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5 Best family restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard for easy dining with kids
Dining out with kids can often feel like navigating a culinary minefield. Will they like the food? Is the environment child-friendly?
As someone who’s spent over 20 years exploring Martha’s Vineyard, as a patron and employee in various island restaurants (and now as a parent), I’ve faced these questions head-on.
From temperamental taste buds to the need for quick, engaging service, I understand the hurdles of dining out with little ones.
Before we had kids, my husband and I enjoyed many exceptional dining experiences when visiting Martha’s Vineyard. Now, with our family focus, our restaurant choices have shifted, but we don’t like to compromise on quality.
In this post, I’m excited to share with you my handpicked list of best family restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard where your family can enjoy a stress-free meal on your family vacation.
My Favourite: The Barn Bowl and Bistro, Oak Bluffs
How I choose a place for casual dining with kids
When selecting the perfect place to eat for a family meal, there are four key things I look for:
- Menu – The menu must have options that are surefire hits with my kids – because we all know a happy child means a peaceful meal! Bonus points if there’s a dedicated kids menu (like all the restaurants below)
- Seating – I prefer restaurants with plenty of (indoor and outdoor) seating so I know we won’t have to wait too long for a table, particularly in high season. Patience is a rare commodity with little ones in tow.
- Service – Fast service is a must to keep the dining experience enjoyable and meltdown-free.
- Portions and Pricing – Kids meals priced and sized appropriately. I’m not looking for adult sized portions at adult prices. They won’t eat a huge meal and depending on where we’re staying, we might not have facilities to store leftovers.
Best places for family friendly dining on the island of Martha’s Vineyard
1. The Barn Bowl & Bistro
The Barn Bowl & Bistro in Oak Bluffs is my number 1 pick for best family restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard, especially for lunch and dinner. It was a surprise to find such excellent food in a bowling alley but this restaurant has consistently provided great meals across my multiple visits.
The service is exceptional, with staff who are always welcoming and go above and beyond to create a memorable experience. This year-round venue was even recognized by TripAdvisor as a hidden gem in Massachusetts on its list of ‘Under the Radar’ Hot Spots.
I love the burgers here and there is a gourmet pizza menu with 12 different choices plus the option of a gluten-free cauliflower crust. When we last ate here in August 2023, the adults food and drinks were delicious, particularly the cocktails and huge curry mussels appetizer which is bursting with flavor.
The children’s menu features generous portions of chicken nuggets, tenders, mac and cheese and buttered pasta. Plus, the added bonus of bowling makes it an ideal location for a fun-filled family evening.
Hot tip: You can combine this with a visit to the nearby Flying Horses Carousel, one of many family-friendly activities in Oak Bluffs.
2. Edgartown Diner
At the Edgartown Diner, I discovered a true gem for family dining on Martha’s Vineyard for breakfast and lunch. From my experience, this diner stands out with great service, delightful food, and reasonable prices.
The breakfast menu is a highlight, featuring traditional choices like pancakes, french toast, omelettes, eggs, bacon, sausage and hash. They even offer an acai/yogurt bowl that’s a hit with the health-conscious. This is a great place to have breakfast before you head to the beach.
There’s a dedicated kids menu with a funny face pancake (my kids favorite), french toast, fruit bowl or egg sandwich. What adds to the charm of this place is its friendly staff and quirky decor, making every visit enjoyable.
As a parent, finding a spot where my kids are happy and can enjoy a diverse menu is priceless, and the Edgartown Diner delivers just that.
3. The Attic
The Attic is conveniently located a short walk from Vineyard Haven Harbor and the Steamship Authority ferry terminal. After dining upstairs at The Attic, I can share that it’s a solid choice for families, especially when considering value for money.
Menu items like the lemon chicken, lobster roll and the generous portion of Hoisin glazed salmon are all noteworthy. The kids menu has appealing options like chicken tenders, quesadilla and a jumbo hotdog.
The atmosphere of this year round restaurant is another plus. It has a vintage feel, with antique lamps and old school decor adding to the charm. A small downside is the closely arranged seating, which doesn’t leave much room for children to move around.
Overall, I found The Attic to be a good dining option for families and will definitely return.
4. Seafood Shanty
Dining at The Seafood Shanty in Edgartown has always been enjoyable for my family, particularly for its outdoor seating on the deck with a beautiful view of Edgartown Harbor and Chappy in the distance.
