Best lunch place?

Question

Looking for a yummy, yet trendy with a view lunch spot for this Friday. I always just pop in somewhere, would love to have a plan with a solid recommendation. Any kind of food suggestions welcome. We like seafood, sandwiches, salads, cocktails…. And would love a view w/maybe a fun relaxed ambiance.

Thanks!

Answer

Nantucket has some fantastic lunch spots that combine great food, cocktails, and the kind of relaxed–but–trendy vibe you're looking for. Since you’d love a view, seafood, salads, and a fun ambiance, there are several excellent options—whether you prefer harbor views, beachside settings, or spots with a lively outdoor scene.

Below are some of the most reliable, traveler-favorite choices that fit what you're after.

Galley Beach – One of the island’s classic oceanfront restaurants. While it's better known for dinner and sunset cocktails, lunch is relaxed, stylish, and steps from the beach. Expect fresh seafood, great salads, beach-chic décor, and a gorgeous setting right on the sand. Perfect if you want upscale, trendy, and a true “Nantucket vibe.”
Sailing Camp at Jetties Beach (The Sandbar) – Laid-back, summery, waterfront lunch dining right on Jetties Beach. It’s casual but still has that festive, fun feel—great for cocktails, seafood baskets, poke, tacos, and beachside views. Excellent for a relaxed but lively atmosphere.
CRU – Located right on the harbor, CRU is one of the trendiest places on the island. It’s chic, bustling, and perfect for seafood lovers. The lobster roll is famous, the raw bar is top-notch, and the cocktail program is excellent. Sit outside or by the windows for one of the best waterfront views downtown.
The Tavern on Nantucket Wharf – A classic choice with beautiful harbor views from the deck. More on the casual side but perfect for salads, sandwiches, fried seafood, and relaxing in the sunshine.
Brant Point Grill (at the White Elephant) – Overlooks the harbor near Brant Point. Refined but still relaxed, with high-quality seafood, fresh salads, good cocktails, and a peaceful view. Great if you want something classy but not overly formal for lunch.

If you don’t mind being slightly away from the water but still want a lively setting with excellent food:

Millie’s – In Madaket, offering West Coast–style seafood, tacos, salads, and great cocktails. While not beachfront dining, it's just steps from the shore with a breezy, upbeat vibe. Madaket’s scenery is beautiful, and the atmosphere is extremely vacation-friendly.
Something Natural – Not trendy in the “scene” sense but beloved for fantastic sandwiches and big salads with picnic tables overlooking a pretty, green lawn. Great for a relaxed, low-key lunch.

For your Friday lunch, if you're prioritizing a great view + great food + trendiness, the top choices would be CRU for a harbor view and stylish vibe, Galley Beach for a beachfront chic experience, or The Sandbar for something lively and relaxed directly on the beach.

No matter which you choose, try to arrive early or consider reserving—the popular lunch spots fill up fast on Fridays in Nantucket.