the vineyard blog

We know it can be difficult to plan meals on vacation when you have dietary restrictions, especially when you’re gluten free. There is nothing worse than missing out on delicious food experiences because of a food intolerance! Thankfully, there are many restaurants that can accommodate gluten free diners here on Martha’s Vineyard. 
 
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, take-out, baked goods or a fantastic sit-down dinner, we have the perfect spots in mind with incredible gluten free offerings. Here are our favorites!
 
The Covington in Edgartown
The Covington is THE place to eat if you have a gluten dietary restriction. Located on Main Street, this restaurant is in the heart of town. But with a patio and pergola area, outdoor diners are immersed in a beautiful garden that separates customers from the bustling Main Street.
 
Local vegetables are found in many of The Covington’s plates. Almost all of their offerings can be made gluten free - the menu delineates every ingredient and common allergens to assure diners can safely enjoy their meals. Be sure to try any of their pasta dishes, or if you’re into seafood, order the halibut. Finish off the night with their decadent flourless chocolate cake. We promise, you will not be disappointed. 

l’etoile in Edgartown
l’etoile is another great restaurant in Edgartown that has some incredible gluten free offerings. Situated off North Water Street, the restaurant accommodates outdoor diners in a beautiful tented space, decorated with lights that truly make you feel like you’re eating under the stars.  
 
The menu designates all gluten free plates with a “gf” symbol. Among these options are a warm baby spinach salad, char-grilled Spanish octopus, vegetable gazpacho, pan-roasted duck breast, grilled Australian lamb rack chops and a 13-oz. ribeye steak. There is definitely something for everyone!

The Dunes Restaurant at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown
Seaside dining with gluten free options? Count us in. Head over to the Winnetu Oceanside Resort for the best of both worlds at The Dunes. Start dinner with a bowl of clam chowder or the Cobb Salad, and the Thai salmon or grilled swordfish are musts! And after you enjoy your gluten free meal, be sure to head down to South Beach for an evening stroll to take in the beauty of the Island shore!

Garde East in Vineyard Haven
Looking for a fine dining experience with plenty of gluten free options in Vineyard Haven? Look no further than Garde East. Inspired by French cuisine, the restaurant works with local fishermen, farmers and artisans to offer tasting menus with six courses (that’s right, six!). This is a true Martha’s Vineyard experience for diners– all while enjoying an unbelievable porch with rare views of Vineyard Haven harbor. 

Dilly’s Taqueria in Oak Bluffs
Craving a fantastic Mexican dinner? Check out Dilly’s Taqueria located on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. When ordering, there are two gluten free bases to choose from: white corn tortilla tacos or a rice bowl. These can then be filled with egg, roasted veggies, pollo asada (chicken), pulled pork, carne asada (steak) or blackened mahi mahi. There are plenty of additional toppings to pile on as well! 
 
Nomans in Oak Bluffs
Nomans has quickly become one of the most popular summer hang-out spots this season. And even better, they offer plenty of gluten free options on their menu! Our favorites have been the acai bowl, green goddess salad, poke bowl, chicken tenders and fries. Go for the food, stay for the laid-back vibe and be sure to try out any of their signature cocktails made with Nomans-made rum. We promise you will have a great time! 

Chilmark General Store in Chilmark
Looking for the best gluten free pizza on the Island?  Well, while this topic is highly debated across the Island, we can definitely say that the Chilmark General Store’s gluten free cauliflower pizza is towards the top of the list. The 10-inch crust is an option for any existing pizza on the menu or you can create your own with countless toppings to choose from. Enjoy your pizza on the famed front porch or take it to go and check out some of the most beautiful up-island beaches. 
 
Pie Chicks in Vineyard Haven
Pie Chick’s motto is “If you can tell it’s gluten free we won’t sell it.” This makes them the perfect place to pick up gluten free desserts – and they’ll taste just like an original pie! Pie Chick’s pies are made with an oat crumble topping and all the classic flavors: apple, blueberry, cherry, strawberry rhubarb, triple berry, and peach. Be sure to check out their website to see the flavor of the day! Gluten free cookies, granola and scones are also available to order. 
 
Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs
This is a late-night experience you don’t want to miss! Back Door Donuts’ famous purple back door is located in a discreet supermarket parking lot. During the day, you would never guess that at night the lot is lined up with people craving a late-night treat. For gluten free options, be sure to call ahead to ask what flavors are offered. Typically, they will have Boston cream, chocolate frosted or powdered donuts available for gluten free customers.
 
More comfortable staying in? Many of our private chefs can customize a gluten free meal for you in the privacy of your own home.  

Who’s to say your dog can’t enjoy dining out on Martha’s Vineyard with you? The Island is extremely dog friendly and you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home. You can bring them on the ferry and many hotels allow for dogs too. When it comes to dining with dogs, there are several outdoor eateries on the Island that will allow your (leashed and well behaved) pooch to join you for a meal! 
 
As the result of restaurants all over the Island adopting social distancing guidelines, additional outdoor seating for you and Fido has become available - even at restaurants where dogs weren’t allowed prior to this season! Here’s where to enjoy outdoor dining with dogs on Martha’s Vineyard.

Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven
Located on Main Street, Waterside Market is the go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. The market allows customers to sit with their dogs outside on its beautiful patio, so you and your fluffy friend can take in views of the charming town of Vineyard Haven together!
 
The Net Result in Vineyard Haven
Looking for some incredible seafood in Vineyard Haven? The Net Result is the place. With all the seafood you can imagine (sushi too!) plus classic take-out options, this establishment has been deeply-rooted in Vineyard history for generations. The outdoor picnic tables are a great spot to enjoy classic Island fare with you pup!
 

Porto Pizza in Vineyard Haven
Bring your dog along for a pizza night at Porto Pizza in Vineyard Haven! Just across the street from the Steamship Authority ferry dock, Porto Pizza is a convenient lunch or dinner stop upon arriving to the Island, and the pizza is sure to please. After dinner take a stroll along Owen Park Beach, which your dog is sure to love! 
 
Nomans in Oak Bluffs
Located outside of downtown Oak Bluffs, Nomans is the perfect place for a secluded, laid-back vibe. Enjoy one of their signature rum drinks or stay for a meal out on their expansive lawn. Dogs can enjoy the fantastic atmosphere with you out on the patio. This is definitely a fun place to be - with or without your pup.

Coop de Ville in Oak Bluffs
Heading into Oak Bluffs? Coop de Ville is a fun spot right on the harbor that allows dogs in their outdoor seating! With beautiful views of the harbor, you and your pup can sit and watch the boats pass by all day long. 
 
Lookout Tavern in Oak Bluffs
Another fantastic spot conveniently located in Oak Bluffs that also allows dogs outside, is the Lookout Tavern. As the name suggests, customers can look out at the Vineyard Sound and watch the ferries come in and out of the Oak Bluffs pier. With just about anything you can think of on the menu (even sushi!), there is something for everyone at the Lookout!

The Seafood Shanty in Edgartown
For the first time, this famous restaurant in downtown Edgartown is allowing dogs to dine outdoors with their owners thanks to newly added, and expanded, outdoor seating. Now the new seating, located right on the sidewalk in front of the building, accommodates dog owners for the unparalleled experience of dining right on Edgartown harbor! 
 
Town Bar and Grill in Edgartown
One of the newer restaurants in Edgartown, Town Bar and Grill not only allows dogs, but encourages them! They’ve got a great outdoor setup with views of Upper Main Street and a fantastic menu with something for everyone and a fun, casual vibe!
 
Bad Martha in Edgartown
Escape the craziness of downtown Edgartown in Bad Martha Beer’s beautiful outdoor pergola. Surrounded by Donoroma’s Nursery, diners are immersed in a garden of plants and flowers that is simply picturesque. Enjoy locally brewed beer, flatbread pizza and cheese and veggie boards, all while hanging out with your dog!

This summer on Martha’s Vineyard might look a little different from others, but there’s still plenty to do and enjoy safely. Given the nature of our small Island community, our resources are inherently limited, and we are taking necessary precautions and social distancing very seriously to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. To comply with social distancing guidelines, people are finding new (and safe) ways to have fun and make the best of this unprecedented season.

Keeping you informed for MV Summer 2020
 Heading into one of our bustling downtowns? Expect a few changes: Edgartown has blocked off several parking spots and sections of streets to accommodate more outdoor seating at restaurants including The Port Hunter, The Wharf, Rockfish and The Atlantic. This allows more tables distanced to comply with social distancing guidelines. Be prepared - masks are required when walking through Edgartown.
 
Moving along to Oak Bluffs, where the ‘MV Masquerade’ is held on Sundays. Every week, Circuit and Kennebec avenues (the main “drags” located just steps from the harbor and the Steamship Authority’s Oak Bluffs ferry terminal) are closed to car traffic, allowing pedestrians to safely walk the streets, while shops and restaurants utilize sidewalk space. To maximize safety, masks are required as you walk through town, and social distancing is in effect - the same as is true for Vineyard Haven.

What to do?
Although movie theaters are limiting their offerings this summer, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival teamed up with the local YMCA to open up the Vineyard’s Summer Drive-In. The drive-in is giving us serious retro vibes and allows for socially-distanced, friendly outdoor entertainment. Thus far the series has featured summer favorites including Jaws, Finding Nemo, Moana and The Wizard of Oz, with more hit movies scheduled through the summer. Tickets are pay-what-you-can and benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, the YMCA, the Island Food Pantry and the Vineyard House.  Additionally, The Martha's Vineyard Film Society has partnered with Featherstone Center for the Arts for Tuesday night movie nights outdoors on their beautiful campus.
 
The West Tisbury Farmers Market, another summer favorite, has also seen adjustments in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. The market has relocated to the Ag Hall this summer, allowing more space for market-goers to safely browse through their favorite local vendors. The stands are organized in a circular formation and shoppers are required to follow the clockwise walking directions for extra safety. The West Tisbury Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 12pm.