Alchemy Bistro & Bar

After all the hype about this place from guide books and travel magazines, I can’t believe how bad it was. There was nothing interesting or original in the menu and when I finally chose something the resulting dish was not only underwhelming but just plain blah. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Family dinner to end our trip was well spent here - a post dinner walk was also a great after dinner treat. Our servers were attentive and the food was great.

We decided to dine at Alchemy Bistro and Bar based off of recommendations frim locals. The atmosphere is modern with dim lighting for dinner. It was quiet season so there was no issue with getting a reservation. The meal and experience was okay. The Roasted Chicken dish collard greens were way too salty. Nothing special about the chicken. Atlantic Halibut was okay. The best item was the Shrimp and Sausage scampi. Overall it was just okay.

Excellent service. The menu was short, though everything on it seemed well-designed. Unfortunately, everything was way too salty to enjoy properly. The fried oysters were nothing special -- fried for too long and then covered in too much barbecue sauce. The quality of the fish and lobster was excellent, but again bathed in too much salty sauce.

Delicious and a true gem of MV. Staff were attentive and made sure we enjoyed our dinner. Would come again!

We went to the Alchemy for dinner on a Friday night. The place was very busy and a bit loud, which is to be expected. The cocktails at this place are really good. We got the Arbuz and a mojito. The mixed berry jam that came with the cheese plate was so good that I would recommend getting that appetizer solely for that reason. Out of the three entrees we got, the campanelle pasta (with sun-dried tomato & walnut pesto) was the star and the favorite of everyone at the table. We also got the halibut and chicken which were still tasty even if they weren't as good as the pasta. The mango strawberry cheesecake we got for dessert was also delicious, would recommend.

They really don’t care about your experience; it’s all about the money. The host seemed kind at first. We went off-season in November and spent over $400 at the table. There were only two parties in the restaurant, and the other group was leaving just as we started eating, yet the service was still rushed and careless. Our waitress never once asked if everything was okay. She kept interrupting before we were ready to order and insisted we place all orders at once. When we asked why and explained we wanted to start with appetizers first, she said that was fine, but she didn’t bring the appetizers until we also ordered entrées. When the entrées finally arrived, she left our dirty appetizer plates on the table even after we had already asked her to clear them first. She only removed them after we repeated the request. It was messy and unprofessional. We were also celebrating a birthday, and they told us we had to buy dessert before they would bring one with a candle. I’ve never experienced that at any fine dining restaurant. People go to places like this not just for the food, but for the overall experience, and this one completely missed the mark. We were staying at Harbor View, and a hotel staff had recommended this place. We should have just celebrated at Bettini, the hotel restaurant. The food and services there are the exact opposite, and they told us they would have comped a dessert for the occasion. Bettini is better rated for a reason. The apps here were good, but most of the main courses were mediocre at best, definitely not worth the price or the attitude.

My daughters and I were seated upstairs in the back room next to the fireplace. It was a fun spot to sit; we could look out across the rooms and watch the hustle and bustle of this lively restaurant. Our server Michael made our dining experience absolutely delightful. By far the best server we had during our stay on Martha’s Vineyard. We shared everything we ordered and were not disappointed with our choices. The Jonas crab and asparagus salad was very fresh, not overdressed and gracious plenty to share. The fresh oysters were also a hit. I split the 2lb. lobster with spätzle and fresh veggies with one of my daughters, it was over the top delicious! My other daughter had the scallops and also found them to be delicious. The girls split the flourless chocolate dessert and enjoyed every last bite!! The cocktails were really good, the wine list so-so but everything else was fantastic. We loved this spot for the fun atmosphere and delicious foods. I highly recommend going. And ask for Michael!

I tried this place the first time this year and came back two days later for their Summer salad. The drinks are divine. A wonderful addition to the Main Street! Highly recommend! Make reservations in advance!

