Eyed Susan's - Call 508-325-0308 (dinner only)
• The Pearl - Call 508-228-9701
• or, The Whale - Call 508-825-5897

How Far in Advance to Book

Reservation windows vary significantly by restaurant, and knowing when tables become available gives you a crucial advantage. Here is a breakdown of booking windows for top restaurants:

30-60 Days in Advance

• Bar Yoshi: Up to 60 days in advance
• The Chanticleer: Up to 30 days in advance
• Ventuno: Up to 4 weeks in advance
• Sister Ship: Opens 30 days from current date
• Slip 14: Up to 30 days in advance
• Oran Mor Bistro: 30 days in advance
• The Proprietors: Up to 30 days in advance on OpenTable

14 Days in Advance

• The Galley Beach: Exactly 14 days out (call 10am-5pm)
• Straight Wharf Restaurant: Up to 2 weeks in advance
• The Nautilus: 7-14 days in advance (opens at midnight)

7 Days in Advance

• Lola 41: 7 days ahead at 10am (Resy only)
• Black Eyed Susan's: 7 days in advance by phone

Monthly Release

• CRU: On July 1st at 10am, all August reservations become available
• The Club Car: Reservations for the entire month open on the 1st

Restaurant-by-Restaurant Booking Guide

Here is detailed booking information for the island's most sought-after restaurants:

• 1

  TOPPER'S at The Wauwinet

  120 Wauwinet Road

  Platform: Resy
  Booking window: Varies; check Resy for availability
  Tips: Consider their complimentary jitney service from town. Wine Spectator Grand Award winner since 1996. Sunset tables overlooking the harbor are especially coveted - book as early as possible. Open mid-April through late October.

• 2

  The Galley Beach

  54 Jefferson Avenue, Cliffside Beach

  Platform: Phone only (508-228-9641)
  Booking window: 14 days in advance
  Tips: Call at exactly 10am, 14 days before your desired date. Be ready with backup dates. Sunset tables are the most requested on the island. This family-owned institution has served Nantucket since 1958.

• 3

  CRU Oyster Bar

  1 Straight Wharf

  Platform: Resy exclusively
  Booking window: Monthly release (e.g., August opens July 1st at 10am)
  Tips: Set a calendar reminder for the first of the month before your visit. The waterfront deck is prime real estate for people-watching. Their raw bar platters are meant for sharing. Open mid-May through mid-October.

• 4

  Company of the Cauldron

  5 India Street

  Platform: Resy or phone (508-228-4016)
  Booking window: Book as far ahead as possible
  Tips: Prix fixe only with a different menu nightly. The intimate 45-seat dining room fills quickly. Now celebrating their 50th year. Perfect for proposals and special occasions. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

• 5

  The Nautilus

  12 Cambridge Street

  Platform: OpenTable only
  Booking window: 7 days in advance, opens at midnight
  Tips: Set an alarm for 11:59pm, 7 days before your desired date. Shared plates concept - order several dishes for the table. The craft cocktails are exceptional. Look for the blue hanging sign. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

• 6

  Straight Wharf Restaurant

  6 Harbor Square

  Platform: Resy
  Booking window: 2 weeks in advance
  Tips: Nantucket's oldest harbor-side fine dining establishment (since 1976). The outdoor deck offers prime harbor views. Same ownership as Ventuno and Provisions. Open mid-May through mid-October.

• 7

  Lola 41

  15 South Beach Street

  Platform: Resy only (no email or voicemail reservations)
  Booking window: 7 days at 10am
  Tips: Phone reservations only accepted 3pm-6pm if calling. Part of the multi-location Lola Hospitality group. Sophisticated sushi and global bistro fare in a chic setting.

• 8

  The Chanticleer

  9 New Street, Siasconset

  Platform: Resy or phone (508-257-4499)
  Booking window: Up to 30 days in advance
  Tips: Worth the 8-mile drive to Sconset for the beautiful garden setting. Romantic and perfect for special occasions. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Closed Mondays.

• 9

  Ventuno

  21 Federal Street

  Platform: Resy or phone (508-228-4242)
  Booking window: Up to 4 weeks in advance
  Tips: "Nantucket through an Italian lens" in a historic building. Three bars and a beautiful bluestone patio. Outdoor reservations can sometimes be made day-of by phone. Homemade pasta is a must.

• 10

  The Pearl

  12 Federal Street

  Platform: Phone (508-228-9701) or website
  Booking window: Call directly
  Tips: Modern Japanese coastal cuisine with excellent sushi. Late-night hours (until 1am) make it perfect for post-dinner drinks or late dining. Same family as The Nautilus and Gaslight.

