How to Eat Like a Local on Martha's Vineyard in 10 Easy Steps

Martha’s Vineyard is known for a lot of reasons: picturesque beaches, stunning sunrises and sunsets, incredible water sports and outdoor activities, boating, fishing, biking, shopping, arts, culture, and not least of all, FOOD. With nearly 35 working farms, 10 oyster farms, 8 fresh fish markets, and dozens of farm-to-table restaurants, Martha’s Vineyard is a perfect place for today’s foodie. With such abundance, it’s hard to go wrong — but if you really want to get down and eat like a local, here’s how to do it.
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1. Hit Up the West Tisbury Farmers Market 
Twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can discover the bounty of Martha’s Vineyard all in one simple location at the West Tisbury Farmers Market. Peruse the richest greens, veggies, and fruits you’re likely to see anywhere. Taste samples of sauces, salsas, oils, cheeses, baked goods — and shake the hand that feeds you at this iconic Vineyard market where farmers and foodies come together. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything you decide to bring home.
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2. Grab Island-Made Yogurt from Mermaid Farm 
Drive on up to the cutest self-serve farm stand in Chilmark for the best locally made yogurt you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. Mermaid Farm’s yogurt is the only yogurt made right here on the Island, and you can taste the magic of Martha’s Vineyard with every spoonful. 
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3. Indulge in Raw Milk and Craft Cheese from Grey Barn Farm Mosey on down the road a bit, and find your way to Grey Barn Farm. Not only is this barn’s design architecturally award-winning, but it’s also home to the Island’s most incredible craft cheeses and raw milk. Prufrock, oh Prufrock. Get to Grey Barn and you’ll be singing the same.
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4. Grill up some Grass-Fed Beef from The FARM Institute
Acres and acres of beautiful farmland on the Island’s south shore makes for one incredible pasture at The FARM Institute, and a perfect place for cows to graze. Be sure to stop by this working farm, take a tour, and leave with some delicious grass-fed beef. It’s what’s for dinner.
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5. Season It All With Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt Photo: Martha's Vineyard Sea Salt
That’s right. Martha’s Vineyard’s Down Island Farm is home to the incredible production of Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt. You’ll never have a tastier and fresher salt than theirs. Choose from flavors like Local Smoked Oak, Blueberry Honey, Lemon Dill, and of course, traditional sea salt. No matter what you use this outrageous salt of the sea on, your food will thank you for it.
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6. Fresh-Caught Lobster Boil from NetResult
Why not let someone else prepare the lobster for you? For over 30 years, NetResult has been bringing Islanders super fresh lobsters and seafood. Plus, they’ll cook (and crack!) the lobster — done right with mussels and clams — right there at the market for you. Sit down at their outside picnic tables and dig in to this Vineyard tradition.
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7. Raw Oysters from Larsen’s Fish Market
Head to the Island’s quaint fishing village of Menemsha and have the good folks at Larsen’s Fish Market shuck you a dozen local oysters. But warning: You’ll never be able to eat oysters anywhere but Martha’s Vineyard again, because these local treats are the best you will ever have.
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8. Local Beef Burger at Scottish Bakehouse Photo: Scottish Bakehouse
Quite possibly the best burger on Martha’s Vineyard, this deliciousness hails from the unassuming Scottish Bakehouse in West Tisbury. Made fresh with local beef, Island greens, tomato, and mayo on a house-made English muffin, it’s beyond delicious in its simplicity. Pairing a burger with an English muffin may seem odd at first, but this is no regular English muffin — and it’s certainly no regular burger.
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9. Enjoy a Locally Made Baked Treat from Morning Glory Farm
Don’t forget about the sweet treats of Martha’s Vineyard, so many of which are superbly done by Morning Glory Farm. From pies baked with in-season fruit, iconic banana bread, and fresh cookies, you could almost make dessert a meal in itself here! Insider’s tip: Swing by one of the local ice cream shops and pick some up to have with your pie. Heaven in the mouth.
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10. Dinner Out at Any Number of Farm-and-Sea-to-Table Restaurants
One of the great things about Martha’s Vineyard is that you can be a local food lover and still treat yourself to a delicious meal out, because so many of the Island’s restaurants source local meats, fish, greens, and dairy from different farms around the Island. So sit back, enjoy a glass of wine or a signature cocktail, and let a chef prepare a perfect Island meal for you.


Interested in the ultimate foodie experience on Martha’s Vineyard? Check out the supreme culinary adventures offered by Farm.Field.Sea!
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For more information on local eating and all things Martha’s Vineyard, be sure to visit our website, MVY.com.