Reviews, get directions and information for Ships Inn & Restaurant
About
A historic whaling captain's mansion, beautifully restored with twelve rooms and an acclaimed restaurant and bar.
Ships Inn is open May through October with the restaurant open every night except Tuesday.
www.ShipsInnNantucket.com
We had dinner at the Ships Inn restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. I had a cocktail and it was great as well.Service: 5/5
4 stars because the food was delicious. Best Caesar salad and one of the best lobster bisques I’ve ever had. But I’m removing a star because it was SO hot in there that it was impossible to enjoy our meal. No air conditioning which isn’t ideal because the dining room is in a basement and even with the windows open there’s no breeze.
The service at the restaurant was 5/5 but unfortunately the new chef this season left a lot to be desired. I ordered the lobster bisque to start and had the filet mignon as my entree. The bisque was inedible. It was the consistency of water with barely any flavor at all. The water used to wash the lobster probably would've tasted better. There was also a little lobster garnish floating in the soup made out of bread. It didn't add anything to the presentation and I didn't bother to taste it after how bad the bisque itself was. I sent the bisque back and declined a replacement. As for the filet.... It came with a side of green beans and carrots that weren't seasoned at all. Seriously. The chef stuck some vegetables in a pot, let them cook for a bit, then threw them on the plate. No salt, no pepper, nothing. If I wanted cooked vegetables I would've stayed home and spared my wallet the expense. I ordered the filet medium. It came medium minus the "sear" around the entire outside of the filet. It was burnt to a black crisp. I guess the melted cheese crust on top was supposed to help mask the nasty charcoal taste of burnt filet. It was at least edible unlike the bisque although the quality was what I'd expect from longhorn steakhouse and not a restaurant of this reputation. The best part of the meal was the tiny serving of potatoes. No complaints there and by far the best thing on the plate by a landslide. The quality in food has dropped incredibly since I last ate here under the previous chef. That's what's prompted me to leave this review as a returning customer. Maybe my experience this time was a fluke and had nothing to do with the new chef. Either way I probably won't return and risk another bad meal and money wasted under this chef.
The rooms are really comfortable and attractive, the staff is lovely and Mary Lou the Innkeeper is fantastic. The restaurant is great, the manager Bob Moulder went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and valued. We will definitely be back both to stay and to eat! Love it! Rooms: 5/5
Great cozy spot in Downtown Nantucket. The bar is an old dory. We had clams and halibut. Food was great as was service. Follow me on social for more of Nantucket. @acknatural
We had a delightful dinner at the Ships Inn. Our server was attentive and professional. The first course was delicious including the oysters, Caesar salad and scallops. The main courses were also excellent including the halibut, the Roquefort crusted fillet, and the pasta. We finished dinner with the chocolate soufflé and a side of vanilla ice cream. Perfect. Our best meal on Nantucket during this visit.
Food is amazing and desserts are my favorite. Fish is very fresh. Service is always great. Atmosphere is a little old and dry but I like the Nantucket feel and charm that it has... unlike the new restaurants that blast music and serve 20 dollar cocktails. Wine selection is great. Keep up the good work.
Wow. Fantastic restaurant. Went with family here. Lots of seafood. Had the calimari which was incredibly light and flavorful in its house ponzu orange juice, soy reduction. Had the halibut. Very nice and flavorful with potatoes. Wife had the lime chicken which lives up to a well-deserved reputation. Others at the table had the flounder and the chef caught tuna. Zucchini bread was noteworthy-- not overtly sweet, spongy and delicious. Most of all, we wanted to commend the server, Kyle. He truly is the most well-timed, well mannered, funny and knowledgeable server that I have had this year and I have eaten in many cities in the US and abroad this year at top billed restaurants. Great with food recommendations, and unafraid to consult others on things he did not know. The experience would not have warranted ravings if not for his service.
Then food was amazing. Don't try for street parking near the restaurant, park at the first spot in town and walk or get dropped off. I had the calamari, the swordfish special and the Grand Marnier souffle. Atmosphere was pleasant, though the restaurant did get loud. Staff was friendly and amiable. The entry for the restaurant is labeled, but at the back of the building and a ground entrance.
We just stayed here and can't say enough great things about it! Very quaint, outstanding service and great staff, tremendous food and very close to town to boot! Highly recommend!Rooms: 5/5
