The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn
An enchanting garden sunroom in Martha's Vineyard
The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s best-kept secrets. Most people only find out about the Edgartown restaurant if they’re staying at the Inn.
But the informed (and very lucky) few who dine at this gem eatery have the opportunity to taste executive chef Justin Melnick’s classic American fare, which — like most high-end restaurants — highlights local food, including produce and seafood from island purveyors.
The menu boasts New England delicacies prepared using French techniques, flavorful sauces and innovative desserts.
The historic inn, which is carefully appointed with Edwardian-era antiques and surrounded by peaceful gardens, harkens back to a simpler time. Walk into The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn for a delicious meal and leave your worries at the door.
But the informed (and very lucky) few who dine at this gem eatery have the opportunity to taste executive chef Justin Melnick’s classic American fare, which — like most high-end restaurants — highlights local food, including produce and seafood from island purveyors.
The menu boasts New England delicacies prepared using French techniques, flavorful sauces and innovative desserts.
The historic inn, which is carefully appointed with Edwardian-era antiques and surrounded by peaceful gardens, harkens back to a simpler time. Walk into The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn for a delicious meal and leave your worries at the door.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- If you’re strolling down Main Street in Edgartown (and we suggest you do), you’ll find The Charlotte Inn and The Terrace by turning down South Summer Street, which is lined with majestic linden and chestnut trees.
- As a member of the International Relais & Châteaux, both The Charlotte Inn and The Terrace strive to meet your every need, even catering to special diets, so if you have any questions or requests at all, be sure to ask.
- Arrive before your reservation to walk the grounds, taking in the manicured lawns, babbling fountains and historic tiles. Waiting for your friends during the cooler months? Bring a book and curl up by the fireplace in the living room while you wait.
- Carefully selected antiques adorn the walls and decorate every corner of the restaurant. Hanging ferns reinforce the early-1900s design style of the restaurant and sway in the cool summer breeze during the in-season.
- The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn celebrates classic American cuisine with French and Italian accents, highlighting the season’s best ingredients.
Things to Know
- You’ll find The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn at 27 South Summer Street, tucked between the streets of quaint downtown Edgartown, Massachusetts, and inside the quaint Charlotte Inn.
- The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn is open year-round for dinner service, as well as for breakfast (but only for guests of the inn). During the in-season, the restaurant is open every night for dinner; during the off-season (after Columbus Day), the schedule changes and the restaurant serves dinner Thursdays through Sundays, after 6 p.m.
- Edgartown is known as the “preppy” town on Martha’s Vineyard, so dress codes for most restaurants’ dinner service are a bit more formal, including The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn. Don’t be surprised if you see men wearing pale pink bowties; women usually don dresses (think Lilly Pulitzer resort wear).
- A quick call to The Charlotte Inn (508-627-4751) will get you a reservation at The Terrace. From May to October, the island is packed to the brim with tourists, so be sure to call at least a week or two in advance if you want to get reservations.
The Food
- You’ll enjoy fresh American fare from executive chef Justin Melnick’s seasonal menus. Just know that if you choose to dine in the off-season, you’ll be limited to a prix-fixe, three-course (but none-the-less delicious) menu.
- Seasonal appetizer selections might include lobster salad with avocado puree, wild salmon tartare with mango or a bibb salad with strawberries and pickled shallots.
- Fresh, locally sourced entrees feature Italian and French influences. You might enjoy grilled swordfish fillet with lemon buerre blanc, posted Misty Knoll Farm chicken with sweet and sour cipollini onions or grilled NE Family Farms lamb chops with house-made mint jelly.
- You won’t want to skip pastry chef Emily Melnick’s delightful desserts. Lemon pot de creme, orange olive oil cake and a chocolate and caramel tart are a few of the offerings you might enjoy when you dine at The Terrace restaurant.
Getting There
27 South Summer Street P.O Box 1250, Edgartown, Massachusetts 02539
TEL508-627-6227 / 508-627-1207
