- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Topper's Restaurant
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
The Wauwinet120 Wauwinet Rd
Nantucket, MA 02584
(508) 228-8768
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
25 reviews for Topper's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"alas-I highly doubt their wine list will disappoint."
(in 5 reviews)
"Truly delicious Chef's Tasting Menu, with the taste of each..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Highly RECOMMEND the boat ride over."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
25 reviews in English
-
Review from Jake L.
Santa Monica, CA
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow.
This place is simply awesome.
Situated way out on the tip of Nantucket, this classic-styled location has some of the greatest views of the Nantucket Harbor possible.
Get there for sunset, get a cocktail and a seat in the back, then enjoy an amazing meal inside. This will be a memory that you'll have for years.
Can't wait to return. -
Review from Ellen H.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2011
Toppers was a bit of a mixed bag for us.
First the good stuff - the dining room is just lovely, for once it was much better in real life than in the pictures. The wine list is the best we have ever seen (and that's saying something) - extensive, incredible variety at VERY reasonable prices. That doesn't mean the wines are cheap - most of the list is well over $100pb and some are over $1000 - but many are offered at prices comparable to what you'd have to pay retail, if you could even find the bottle. If you are a "wino", this place is a must. (Oh and we were given a typical book - no Ipad here - wonder if they got rid of that?).
Service was good if a little slow. Our four course dinner took over two hours. One of our main course orders got mixed up (everyone makes mistakes - no biggie), and it seemed to knock the wheels off the wagon a bit. Big delay in getting the right mains, and when they arrived most were cold. I cannot fault them for using the original food that was correctly prepared, I would never suggest that they waste those items. But if you're going to send it back to us, you need to figure out a way to keep it hot. Best thing we ate was the Uni/shrimp risotto - fantastic. All else ranged from good to ok. But I can't really complain since it wasn't super expensive (3 large courses for $49pp - we added a fourth, which was unnecessary).
Beware of the dependability of the shuttle to/from White Elephant. We struggled both directions - told it would wait and it didn't, told it would there at certain time, it wasn't etc. In the end we made it without having to call/wait for a taxi, but in both cases there were delays and confusion. -
Review from Joe Z.
Ridgefield, CT
7/18/2011
On our trip to Nantucket this past weekend we wanted one special dining experience and we chose Toppers. The restaurant is rated very highly, but it was really the overall experience that sold it for us. It started with a really nice boat cruise across the bay, in the company of about 20 other people who were also eagerly anticipating dinner. The drinks are definitely overpriced, but it's not often you are in this situation so you say why not.
We were greeted on arrival at the dock by the hostess, and seated right away at the outside table we had requested. The view of the water isn't quite as good as we had expected, but it was nice all the same. Contrary to some other reviews, we found the service to be top notch and quite friendly.
We knew coming in what the menu prices would be, but I could imagine someone stumbling into this place could go into immediate sticker shock. We opted for the three course prix fixe, mostly because the chef's tasting menu looked like too much food. My wife and I have a policy of always ordering something different from the other, so we make our own little tasting menu.
She opted for the lobster with sea urchin infused risotto and I chose the striped bass as our entrees. Presentation of both was perfect, pretty much works of art. Very flavorful and the portions were a bit larger than expected. With this kind of meal I prefer to taste each part individually to get the full effect, and in this case that was a good strategy.
Desserts were really good as well, and we were quite full afterwards, probably because they were so rich. The shot of hot chocolate will wake you right up.
We didn't have any wine, but the wine list is huge and a bit intimidating.
After dinner we went and sat on these big cushy lounge chairs on lawn and watched a fantastic sunset. You can bring your drinks over if you'd like which makes it even more relaxing.
Finally it was time to head back on the boat. I highly suggest bringing a sweater if you are the type that gets chilled easily. They do put up the top on the boat but there is limited space underneath.
Overall it was a great experience, but definitely not something I would (or could) do on a regular basis. -
Review from Ron G.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Adequately prepared dishes, but nothing spectacular, and way overpriced. Two soups, a burger, a lobster roll, fries, and 4 Sam Adams beers = $118 bill (pre-tip). As an aside: the soup -- a pumpkin soup -- was very good.
-
Review from David L.
Miami, FL
6/21/2011
Hands down one of the top 5 meals of my life!!! Decided to go there because its a preferred restaurant of American Express. Did not know I was walking into a seven course pre set tasting menu.
