Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard are a must during the summer (and pretty much any other time in the off-season) and today I’m re-sharing this blog post [updated September 25th, 2023 – National Lobster Day!] where I am listing where you can get delicious lobster rolls on island. It is my duty to you, as a year round resident and chef on island, to taste these lobster rolls – the good and the delicious, and share them here!

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As a professional (pastry, but hey, it counts!) chef with a passion for coastal cuisine, I am thrilled to dive into one of New England’s most iconic dishes: the lobster roll. This delectable creation has become a culinary legend, and today, we’ll explore its nuances, from the succulent lobster meat to the perfectly buttered bun. Cold lobster rolls, with chilled lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise nestled in a warm, toasted bun, offer a refreshing contrast of temperatures and textures, allowing the delicate flavors of the lobster to shine.

In contrast, hot lobster rolls, where the lobster is gently warmed in butter before being placed in a bun, provide a richer, more indulgent experience that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning seafood lover’s palate. Today, I’m sharing a dozen (12!!) lobster rolls on Martha’s Vineyard, where to find them, and what makes them special.

Lobster Rolls in Oak Bluffs

First up, head to Oak Bluffs and grab a seat overlooking the Oak Bluffs Harbor. You’ll watch the ferries come and go, plus the people watching here is some of the best. Lately, I’ve asked a few people what their favorite restaurant on the island was and more than a few have replied with “the Lookout” and this is where we start our lobster roll journey together. A spot that makes both a hot and a cold lobster roll, I knew the fame it had – it was said to be huge in size and very delicious.

The hot lobster roll at the Lookout Tavern arrived and it sure was insane. They only use knuckle and claw meat so what you’re getting are huge chunks of lobster meat, tossed in melted butter and tucked into a toasted and buttered brioche roll. The lemon wedge served with it makes everything bright and delicious. This was the slow start of me realizing I loved hot lobster rolls as much as cold ones.

Delicious Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard
The Lookout Tavern Hot Lobster Roll, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard

How I got so lucky to capture the Steamship Authority ferry in the back of this photo is beyond me, but the Lookout Tavern’s cold lobster roll might just be as good as their hot one. I appreciated the bit of lettuce and the lemon wedge, which added contrast to the mayonnaise tossed lobster meat and the buttery roll.

Go for the lobster rolls. But if you want to just go for drinks, that’s okay too. The view here is too good to pass – but a lobster roll makes that view just a little better, don’t you agree?

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The Lookout Tavern Cold Lobster Roll, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard

Stay in Oak Bluffs and try the lobster rolls at The Sand Bar & Grille. Also a spot that offers both a hot and a cold, they make thousands of these a season because honestly, nothing beats this other view. It’s another look at Oak Bluffs Harbor but now you add the fact that you can sit and have your feet in the sand – that’s why it’s called the Sand Bar! I find it to be such a fun spot to go in the summer – even though it’s always packed to the brim, the atmosphere is fun and exciting, there’s always something going on.

Delicious Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard
Sand Bar & Grille Hot Lobster Roll, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard

My favorite of the two was the one below, the cold lobster roll. There was something about the mayonnaise that I loved – and I forgot to ask what kind they used, so I need to go back! The kind of mayonnaise each establishment uses varies, thus the difference in flavors. Most spots on Martha’s Vineyard used either Hellman’s Extra Heavy, Duke’s, or Cain’s.

Back to this lobster roll, it was served with fries and I honestly don’t know who would be able to finish this meal. The roll is huge! For a beach vibe in Oak Bluffs, head here for a roll.

Delicious Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard
Sand Bar & Grille Cold Lobster Roll, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard

Lobster Rolls in Edgartown

We’re going to Edgartown for more rolls, this one first from Katama General Store, which we picked up and brought to the beach. Lobster Roll Tip: When bringing lobster rolls to go, ask for the lobster meat to be packaged separately so that the roll doesn’t get soggy! 

Once at the beach, we prepared the rolls with a bit of lettuce and were ready to go! A hint of celery in the lobster salad added great crunch and was a good pairing to round out the lobster roll. Not only that, but Katama General Store is hands down the best and only beach bodega on island – this is the place we always stop for eats, snacks, drinks, and any other beach essentials.

Delicious Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard
Katama General Store Cold Lobster Roll, Katama, Martha’s Vineyard

Next up, also in Edgartown, is a unique variation: a lobster croissant at the Atlantic Fish & Chophouse! I have to say, this is the most indulgent lobster “roll” on Island in my opinion. A buttery lobster roll, with a slathering of avocado puree and a cold lobster salad, served with a side salad of greens, is truly what dreams are made of. Just so you know, this is only served during lunch service at the Atlantic, so plan accordingly.

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Lobster Croissant, the Atlantic Fish & Chophouse, Edgartown

A few steps over and you’ll find yourself at The Seafood Shanty, and they serve up a very large lobster roll, with a side salad and an option of fries, this is a meal on Edgartown Harbor like no other. We love grabbing a seat on the deck overlooking the water and spending a few hours just chatting and eating there. Don’t miss their sushi, also delicious!