A few locals had recommended to the Alchemy Bistro and Bar for dinner. This was our first time in the Vineyard as part of my sister's bucket list. The restaurant is trendy and the first floor is small with a few tables. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. We ordered the shrimp & sausage scampi and squash soup. Both were good and the shrimp were large. For dinner I had the Atlantic Halibut and my sisters had the Roasted Boneless Half Chicken. The Halibut was a large piece and was fine. The chicken dish was very salty. The collard greens were overpowering the chicken and polenta. It was not the best meal I have had for the $300 price tag.

Food was good. Vibe was nice as well. In particular we enjoyed the burger, focaccia, and caprese. The fusilli and cod are solid options. Would definitely recommend this place in Edgartown. Service was overall decent and I liked their wine selection.

Go here if you love mediocre food, indifferent and even rude wait staff and long waits for food to arrive at your table. Will never go again!

Great service, cozy little French-ish restaurant in Edgartown. Spaced out so you have room and. Ice round tables and bar as well as upstairs dining too. Be careful a few guest fell coming downstairs on this night. Great wine selection and. Ice cocktails too has the 1/2 pound Alaskan king crab legs w drawn butter and jerk sauce dip. Great compliments

I really enjoyed my old fashioned! The service was really great and the upstairs back bar had a nice vibe. I didn't try their food but looking forward to it next time I visit.

We really enjoyed eating dinner here! We were able to get a table last minute in the summer and sat outside. The service was friendly and helpful and all the dishes we tried were delicious. At the end of the night we were able to get espresso martinis and they are easily one of the best we've ever had! The next time we go we definitely want to try more of the cocktails on the menu.

Ate here with a group of 6. The fried oysters appetizer was drenched in BBQ sauce which distracted from the taste of the oysters. 3 of us ordered a burger, and they all had to be sent back- really not tasty at all. I tasted my friend's gnocchi, which was salty and drenched in sauce. The service was good but the food was a miss.

Stale burger bun, over cooked, over $35 (for a burger). Bad appetizers, wife's meal was terrible. Only good thing was the cocktail. Bill was over $250 for two people, feels awful to spend that much and have a terrible meal.

Very disappointed as Alchamy had always been one of our go to restaurants. Waitstaff recommended a lobster flatbread appetizer that wasn't flatbread but a horrible deep dish type crust, with no lobster we could detect. It was also $38, not the price of $18 she quoted. All 3 hamburgers were too salty and the fries were cold. My salad with Jonah crab was tasteless, I had to ask for lemon to make it eatable. Will never go back.

UPDATE: 8/13/2023 Dishes have taken a turn for the worse which brought my review from 5 stars down to 3. The tuna tartare is described as having plantain chips. Last year, that meant golden and crispy, triangle-wedges of plantains. A larger serving of tuna atop a beautiful swath of sauce. This year, it's a stack with what was more like banana chips and a much smaller portion of tuna and the cost went up. The scallops? What a disappointment. This year they're squashed into a pile of risotto. We took friends here based on our dishes from last year and, again, it was quite disappointing to see the difference in presentation, taste, and cost. ORIGINAL REVIEW July 2022: Pricey...but great food and service! We've been to Alchemy a few times now and have enjoyed it each and every time. The food is delicious. The plates look beautiful. The service is top notch. What else can you ask for? Well, if something's not quite right, they'll make sure they fix it for you. My sister once ordered a drink that she didn't like the taste; no questions, they offered her the opportunity to order something else. We got seated next to an extremely loud couple and mentioned it to the manager/owner. He quietly acknowledged the situation and re-seated us at a much better table. We lost a gift card? No problem, they replaced it for us. Looking for a wonderful dining experience, go to Alchemy!

Decent restaurant to try. The server we had was excellent. My lobster risotto was very tough lobster. Ambiance was decent. Dessert strawberry shortcake and espresso martini drink was the best of the bunch!

