The Sweet Life Café

This review is based on our experience having dinner in November 2023.

The Sweet Life was a truly surprise, an amazing hidden gem in Oak Bluffs, MV. The kitchen is audacious, their dishes show a genuine desire to take risks and whoever is in charge is delivering.

Portions are correct, enough. Every ingredient has a purpose, each one has its moment in the journey. The grilled octopus resembles an interpretation of the Spanish dish pulpo a la gallega. The ricotta cavatelli is like if you were eating pasta with a hint of key lime pie. The anchovies in the mafalde, shout here we are!, but just at the right moment. And then, at the very end, you think all is over, the chocolate budino blows your head off.

The service is attentive, simple, gracious. The ambiance, just like you'd expect from a place like this in MV. There's a disconnection with the 3-star menu and the rest of the place (not a complaint! is more like a compliment). You don't need the up-scale snobby set-up to deliver a fantastic experience.

Super cute place!! Loved my tangerine pomegranate mimosa, first time trying that flavor combo. Food was delicious and the french toast could possibly be the best I've ever eaten! Staff was amazing and fun! I went solo and thoroughly enjoyed myself. And the music they played was PHENOMENAL!! Definitely returning with friends in tow!!

Came in for same day reservation, got a great cozy table inside although the outside looks nice too. Great wine list, we devoured all the plates we had, and had trouble not licking the dessert plate clean let alone decide on just two. Great service and atmosphere, elated we made the choice to stop by on our last day of our trip

You MUST have brunch at Sweet Life Cafe in Oak Bluffs - it is so delicious, great variety of menu items, so much locally sourced items, and great service! They have a lovely outdoor tent that makes this brunch experience even nicer! Order everything on their menu, you will love it all.

I am startled, shocked, and curiously disgusted to see this restaurant does not have 100% 5 star reviews. We had an extremely satisfying and enjoyable dinner with a group of four of us this evening. I had the best cooked tuna I have ever had and everybody enjoyed their choices. What a nice place. The outdoor seating was perfect. I wish we could give “The Sweet Life” more than 5 stars to round up some of our lower star brothers and sisters. Yum. Thanks.

Worth every penny. A fine dining experience with a low key outdoor setting. Wait staff well informed, and happy to make suggestions. Creative menu with focus on local seasonal produce. I loved that at no point did we feel rushed and that they honored our reservation during their very busy Beach Road Weekend when the entire island was packed to overflowing. I'd give ten stars if I could. Thank you Sweet Life Cafe!

Never a bad time at the Sweet Life Cafe. Super cozy in the winter with live jazz on Thursdays, homey atmosphere, plus fantastic food and drinks. Haven’t actually been in the summer yet but can’t wait!

The hollandaise on the eggs benedict was PERFECT. The duck confit hash was so good.

The only point of improvement I can think of is that the menu could use more vegan options.

5 Star PLUS!!!!
Such a fabulous restaurant with the best food, ambiance, and service....Hal is such a creative chef and Erin is the best hostess.
We loved everything about it and highly recommend it....(esp. enjoyed the scallops and the halibut....)
A great place for a great evening out....

Oct 7-2022 Sat at the bar. Ben was friendly & makes a great Pisco sour, had grilled octopus 😋 desert, sweet corn Panna cotta. Good service when walked in.

Beautiful outdoor dining set up, a very elegant experience all around. First rate wine list with a knowledgeable staff. Amazing food with a lot of local ingredients.

I've been meaning to get to sweet life for over a decade now based on it's reputation and finally had the opportunity; it did not disappoint and I would recommend to everyone who loves food!!

I ordered the tasting menu with wine pairing and was completely blown away by the food and wine selections. My only regret, not asking early enough if that nights tasting menu including a sweetbread dish...there were 2 on the menu but by the time I inquired it was too late, the kitchen had closed.

The mezcal sazerac alone was worth the price of admission and the tasting menu was exquisite, on par with any top boston restaurant.

The patio atmosphere was next level. Again I cannot recommend this restaurant enough, if you're visiting MV, sweet life is a MUST!!

No cap the food was bussin. Not a single course was mid. The potato confit was on fleek.
Ok that's my boyfriend's appraisal.
The food was delicious, we ordered the tasting menu and each course was delicious. Ordered cocktails and they were also fantastic. The ambiance was great for a romantic meal or for a dinner out with some friends. Would definitely go again.

Sitting outside having dinner at Sweet Life is such a wonderful Martha’s Vineyard tradition. Doesn’t get better. The menu is exquisite. Try the charred octopus and the Gnocchi. Great cocktails too.

Hal and Erin are incredibly warm and welcoming hosts. Gorgeous outdoor patio, and the food is top notch. Last visit we tried 9 things off the menu, one off menu item. All fantastic, but the shrimp toast was God’s own bar snack (a bit of cumin in there?). Fantastic octopus, which always seems to be a standout here. Duck confit pasta nailed it.. great noodle texture. Chef brought out a little amuse of chicken liver with a small salad including peppers pickled with what i think was a lime/fish sauce mixture, and grilled orange sponge cake. Amazing. And the fried quail? I’d punch my grandmother for the last piece of it. It’s that good.

The Sweet Life did not disappoint! We had dinner here last year, and it was a must for our vacation again. We did the chefs 6 course tasting- it was all amazing. The basil ice cream was incredible! We’ll be back next year!

one of the best restaurants ive ever eaten at. the dishes and sauces were very unique and super tasty. definitely takes your pallet on a delightful journey!

Every plate we ordered was delicious. The food is creative and unique without being pretentious. Beautiful wine selection. The patio seating was lovely and the staff are charming and professional. Looking forward to going back.

Amazing impromptu 6-course tasting menu!

After driving around the island, and being disappointed at place after place, this was an excellent cap to the evening.

Properly seasoned and presented food, great cocktails, and great wine list.

The entrees were exceptional. We had the monkfish, bass and crab pasta. We started with the baby carrots which were sweet and tender. Finished with espresso martinis which was well balanced and smooth. The staff was friendly and professional.