Inventive and delicious seasonal menu, friendly and inviting staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Parmesan Grits
Caroline Pinkmanberg
Never a bad time at the Sweet Life Cafe. Super cozy in the winter with live jazz on Thursdays, homey atmosphere, plus fantastic food and drinks. Haven’t actually been in the summer yet but can’t wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juan Pizano
This review is based on our experience having dinner in November 2023.The Sweet Life was a truly surprise, an amazing hidden gem in Oak Bluffs, MV. The kitchen is audacious, their dishes show a genuine desire to take risks and whoever is in charge is delivering.Portions are correct, enough. Every ingredient has a purpose, each one has its moment in the journey. The grilled octopus resembles an interpretation of the Spanish dish pulpo a la gallega. The ricotta cavatelli is like if you were eating pasta with a hint of key lime pie. The anchovies in the mafalde, shout here we are!, but just at the right moment. And then, at the very end, you think all is over, the chocolate budino blows your head off.The service is attentive, simple, gracious. The ambiance, just like you'd expect from a place like this in MV. There's a disconnection with the 3-star menu and the rest of the place (not a complaint! is more like a compliment). You don't need the up-scale snobby set-up to deliver a fantastic experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Scallop Crudo
Juan P.
This review is based on our experience having dinner in November 2023. The Sweet Life was a truly surprise, an amazing hidden gem in Oak Bluffs, MV. The kitchen is audacious, their dishes show a genuine desire to take risks and whoever is in charge is delivering. Portions are correct, enough. Every ingredient has a purpose, each one has its moment in the journey. The grilled octopus resembles an interpretation of the Spanish dish pulpo a la gallega. The ricotta cavatelli is like if you were eating pasta with a hint of key lime pie. The anchovies in the mafalde, shout here we are!, but just at the right moment. And then, at the very end, you think all is over, the chocolate budino blows your head off. The service is attentive, simple, gracious. The ambiance, just like you'd expect from a place like this in MV. There's a disconnection with the 3-star menu and the rest of the place (not a complaint! is more like a compliment). You don't need the up-scale snobby set-up to deliver a fantastic experience.
Bart L.
I'm mystified as to why this place isn't rated better in Yelp. My wife and I had an excellent meal there, perhaps the best of our recent trip to Martha's Vineyard. Every dish we tried was excellent -- the grilled octopus, the scallops, the sunchokes, etc. The service was gracious and helpful without be obtrusive. Unlike most of the other restaurants we went to on our trip, we could actually have a conversation and hear one another which I value! Eager to go back for more!
Georgia Williams
5 Star PLUS!!!!Such a fabulous restaurant with the best food, ambiance, and service....Hal is such a creative chef and Erin is the best hostess.We loved everything about it and highly recommend it....(esp. enjoyed the scallops and the halibut....)A great place for a great evening out....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Odyssey771079
Two of us had dinner. Friendly and attentive service. The fresh Focaccia starter was lovely and my Halibut entree was on point. Where we sat in the front room, the seating was a little tight (not uncomfortable), however the table and dried flowers were cozy. Both of us enjoyed their house made special on the menu cocktails and all of the food from starters through to dessert. I would definitely go back!
Georgia W.
What a FABULOUS restaurant!!! The food is incredible and made with such creativity by Hal....and Erin is such a wonderful hostess....what a great team! The atmosphere is gorgeous, esp. with all the hanging white lights in the outside tented area where we enjoyed great cocktails and food....(I highly recommend the scallops and the halibut!!) I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant and can't wait to go back again!!!
Myra T.
Romantic spot and yummy food. Don't forget to get the absolutely fabulous cocktails! Had the scallops and they were perfectly cooked. Delish!