We visited Alchemy again as is our preference whenever we're on MV. The place was quite busy but we were seated fairly quickly. It's amazing how many people love this place! I had the best appetizer I think I've ever eaten--Snow Crab Fra Diavolo. Wonderful chunks of crab in a to-die-for sauce with just the right amount of spice that went beautifully with the grilled sourdough. My husband and I shared as it was a good size. I had the Prime Ribeye Steak and Butter-Poached Lobster which was superb. This is not something I'd normally order, but the steak was tender and cooked to perfection with mushrooms, and the shoestring potatoes were fun and very tasty. The lobster tail was succulent. My husband had the Halibut with Crab & Corn Risotto. He thought the fish was great, but he raved about the Risotto. Said it was the best he ever had. Cannolis for dessert was too much after such a great meal, so we took half home. Nice wine list too. Best dinner we've had on this vacation.

My wife and I have been coming to this place, off and on, for 20+ years. In the past, it was a reliability good (not great) dinner and lively vibe. Last night, we popped in without reservations and had dinner at the bar. The food was disappointing, and the service was slow (ok, it was the bar). My wife had the sole, which was just plain bad. I had an unremarkable burger. The fried oyster appetizer was decent. In general, there was excessive salt on everything, especially the salads. We will not be returning. It has become just another overpriced tourist joint.

This place was super packed, so first tip is to make a reservation. Especially if you have a group of greater than two. We did not have a connection, so we luckily found seats at the bar downstairs. There is also a bar upstairs, so be sure to look there too. Food: Caesar salad here is very popular Wagyu Bao Bun was awesome with plenty of flavor Surf & Turf w/ truffle mash and grilled asparagus We didn't need to season anything, enough said...enter freely they've been approved

Great for an evening out of leisure dinner or cocktails. There is a large bar scene at this two story restaurant. If you want to come for dinner, note two things - this is not a restaurant for small children, and service is slow. So if you're not in a rush and want to enjoy your evening and company, this is a place to come. For food, we had - Bigeye tuna tartare: ok dish. Not crazy or to write home about. Campanelli pasta: large dish of pasta. Simple, nutty. The burrata ball seemed on the smaller side and coldish on a hot plate. Pan seared halibut: popular dish. VERY small volume of the crab and corn risotto (also, almost the consistency of polenta, not kernel like risotto rice is). The fish was...fish. Flakey and fresh. Scallops: four medium size scallops on top of polenta. Smaller dish so I wouldn't advise if you're hungry and looking for a filling meal. Overall, as-expected meal from this main-street joint.

We came in while we waited for our table at Raw 19. Our bartender Maria was so nice that we canceled and ended up sitting at the bar. They have a hot and dirty martini and it was quite possibly the best I've ever had. You have to get the Crispy Oysters and Snow Crab Fradiablo. Unreal how good it was. I think the owner or manager sat down and talked to some regulars and was very kind. Place is right on main and we didn't have a reservation. Lucked out to get in but worth checking out.

Excellent food & service! Nice & romantic too! Great wine selections. Their steak & lobster is so good!!

Have been coming to MV forever and have never tried this spot. Was excited to try it, however, was definitely disappointed. Both the scallops and halibut ($50+) were VERY salty - i.e. chewing on large grains of salt - and salad was absolutely drenched in dressing. Had to send all 3 meals back (which we never do) and nothing was taken off our bill (not even the glass of wine or the $7 bread that was also not great). Our server was very sweet and checked in. Disappointed for sure, especially for the price.

Had to send all 3 meals back- scallops and halibut tasted like straight salt and salad was drenched in dressing and had no crab in it and brown asparagus. bread was stale. we were still charged for everything.

Ordered the Just in Thyme cocktail, delicious! Ordered the bao buns app and two wagyu burgers. The med/well burger was completely well done. The server never put in the buns order but comped them so we could take them home later. Overall, good service, meh food for the price. Would I recommend? No. I had a superb meal at the Red Cat the night before. I'd definitely go there again!

Great date night experience at Alchemy Bistro & Bar. Food, service were all amazing.

