As autumn arrives on-Island, the fall flavors on Martha’s Vineyard are bursting! The Island’s food scene transforms with seasonal dishes, local seafood, and comforting autumn-inspired drinks. Whether you’re looking for cozy cafe treats, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, or fall cocktails, this guide will lead you to the best spots on the Island. Dive into the fall flavors with these recommendations from local restaurants, cafes, and markets.
Fall Flavors on Martha’s Vineyard: Fresh Seafood
Autumn is prime time for enjoying the Island’s seafood, with oysters at their fattiest and sweetest and local fish thriving in cooler waters. Plus, it’s bay scallop season on the Island, so you can enjoy scallops fresh from Vineyard waters!
19 Raw Oyster Bar
Head to 19 Raw Oyster Bar in Edgartown for some of the freshest oysters, which are at their peak during fall. Their Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is a must-try on their seasonal cocktail menu. They close for the season on November 2nd, so don’t miss out!
Edgartown Seafood Market
For those who prefer to cook at home, Edgartown Seafood Market is a go-to spot for a fresh catch. Fall is a great time for striped bass, bluefish, and local oysters that can be incorporated into hearty home-cooked meals.
Larsen’s Fish Market
Up-Island, Larsen’s Fish Market in the iconic fishing village of Menemsha offers takeout options like lobster rolls and lobster bisque. It’s the perfect place for an autumn beachside picnic while savoring some of the island’s freshest seafood. Grab a blanket and a chowder and enjoy ample parking this time of year in Menemsha!
The Fish House
Owned by two locals, this is a great place to visit to pick up local bay scallops! November marks the start of commercial scallop season on Martha’s Vineyard, and our local shellfisherman will be hard at work harvesting bay scallops each day. This is about as fresh and local as it gets, not to mention unbelievably delicious! These bay scallops are the smaller and sweeter counterpart to sea scallops, and are only harvested during the fall and winter! They are best prepared in a pan, seared with fresh herbs and butter and served over pasta.
Fall Flavors on Martha’s Vineyard: Creative Coffees & Cozy Cafes
Warm up with fall drinks and treats! The Island’s cafes celebrate fall with seasonal beverages and baked goods that make chilly days cozy and comforting. While some of our local cafes close up shop in the fall, ample options remain for staying warm and well fed, while savoring the flavors of the season.
Mocha Mott’s
Known for its laid-back vibe, Mocha Mott’s is a local favorite where you can warm up with a Maple Latte or Hot Apple Cider. Don’t forget to grab one of their Pumpkin Spice Scones, a fall staple that pairs perfectly with any of their coffee offerings. While Mocha Mott’s boasts two locations in the high season, head to their Vineyard Haven location this time of year.
The Black Dog Bakery
The Black Dog Bakery in Vineyard Haven embraces fall with their unique Chai-der, a blend of chai and cider that combines the best of both worlds. Pair it with one of their freshly baked seasonal treats for the perfect autumn snack.
Morning Glory Farm
While known for its local produce, Morning Glory Farm is also home to a bakery that offers fall favorites like pumpkin bread, apple pies, and cinnamon donuts. Stop by for a farm-fresh treat and take home some warm bread or pies to enjoy later.
Espresso Love
Espresso Love in Edgartown offers cozy fall treats like Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones, paired perfectly with their Spiced Chai Latte. Whether you’re there for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, you’ll feel the autumn ambiance.
Nat’s Nook
Known for its delectable crepes, fall is the right time to savor Nat Nook’s sweet Apple Butter crepe with cinnamon, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and apple slices. Wash it down with a cold brew coffee with pumpkin cold brew and your taste buds will thank you!
Fall Flavors on Martha’s Vineyard: Seasonal Cocktails
Autumn on the Vineyard means a shift in the cocktail menus at some of the Island’s top restaurants and bars. Warm up with fall flavors in your glass.
The Attic
At The Attic in Vineyard Haven, the fall cocktail specials include a Pumpkin Spice Martini, which can be paired with one of their hearty fall dishes like their Short Rib Poutine or Lobster Mac and Cheese.
Alchemy
Alchemy in Edgartown is known for its sophisticated fare and expertly crafted cocktails. Their Apple Jack Mulled Cider is a fall favorite, combining rich, warming flavors that are perfect for cooler Vineyard nights. Pair it with their meticulously crafted apple pie with peanut butter crunch and luscious caramel sauce for the ultimate autumnal treat.
The Pawnee House
This quaint restaurant in Oak Bluffs is always switching up their cocktail menu and trying out new, seasonal creations! They source local ingredients and make the most delicious personal-sized pot pies, including chicken and vegan curry!
Fall Flavors on Martha’s Vineyard: Mouthwatering Meals
As the weather cools down, restaurants across the island are bringing out hot, hearty, and comforting dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Beach Road
In Vineyard Haven, Beach Road restaurant offers waterfront views and a fall menu that highlights local seafood and produce. Try their Roasted Bluefish paired with seasonal vegetables or warm up with their Butternut Squash Soup. Another fall favorite is their Pumpkin Risotto featuring maitake mushrooms, tuscan kale, baby turnips, pickled currants, and pepitas.
Alchemy
Alchemy’s fall menu features comfort food classics with a gourmet twist. Their local seared scallops and peanut butter apple pie are standout dishes that showcase fall ingredients and pair beautifully with their seasonal cocktails.
Town Bar & Grill
Town regularly rotates their menu with the season and fresh off their fall menu is a slow roasted Ossobuco Veal Shank featuring saffron rice, rosemary and a red wine demi sauce. Then treat yourself to a golden hour hot toddy, yum!
Offshore Ale Company
As the weather cools down Offshore’s menu heats up! Try their comforting Shepherd’s Pie–a mix of ground beef and lamb with carrots, yellow squash, onion, peas, and corn topped with toasted mashed potatoes, house-made beef gravy, and parmesan cheese.
Morning Glory Farm
If you’re cooking at home, stock up on local fall produce at Morning Glory Farm, or “MOGLO” to the locals. Known for their fresh, farm-grown ingredients, this is the place to find pumpkins, squash, root vegetables, and seasonal baked goods to complement your fall meals. Making Thanksgiving plans on Martha’s Vineyard? MOGOL’s holiday preordering is now open!
The Newes from America
A mainstay at the cozy Newes from America pub is their beloved crock of classic french onion soup topped with sourdough crouton and gruyere.
Fall Flavors on Martha’s Vineyard Abound!
Martha’s Vineyard comes alive in the fall with rich, comforting flavors that capture the essence of the season. From fresh seafood and farm-to-table meals to seasonal scones and cocktails, there’s something for every foodie to enjoy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at a casual cafe or sitting down to a full meal at one of the Island’s top restaurants, these fall flavors will give you a true taste of what makes autumn on the Vineyard so special. So slow down, warm up, and indulge in the spirit of the season!
