FOUR RESTAURANTS WE TRIED ON NANTUCKET THIS SUMMER

I can’t believe the next time we’ll be on Nantucket we’ll be bringing our BABY! This past weekend was our final trip to the island before my due date at the end of September and while saying good-bye to Nantucket always feels like saying good-bye to another summer, I of course couldn’t be more excited about what the next few months have in store!

I keep my Nantucket guide updated with all my favorite spots on the island, but I wanted to highlight a few of the places we tried for the first time this summer. Some of these are new to the island and others just new to us — it’s hard to stray from our tried-and-true favorites when we dream about them all winter long! 

design darling wauwinet

First we tried The Green, a breakfast and lunch spot where you order at the counter and can eat on one of their benches outside. My dad has been on a major smoothie kick so he was a big fan of their juice menu, but it’s also a great spot to grab a breakfast sandwich or wrap en route to the beach. I probably still prefer Lemon Press in town, but if you find yourself near the rotary and want something healthy and convenient, I’d keep The Green in mind.

design darling the wauwinet lady boat service

Will and I grabbed a quick lunch at Pizzeria Gemelle, which I was excited to try as it’s by the same owner as Ventuno, our favorite Italian restaurant on the island. Maybe my expectations were too high or maybe they just need more time to work out some kinks, but I was pretty underwhelmed. The pizza was good but not incredible, and the kale salad we ordered seemed like it had been prepared days before. Maybe still worth a shot if you’re looking for a late night slice (they’re open until 1 a.m. on weekends) but I honestly prefer the create-your-own pizzas at Oath. ?

design darling topper's at the wauwinet

dress  //  sweater  //  sunnies  //  sandals

I was so bummed when I read over the winter that Met on Main had closed — their biscuits had been one of my favorite foods on the island for the past several years. I’d heard mixed reviews of Or The Whale, the concept that took over the prime location on Main Street, before we gave it a shot and while it was busier than I ever remember Met on Main, we didn’t order anything that would have me racing back for seconds. Perhaps it’d be worth going back for dinner or drinks once I’m no longer pregnant, but for brunch we’ll be sticking to Black-Eyed Susan’s and Island Kitchen.

design darling topper's

To end on a more positive note, Will and I made reservations at Topper’s for my 30th birthday on Friday (when all these photos were taken) and I don’t know why it took me so long to get out there! We took the Wauwinet’s boat service from the White Elephant in town and enjoyed every second of it. Meeting the other couples on board kind of reminded me of getting to know other couples on our honeymoon — we don’t usually chat with other diners when we’re out to eat so it was fun to socialize for the 45 minutes out and again on the ride back to town. We did the prix fixe menu in the main dining room which was over-the-top delicious and perfect for a special occasion, but next time I want to come back for brunch on their outdoor patio for a more casual experience with the same killer views. If you’re looking for a dining experience worthy of a honeymoon or big anniversary, Topper’s 100% gets my vote. And be sure to book ahead so you can score seats on the boat!

design darling sunset at topper's

Be sure to check out my Nantucket guide for all my tried-and-true island favorites. And do tell if you think there’s anything I’m missing— I’ll keep a running list of places to try for next summer!

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P.S. What Nantucket means to me and our Nantucket wedding.