You are seated by the hostess and the wine list is via IPAD! so cool and if you have any questions the sommelier is more than accommodating.
Started out the night with $185 ounce of Golden Osetra caviar. Simply Amazing!! Waiter brought out free shots of premium vodka to pair with the caviar.
The seven courses were amazing: Scallop Carpaccio, Foie Gras, Truffle Gnocchi, Poached Lobester were my favorite.
Service was amazing and over the top, waiter (Dave) took extraordinary care of our table.
Desserts were amazing also, the sorbets are all fresh and made in house, to die for.
Dont expect to eat here if your on a beer budget.
We were a party of four the bill came out to $960 with tip. Granted that was with two bottles of wine, the caviar, 3 out of the 4 of us had the three course tasting menu and I had the seven course.
Chef actually gave me a signed menu after dinner thanking me for spending my evening with them. It was raining outside when we left and they actually gave us two umbrellas from the hotel (which they knew we were not staying at.) -
Review from Colin G.
Reading, MA
8/9/2011
Toppers is a good night out. it is slightly misleading in its promotion of its scenic dining. it does have a fantastic view of the sunset almost unbeatable on the island. that said it really is only accessible to the hotel guest and is not really that visible to the dinning outdoor guests and is not at all visible be the indoor guest. the food is good not great but decent. I would not say don't go here cause it is a decent night out especially on a nice weather evening,but i also would go back. my meal was good but not worth the price and the lure of the sunset is not worth the hype.
-
Review from Katherine E.
Brookline, MA
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are looking for a breathtaking setting for a sunset dinner on Nantucket, look no further. The deck has a wonderful view of the ocean and you can walk out to it in between courses.
The wine list is extensive. In fact, you can browse the list on an iPad that they bring to your table! Wines are served in the appropriate varietal glass. Random mention, but I was kinda impressed that they served on Bernardaud china and used Riedel glasses for water (slightly unnecessary).
The "Painkiller" cocktail was complex and made with ground nutmeg.
Salads and apps were the highlight for me. I had the beet salad, the beets had the perfect sweetness and the just the right amount of vinaigrette. The lobster bisque was also quite nice.
Mains were done well. We got a variety of mains, including steak frites and lobster roll, and everything was cooked to perfection. Some dishes needed additional seasoning. The fries with truffle aioli were awesome with a strong truffle flavor, some of us took the aioli and spread it on our mains.
It got cold outside and some of the outdoor heaters in our section were not working, so they were able to move us into the main dining room. For dessert, we had shared 3, 2 fruity and 1 chocolate. Great presentation.
The service is gracious and friendly but slightly inconsistent, warranting just over 3 stars but not quite 4. We felt that the staff could have anticipated our needs sooner during the meal, as we had to flag someone down several times (to check why the outdoor heater was not functioning, to order an additional bottle of wine, etc). What made up for it was the fact that the server chased our car to return the credit card we unwittingly left on the table! All in all, good experience and would come back. -
Review from Jefferson L.
San Francisco, CA
7/9/2010 1 photo
For an over-the-top experience at Toppers, arrive by their free boat service from Nantucket Town. As of Summer '10, the boat departs from the White Elephant at 5 p.m. and returns from Toppers at 8 p.m. The voyage is just short of an hour each way, so you'll have roughly two hours for dinner between (plenty of time). The 5 p.m. boat has bar service; the 8 p.m. does not, but you can BYOB from Toppers. Just to be clear - you are power boating inside the Nantucket Harbor, not out in the open ocean. The harbor is very calm, so there should be no problem taking the boat - even for those prone to sea-sickness.
Eating outside at Toppers is grand, but you must request this seating at the time of your reservation, otherwise you'll be sat inside by default. The menu changes constantly, but if Topper's is offering the Ceviche of Live Diver Scallop with Local Honey and Yuzu Vinaigrette when you visit, it is not to be missed. This main course is served as a sweet ceviche, rather than a citrus ceviche. Different, delicious.
If you miss the return boat, the Wauwinet has a shuttle bus to drive you back to Nantucket Town (and a shuttle to pick you up if you miss the 5 p.m. boat). But don't miss the boat!
The sunsets from the lawn at the Wauwinet (or from the end of the pier - where there is a bench made for two) are amazing and romantic.
