The Summer House

Description:

• Old-school Nantucket atmosphere, 'Sconset-style, distinguishes this fine-dining experience from others on the island: wicker and wrought iron, roses and honeysuckle. A pianist plays nightly -- often Gershwin standards. The pounding Atlantic Ocean is just over the bluff. Service is wonderful, and the food is excellent, though expensive. Specialties of the house include fresh, locally caught seafood with island vegetables delicately prepared and stylishly presented. Tempting appetizers include the grilled portobello mushrooms served with a pungent Stilton-basil terrine, and the house-smoked salmon frisée with avocado salsa. The distinctive main courses are roast saddle of lamb with rosemary caponatina port and feta mashed potatoes; the unusual and tasty lobster cutlets with coconut-jasmine risotto timbale and mint-tomato relish; and the grilled rib-eye with wild mushrooms, foie gras, and cabernet. Desserts are bountiful. Order the blueberry pie if it's in season. The Summer House also operates a Beachside Bistro next to its pool across the street with views of the ocean. At lunch and dinner the bistro serves light fare like salads, specialty pizzas, burgers, and sushi. The bistro is open 11:30am to 8pm in the summer.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010