Alchemy is a sophisticated restaurant and bar in Edgartown. They have amazing oysters and seafood platters. The entrees were good and they had some pasta, meat, fish, and a burger. Their drink menu is very extensive as well. We came in and where able to get a table without a reservation. Service was great. There was lots of seating, limited outdoor. Prices are very high.

We had an excellent birthday dinner at Alchemy in October, and being in Edgartown again this July reminded me of it. While I preferred pre-2005 vibe, Alchemy accommodated us nicely on a late October 2022 night, providing excellent service, delicious food and that can't-miss atmosphere in the upstairs room. We had several appetizers, drinks, and a surf-n-turf like special that pleased the whole table. When I tell a restaurant that we have a birthday, and ask for a dessert, it is always my expectation to pay for that dessert. However Alchemy may be the first restaurant in 30 years of dining that actually billed me for the birthday dessert. No complaints, as I never expect to dine for free, but the practice is so uncommon that I find it worth mentioning. Overall, I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Another fabulous dinner at Alchemy. We were seated at a beautiful corner table, and our server Rosie was delightful! The service could not have been better. Everything we ordered was delicious! The special Pan Roasted Shrimp had incredible flavorful, and we highly recommend the Caesar salad, Roasted Chicken, Gnocchi, and Strawberry Shortcake. Grant is a fine mixologist, having prepared a perfectly chilled cocktail for me, not too sweet, with grapefruit undertones. We appreciate everyone's kindness, and look forward to our dinner at Alchemy every MV visit.

The atmosphere was cute, and if you sit outdoors or by a window then you'll get great people watching. The service was just ok. My companion's tea didn't get refilled the entire meal despite being empty for a while. The food was overpriced and underwhelming. When the side dish of asparagus is everyone's favorite part of the meal, you know something is wrong. My $52 fish came out somehow both luke warm and overcooked. Would recommend one of MV's other restaurants over this.

If you are looking for hand crafted food cooked fresh to order go elsewhere. 5 appetizers and 5 entrees all pre cooked, over processed and under seasoned. $50 for mushy pasta. Grim.

Food was ok, we got there closer to closing, so for the price it wasn't the best quality. We will have to try it again not so close to closing time. Atmosphere was good and the restaurant itself was nice.

The atmosphere of this felt more sophisticated than some one starred Michelin starred restaurants. We came here for our final night on Martha's Vineyard and wanted to treat ourselves. The cocktail I had was very good, it was gin based which has been my go-to lately. The oysters were good but our favorite was 19Raw for oysters. The mushroom toast was a little burnt but still decent. Not my favorite. I absolutely loved my entree, the Atlantic Halibut. Husband got the filet mignon. I don't even eat beef due to religious/cultural reasons but I will very very rarely try it. And this is the 3rd time I've had a bite of beef. So good! And as I write this review, I know I enjoyed this restaurant more than I did at a Michelin star place I went to recently. Thank you for the lovely food and experience.

We made a reservation here and knew for sure we were going to dine in (they request a credit card and apparently if you don't cancel within 24 or 48 hours, you will get charged)! So make sure your plans are set! This place was busy and the dining room was full by 6 pm, half hour from opening. Within our group, we ordered the Crab and Asparagus salad, the halibut, the mushroom pasta, and the half roasted chicken. The halibut was cooked perfectly and was not near to being over-cooked. The risotto made the halibut taste great. The chicken was tender and not dry and the breading made it tasty (this was my dish). I was a fan. The pasta was an okay for some and not great at all for the rest as it lacked pepper. The staff was friendly and great and were attentive during our entire dine in stay. I would recommend this place for a nice dinner with friends or date night. However, if your plans may not be set in stone and may have to change last minute, avoid this place so you do not get charged extra.

