or, The Whale

Just arrived in Nantucket for a day trip and had previously made a 1130 reservation. We arrived and we’re seated in a very lovely outdoor patio setting. I bet it would be even better in the evening. We were immediately greeted right away and our drink orders were taken. When I asked if we needed any help with the menu, we didn’t, and immediately placed our order. Very friendly staff and attentive service while we were there. The food arrived quickly, and each entrée that we chose, we loved. No room for dessert so we paid our bill and we’re on with our day. I would highly recommend visiting this place as it has a lovely atmosphere and fantastic food and service.

What an amazing treasure! So beautiful restaurant I suggest you go early this way you'll get in and seated and not have to wait a while. Had the duck for two although a little pricey absolutely delicious I utilize the barbecue sauce served with the pork buns and it made the duck Taco over the top. This is a must try amazing service made a new friend would definitely go back!

Food was delicious and service was fantastic! The Korean bbq wings were awesome as an appetizer and the shrimp cake sandwich was awesome. Fries were also very good. Highly recommend!

Great downtown dining option. Largest bar in downtown Nantucket with many great drink options. Food is fabulous with an outside dinning option. Best part of the operation is The Blow Hole. A secret bar on the patio.

The chef worked with my friends garlic and onion and vegetarian restrictions. Kudos.
It is a bit limited menu so I suggest you review the choices beforehand.
Server was amazing and all the staff for that matter.
Aug2021

We had an amazing lunch here–everyone at the restaurant was so friendly and there was a good amount of space for our Lab, Luke. The drinks are pretty unique as well. We loved it here so much, we came back for dinner and were not disappointed. The duck tacos were incredible. Highly recommend when you're on the island!

Great atmosphere with contemporary decor. Crowd is younger, trendy, upbeat, and friendly. The shrimp croquettes are delicious. Highly recommend coming here for a drink and a bite with a date or friends.

So happy to see new eateries on Nantucket. This one is exceptional! We stopped in for cocktails and an appetizer while shopping on Main Street. A beautiful renovation to a long-standing building. Quintessential Nantucket!The bar staff is so personable and fun. Our margaritas were terrific and made to our liking! Papas bravas were the perfect accompaniment, with a little extra aioli. We can’t wait to go back for a meal!

Overall great experience. Steak frites with brown peppercorn sauce is delicious. Negroni was pretty good, not great. Cheesecake was great as well. Only real downside is the price but that’s just what great food costs.

Great food! Had the street corn and tomato 🍅 watermelon 🍉 salad and the tomahawk steak 🥩 A++

Amazing food and service. Super nice staff and great dinner. For sure coming back again.

Loved it here! The back patio area is beautiful.
My husband and I came for Sunday brunch. Staff was attentive and social. My husband got the omelet with the hashbrowns (which were cooked to perfection). I got the summer salad with falafel, it was so fresh and flavorful, loved all the herbs. Cocktails are fantastic.
Thank you for the lovely brunch!

Awesome restaurant! We booked last minute on resy Thursday night for 6:45 but probably didn’t need to, it wasn’t too busy. The ambiance is very cool, dimly lit and leans romantic. We were sat in a corner booth which we loved. Our waitress was very personable and helpful in answering the few questions I had about our menu. I ordered a mezcal cocktail to start and we also had the house pickled veggies. My boyfriend ordered the steak frites and I had the watermelon, tomato, burrata salad with grilled chicken. We loved everything. Food came out quickly and was delicious. Definitely recommend!

One evening the family and I didn't have reservations anywhere.. We knew the chances of us getting into dinner with a party of 9 was far fetched. Then all of a sudden our stars aligned. Whale had an opening at a beautifully lit patio round table. It was perfect. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. They had one vegan option, their falafel plate, but they ensured they did a little extra to keep everyone happy. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

We went for dinner and we loved everything about this place. It was packed and the music was loud, which we like, but the back patio area is beautiful, calm and serene if you want a quieter spot. For dinner we had the Korean wings and we got the tomahawk steak for two that came with street corn, shishito peppers and potatoes-we also got a side of fries and ALL of it was spectacular. Totally worth the money. So good in fact that we went back the next day and lunch was just as good. That Korean pork burrito was amazing!! Check this place out-it will not disappoint!!

We hosted our business launch brunch at or, The Whale over the weekend and it couldn't have been a better experience! Emily was so responsive and easy to work with leading up to and planning the occasion and the entire team was warm, welcoming, and hard working. All of our guests raved about the food and we can't wait to come back and eat through the rest of the menu from the patio. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick bite or a larger special occassion!

My husband and I ate at several restaurants while in Nantucket. We loved Or, The Whale because it had by far the most inspired, inventive dishes. We decided to do a series of small plates - each was unique and flavorful. The cocktails were also refreshing. The ambiance is unique in that the restaurant has a more historic ceiling but otherwise a modern, nautical flare. There's a cool bar and great outdoor space. Service was impeccable. When dining in Nantucket, this restaurant is a must!

Consistently the best value in town. Excellent service, innovative menu, thoughtful wine list and best of all, fairly priced! Owned and run by locals who care about this community and their customers. The duck carnitas tacos and the delicious organic Vouvray they offer by the glass are to die for, but don't stop there, everything on the menu is fantastic.

The back courtyard is the best kept secret in Nantucket. Terrific food and cocktails, friendly, efficient service, and by island standards the prices are actually reasonable.

We ate here as a recommendation from one of the locals, and boy was it worth it. Prices are pretty much in line with the rest of the island, and the service was so-so. I had the french toast while my wife had the asparagus salad. Both dishes were absolutely fantastic. Bear in mind that most dishes don't come with a side unless specified, so that will be an additional cost. If you do happen to eat here, ask to be seated in the back (outside) as the view is lovely. Beware the falling tree leaves though. This was the best place my wife and I had eaten at over the last few days and we would highly recommend it.