The Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots on Martha's Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

Breakfast has always been a favorite of mine – it gets the day off to a good start with no dishes to clean up. And we get the opportunity to dine out without doing so much damage to the pocketbook . These breakfast and brunch restaurants range from simple to gourmet, in a variety of different settings and locations all over the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard.



Edgartown

Harbor View Hotel and Resort
131 North Water Street, Edgartown
(508) 627–3761


The Water Street Restaurant in the spectacularly renovated Harbor View Hotel is truly elegant, with exceptional food, flawless presentation, and one of the best views on the island. It is a wonderful experience, perfect for any special occasion. Daily breakfast and Sunday brunch are served in the floor-to-ceiling windowed dining room overlooking idyllic Edgartown Harbor with its historic lighthouse. The smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onions, and capers is my favorite brunch indulgence! Reservations accepted.

Among the Flowers Café
17 Mayhew Lane, Edgartown
(508) 627-3233

This is a homey little place with blue-checked tablecloths and a flower-filled patio, one of the few spots where you can dine outside on the Vineyard. They have wonderful waffles and lattes, and indoor dining is available if you prefer. Rachel Ray liked the homemade granola so much that she put the Flowers' recipe on her food network website! Click on their name above to see it. No reservations accepted.






The Edgartown Inn
56 North Water Street, Edgartown
(508) 627-4794

This whaling captain’s home became an inn in the early 1800’s, and has been serving a full country breakfast to their guests and the public ever since. It's small and quaint, and feels like being in someone's home. Outdoor seating is available in the courtyard, and the homemade muffins are wonderful. Reservations accepted.

Dock Street Coffee Shop
Dock Street, Edgartown
(508) 627-5232

This is a genuine greasy spoon that hasn't changed at all in years, an unexpected delight in toney Edgartown. The menu is basic and inexpensive, and the same cook has been there forever. He knows what over-easy means. The food is regarded by locals as the best cure going for a hangover. No reservations accepted.

Vineyard Haven

Art Cliff Diner, Vineyard Haven
(508) 693-1224

This is an extremely popular local place, which has been “discovered” in the last few years. It’s a vintage diner, relatively small, with about 12 tables and 6 seats at the counter, and no reservations are taken. The waiting line on a Sunday morning usually fills up the whole parking lot. That’s because the food is superb, creative, plentiful, and you can see a lot of interesting people, celebrity types included. My favorite breakfast dish is the Bull's Eye - poached eggs and a codfish cake over arugula, covered with Hollandaise.




The Black Dog Tavern
20 Beach Street Extension, Vineyard Haven Harbor
(508) 693-9223

Scenically located on the harbor, you can watch the ferry boats and other graceful sailing vessels as they come and go. The Black Dog has been an island tradition for decades, since Captain Robert Douglas started it in 1969, because at that time there was no year-round restaurant in Vineyard Haven. Can you even imagine? Ever since, it's been a favorite and it’s easy to see why: great atmosphere, gorgeous view, delicious breakfast. No reservations taken. The Green Monstah Breakfast Burrito is healthy and delicious, with spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and cheese. Yummy!

Oak Bluffs

The Slice of Life
50 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-3838

This little gem is a café-bakery with a relaxed atmosphere, fabulous food, and friendly service. It’s a hip local spot owned by the couple who used to also own the Sweet Life Café across the street. Proven credentials in the culinary world! Try the Campground Scramble: Black Forest ham, carmelized onions, and Swiss cheese - fantastic! If you have room left, the desserts are divine, too. No reservations accepted for breakfast.

Park Corner Bistro
20H Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs
(508) 696-9922

This is an elegant little place with a small bar that serves Sunday Brunch. If you’re in Oak Bluffs and looking for something a little more upscale, try this one. It's worthy of a celebration. The Portuguese Sweet Bread French Toast keeps me coming back. Pair it with a mimosa and you're on the way to a memorable Sunday.




Linda Jean’s
25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-4093

If you want a break from the gourmet world, this is the place to go. With tasty, hearty food, Linda Jean's is a casual, unpretentious spot with large portions and affordable prices. A favorite all year round, and an outstanding value. Comfortable booths, just right for families. Great big, fluffy pancakes go perfectly with the spicy sausage patties. No reservations accepted. Leave your name with the hostess and receive a beeper on which you will be paged when your table is ready.

Aquinnah
The Aquinnah Shop
At the Cliffs, Aquinnah
(508) 645-3867

Owned and operated by native Wampanoags, it's worth the drive for the view alone, but the food is also terrific, and you can sit outside and see the clay cliffs. The Tomahawk Special is a winner: poached eggs and fish cakes covered with salsa and melted cheese. No reservations accepted.


Photo credits:

Photo #1 & #2 - Harbor View Hotel and Resort
Photo #3 - Tom Harpel
Photo #4 - The Black Dog
Photo #6 - Brandon Martin-Anderson