The combination of a wonderful atmosphere, location right on the harbor, and huge selection of local seafood, makes it a standout option for the adults as well as the kids.
If it’s a rainy day, there’s ample indoor seating on the floor below. You can bring a stroller into the building but you need to fold it and leave it at the entrance.
The extensive menu features sushi, seaweed salad, soup, lobster, fried clams and a wide variety of sandwiches. Items that we love include the superb clam chowder, delectable fish and chips, fried shrimp basket and tasty fish tacos.
The efficient service and the laid-back vibe, even when it’s busy, add to the restaurant’s charm, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a meal together. The children’s menu contains the usual suspects – hot dog, hamburger, buttered noodles, chicken tenders and a grilled cheese sandwich.
Great food, spectacular views, and the relaxed atmosphere make this one of the best places to eat a family meal in the summer. Takeout is also available.
Hot tip: take the kids next door to the Ice Cream and Candy Bazaar for a kiddie cone after dinner!
5. Wharf Pub and Restaurant
The Wharf Pub & Restaurant in Edgartown, renowned for its central location and status as a year-round, local favorite, is an easy and enjoyable place to dine with kids. Its no-frills approach, combined with good quality food, creates a cozy atmosphere for families.
The Wharf serves lunch and dinner and I like to ask for booth seating as it’s a great way to keep restless kiddos contained! Some standout menu items include the best fish and chips with a super thin, crispy batter and the hearty lobster ravioli.
This was the first place on MV I tried clam chowder and more than 20 years later, it’s still a top choice when I eat there. The restaurant serves a kids menu with a variety of pasta dishes, hot dog, grilled cheese, tenders and burgers.
Prices are reasonable by Edgartown standards, the portions are substantial, service is quick and friendly and there’s lots of seating.
Practical tips for dining out with kids on Martha’s Vineyard
Consider whether you need a stroller. Even in the larger restaurants, it is usually difficult to bring a stroller to your table. You may be asked to leave it at the entrance or in a storage area.
Will you need a high chair? Many restaurants on the Vineyard have high-top tables which standard high chairs do not reach. This can limit your seating options.
Even after my children were out of high chairs, they still moved around a lot in their seats and I didn’t feel they were safe to sit at high-tops. All of the restaurants on this list have ample regular-height seating.
We are not a screen-free family however we prefer not to use them in restaurants and instead, keep screens for downtime at home.
I’ll admit, there’s a slightly panicky period between placing the order and waiting for the meal when we don’t know how long it’s going to take and how much patience the kids have.
This does mean we have to bring some distractions with us but I have found some fantastic small, easy to carry toys.
Sticky hands are great fun. I bought a pack of almost 50 and always keep a couple in my purse. These keep my kids occupied on car journeys, plane rides and while waiting for something to eat at restaurants. I’ve used them in party bags and as stocking fillers too.
If your children like small things with moving parts, these Botbots are ideal. My sister introduced me to them and my 4 year old was hooked. I’ve just ordered a pack of our own!
This road tape has been a lifesaver on planes and in restaurants. It’s small, light and not difficult to tear so you can quickly create a track. It comes off as easily as it goes on, leaving no residue. Add a few Hot Wheels vehicles and you have a great activity for keeping little hands busy.
Finally, these usborne sticker and activity books are my daughter’s favorite. She loves creating her own scenes with the stickers and there are endless themes so as her interests change, she can still find something she likes. We’ve worked through fairies, unicorns and dinosaurs so far!
Wrapping up: Family-Friendly Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard
These five restaurants in Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are my favorite spots for good food and stress-free dining on Martha’s Vineyard.
The Barn Bowl and Bistro tops my list, but if you’re looking for the best seafood, classic American fare, or a hearty breakfast, all these restaurants will satisfy. They have a range of dishes to suit children and plenty of great choices for adults too.
I look forward to adding to this list as our children grow older and we explore even more of the great restaurants on the island. Next on my bucket list: Sharky’s Cantina for Mexican food!
Where’s next on your list to try? Share your best family restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard with other visitors in our Travel Tips group on Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Family Restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard
Is Martha’s Vineyard for kids?
Absolutely! Martha’s Vineyard offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions that cater to children of all ages. From beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures to kid-friendly restaurants and cultural experiences, the island is a popular vacation destination for families.
Does martha’s Vineyard have chain restaurants?
No, Martha’s Vineyard does not have chain restaurants. The island prides itself on offering a variety of dining options that showcase local cuisine and ingredients, providing a more authentic and unique dining experience.
