First timer to Martha's Vineyard, looking for restaurant suggestions!

[JulesTei]

Hi all,

I'll be traveling to MV for the first time for a long weekend in late September and was looking for a nice dinner for our first night there. It sounds like Detente is the most foodie-orientated place, but that menu seems pretty similar to fine dining options we have here in NYC. Let me know if I'm wrong about that and if I'll really be missing out if we don't try.

What looks the most interesting to me right now are Atria, State Road, Alchemy or the The Sweet Life. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them! Also, anything I need to be aware of since we're coming post-Labor day?

For brunch/lunch, I'm thinking Slice of Life and Art Cliff Diner?

Thanks!

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Sweet Life Cafe
63 Circuit Ave, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Slice of Life
50 Circuit Ave, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

State Road Restaurant
688 State Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

[thos]

Since it is your first trip you probably won't notice that parking will be easier everywhere, especially in Oak Bluffs. Where are you staying?

Actually I feel L'Etoile is the most foodie oriented place on MVI with only Detente close to matching their wine list (though I prefer the way Detente lists their selections). I see what you mean about it being a bit like a NYC place, though their specials are usually local. State Road is an excellent choice though, with prices a bit better maybe.

I am not a fan of Alchemy, though it has many adherents. Atria is fine, a bit more elegant than most places. Love the food at Sweet Life. but I feel their portions are too small.

Slice of Life is very good, but Art Cliff truly is a diner and seems to be morphing into a greasy spoon of late (my last three visits were just so-so.......think I'll order pancakes or waffles with fruit next time). Really, our group is thinking that Black Dog Tavern might be getting back to its roots and may have the better breakfast. If the Grill on Main (Edagrtown) still offers their Sunday brunch I would strongly recommend it.

If you don't mind a ride Beach Plum Inn in Menemsha is another excellent dinner choice.

There are many more options, especially in the more moderate price range, but you've touched on some excellent choices, so no need to waver. Enjoy!

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Sweet Life Cafe
63 Circuit Ave, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Slice of Life
50 Circuit Ave, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Black Dog
11 Main St, Edgartown, MA 02539

The Beach Plum
50 Beach Plum Lane, Menemsha, MA 02552

State Road Restaurant
688 State Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

[JulesTei]

Thanks so much, thos! You have any suggestions in the moderate price range for places that you really love?

[thos]

Love? Nah, not completely. I have quibbles even about the expensive places. I mentioned the Grill on Main. One of the few places that has decent food for good prices (and a real $36 prix fixe all the time, where the portion size actually is the same as if you order a la carte). At the other "moderate" spots you pretty much get what you pay for, but we like Smoke 'N Bones for barbequed items. Strangely, their grilled vegetable platter is highly regarded by some vegetarians I know. Another good spot is Lattanzi's Pizza, which actually offers a lot of items besides pizza, many a somewhat smaller version of the meals they serve next door (the other Lattanzi's). If you get pizza , eat it there, as it gets a bit soggy on the way home.

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Lattanzis Restaurant
PO Box 407, Edgartown, MA 02539