The Chanticleer Restaurant & Gardens

This is a top restaurant destination when you visit Nantucket. The service is impeccable. The wine list is fantastic. Their cocktails are impressive. The food is beyond delicious. I promise you will not be disappointed. Sit outside for lunch if you can. We loved sitting inside for dinner. You will love it here.

We looked forward to trying the Chanticleer for years and it was our first stop on our first trip to Nantucket. It couldn’t have been more disappointing. This is not the restaurant you have heard about (recent management and chef change). Food was nothing to write home about - menu/options were underwhelming, fries were not fully cooked, aioli was tasteless, burger was well done despite being ordered medium, steak came out dry and as if it had been cooked hours prior, and salad was not dressed. There are also no gluten free accommodations (how they don’t have gluten free bread is beyond me - this is Nantucket, even people’s dogs are GF!) We also waited 90 minutes for our food to arrive. There were maybe 4 other (small) parties at the restaurant. It was insane. Do not go here.

We were very excited about a birthday dinner with the girls as we received multiple recommendations for Chanticleer. The bread was amazing, the appetizers were good but when it came to main course, both chicken dishes were cold and not cooked, we asked to have dishes replaced with cooked food, and after a half hour wait, received our food, it was slightly warmer and some parts still looked uncooked, and the restraint of our table had finished their food. We asked for consideration on our bill which was $700.00, hoping to have at least one of the chicken dishes removed and desserts comped. After the waiter discussed with Chef, we were comped for two desserts which were not that great to start with….i should also say the restaurant was half empty and it was a cold rainy night…no reason for Chef to send our cold, uncooked food… Be warned…this new Chef’s food is NOT good! So much for a happy birthday :( Still hungry and a year older…

We’ve been to The Chanticleer many times over the past few years, and had I written a review after those visits it would have always been between 4 and 5 stars. We were concerned when we saw how much the menu had changed since our last visit in 2024, as it felt much less accessible this year. Unfortunately, our meals ranged from disappointing to merely good. The highlights were the cocktails and the cavatelli, which was light and fresh and generously portioned for an appetizer. We’ve always enjoyed treating ourselves to a delicious meal at The Chanticleer, but for the first time, we’re not likely to make the trip next time.

Update summer 2024: The garden is still amazing. The food was better. I wished they had more sharable appetizers. Bread was delicious. The best part they have an amazing desserts menu !!! Great job. We tried 4 of 6, and they were amazing. Previously, I gave them 3 stars, but they earned 4 all because of the amazing and multiple dessert options. Unfortunately, not what i remembering... First time back at this restaurant since 2020, and i was disappointed. The garden is still amazing. Drinks was ok ... just ok. Food except the appetizer who was special for the night wasn't as good as i remember it. Flavor wasn't there at all. The bread that they started you with was overall my favorite. They have a great dessert menu with options, but i wasn't satisfied with what i tried. Staff was friendly and you got enough attention during the dinner. Should i go back there, i will, and if the food hit the spot, i will change my review.

Fabulous restaurant. Amazing atmosphere!! Gorgeous welcoming gardens!!! Food and service matched the wonderful atmosphere!!! The owner is fantastic - Susan Handy - extremely interesting and knowledgeable on the history of Nantucket. My favorite restaurant on the island!

The starters were good (not great). The main courses were ok except the chicken which was really bad. Two of our party of 5 ordered the chicken and both dishes came cold and under cooked. We sent them back and they were served after the rest of our party had finished our meals. The chicken was still not well cooked. When we brought this to the attention of the manager we receive a very small credit - two desserts which were not good - basically a ho-ho and a mushy strawberry dessert. So disappointed based on recommendations. New chef needs to go and management needs to learn customer service (which has been amazing at every other Nantucket restaurant and business)

We came to celebrate a birthday and while the cocktails and appetizers were great the rest of the meals and service were disappointing. The chicken dishes came cold and undercooked. By the time replacement dishes came the rest of our party were finished with their meals. Despite the restaurant being only half full, the staff rushed us through the courses taking our plates before we were done. When we brought these issues to the manager’s attention little was done in response.