Set the scene.
Tucked within the nautical chic Faraway Nantucket boutique hotel, Sister Ship—a self-proclaimed “relaxed cocktail club,” restaurant, and café—serves elevated cocktails and Mediterranean fare in the heart of New England’s elite. But this spot caters to the trendy crowd, opting for fresh, new experiences over the more formal lounges frequented by the likes of current President Biden and Tommy Hilfiger, who both own rather lavish homes on the island.
As you arrive, a hostess stand welcomes you outside, where the garden courtyard offers the perfect spot to sip and savor amidst manicured greenery and Nantucket’s famously idyllic summer weather. Inside, the turn-of-the-century design meets subterranean speakeasy vibes: tasseled fabric lampshades, sea-blue walls, ship-themed photographs, and plush brown leather upholstery come together to create a sophisticated yet maritime ambiance.
What can we expect from the food?
Given New England’s location, seafood naturally takes center stage on the menu. While the cuisine is labeled Mediterranean, you’ll also discover a variety of Portuguese and Spanish-inspired dishes, reflecting Executive Chef Nathan Parsons’ sous chefs Brazilian roots.
We recommend diving right in and making a splash (pun intended) with Neptune’s Feast, featuring oysters, colossal U-10 shrimp, smoked fish dip, Peruvian-style bay scallops, ceviche, and local Nantucket crisps. For those who want to elevate the experience, the Calvisius Caviar Service is a must, presented in its traditional canister alongside chickpea blinis. After all, when you’re in the land of the elite, why not go big or go home?
As for recommended dishes, our waitress highly praised the Big Eye Tuna, which presents thinly sliced, perfectly red tuna with cara cara orange, coriander, smoked olive oil, and blood orange vinaigrette. She also raved about the Seafood Paella, made with bomba rice, Nantucket squid, shrimp, mussels, piquillo peppers, paprika aioli, and lemon. Both options are sure to impress if you’re a seafoodie type.
To balance the salty flavors of the meal, consider indulging in some sweets. Options include a refreshing yuzu sorbet, a layered chocolate semifreddo, and an incredibly light and airy burnt Basque cheesecake that defies typical expectations.
And what about the drinks?
At Hotels Above Par, we have a soft spot for dirty martinis—and the swankiest places to enjoy in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Naturally, we started with a dirty gin martini, which delighted our taste buds. Next, we explored their more inventive libation menu, trying the Nightwatch, a creative twist on the classic espresso martini made with Coconut Cartel Rum, espresso liqueur, and La Colombe Fresh Brewed Espresso.
For those seeking something lighter, we recommend their playfully named spritzes, like the Sirens Call with strawberry-infused Campari, basil syrup, and white wine, and the Unruly Seas, featuring floral Aperol, lychee, elderflower, lemon, and Prosecco.
Final thoughts?
If you find yourself on this exclusive, high-end island off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, be sure to visit Sister Ship at Faraway Nantucket for a swanky seafood supper.
Top Takeaways
Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Address: 29 Centre St, Nantucket, MA 02554
Cuisine: Coastal Mediterranean
The vibe: A hip, relaxed cocktail club, café, and restaurant for the stylish Nantucket crowd.
Pricing: $$$
Takes reservations? Yes – SevenRooms
Our favorite dish on the menu: The Seafood Paella stole the show, highlighting the Spanish and Portuguese influences on the menu that we absolutely loved.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, cocktails, and wine service.