Daniel H
Although I’m definitely a “foodie”, I didn’t go to Martha’s Vineyard for fine dining. I find summer resorts often fall short, and an outdoor clam bar is better suited to a beach vacation. But a rainy spell caused me to seek a diversion. The moment I walked into Sweet Life I knew this was a good choice . The aroma from the kitchen was intoxicating. The hostess was warm and friendly and gave me a great table on the patio, although I had no reservation and was dining alone. ( No suggestion I sit at the bar.) The tarp enclosed patio was warm from portable heaters, and the rain and wind thrashing against the heavy plastic was dramatic! The soft music was as though I’d curated the playlist:The Stones, Credence, Aretha and Van Morrison . The service was impeccable. Silverware changed after each course, something one used to take for granted at high-end establishments, but not always the case these days . The food was sublime. I had three courses, and will return tomorrow night for an all -pasta tasting, the homemade pasta was that good! I had an unusual curly noodle in a pistachio pesto with lump crabmeat. DELICIOUS! Worth the hefty cost in every way, do not miss this place!
Just missed 5 stars with me. First of all, the food, drinks, and ambiance were all spectacular. What hurt it for me was our server. She was adequate, but not very attentive. She was all over this table of 3 near us, passed us every time, but didn't seem to care. The other server we saw seemed great to his tables. Don't let this deter you from going though. Definitely eat outside.
Howard Francis
diabetic 2 friendly… had the octopus and salad. It was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
John Greeves
I am startled, shocked, and curiously disgusted to see this restaurant does not have 100% 5 star reviews. We had an extremely satisfying and enjoyable dinner with a group of four of us this evening. I had the best cooked tuna I have ever had and everybody enjoyed their choices. What a nice place. The outdoor seating was perfect. I wish we could give “The Sweet Life” more than 5 stars to round up some of our lower star brothers and sisters. Yum. Thanks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Francine P
We were in Martha's Vineyard 3 nights and we enjoyed our meal at The Sweet Life so much we went back a second time. Food, service and atmosphere were wonderful.
Brian K.
Everything about this place is fantastic. The food is amazing and not just for MV. This place would be well reviewed in any major city. Service was excellent. We brought our 1 year old daughter and they were super accommodating. We had the peaches and sunchokes for appetizers. Hard to pick a favorite, but the sunchokes were one of the best dishes I've had in a while
Inventive and delicious seasonal menu, friendly and inviting staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Parmesan Grits
Never a bad time at the Sweet Life Cafe. Super cozy in the winter with live jazz on Thursdays, homey atmosphere, plus fantastic food and drinks. Haven’t actually been in the summer yet but can’t wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This review is based on our experience having dinner in November 2023.The Sweet Life was a truly surprise, an amazing hidden gem in Oak Bluffs, MV. The kitchen is audacious, their dishes show a genuine desire to take risks and whoever is in charge is delivering.Portions are correct, enough. Every ingredient has a purpose, each one has its moment in the journey. The grilled octopus resembles an interpretation of the Spanish dish pulpo a la gallega. The ricotta cavatelli is like if you were eating pasta with a hint of key lime pie. The anchovies in the mafalde, shout here we are!, but just at the right moment. And then, at the very end, you think all is over, the chocolate budino blows your head off.The service is attentive, simple, gracious. The ambiance, just like you'd expect from a place like this in MV. There's a disconnection with the 3-star menu and the rest of the place (not a complaint! is more like a compliment). You don't need the up-scale snobby set-up to deliver a fantastic experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Scallop Crudo
This review is based on our experience having dinner in November 2023. The Sweet Life was a truly surprise, an amazing hidden gem in Oak Bluffs, MV. The kitchen is audacious, their dishes show a genuine desire to take risks and whoever is in charge is delivering. Portions are correct, enough. Every ingredient has a purpose, each one has its moment in the journey. The grilled octopus resembles an interpretation of the Spanish dish pulpo a la gallega. The ricotta cavatelli is like if you were eating pasta with a hint of key lime pie. The anchovies in the mafalde, shout here we are!, but just at the right moment. And then, at the very end, you think all is over, the chocolate budino blows your head off. The service is attentive, simple, gracious. The ambiance, just like you'd expect from a place like this in MV. There's a disconnection with the 3-star menu and the rest of the place (not a complaint! is more like a compliment). You don't need the up-scale snobby set-up to deliver a fantastic experience.