Had a lovely dinner at Alchemy last night. The ambiance upstairs was great. Started off with the crab and asparagus salad. Both delicious and refreshing. Then went on to have the surf and turf and the orecchiette pasta dish. Would definitely order the surf and turf again. The steak was cooked perfectly and the bernaise had a good kick to it. The pasta was good. I would have preferred it without the balsamic glaze on top. Spicy mango margarita was solid and the service was great.

Excellent location perfect for date night. Enjoyed a beautiful table upstairs on the deck that was ideal for people watching and a light breeze. Loved the oysters, halibut, and creamy scallops. The crab and asparagus app was light and delicious. Our server was quirky in the best way possible and very attentive on a busy Friday night. Definitely try the Brussel sprouts

The BEST steak I have ever had- and I order steak at every restaurant I go to! Get the surf and turf, you won't be disappointed.

And Edgartown must! Fantastic service, creative menu and fun cocktails! Suggest reservations. Great for a special night out!

Elegant restaurant to enjoy while on vacation! Friendly staff and beautiful upstairs dining room. Ordered the crispy oysters for an app and the scallops for my entree - both were incredible and delicious. Be sure to plan in advance and make a reservation - this place books up fast!

If your automated phone message and Google states that you provide takeout, it's unacceptable to turn down a customer who walks in to place a takeout order for one salad (this wasn't even for me, but an older relative who couldn't do sit down). Get hostesses who understand the value of a dollar/customer regardless if someone is sitting inside the restaurant or not. Explain the logic - if a party of 7 is ordering - the chef(s) are not just going to say they are too busy to cook that food. So why are they so busy to cook one salad for one person...WHO IS PAYING? At least 19 Raw Oyster Bar had the decency to ask the chef if they could do a side order (still weird that some MV restaurants are even opposed to making food). The dismissive hostess at Alchemy (and possibly the owner standing next to her) couldn't bother to do so. All good. I've heard from others that those that fall under a certain demographic will be given the hospitality that should be extended...and is not... to everyone. I was not on the receiving end of that simple courtesy.

Decided to make this our last supper while staying in Edgartown and we were happy with our choice! We started with the brussel sprouts caesar and meatball special which was an appetizer that came with three small meatballs in an Asian style bbq sauce with crispy onions and coleslaw. Both were very tasty and shared easily between four people. The Brussels sprouts in the Caesar could've been a little crispier but all in all it was a tasty dish. We also split truffle fries which were very good with the aioli it comes with. For entrees, we tried the blackened mahi mahi with crab risotto, the cheeseburger, and the roasted chicken. Everyone loved what they got and had no complaints. Spicy mango margs and pineapple mojitos were had too! Service was very attentive and the atmosphere was nice.

Fantastic spot in Edgartown. Upstairs outdoor deck is best very nice menu and service impeccable whenever on vineyard never miss this great dining establishment Cocktails are excellent and people watching on street nice. Great for date night.

The food was OK, and the service was GREAT. But watching the manager in action was something to behold. He was older. White hair, white goatee. He was flirting, touching, joking with the young waitresses, who giggled. But the boys who were ignored, , or the girls who wouldn't stand for his inappropriateness were treated meanly. I had a front row seat of an episode of Mad Men

The halibut and risotto was the best dish I have had in years. Cooked perfectly and wonderfully seasoned. Everything I ate here was delicious!

I haven't been to Alchemy in many years and had a lovely dinner there last night. We were seated on the second floor and the ambiance was terrific- cozy and intimate with candles on the tables. It was busy but not full (I suspect it would have been louder if every table was seated). We started with the truffle fries which were terrific, we then split the scallops and RIGATONI ALL'AMATRICIANA which was delicious! Would happily return.

Cool vibe, good service. Food was mediocre at best. Lukewarm seafood entrée for $52 - yikes. None of our party of four liked our dish. (And cold, hard rolls - how hard is decent bread?)

