5 Best Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Basically a retail fish store, Larsen's has a raw take-out counter and will also boil lobsters for you. Dig into a plate of fresh littlenecks or cherrystones; oysters are not a bad alternative. There's also seafood chowder and a variety of smoked fish and dips. Bring your own bottle of wine or beer, buy your dinner here, and then set up on the rocks, the docks, or the beach: there's no finer alfresco rustic dining on the island. Sunset-watching is wildly popular here; call ahead or expect to wait a bit.

Who needs saltwater taffy when you can have a freshly-baked apple fritter or gooey, buttermilk glazed donut? This is a donut shop with a secret: By day, it's a tucked-away bakery; at 7 pm, they open the back door and sell warm treats to in-the-know fans who line up for the privilege.

There will be a line, but this hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint is a great spot for grabbing a hand-held breakfast sandwich—say, a honey-chicken biscuit—en route to the ferry. If you're not in a rush, nab a table, and peruse the extensive menu featuring Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles along with stuffed French toast and linguica hash.

When you need a pick-me-up, pop into Espresso Love for a cappuccino and a homemade raspberry scone or blueberry muffin. If you prefer something cold, the staff also makes fruit smoothies. Light lunch fare is served: bagel sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and delicious pastries and cookies—all homemade, of course.