I'm mystified as to why this place isn't rated better in Yelp. My wife and I had an excellent meal there, perhaps the best of our recent trip to Martha's Vineyard. Every dish we tried was excellent -- the grilled octopus, the scallops, the sunchokes, etc. The service was gracious and helpful without be obtrusive. Unlike most of the other restaurants we went to on our trip, we could actually have a conversation and hear one another which I value! Eager to go back for more!
5 Star PLUS!!!!Such a fabulous restaurant with the best food, ambiance, and service....Hal is such a creative chef and Erin is the best hostess.We loved everything about it and highly recommend it....(esp. enjoyed the scallops and the halibut....)A great place for a great evening out....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Two of us had dinner. Friendly and attentive service. The fresh Focaccia starter was lovely and my Halibut entree was on point. Where we sat in the front room, the seating was a little tight (not uncomfortable), however the table and dried flowers were cozy. Both of us enjoyed their house made special on the menu cocktails and all of the food from starters through to dessert. I would definitely go back!
What a FABULOUS restaurant!!! The food is incredible and made with such creativity by Hal....and Erin is such a wonderful hostess....what a great team! The atmosphere is gorgeous, esp. with all the hanging white lights in the outside tented area where we enjoyed great cocktails and food....(I highly recommend the scallops and the halibut!!) I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant and can't wait to go back again!!!
Romantic spot and yummy food. Don't forget to get the absolutely fabulous cocktails! Had the scallops and they were perfectly cooked. Delish!
Although I’m definitely a “foodie”, I didn’t go to Martha’s Vineyard for fine dining. I find summer resorts often fall short, and an outdoor clam bar is better suited to a beach vacation. But a rainy spell caused me to seek a diversion. The moment I walked into Sweet Life I knew this was a good choice . The aroma from the kitchen was intoxicating. The hostess was warm and friendly and gave me a great table on the patio, although I had no reservation and was dining alone. ( No suggestion I sit at the bar.) The tarp enclosed patio was warm from portable heaters, and the rain and wind thrashing against the heavy plastic was dramatic! The soft music was as though I’d curated the playlist:The Stones, Credence, Aretha and Van Morrison . The service was impeccable. Silverware changed after each course, something one used to take for granted at high-end establishments, but not always the case these days . The food was sublime. I had three courses, and will return tomorrow night for an all -pasta tasting, the homemade pasta was that good! I had an unusual curly noodle in a pistachio pesto with lump crabmeat. DELICIOUS! Worth the hefty cost in every way, do not miss this place!
Restaurantji Recommends
Just missed 5 stars with me. First of all, the food, drinks, and ambiance were all spectacular. What hurt it for me was our server. She was adequate, but not very attentive. She was all over this table of 3 near us, passed us every time, but didn't seem to care. The other server we saw seemed great to his tables. Don't let this deter you from going though. Definitely eat outside.
diabetic 2 friendly… had the octopus and salad. It was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I am startled, shocked, and curiously disgusted to see this restaurant does not have 100% 5 star reviews. We had an extremely satisfying and enjoyable dinner with a group of four of us this evening. I had the best cooked tuna I have ever had and everybody enjoyed their choices. What a nice place. The outdoor seating was perfect. I wish we could give “The Sweet Life” more than 5 stars to round up some of our lower star brothers and sisters. Yum. Thanks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were in Martha's Vineyard 3 nights and we enjoyed our meal at The Sweet Life so much we went back a second time. Food, service and atmosphere were wonderful.
Everything about this place is fantastic. The food is amazing and not just for MV. This place would be well reviewed in any major city. Service was excellent. We brought our 1 year old daughter and they were super accommodating. We had the peaches and sunchokes for appetizers. Hard to pick a favorite, but the sunchokes were one of the best dishes I've had in a while