Enjoy! -
Review from Barry P.
Greenville, SC
9/10/2010
Food good! service pretentious and condescending.
We stopped by to check out the menus available for "deck dining" in late morning and made a rez. Reasonably priced light fare and a prix fixe ($80 for x courses).
Nikolai "served" us. Nikolai presented us only with the prix fixe menu. When we asked for the menu we saw 6 hours earlier, he reluctantly brought us what he called the "fast food menu." He was totally condescending in his tone and subsequent attitude.
After that, we had to summon others to get help. And then when a party of 12 came in, we knew we'd have to beg to get service. and we did.
totally atrocious experience!! if not for the food, I would've given it a zero due to the pretentious, unequal treatment of those that are only spending $200 for dinner.
What the &*&^, Wauwinet! -
Review from Robert D.
Wayne, PA
11/18/2010
Highly RECOMMEND the boat ride over..... its an amazing experience. They have a great bar selection on the boat..The food is good but very SMALL portions.The desert though is not worth it..... i was still hungry after dinner and by the time i got back into town i was starving
Dont know why but the staff has always been RUDE and SNOTTY.....Worst attitude.... They should be happy working at such a beautiful place.... Indoor or outdoor
if not for the boat ride, I would say never go and spend your money at the Galley. But it is an amazing experience, especially if its your first time on the island. -
Review from Koizumi Y.
Winnetka, IL
7/2/2009
Lovely surroundings and excellent service. Absolutely delicious onion soup with gruyere and croutons. The truffled rigatoni melted like butter, and while the gouda, pouligny fondue and gruyère started to weigh heavily, the taste was divine. There was no room or interest in dessert, but a fantastic bottle of Chevalier Montrachet provided an exquisite backdrop to a restful and sexy evening.
With the sound of wind and waves now caressing my senses, I say bring on the rain.Listed in: Hotels
-
Review from Kevin K.
Nantucket, MA
7/10/2011
Over priced. Over promised. And under delivered.
-
Review from Bill K.
New York, NY
7/12/2007
Holy night this place is good. I came to the Waiwunet on my honeymoon and we ate at Topper's twice.
The sommelier here was absolutely fantastic...patient and helped us to select some interesting wines and champagne.
I was crazy about the foie gras. Also, there was a lobster soup that was just ridiculous.
Overall this place was just amazing. If on Nantucket, think about treating yourself. -
Review from Amy D.
Boston, MA
6/22/2011
Food has improved greatly this year due to a new chef, and you worn find a better view or more relaxing place. However, I recommend going for a pre-dinner drink and appetizer on the deck, enjoy the view and spend your money on dinner in town.
-
Review from Terri P.
Boston, MA
2/20/2008
Seriously, I was treated to dinner here or would NEVER have entertained the drive nor the price other than special occassion.
My "sponsor" (just kidding-it was my friend's friend visiting who LOVES wine) me thinks I was a tad bit outta my league. Well not really but I didn't want to be handed the bill that night.
I might add, this guy ordered EVERYTHING for our table of 6 to share. I doubt I will ever experience that again-um, including some astronomical bottles of wine.
I WILL tell you I wanted to take the pate that was still sitting on the table and dump it in my purse as that was just the beginning and I was full. I WAS soo tempted.
I shamefully continued on to order (well the wine kind of worked on the guilt thing) All I can say is I could barely breath upon leaving and we had 2 bags of take home cartons. I did not indulge in any deserts but I KNOW they were to die for.
His wine order was wonderful-and me being the worst for names much less wines...alas-I highly doubt their wine list will disappoint.
This place is a treat-many compare it to the Summer House-NO, this place has the reputation it does because of what it delivers. Will revisit definitely! -
Review from Kelly K.
7/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoyed my meal at this restaurant. Great service. I started off with Martha's Vineyard oysters with caviar which were delicious!!! I then had baked lobster tail which was very good. The dessert looked pretty but was blah and the sorbet quickly melted in the sun. This was my favorite meal during my stay on the island. You can catch their boat to the restuarant or take a van or drive yourself. Scenic spot!!! Worth the money!
Listed in: Seafood
-
Review from Toni L.
Fort Worth, TX
8/15/2011
Service and views are lovely, food is marginal in our opinion! Nothing great to mention. I an sad about that!
-
Review from Ana G.
