Harvest Time: 6 Top Farm-to-Table Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard
When most people think Martha’s Vineyard restaurants, they think fresh seafood. But did you know that our 90-square-mile island is also home to some 40 working farms? Many of the best local chefs prefer to get as much of their meat and produce as possible on-island—after all, nothing shipped from far away on a boat or plane could be as fresh. These six farm-to-table restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard make “eat local” their mantra, and the results are absolutely delicious.
State Road
State Road just might be the best dedicated farm-to-table restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard. As far as we can remember, when it opened in 2009, it was the first island fine-dining establishment to make local sourcing a core part of its mission and appeal. In season, they pick vegetables and herbs daily from their on-site garden. Additional produce comes from island favorites like Morning Glory Farm—a great place to stop in the morning for fresh baked goods, by the way. The restaurant’s meat and poultry are supplied by The Good Farm, located right on State Road as well.
The Best Farm-to-Table Burger on Martha’s Vineyard
Like State Road, The Scottish Bakehouse harvests greens from an on-site farm and sources almost all of its other ingredients from island producers. The atmosphere is a bit more casual—we especially love eating at the picnic tables around back, with a view of the garden. They work with an impressive number of fellow island farmers with an emphasis on community rather than competition. Those partnerships yield what we think might be the freshest, juiciest, and most flavorful burger on Martha’s Vineyard.
Farm.Field.Sea.
More than simply a farm-to-table restaurant, Farm.Field.Sea. offers a variety of hands-on experiences, from cooking classes to foraging excursions. Our favorite is Farmer & Chef for a Day. You’ll visit a farm and harvest fresh ingredients, then watch as a local chef uses them to prepare your meal. Outdoor dining settings for this experience range from gardens to private beaches. The best part? You go home with all of the recipes used that day.
The Net Result Fish Market
The Net Result in Vineyard Haven is one of the island’s premiere fish markets if you’re looking for a fresh catch to take home and cook. What you might miss, though, is the extensive takeout menu of hot local seafood. The lobster roll is to die for, and this local eatery’s location near Vineyard Haven Harbor makes it a great stop on the way to or from your ferry.
7a Foods
If you plan on venturing up-island, be sure to stop at 7a Foods in West Tisbury for breakfast or lunch. Culinary Institute of America grad Daniel Sauer started this “farm-to-takeout” outfit in 1999, and it’s been stockpiling awards and winning over new visitors ever since. Get your egg sandwich on a housemade biscuit and thank us later.
Farm-to-Table Dining in Edgartown
Our North Water Street neighbor, l’étoile, is one of our favorite Edgartown restaurants for date night. For seating, take your pick between their elegant-yet-modern dining room, warm and cozy bar room, or covered patio. l’étoile’s seasonally inspired menu emphasizes creativity and top quality—a commitment that calls for the freshest produce available. Herbs, berries, and other ingredients come from island growers whenever possible and are accompanied by local seafood and the finest meat and poultry on the market.
Needs some more tips for your island vacation? Explore Martha’s Vineyard activities with us.
