Hyper-Local Dining On The Island Of Nantucket

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A locally sourced seafood tower served at Cru.

Cru

Nantucket, an island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is filled with nautical charm, whaling history and natural beauty—approximately half of the island’s 30,000 acres is preserved land. Just 14 miles long and three and a half miles wide, this small island distinguishes itself with a bold, hyper-local culinary scene that rivals much larger destinations.

Due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean, diners on Nantucket can expect to find an abundance of locally sourced seafood on menus. From oysters, to lobster, to the wild Nantucket Bay Scallops—fresh catch is a cornerstone of Nantucket’s culinary appeal.

According to Tastewise, a food and beverage consumer insights platform, interest in hyperlocal cuisine, especially seafood, is on the rise. There is a 43% lift in seafood interest during the summer months (Nantucket’s most visited season) and hyperlocal menus can capitalize on short-term demand. Tastewise data also shows that Nantucket has the highest concentration of local sourcing as a consumer driver out of other cities and destinations in the New England region. “Nantucket” as an ingredient or geographic label appears in 17.6% of all dishes across island menus, up from 12.3% in 2024. The most used pairings include Nantucket Bay Scallops and Nantucket Oysters.

Restaurants and hotels on Nantucket have a strong focus on prioritizing these local ingredients in dishes and sharing the authentic flavors of the region.

“We use a lot of seafood from here or within 100 miles of the island,” David Silva, the owner of Nantucket restaurant hot spot Galley Beach, said in an email. “In May, during The Nantucket Wine Festival, we almost always feature Nantucket Bay Scallops. The season ends in March but we have close relationships with local fishermen who will flash freeze them for us in a particular way that makes them indistinguishable from fresh. So much so that you can serve them raw.” Silva notes his chef will also forage for seaweeds, like sea beans, to use in dishes.

Raw bar selections, towering seafood platters and classic lobster rolls are staple items on menus throughout Nantucket. But when it comes to the island’s best lobster roll, opinions are as abundant as the catch itself. Frequently cited among the top contenders is Cru, a chic waterfront restaurant located in the Nantucket marina. At Cru, guests can choose to have their lobster roll served warm with lemon butter or served cold with lemon mayonnaise.

Jane Stoddard, managing partner at Cru, says the popular restaurant prioritizes sourcing locally whenever possible—with seafood like oysters, clams, lobster, and tuna—at the heart of its menu.

“When we can’t get the quantities we need, we stay regional with products from Chatham, Gloucester and Bangs Island,” Stoddard said in an email. She notes that her team also goes beyond seafood to seek out locally grown ingredients, such as corn, strawberries, tomatoes and salad greens.

Nantucket is not only known for its hyper-local cuisine, but also for a restaurant and hospitality industry that’s defined by collaboration and a strong sense of community.

“The nature of being on an island 30 miles out to sea tends to create a tight community,” Silva said in an email. “If you have a delivery not come through you can always find someone to help. We work together on so many issues that are particular to doing business on an island, like housing.”

Nantucket Resort Collection is a group of four luxury boutique inns scattered throughout the island’s downtown. The properties are located within walking distance to many of the most popular restaurants and shops. Alicia Hehir, general manager of the Nantucket Resort Collection, says the collection’s mission is to help guests feel truly connected to the local community, and that includes sharing curated recommendations for authentic experiences.

“We love pointing guests toward the island’s many incredible food and drink spots,” Hehir said in an email. “We’re always partnering with local businesses in small, ever-changing ways, and we see ourselves as a connector of sorts: a home base for discovering all the flavor Nantucket has to offer…whether it’s where to pick up a great bottle of wine, what to throw in their beach cooler, or the best spot for a nature walk.”

Some of the local restaurants Hehir likes to suggest to clients include American Seasons, a cozy spot around the corner from the inns. The menu features a locally caught fluke dish. Hehir tells guests to save room for dessert, noting that “their sticky toffee pudding is unforgettable.”

Straight Warf Fish is another of her favorite recommendations. It is a fish market with a “modern clam shack” in the back that serves fresh, seasonal seafood right on the Nantucket harbor. “They even offer gluten-free fried clam, oyster, and shrimp baskets, a rare and delicious find,” Hehir notes.

In addition to offering local recommendations and helping visitors to feel part of the island, Nantucket Resort Collection includes a daily breakfast with every stay.

“Breakfast at the inn is always a guest favorite, it’s thoughtful, seasonal, and we try to source as much as we can from the island,” Hehir said.