Waterfront Dining

Top Waterfront Restaurants

These are Nantucket's best restaurants for dining with stunning water views, each offering a unique perspective on island life.

1. 1

   The Galley Beach

   Cliffside Beach

   Quite literally on the beach, The Galley Beach offers the most dramatic waterfront setting on the island. Tables are set directly on the sand with toes-in-the-beach dining, making sunset here an absolutely magical experience. The contemporary American menu features fresh seafood and the cocktails are crafted to match the laid-back yet refined atmosphere. This is the quintessential Nantucket sunset dinner spot - reserve well in advance.

2. 2

   Topper's at The Wauwinet

   The Wauwinet

   Located at the exclusive Wauwinet hotel on the island's eastern shore, Topper's offers refined New American cuisine with sweeping views of the harbor and bay. The elegant setting is perfect for special occasions, with impeccable service and a menu that showcases the best local ingredients. Many guests arrive by the hotel's complimentary launch from town, adding to the sense of occasion.

3. 3

   Straight Wharf Restaurant

   Straight Wharf, Harbor

   Perched right on the working harbor, Straight Wharf Restaurant offers front-row seats to Nantucket's maritime life. Watch fishing boats unload their catch while enjoying sophisticated seafood preparations. The deck seating puts you inches from the water, and the bustling harbor activity provides endless entertainment. A true Nantucket institution since 1976.

4. 4

   Cru

   Straight Wharf, Harbor

   Modern coastal cuisine meets stunning harbor views at Cru. The restaurant is particularly famous for its raw bar - the oysters and seafood towers are exceptional. The stylish outdoor patio offers prime people-watching along with yacht-watching, and the sophisticated cocktail program makes this a popular spot for sunset drinks before dinner.

5. 5

   Slip 14

   Old South Wharf, Harbor

   Casual and fun, Slip 14 delivers a relaxed harborside experience perfect for families and groups. The menu focuses on comfort food and seafood classics - think fish tacos, lobster rolls, and burgers. The spacious outdoor deck overlooks the boat slips and is ideal for a leisurely lunch or casual dinner with harbor views.

6. 6

   Brant Point Grill

   White Elephant Hotel

   The signature restaurant of the White Elephant hotel offers excellent harbor views in an upscale setting. Known for premium steaks and chops alongside fresh seafood, Brant Point Grill is a favorite for power dinners and special celebrations. The outdoor terrace looks directly across the harbor, with Brant Point Lighthouse visible in the distance.

7. 7

   Millie's

   Madaket

   Out in Madaket on the island's western shore, Millie's is the ultimate sunset destination. This colorful, casual spot serves Tex-Mex-inspired fare and creative cocktails on a deck overlooking the water. The legendary Madaket sunsets are the main attraction - arrive early to stake out a good spot and stay for the show. The laid-back vibe is pure Nantucket summer.

Best for Sunset

Sunset dining is practically a sport on Nantucket, and these restaurants deliver the best golden-hour experiences.

• The Galley Beach: The undisputed sunset champion. Tables on the sand face directly west for unobstructed sunset views. Book weeks in advance for prime sunset timing.
• Millie's (Madaket): Madaket is famous for having the best sunsets on the island, and Millie's puts you right in the middle of the action. More casual and easier to get into than The Galley.
• Topper's at The Wauwinet: While not a west-facing sunset spot, the evening light across the harbor creates beautiful ambiance and the sophisticated setting makes for a memorable evening.
• Cru: The harbor-facing deck catches beautiful evening light, and the oyster and cocktail scene makes for a perfect pre-sunset happy hour.

For the best sunset dining experience, check sunset times before booking and request a table 45 minutes to an hour before sunset to enjoy the full show.

Harbor vs Beach Locations

Nantucket's waterfront dining falls into two distinct categories, each offering a different experience.

Harbor Restaurants

Located along the downtown wharves, harbor restaurants offer:

• Convenient in-town location - walk to dinner from most accommodations
• Boat-watching and working waterfront atmosphere
• Multiple options within walking distance of each other
• Protected from wind and weather
• Best for: Casual dinners, people-watching, easy access

Top harbor picks: Straight Wharf Restaurant, Cru, Slip 14, Brant Point Grill

Beach Restaurants

Located on or near the beaches, these spots offer:

• Dramatic ocean views and sunset exposure
• More secluded, special-occasion atmosphere
• Toes-in-the-sand dining experiences
• Requires transportation (bike, taxi, or car) from town
• Best for: Romantic dinners, sunset celebrations, unique experiences

Top beach picks: The Galley Beach, Millie's, Topper's at The Wauwinet

Outdoor Seating Tips

Securing the best waterfront table requires some strategy. Here's how to maximize your chances.

Making Reservations

• Book early: Prime waterfront tables at popular spots can book up 2-4 weeks in advance during peak summer
• Specify your preference: When booking, clearly request outdoor/deck/waterfront seating
• Call the restaurant: For very special occasions, call directly rather than using apps - explain what you're celebrating
• Be flexible on time: Early (5-6pm) and late (8:30pm+) reservations are easier to secure

Day-Of Strategies

• Arrive early for walk-in bar seating: Many restaurants keep some outdoor bar seats for walk-ins
• Try lunch: Waterfront lunch reservations are much easier to get than dinner
• Check for cancellations: Call the restaurant on the day you want to dine - cancellations happen
• Have a backup plan: If your first choice is full, nearby options may have availability

What to Bring

• Light layer: Even on warm days, water breezes can be cool, especially after sunset
• Sunglasses: For afternoon and sunset dining, you'll want them
• Bug spray: Some waterfront spots can have mosquitoes at dusk