Discovering the Flavors of Martha’s Vineyard: A Culinary Journey with The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook

Seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is a beloved destination for summer visitors who come to swim, sunbake, and feast on fried seafood, farmstand goods, and mouthwatering lobster rolls.

Many coastal places have this draw, but few have visitors return year after year, decade after decade, generation after generation as they do here. What is it that makes Martha's Vineyard so irresistible?

The answer, for almost all who set foot on these shores, is a little bit different but almost always includes food. Martha’s Vineyard isn’t just a picturesque getaway; it’s a vibrant culinary haven where food and community come together with an astonishing array of eateries, farms, and artisanal food purveyors. That’s part of the Island’s magic.

That magic is captured in The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook, written by year-round resident Julia Blanter and published with Rizzoli this March. The cookbook features 100 recipes from the Island’s restaurants, farmers, fishermen, and food artisans, with a foreword by Orange Peel Bakery’s Juli Vanderhoop and bright and airy photography by local Jocelyn Filley, evoking the whimsy of endless summer days and unforgettable eats.

The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook takes readers on a journey across the Island’s six towns, with appetizers, entrées, desserts, and drinks from well-loved institutions including Alchemy, Beetlebung Farm, Chilmark Tavern, l’etoile, Larsen’s Fish Market, Morning Glory Farm, MV Sea Salt, Nancy’s, Orange Peel Bakery, The Black Dog Tavern, The Grey Barn & Farm, The Pawnee House, State Road, and many more. Inclusive recipes cover alpha-gal, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets–there is even a delicious vegan lobster roll recipe so everyone can enjoy our summer vibes.

Beyond the expected New England fare, Martha’s Vineyard is home to a diverse community that brings their own flavors to the table, from Jamaican fried chicken and Lebanese mezze to Portuguese Holy Ghost soup and luscious Brazilian flan. The Island hosts a food culture unto itself and there is so much to discover within our 100 square miles. Go on, get curious!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or the Island is deeply rooted in your family’s DNA, this cookbook makes the perfect keepsake or gift.

The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook is available at Edgartown Books, Bunch of Grapes, Portobello Road, Amazon , B&N, and other online retailers.

Images: Cover, MV Salads, The Pawnee House, MV Sea Salt

Photo credit: Jocelyn Filley