Topper's

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

One of Nantucket's Most Acclaimed Tables

Topper's sits at the edge of Nantucket Bay, part of The Wauwinet inn at the quieter, more remote end of the island. The setting alone sets expectations high — water on both sides, a covered deck open to bay breezes, and a kitchen that leans hard into what the island provides. Forbes Travel Guide recognized Topper's with a Four-Star rating, a distinction that reflects both the quality of the food and the considered, unhurried experience the restaurant delivers.

Seasonal New England Cuisine, Rooted in the Island

The menu centers on seasonal New England cuisine with a clear emphasis on native seafood. Locally harvested Fifth Bend oysters, Wauwinet Bay oysters, and quahog clams appear as dock-to-table ingredients — the remote location making that kind of freshness genuinely achievable rather than a talking point. The lobster roll arrives on a house-made brioche bun, and oysters on the half shell are a fixture whether you're dining on the deck or ordering in-room. The kitchen's approach is straightforward: source well, let the ingredients lead.

The Deck, the Cellar, and the Lady

Topper's offers a few distinct ways to experience it. The main dining room suits a more formal evening, while the covered, heated outdoor deck keeps things relaxed without sacrificing the quality of the food or service. For those who want to arrive in style, The Wauwinet Lady — a 20-passenger Coast Guard-licensed vessel — departs from the White Elephant dock in Nantucket Town for a 50-minute cruise across the bay. Dinner cruises pair with a three-course prix-fixe menu; lunch cruises run a looser format. The boat operates late June through Labor Day, and reservations are required.

Beneath the restaurant, Topper's Cellar houses a collection of more than 2,200 wine labels. The list has earned Wine Spectator's Grand Award continuously since 1996, with particular depth in Burgundy and rare vintages. A seven-course tasting menu with full wine pairing, guided by the sommelier team, is available for those who want to go further into the cellar's range.

Worth the Trip on Its Own

Even for visitors not staying at The Wauwinet, Topper's stands as a destination. The seasonal New England cuisine, the bay views, the boat arrival option, and a wine program of genuine national standing make it one of the more complete fine dining experiences on the island — and one that earns its Four-Star recognition without making a show of it.