Every winter, Islanders love to complain about limited options for dining out or getting takeout. And yes it’s true that the up-Island food landscape is pretty dim in the off-season. But this year, instead of complaining, why not head to Oak Bluffs, where three restaurants with lively international and American menus are planning to stay the course through the off-season?

Bombay Indian Cuisine

bombaymv.com

508-338-2666

7 Oakland avenue, Oak Bluffs

Open 7 days, 1 - 9 p.m.

Instagram @bombaymv

Order by phone or through website

Austin Grande and Sydney Scannell opened Bombay Indian Cuisine in Oak Bluffs this fall. — Ray Ewing

The complex and bright flavors of Indian food will liven up the Island this winter with the opening of Bombay Indian Cuisine in Oak Bluffs. After losing their lease at the airport business park over the summer, chef/owner Austin Grande and his partner Sydney Scannell have found a permanent location in the former Sea Smoke BBQ building on Oakland avenue.

Austin’s dishes are based on traditional Indian recipes and inspired by flavors he tasted on a research trip to India. Chicken tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, saag, samosas and aloo gobi are on the menu, as well as traditional sides such as mango chutney and raita, with a healthy dose of spice. Everything is made from scratch by Austin, who is committed to authentic flavors.

— Ray Ewing

“The food is grounded in classic Indian food but we’ve made the dishes our own,” he says, with lemon ginger lobster rangoon being just one example. Another culinary goal of his is to make the korma sauce more velvety than the version often found in the U.S.

Obstacles such as the weather affecting the rise of the naan dough and ever-present staffing issues have not stopped this couple from opening their doors seven days a week. A Tandoori oven is on their wish list but for now they are focusing on an application for a liquor license and a potential indoor bar area.

— Ray Ewing

The generous portions are worth noting (this writer easily made two meals out of one order), something Austin says is intentional. “I know you can provide great food in a good quantity,” he says.

While there is no traditional table service, customers are welcome to sit down and enjoy their meal in the spacious dining room. Before you grab a table, be sure to order one of their authentic Indian beverages such as the Mango Lassi or Chai Masala.

 

Nina's at The Ritz

The Ritz Cafe, 4 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs

theritzmv.com

Instagram @ninasdinendash

508-693-9851

Open Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - !0:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Order through the website or by phone

If you’re heading to The Ritz to listen to music, you can now enjoy a taste of Brazil along with your beverage. Sandro Silvio’s Brazilian food spot Nina’s at The Ritz is open year-round at the bar, with a takeout menu as well.

Owner Sandro Silvio (right) and chef Elimar Coelho (left) of Nina's at The Ritz — Ray Ewing

Sandro is dedicated to serving the best of his native cuisine. He originally moved to the Vineyard to run the Golden Bull Brazilian Steakhouse in 2020.

Before opening Nina’s at The Ritz, he used kitchen space at Ben DeForest’s Cardboard Box (before it closed) to develop his menu. Then, after the departure of Dilly’s Taqueria from The Ritz, Larkin Stallings offered Sandro the opportunity to operate out of the space. Now, in addition to The Ritz, Sandro is opening a year-round food truck called Nina’s Dine ‘n’ Dash, in the area at 61 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven where Chef Amy operated her truck.

— Ray Ewing

Standard bar food gets a step up at Nina’s at The Ritz: truffled french fries, fried cheese balls, coxinha (chicken croquettes, left), Brazilian kibe (beef and bulghur meatballs), and sausage and yucca are all authentic and perfect for lunch, dinner, or as snacks. Chef Elimar Coelho is currently at the helm of Nina’s kitchen. Sandro hopes diners will also try the classic South American dessert, churros with dulce de leche. “Once you try our food, you can’t go back,” he says.

Winston's Kitchen

1 East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs

winstonskitchenmv.com

508-338-2666

Facebook @WinstonsKitchenMV

Instagram @winstonskitchen mv

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)

Order by phone or through website (daily specials posted on social media)

Winston and Lisa Christie of Winston's Kitchen. — Ray Ewing

 

Chef Winston Christie and his wife Lisa are no strangers to restaurants and their dedication to bringing year-round dining to the Island has paid off. Winston’s background in cooking and baking (including Chesca’s and Back Door Donuts) means a varied menu. From breakfast (sandwiches and muffins) to lunch and dinner (12-inch subs and daily soups), flavors from Winston’s Jamaican childhood such as jerk spice combine with Italian and American influences in a wide variety of homemade dishes.

— Ray Ewing

Don’t miss popular favorites, including the steak sandwich, meatloaf, and fried chicken.

“We always want to offer good food at a good price,” says Lisa.

Winston’s food will be available in another location starting January 1: Winston and Lisa will be taking over Linda Jean’s on Circuit avenue. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served and Winston plans to add a few new dishes to the menu. But fear not, loyal customers: Winston’s Kitchen isn’t going anywhere.