Takeout & Delivery

Top Takeout Spots

These are Nantucket's go-to destinations for exceptional grab-and-go food. Each offers something special for beach picnics, rental house meals, or easy eating on the run.

1. 1

   Provisions

   Straight Wharf, Downtown

   Nantucket's premier gourmet takeout destination. Their sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients. The lobster roll is legendary, and their rotating selection of salads is perfect for a healthy beach lunch. Don't miss the homemade cookies and desserts. Located right on the harbor, it's perfectly positioned for picking up provisions before heading to the beach.

2. 2

   Something Natural

   Cliff Road

   An absolute Nantucket institution since 1970. Famous for oversized sandwiches on homemade Portuguese bread that practically require two hands to eat. The outdoor picnic tables under the trees are charming, but most visitors grab sandwiches to go for beach adventures. Try the turkey with cranberry or the classic BLT. Expect lines in summer - they're worth the wait. Also offers fresh-baked cookies and brownies.

3. 3

   Sayle's Seafood

   Washington Street Extension

   The place for prepared seafood on Nantucket. This local institution sells fresh fish, live lobsters, and an impressive selection of prepared seafood dishes ready to take home. Their lobster salad and seafood chowder are standouts. Perfect for stocking a rental kitchen with the freshest catch or grabbing a clam boil for a memorable beach feast. They'll steam lobsters for you while you wait.

4. 4

   Bartlett's Farm

   Bartlett Farm Road

   Much more than a farm stand, Bartlett's is a full-service destination for prepared foods and groceries. Their kitchen produces an incredible array of ready-to-eat dishes, from rotisserie chickens to elaborate salads to complete dinner entrees. The prepared foods section is extensive and changes daily. Also offers fresh produce (much of it grown right on the farm), baked goods, and specialty groceries. A must-visit for vacation rental cooking.

5. 5

   Born & Bread

   Broad Street, Downtown

   Artisan bakery and sandwich shop serving creative sandwiches on house-made breads. Everything is baked fresh daily, from the bread to the pastries. Their breakfast sandwiches are popular with early-risers heading to the beach, while the lunch menu features elevated takes on classic sandwiches. Don't leave without trying a pastry - the morning buns and croissants are exceptional.

6. 6

   Met on Main

   Main Street, Downtown

   Upscale prepared foods and gourmet grocery items perfect for effortless vacation dining. Their rotating menu of ready-to-heat entrees includes everything from braised short ribs to herb-crusted salmon. The cheese selection is impressive, and they offer curated picnic baskets for special occasions. Ideal for a fancy dinner at your rental without the restaurant hassle or for picking up quality appetizers for cocktail hour.

7. 7

   Pi Pizzeria

   Federal Street, Downtown

   Nantucket's favorite pizza for takeout and delivery. Hand-tossed pies with creative topping combinations and quality ingredients. Perfect for low-key rental house dinners or when the kids demand pizza (again). Also serves salads and Italian entrees. They offer one of the few reliable delivery options on the island. Call ahead during busy times - pizzas can take a while when they're slammed.

Delivery Options on Nantucket

Unlike the mainland, Nantucket doesn't have DoorDash, Uber Eats, or other major delivery apps. The island operates differently, with limited but reliable delivery options available.

Hotel Concierge Services

If you're staying at a full-service hotel or inn, the concierge can often arrange food delivery or pickup from local restaurants. The White Elephant, Wauwinet, and other luxury properties offer this service to guests. It's worth asking when you check in - many properties have established relationships with restaurants for exactly this purpose.

Restaurant Delivery

Some Nantucket restaurants offer their own delivery service, though it's limited:

• Pi Pizzeria delivers pizza within a reasonable radius of downtown
• Some Chinese restaurants offer delivery, especially during off-peak hours
• Call ahead to ask - policies vary by restaurant and season
• Delivery areas are typically limited to downtown and nearby neighborhoods

No Major Delivery Apps

An important note for visitors: Nantucket does not have DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, or other app-based delivery services. The island's size, seasonal nature, and limited driver pool make these services impractical. Plan to pick up your takeout or use the restaurant's own delivery when available.

Beach Picnic Planning

A beach picnic on Nantucket is one of the island's great pleasures. Here's how to plan the perfect one.

What to Pack

• A quality cooler - Essential for keeping food safe in the sun. Soft-sided coolers are easier to carry to the beach
• Ice packs or bagged ice - Available at grocery stores and gas stations
• Beverages - Water is essential; wine or beer if you prefer (beaches allow alcohol)
• Napkins and wet wipes - Sand gets everywhere; wet wipes are lifesavers
• Trash bag - Leave no trace; pack out what you pack in
• Blanket or chairs - For comfortable dining on the sand

Best Beach Picnic Foods

• Sandwiches - The beach food classic; Something Natural and Provisions do them best
• Salads - Grain-based salads travel better than leafy greens
• Cheese and charcuterie - Met on Main has excellent selections
• Fresh fruit - Refreshing and doesn't need refrigeration for a few hours
• Chips and dips - Easy and satisfying
• Cookies and brownies - A sweet finish that travels well

Best Beaches for Picnics

• Jetties Beach - Easy access, calm water, close to town for last-minute supplies
• Children's Beach - Sheltered and perfect for families with little ones
• Madaket Beach - Worth the drive for spectacular sunset picnics
• Cisco Beach - Popular spot with food truck nearby if you need reinforcements
• Surfside Beach - Classic Nantucket beach experience with good facilities

Vacation Rental Meal Ideas

Cooking in your rental is a great way to save money and enjoy relaxed meals. Here's how to make it easy and delicious.

Low-Effort Dinners

• Bartlett's rotisserie chicken with prepared sides and a fresh salad
• Sayle's lobster dinner - They'll steam the lobsters; just add butter and corn
• Met on Main entrees - Heat-and-eat dinners that feel restaurant-quality
• Pizza night - Pi Pizzeria delivers; add a green salad
• Taco bar - Pick up prepared proteins from Bartlett's; add fresh toppings

Easy Lunch Options

• Sandwich spread - Grab an assortment from Something Natural for the whole group
• Provisions salads - Perfect for a light, healthy midday meal
• Cheese board - Met on Main cheeses with crackers, fruit, and wine
• Soup and bread - Sayle's chowder or Bartlett's daily soups

Breakfast Ideas

• Pastries from Born & Bread - Pick up the night before for easy morning
• Bagels from local shops - With cream cheese and smoked salmon
• Fresh fruit and yogurt - Healthy and requires zero cooking
• Bartlett's breakfast items - Egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, and more