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Cold Lobster Salad Roll, The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown

Lobster Rolls in Vineyard Haven

Now, head to Vineyard Haven for more lobster rolls! If it’s Friday and it’s 4pm, you make sure to make your way to Grace Church for their ever so popular lobster rolls. We arrived around 3:45pm and the line was already out the door, so make sure to get there early. They are open until 7pm, but tend to sell out way faster than that.

Another just mayo and lobster roll, this one was not toasted or buttered. Served with the classic Cape Cod chips, we ordered our roll to-go and the amount of lobster meat we received was enough to make 2 very generous rolls – so even if you are going to just eat them outside, order them to-go for that extra lobster meat!

Delicious Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard
Grace Church Lobster Roll, Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard

Up next, the lobster roll at John’s Fish Market in Vineyard Haven. Talking to Samantha, part of the family at John’s, she tells me the key isn’t just a toasted bun, but a HOT buttered bun with the cold lobster salad meat. They use Cain’s mayonnaise, extra heavy, in with the fresh lobster meat. Served with Lay’s Chips, this is a classic roll that you’ll enjoy.

As the oldest fish market on island and now with its 3rd and 4th generation owned and operated, you’ll not only love the food here, but the familiarity. Everyone is family when they come through the door and everything in here is so delicious. My friend is obsessed to their blue fish pate and I have to agree – it’s the best on island!

Delicious Lobster Rolls on Martha's Vineyard
John’s Fish Market Cold Lobster Roll, Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard

Next, at the top of Main Street Vineyard Haven is Waterside Market, a local favorite. Not only do they serve a hot and a cold lobster roll, but they also have the following lobster items: Lobster Cobb salad, Lobster BLT Sandwich, and Lobster Eggs Benedict. So for the lobster lover, Waterside is a must!

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Cold Lobster Salad Roll, Waterside Market, Vineyard Haven

Stick around in Vineyard Haven and grab a seat at one of the two spots for waterfront dining in Vineyard Haven, Garde East Restaurant (the other spot is Black Dog Tavern). Although open only seasonally between May and September, Garde East serves up a very flavorful lobster roll packed with herbs and tossed in a lemon aioli, seriously delicious!

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Cold Lobster Salad Roll, Garde East, Vineyard Haven

Lobster Rolls Up-Island

And now finally, we head up island for the best sunset and a lobster roll dinner you won’t forget. I’ve had both lobster rolls at Larsen’s Fish Market and Menemsha Fish Market, and I love supporting both family owned businesses. The rolls are pre-made if they are cold which is a great quick and go, but when you order the hot, which is pictured below, you get the special treatment of seeing your bun and lobster meat being doused with almost 2 ounces of melted butter. It’s a treat onto itself!

Grab your lobster roll, a cup of lobster bisque or chowder, and head to the beach for the best sunset on the East coast. Happy Summer!

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Up Island Hot Lobster Roll, Martha’s Vineyard

This is not, by a long shot, a complete list of all the lobster rolls on Martha’s Vineyard. Every restaurant, shop, and snack bar has its own version of what a lobster roll should be. There are good ones and bad ones – I am only sharing the good ones because I don’t even want to share where the bad ones can be found! Please shoot me an email at marnely at gmail dot com if you plan to visit Martha’s Vineyard this summer and need foodie recommendations!

Disclaimer: This was a very informal tasting of lobster rolls, throughout about a month. Some lobster rolls were comped by the restaurant, others were bought with my own money. Either way – I asked questions, tasted the lobster meat, the bread, the sides. This blog was brought to you by my tastebuds. Please note this is not a complete listing of lobster rolls – for that, head over to the Point B Realty blog, where they listed over 40 places on island to get a lobster roll!

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5 Comments

  1. Janet Rapose says:

    Great blog on Lobster rolls! I too would put The Right Fork as my first. I would follow up with The Lookout as my second. However, there are others in your blog I have not tried, so I think it’s time for a Lobster Roll Stroll! Nothing like enjoying Lobster Rolls from around the island, great food, great views, great times! Thank you for the comparisons Mamely!

  2. Very nice to have this- as my friends have different preferences when it comes to hot,cod, toasted,B type and amount of mayo— question? which ones are fresh lobster – some were disappointed to get still a little frozen lobster roll at one of these locations in June. Will check out pricing as I follow your recommendations….. πŸ‘πŸ½ thank you very much! I like menemsha fish market best so far!

  3. Felicia Pickett says:

    Thank you for the great article on places to get lobster rolls. I will be staying next store to Lookout for a week. Can’t wait to get my lobster roll.

  4. Great list! You made me hungry! I have to mention one of my faves – which I’m shocked isn’t on this list of the best – the hot and the cold lobster rolls from Net Result in Vineyard Haven. They are heavenly!