Straight Wharf Restaurant — Restaurant in Nantucket

HEADS UPThis restaurant has a 2 course prix fixed menu, and does little to nothing to accommodate children. All that I can say to anyone considering to visit this restaurant READ THE FINE PRINT. Booking your reservation through their online reservation system requires a credit card. This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that my family was taking to celebrate a 70th birthday. Being new to the island, with two kids we booked this reservation online before our arrival. The night before our reservation, we received a text mentioning the 2 course menu. I tried to call the restaurant immediately that morning to discuss our options/express my concerns. They do not open until 5:30 pm so my only option was to simply cancel my reservation that morning online. Never heard from the restaurant until 11 DAYS AFTER our trip hitting us with a $350 bill for the late cancellation via an email.

When I explained our reasoning, I was emailed links with 'fine text' outlining their policy. Not willing to work with me, or meet halfway given our situation. To make matters worse, it was all via email before business hours so that I cannot call the restaurant to discuss directly to the person.

Very disappointed that 11 days after our trip to Nantucket this was the sour taste that has been left in our mouths. What happened to the customer coming first? What happened to communicating with a customer directly rather than through a computer screen. Terribly disappointed. Beware...

Very disappointed in what had been consistently one of my favorites over many years.

5 diners…4 walked out disappointed.

1. swordfish with a stalky green vegetable(not sure what exactly). The fish was perfect, the vegetable almost raw…even after getting a steak knife you could barely cut it into bite size pieces.
2. basic leafy salad (can’t remember the exact name) was a grossly humongous serving not consistent with fine dining and was underdressed.
3. scallops were rated “average”
4. one of the diners only wanted one course, but there is only a 2-course prize fine menu
5. steak tartare appetizer was fabulous
6. the food descriptions are very pretentious
7. $700 (before tips) for 5 people with wine by the glass…at that price point you expect impeccable food.

The long explanation on the menu (almost as long as the list of dishes!) of the 2% “optional” surcharge for the lower-paid staff said “we pay them well, but it’s expensive for the lower-paid staff”. Duh! Build it into the price and save the sermon.

Memorial Day is early, so the kitchen may not have hit its stride yet. May try again late in the summer before...

We have gone here every year for over a decade, and it's been excellent. Last night was "We'll never go back." The hostesses were unfriendly and officious. The meal was slow, over three hours. The server was actually haughty, and never informed us of the 22% gratuity already included, though there was a tip space on the charge. It is mentioned in the cursive-written bill if you look. This is borderline unethical. The haddock was dry and dull. All six of us thought every course was mediocre at best, and the bill came to over $1,000 ( there were six cocktails in that). I don't know if this is new management, but when I ask how the fish is cooked I don't need a lecture on food preparation. I only need to know if it's "pan-seared." They seem seriously understaffed, but also inattentive. And the hostesses should try to welcome people not look like they had eaten...