Our table was tilted so we were paranoid that our skinny water glasses would tip over and spill onto half of our party's laps. The wine pour is acceptable so I bumped my review up a star. The tuna tartare and the mushroom toast appetizers were meh. The Arctic char, the filet mignon, and the truffle fries were tasty, but the bland Berkshire pork cutlet with Greek salad fell flat unless you absolutely adore kalamata olives and feta as they both overpowered the dish. The sausage pasta entree my kid ate was sus as some of the pieces were pink. We all unanimously agreed that after the $250 price tag, the star of the evening was...wait for it, ... the warm rolls. Even served with cold butter, the warm rolls were our favorite. We were so excited to eat here, but so disappointed and unsatisfied when we walked out the door.

Came on off season, was quite crowded despite would recommend a reservation. Came here because apparently this is where people who go MV go. Certainly there is a certain clientele given the prices / atmosphere. 2 stories with a fireplace in the back. Tried the prefix , unfortunately they ran out of sea bass despite it only being 630pm There was no offer for making up this inconvenience , for the prices you would expect the to either be very prepared or have an alternative. The halibut alternative was ok , sizable but might not have met the recommended value. The tuna tar tar was actually a gentrified poke bowl. Bread was warm and fresh with onion. Pumpkin soup was good quality but pretty pricey for 20$ which can be said about any of their items. Flourless chocolate cake was good. I noted it was my fiancée special birthday meal and they only acknowledged it with a birthday candle....would expect more in MV. Overall , average for the price but seems to be what is to be expected on a tourist based island.

Seated upstairs on the balcony with a cool vibe, we knew something special was about to begin. Our server Marina was incredible. Fun and flawless. Her recommendations were spot on as well. Yes, their prices are not for the faint of heart, but I would easily trade out "value mediocrity" for "premium excellence" every opportunity I could when it comes to dining out. Otherwise, stay home.

When you ask folks about good places to eat on island, you'll hear Alchemy quite frequently. After our first visit there, I now understand why. We had guests visiting and decided to try Alchemy. The experience starts with their reservation system. I received updates via texts including a reminder just shortly before our arrival. I'm sure it was an automated text but I went ahead and replied stating we were just minutes away. I received a response saying something along the lines of 'we'll see you soon'. I felt welcomed. Upon our arrival, we were immediately taken to our table. Our server was right there ready to welcome us, provide explanations about some of the craft cocktails, and eager to take our drink orders. The entire dining experience was wonderful. We started with a mix of martinis and cocktails which arrived quickly and cold. Our appetizers included a house salad, the tuna tartare, and the crab and asparagus salad. The latter was a bit bland so we asked to substitute another tuna tartare which was incredible. The sushi-grade tuna was expertly seasoned and spiced - a definite must-have for any sushi lover. As for our main courses, we had the scallops, the filet, and halibut. The only shortcoming would be the scallop dish. The scallops were served on such a big plate, it only covered 1/2 of it; it would have presented much better if it had been served on a smaller, heated plate. Otherwise, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal, the ambiance, and our service. We find ourselves eager to visit Alchemy again.

We had a fantastic meal here! The halibut and wagyu burger where both some of the best food we have had. Only citric was our waiter , we only saw him about 4 times to take our orders and dishes away. We looked for him every where. This prevented us for buying at least two more rounds of drinks. Overall it was a great experience and we will return in the future.

We unfortunately had to cancel reservations this Saturday due to a member of our party testing positive for COVID and we had all been exposed. Rather than exposing the patrons and staff at the restaurant, we chose to cancel our reservation. When I received notification of being charged $125 for cancellation, I called the restaurant to explain the circumstances. The young lady who answered the phone had a rather nasty attitude and said she did not appreciate my tone of voice. When I told her she has lost a customer, she rather arrogantly replied fine. We are summer and partial winter residents on the island. We have had many celebrations at Alchemy including attending this past winter's benefit supporting the Ukraine. However in light of our most recent experience, we will no longer patronize Alchemy.

Great service. Great food. If you are in Edgartown please enjoy this place. Maria was a joy and provided great service. One small complaint- $8 for a bottle of water seems a bit much.