This family-run diner combines classic comfort with creative twists, serving signature dishes including banana bread French toast, crispy Brussels sprouts, and their famous grilled cornbread. Once the head chef under previous owners, Ralston now runs the diner with his wife and mother-in-law. With great prices, retro charm, and warm hospitality, it’s a local favorite for hearty meals. Open year-round, it’s a welcoming spot for breakfast lovers. I always feel at home here.

By the same owners at the diner, this restaurant is known for its bold Caribbean flavors. My favorite dishes include oxtail and curry goat, which sell out so fast preorders are recommended! I also love their fried lobster dinner for authentic island flare. The wide-ranging menu and attentive staff create a welcoming dining experience. During peak season, it transforms into a nightclub after hours, with great cocktails. This is a true gem for food lovers.

Juli Vanderhoop, an Indigenous Wampanoag, has been crafting mouthwatering breads, pizza, pastries, and more in her imported wood-fired brick oven for over 20 years, using only her arm to gauge the temperature. Situated on Indigenous land, her bakery preserves island charm with an honor system and fosters a close-knit community through pizza nights and bonfires. Juli’s commitment to tradition and quality has made her eatery a cherished local spot.

This family-owned spot is rooted in tradition, with the owner being a 4th generation burger maker. Ronnie serves up classic burgers, wings, hotdogs, and crispy thick-cut fries, including sweet potato fries with or without cheese. A buffet bar of fresh vegetable toppings and a variety of aiolis and sauces lets you customize your meal. It’s the perfect late-night stop, as one of the few places open after the nightclub, offering satisfying bites to end your night on a high note.

In 2022, Chef Ting and I founded the MVY BIPOC Collective. A community to support Black chefs and create opportunities in the culinary industry. This spring she will launch the Black Joy Kitchen to bring the African Diaspora's rich food traditions to the Island community. The restaurant will feature Black fine dining with a forever evolving menu that will highlight the foods of different BIPOC cultures. From stews to rice dishes, expect a taste bud delight on every visit.

When I moved to Martha’s Vineyard, I wasn’t sure I’d find cultural connection. Then I discovered The Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine. Owned by a kind Jamaican couple, it quickly became more than a place to eat—it was a reminder of home. The aromas of jerk, curry, and escovitch brought comfort, and the warmth of community made me feel seen. It’s powerful to see your culture celebrated with pride, even far from where it began.