right for decades. The downstairs bar
is a first (or last) stop for a night on the
town, or opt for a table and settle in for
an ocean-focused meal that consistently
delivers. 21 Federal St. 508-228-2121,
21federal.com
It’s a bit off the beaten track, but an
elegant reward awaits diners at Topper’s
Restaurant at the Wauwinet. It’s difficult
to decide whether the main attraction is
the luxe ingredients chef David Daniels
prefers in dishes such as butter-basted
lobster and truffled macaroni and cheese,
the voluminous wine list, or the awe-inspiring nightly sunset on Nantucket
Harbor and beyond. 120 Wauwinet Rd.
508-228-8768, wauwinet.com
Rhode Island
Jamestown
Across from the ferry landing, which
takes in the vista of Newport and the Pell
Bridge, locals head to the East Ferry Deli
to start the day (or to snag lunch). This
father-daughter operation is known for
its freshly baked muffins and its crab
salad sandwich. 47 Conanicus Ave.
401-423-1592
Like the island itself, Trattoria Simpatico is casual yet sophisticated. Some
prefer grilled pizza with Asiago cheese
and caramelized onions, enjoyed under
Fire Island Ferries, 631-665-3600, fireislandferries.com
Sayville Ferries, 631-589-0810, sayvilleferry.com
Great Diamond Island, 207-774-7871, cascobaylines.com
Isle au Haut, 207-367-5193, isleauhaut.com
Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
By ferry
By air
Cape Air, 800-352-0714, flycapeair.com
Staten Island, siferry.com
the giant beech tree on the outdoor
patio; others head inside for braised
short ribs. 13 Narragansett Ave.
401-423-3731, trattoriasimpatico.com
Block Island
There are remarkable views just about
everywhere on Block Island, but the
wraparound veranda at the Spring House
hotel is a truly special tableau. Things are
casual on the island, but the food here is
stylish, with plates such as mussels with
truffled french fries, seared scallops and
thoughtful pasta options. 401-466-5844,
springhousehotel.com
New York
Staten Island
It’s easy to forget that Staten Island is in
fact an island and a dining destination
—that is, until you take the ferry for
a serious foray into Japanese food at
Fushimi. All the usual sushi and sashimi
suspects are on the menu, as are crispy
calamari drizzled with spicy mayonnaise and served with mango salsa, and
tuna “tapas” with an apricot puree and
a sriracha-packed aioli. 2110 Richmond
Rd. 718-980-5300, fushimi-us.com
The island off that other New York
isle, Manhattan, also offers an impres-
sive roster of Italian eateries, including
Bocelli, which serves delicate pastas
such as ravioli filled with house-made
ricotta cheese in a rich Bolognese
sauce. 1250 Hylan Blvd. 718-420-6150,
bocellirest.com
Fire Island
A bit away from the main strip on the
east end of Fire Island, and right on the
water, Matthew’s Seafood is an easygoing place that has been around for a
while. It’s a friendly and relaxed spot for
well-crafted cocktails and an unfussy
seafood menu, including summertime
favorites fried, broiled or steamed.
935 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach.
631-583-8016, matthewsseafood.com
Another tucked-away island eatery
with a lovely view and calm ambience
is the Hideaway. A table on the dock
is a perfect spot for a simple lunch of
sandwiches and salads or to catch the
sunset and enjoy pan-seared sea scallops
with an Asian twist of shrimp and lemon
grass risotto. 785 Evergreen Walk, Ocean
Beach, 631-583-8900, housersbar.com
New Jersey
A meal at Surf City’s Plantation, with its
tropical décor and equatorial cuisine,
reminds you that you are indeed on an
island. The kitchen churns out entrees
