Today, the Point B Team will be taking you on a delicious tour around the island of Martha’s Vineyard, discovering all the spots where you can order hot or cold lobster rolls! We’re calling it Where to Eat Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard (with more than 40 options!)
Lobster rolls have become a beloved staple in New England cuisine for several reasons. First, the region is renowned for its rich maritime heritage and bountiful lobster harvests, making lobster a readily available and cherished ingredient. Second, the simplicity of the lobster roll, typically consisting of succulent chunks of lobster meat nestled in a bun, allows the natural flavor of the lobster to shine. On Island, you can go one of two ways when ordering a lobster roll:
Cold Lobster Rolls
A cold lobster roll is the more common variation, and it’s often referred to as the “New England-style” lobster roll. The lobster meat is cooked and chilled, then mixed with a light dressing of mayonnaise, creating a creamy yet fresh filling. This variation allows the delicate taste of the lobster to shine, with the creamy dressing complementing rather than overpowering the natural flavors. It’s a perfect choice for a hot summer day when you’re looking for a refreshing seafood delight. Depending on the restaurant, they might also add small diced celery to the lobster and mayonnaise mixture, for added crunch, although most New Englanders stick to the basics only.
Hot Lobster Rolls
The hot lobster roll offers a different twist on this classic dish and is also known as a Connecticut-style lobster roll. In this version, the lobster meat is cooked or warmed in butter, providing a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The buttered lobster is then nestled within the bun, creating a comforting and decadent treat. The warmth of the lobster contrasts beautifully with the toasted bun, resulting in a heartier and more savory experience depending on who you’re talking to!
Choosing between a hot or cold lobster roll ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the purity of the lobster’s natural taste, the cold roll is the way to go in our opinion. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a more indulgent and buttery experience, the hot roll will be your delight. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a delectable taste of New England’s coastal culinary heritage!
And this dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of New England and its heritage: fresh, flavorful, and rooted in coastal traditions. Whether enjoyed at a seaside shack or a fine-dining establishment, the lobster roll offers a quintessential taste of the region, making it a cherished delicacy for locals and a must-try for visitors exploring Martha’s Vineyard’s culinary delights.
Where to Eat Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard – The Lobster Roll List
Make sure to review and save our Martha’s Vineyard Lobster Roll List below for the next time you’re on island, hungry for a lobster roll. We’ve listed 42 (!!) places that we know of that serve up tasty lobster rolls and have noted if they are hot or cold, or other!
Please note prices are subject to change and reflect current market prices at the time of publishing.
Where to Eat Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard – Edgartown
In Edgartown, find lobster rolls in over a dozen locations in town, from the most casual spots to the most fine dining ones!
19 Raw Oyster Bar: Crustacean Butter, Lemon Aioli, Brioche Roll, Sriracha Fries ($33)
Among The Flowers: Classic preparation ($32)
Atlantic Fish & Chophouse: Lobster croissant with avocado puree, tomato, and side salad ($25)
Lucky Hank’s: Herb mayo, griddled split-top bun, with farm greens or fries ($32)
The Newes Pub: Celery Fennel Slaw, Sweet Chili Mayo, Buttered Brioche Roll, Fresh Herbs, served with wedge fries ($38)
Rockfish: Claw & Knuckle, Grilled Brioche Roll, and Hand Cut Fries ($30)
The Seafood Shanty: Tender lobster meat warmed in drawn butter tossed lightly with mayo and just a bit of celery on a lightly toasted torpedo roll, served with a garden salad ($30.99). They also offer a warmed butter lobster roll served with fries ($33.99)
The Wharf Pub: Lettuce on brioche roll ($32)
The Fish House: Lobster, mayo, dill, celery, and lemon on a toasted hot dog roll ($27.99) and they also offer a hot lobster roll with lobster meat, sautéed in butter on a toasted hot dog roll ($28.99)
Quarterdeck: A small food shack in Edgartown, offering a variety of sandwiches including a cold lobster roll ($22)
Katama General Store: Five ounces of lobster meat dressed with brown butter mayo on a toasted brioche roll, garnished with lemon and fresh herbs ($32)
Katama Kitchen: Lobster salad roll ($32)
Macphail’s Corner Cafe: Cold lobster salad roll ($21.99)
Edgartown Meat and Fish: Classic cold lobster roll ($32.05)
Edgartown Seafood: Cold lobster salad roll ($28.95) or hot buttered roll ($32.95), each with approximately 5.5 ounces of lobster meat.
