There’s something special about the end of a season on Nantucket. The air dries out and one of the most unique places on earth shifts its focus from the hustle and bustle of tourists to quiet evenings, the outdoors, and that unique island feeling you can only get 30 miles out to sea.

For our friends at Straight Wharf Fish, it marked the end of an opening season in which they brought one of the best dining experiences to Nantucket’s Straight Wharf once again.

When you begin to discuss the menu of Straight Wharf Fish with Chef Owner and our good friend, Kevin Burleson, the conversation always begins at the food source.

The menu is sourced directly from dock to dish by Kevin alongside our close friend/co-owner Gabriel Frasca who has run straight wharf restaurant (next door) now for over 18 seasons. Kevin begins every morning around 4am on the phone discussing the market’s fresh catch and knows the waters from which each fish comes.

He then gets to work. Heading into the restaurant, fresh whole fish like halibut, salmon, and swordfish are cut daily and prepared for customers within hours of hitting their plate. It’s an experience like no other on the island seated directly on Nantucket harbor, but serves the highest quality seaside staples we all grew up with like the most delicious classic scallop roll we’ve ever tasted.

Having a special appreciate for sustainably caught seafood at Long Wharf, we visited Kevin at the end of his opening season to learn more about his process and what happens to our fish after we catch and sell them.

We watched the deconstruction of a whole halibut and an entire swordfish. There’s a special respect for the fish and fishermen during this entire process. It’s a special feeling to harvest bounty of the Atlantic to feed local friends and family.

We talked for hours while cutting fish. When there is a shared passion behind sustainably caught seafood, we can talk your ear off about our favorite fish to eat, how different types of fish can be prepared, and some of our favorite New England fishing spots where this seafood itself is caught every day.

After cutting whole fish, everything is neatly placed in the case like any other fish market. Customers can come in looking for a fresh piece of salmon to stick on the grill or take home a piece of dayboat swordfish when entertaining guests for the weekend.

With an ode the authenticity along every step of the way, Straight Wharf Fish has given Nantucket something much needed. A restaurant that accepts no reservations, will not cater to celebrities seeking free meals, and is all about the fish without comprise.

A big thank you goes out to Kevin and Gabriel who have worked tirelessly for years to bring this special restaurant to Nantucket. Our go-to spot for a late lunch or early dinner, Straight Wharf Fish brings an accessible culinary experience to the island with the highest quality, sustainably sourced seafood around.