Walk-In Friendly Restaurants

Not every Nantucket restaurant requires advance planning. These popular spots welcome walk-ins and do not take reservations:

• Brotherhood of Thieves: This 50+ year institution on Broad Street seats first-come, first-served. Multiple dining areas mean shorter waits than you might expect. Live music nightly.
• The Downyflake: Classic breakfast and lunch spot. Arrive early to avoid the morning rush.
• Millie's: Beachfront dining at Madaket. Casual atmosphere with no reservations needed.
• Sandbar at Jetties Beach: Casual beach dining with ocean views. Walk-ins welcome.
• B-ACK Yard BBQ: Relaxed barbecue with outdoor seating.

Bar Seating Strategy

Even when a restaurant is fully booked, bar seating often remains available for walk-ins. Many of Nantucket's finest establishments serve their complete menu at the bar, making this an excellent backup plan. Restaurants with particularly welcoming bars include:

• CRU: The bar offers the full menu with harbor views
• Straight Wharf: Bar seating with same excellent food
• Ventuno: Three bars offer different atmospheres
• The Pearl: Vibrant bar scene with full sushi menu
• Slip 14: Walk-ins always welcome at the bar

Peak Times and Strategies

Understanding demand patterns helps you secure better reservations and avoid disappointment.

Hardest Times to Book

• Fourth of July week: The most competitive week of the year. Book maximum days in advance.
• Nantucket Wine & Food Festival: Usually mid-May. Celebrity chefs visit and restaurants fill quickly.
• August weekends: Peak family vacation season. Friday and Saturday nights are extremely competitive.
• Sunset seatings (6:30-7:30pm): The most requested time at waterfront restaurants.

Easier Times to Book

• Early seating (5:30-6:00pm): Less demand, same great food
• Late seating (8:30pm+): Tables often available same-day
• Sunday through Wednesday: Significantly easier than Thursday through Saturday
• Shoulder season (May, September, October): Same quality, far less competition
• Lunch service: Many fine dining spots serve lunch with easier reservations

Cancellation Policies

Most Nantucket fine dining restaurants require a credit card to hold your reservation and charge fees for no-shows or late cancellations. Typical policies include:

• 24-48 hour notice: Most restaurants require cancellation at least one day in advance
• Cancellation fees: Expect $25-50 per person for no-shows at upscale restaurants
• Group policies: Larger parties may face stricter cancellation terms

Monitoring for Cancellations

When you cannot find availability, cancellations create last-minute opportunities:

• Resy notifications: Enable alerts for specific restaurants and times
• Check day-of: Many cancellations happen the morning of, especially for dinner
• Call in the afternoon: Phone the restaurant around 3-4pm to ask about openings
• Use Resy's "Notify" feature: You will receive an alert if a table opens up

What to Do When You Cannot Get a Reservation

Even with planning, sometimes the table you want is not available. Here are proven alternatives:

Try the Bar

As mentioned above, bar seating at most restaurants serves the full menu without reservations. Arrive when the restaurant opens (typically 5:30pm) for the best chance at immediate seating.

Ask Your Hotel Concierge

Concierges at properties like The Wauwinet, White Elephant, and Nantucket Hotel often have relationships with restaurants and can secure tables that appear unavailable online. This is especially effective for same-day requests.

Try Sister Restaurants

Many Nantucket restaurants share ownership. If one is booked, try another in the same family:

• Straight Wharf, Ventuno, Provisions: Same ownership
• The Nautilus, The Pearl, Gaslight: Same family
• CRU founders: All Boarding House alumni

Embrace the Unexpected

Some of Nantucket's best meals happen at places you had not planned. Black Eyed Susan's tiny counter serves exceptional food. Brotherhood of Thieves has fed happy visitors for 50 years. The island rewards spontaneity.

Seasonal Considerations

Nantucket's restaurant scene operates on a distinctly seasonal rhythm that affects both availability and reservation ease.

Peak Season (June-August)

This is when reservations are most competitive. Many restaurants are open seven days a week with extended hours. Book as far ahead as each restaurant allows, especially for waterfront dining and Saturday nights.

Shoulder Season (May, September-October)

An ideal time to visit. Restaurants are open, weather is pleasant, and reservations are significantly easier to secure. You will often find availability just a few days out, even at popular spots. Many restaurants offer special menus during Nantucket Wine & Food Festival in May.

Off-Season (November-April)

Many restaurants close entirely or reduce to limited schedules. Year-round options include Brotherhood of Thieves, The Pearl, and a handful of casual spots. Those that remain open rarely require advance reservations. This can be a wonderful time to experience the island's quieter character.

Opening Season

Most seasonal restaurants reopen between mid-April and mid-May. TOPPER'S typically opens mid-April, while waterfront spots like CRU and Straight Wharf wait until mid-May. Check individual restaurant websites for exact 2026 opening dates.