Come taste the island's best, where every bite tells a story.
Located in the heart of Nantucket, or, The Whale is a charming bistro, bar, and patio that offers an unparalleled dining experience. With its prime location on Main Street, our restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch in downtown Nantucket.
Our Story
Inspired by Herman Melville's classic American novel, "Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, " our restaurant is a nod to the author's love for the sea and his fascination with the island of Nantucket. Our team, led by Jamie Lee Nass, Emily Kelly, and Chef Manny Rojas, is dedicated to providing exceptional service and flavorful dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients.
Our Menu
Our menu is designed to delight your taste buds and satisfy your appetite. From comfort food to innovative creations, our dishes are crafted to please a wide range of palates. Whether you're in the mood for salads, sandwiches, seafood, or indulgent desserts, our menu has something for everyone.
Services
At or, The Whale, we offer a range of services to make your dining experience even more enjoyable. From private events to catering, we're dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a night out with friends, we're here to make it happen.
Hours of Operation
Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch at the following hours:
- Lunch: Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 2 pm
- Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday, 5 pm
- Brunch: Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm
Reservations
Reservations for up to 7 guests can be made through OpenTable two weeks in advance. For parties of 8 or more, please call us at 508.825.5897.
Racial Profiling and Poor Service
The reviewer, Jane Hwang, was extremely dissatisfied with her experience at the restaurant. She claims to have been racially profiled by two women, whom she believes were either the host or the manager. She notes that there were clear signs of racial profiling, such as being seated at a table next to white customers and being ignored by the staff. Moreover, the waiter seemed to be rude and apathetic, failing to apologize for the subpar food and service. Specifically, the salad was "disgusting" and "wilting".
Positive and Negative Reviews
The restaurant received mostly positive reviews from other customers, with several reviewers praising the service, food, and ambiance. Catherine Brown, Margaret Turner, Ryan Stevens, Chef Chris Paul, Doug Leighton, Tony Villa, and Kyle D. all gave the restaurant high ratings, citing excellent food, quick and friendly service, and a beautiful atmosphere.
On the other hand, there is one reviewer, Stacey McKenzie, who gave the restaurant a 3-star rating, citing only average food and poor service.

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