New York, NY
7/16/2010
Truly delicious Chef's Tasting Menu, with the taste of each dish exceeding the previous and delicious dessert for an amazing finish. Boat ride from Nantucket and back was absolutely romantic. Service was prompt and urbane and my Cosmopolitan was one of the best I ever had. Expensive-yes, but this is an experience to remember!
-
Review from Eric F.
Fairfax, VA
10/7/2010
I had the Kobe burger...it was awesome! Pricey place though at $26 and no fries.
-
Review from Ian S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/11/2006
OK, I'll admit, i am lucky enough to have had my wedding here. And it wasn't the beautiful location that finally swayed me, it was Toppers. This is some of the best food and service you can get in the world. Trust me. Though my buddy Chef moved on to Oran Mor, I've been since and the new Chef is fantastic as well. He even added a Kobe beef burger that is worth more than its $23 price tag. The bar has one of the most interesting selections of beer and alcohol, and the wine cellar is award-winning. The staff is the finest service you can get, and my favorite waiter Doyd remembers what i like even over a year later. Toppers is one of the finest restaurants in the state, hell, in New England. It doesn't get better than this!
-
Review from Lynn E.
Winchester, MA
8/6/2010
Visited Topper's at Wauwinet Inn this July, 2010 for the first time. While the cuisine (what little of it there was) was tasty, it was over the top in its descriptions. If we heard, "It's a work of art" one more time, we would have believed we were in a gallery. Frankly, it is not necessary to gastronomically recreate items if they are good to begin with; it simply conveys an effort at trying too hard.
Portions are tiny, and if you believe that a third of an asparagus and a third of a green bean constitutes vegetables, then this might be to your liking. It was not mine. Overpriced and underwhelming. -
Review from David R.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2010
We took the boat over from the White Elephant to Topper's for lunch. On the way, we met some awesome sexagenarians who regaled us with their experiences sailing the high seas before electricity was invented. Lunch on the patio was great; the quick nap before the boat left to return to the hotel was even better. Overall, the food was okay, and the experience was a lot of fun.
Oh, and if you remember anything that I've told you, remember this: try their chocolate shakes. -
Review from Wendee M.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2008
I went there for a lovely brunch on a Sunday afternoon. It started out perfect with a boat ride from the Nantucket pier to the dock of the Wauwinet. The very charming and informative Captain Rob gave us some info on the way and then the Manager met us at the pier. This is the kind of service that I love!
We sat down to eat in a lovely seat overlooking the herb garden. I was excited to see one of the chef's picking herbs from the garden to use in the kitchen...talk about fresh!
Our service was lovely, the setting was beautiful...the food..OK. I wish it was better. I had a Kobe burger and My friend had a trio of mini burgers of Crab, Lobster and Kobe..just OK. We split a side of Parmesan truffle fries..and they got cold immediately!
The best part was the fresh berry Daiquiri's..the best I have ever had! I am going back to stay in September...so we will see if I eat dinner there...still undecided. -
Review from Steve J.
Glenview, IL
8/17/2008
We took the boat over for lunch. Wonderful boat ride. The restaurant is very scenic and a lovely spot. Our lunch was nice but not outstanding. The three sliders (lobster, kobe beef, and crab) cost $36 and were not special. The calamari ($21) was better but still not outstanding. The drinks were great (my wife had a bellini and I had a Cisco Brewery beer). Overnice, and given the free boat ride (at lunch time), maybe it was worth it.
-
Review from Geoffrey H.
Weston, MA
8/25/2010
Topper's used to be a favorite of mine for many years. But, it has been ruined. Just had a meal there. First, the sommelier insisted that an over the hill 1985 California wine was fine when it was clearly "gone". The second bottle was better but three times retail price. Second, there was no good bread or butter served. Third, the appetizers were dry and unorginal. Third, the main courses were tiny and poorly cooked. I had a halibut that tasted like salt. Fourth, one of the highlights of the restaurant used to be the deserts and the in-house pastry chef. Now the deserts are awful, just thrown together bits of chocolate, ice-cream, etc. Fifth, the service was slow with long waits between courses despite few guests. More than once I had to pour my own wine. If this restaurant were half the price I still would have been disappointed. But, for the fortune they charge, it should have been many times better as it was in the past. This is one restaurant I will no longer attend until they upgrade the chef and staff to old standards. Very disappointing indeed.