Where to Eat Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard – Oak Bluffs
Most of the spots you’ll find lobster rolls in Oak Bluffs are pretty casual and fun, in line with the town’s overall atmosphere.
Coop D’Ville: Lobster Roll Monday Madness Special, $24 lobster rolls all day
The Barn, Bowl, and Bistro: Three fresh lobster meat salad sliders with lettuce, mayo, red onion, celery & lemon on fluffy toasted slider buns ($28)
Farm Neck Cafe: Served Chilled, Lemon Chive Mayo, Griddled Brioche Bun ($38)
Fishbones Bar & Grille: Claw & Knuckle Meat with a touch of mayo served on a Buttered & Grilled Brioche Hot Dog Roll ($30) and a Sautéed Lobster Roll ($31) of Sweet Lobster Meat Sautéed in Butter & Served Warm on a Buttered & Grilled Brioche Hot Dog Roll
Eleven Circuit: Maine lobster mixed with celery and mayonnaise, served cold on a buttered and grilled roll (MP)
Giordano‘s Clam Shack: Classic lobster roll, served with French fries ($24.99)
Linda Jean’s: 1/4 pound lobster meat on brioche roll with fries or coleslaw, tossed in mayonnaise or sautéed in butter ($29)
Lobsterville Bar & Grille: Packed with lobster meat, light lemon mayonnaise, celery, and Old Bay, served with Kettle Chips ($32)
Lookout Tavern: Claw & Knuckle Meat with a touch of mayo served on a Buttered & Grilled Brioche Hot Dog Roll ($33) and a Sautéed Lobster Roll ($35) of Sweet Lobster Meat Sautéed in Butter & Served Warm on a Buttered & Grilled Brioche Hot Dog Roll
Noman’s: Lobster meat served hot with butter or cold with mayo, buttered brioche bun, cabbage slaw ($32)
Sand Bar & Grill: Hot or cold lobster roll ($35)
Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company: Half-pound hot lobster roll in a butter sauce with preserved lemon, bacon, and herbs, served on a grilled brioche roll with French fries ($39.50)
Nancy’s: Chilled lobster salad, coleslaw, buttered and toasted split top bun ($28.95) or make it hot for $2 extra
Offshore Ale: Lobster knuckle and claw meat, mayo, minced red onion, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lettuce, on a buttered grilled brioche, served with handout fries (MP)
Pawnee House: The Island’s ONLY vegan lobster roll, served with mixed greens ($19.50)
Where to Eat Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard – Vineyard Haven
Discover all the locations you can take a bite into delicious lobster rolls in Vineyard Haven!
Black Dog Tavern: Knuckle and claw meat served hot with butter or as chilled lobster salad on a buttered brioche roll with mixed greens (MP)
Copper Anchor: Half pound of warm, buttered lobster knuckle and claws in a grilled brioche bun with chopped bacon, parsley, preserved lemon and fries ($39.85)
Fish MV: Six ounces of lump lobster meat served cold (mayo, lemon, salt & pepper) or hot (sautéed in lemon butter) ($34)
Garde East: Poached Lobster, Lemon Aioli, Summer Greens, Chives, House Chips (MP)
Waterside Market: Six ounces of fresh lobster with a little lemon, mayo, salt and pepper, for a cold option, or hot 6 oz. of fresh lobster sauteed in butter salt and pepper, served on a grilled roll ($34)
Grace Church: Available only Fridays between May and September, the Island Special is 4 ounces of lobster salad (with or without mayo) with the bread roll and chips ($18)
The Net Result: Lobster salad roll, premade ($24.95); lobster salad roll, made to order ($26.95); lobster meat roll with melted butter on toasted bun ($27.95)
John’s Fish Market: Lobster salad roll ($26.95)
Where to Eat Lobster Rolls on Martha’s Vineyard – Up Island
Make sure to stop at the local up-island fish markets for delicious lobster rolls to watch the sunset with!
Larsen’s Fish Market: classic lobster rolls hot buttered ($29) and cold lobster salad ($27)
Menemsha Fish Market: Nicely toasted bun, fresh lobster meat, hot butter on top, slice of lemon on the side ($29.99) or cold lobster roll with lobster meat, fresh celery, mayonnaise ($22.99)
Every list we share is as comprehensive as we can make it, but please let us know if we missed a lobster roll location and we will add it to this list promptly. As a reminder, please note prices are subject to change and reflect current market prices at the time of publishing.