Randi Baird

The Harbor View Hotel will kick off the unofficial start of summer and open its doors to its brand new restaurant, Lighthouse Grill, this Thursday, May 21. Formerly known as Water Street, the new eatery will welcome guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with harborfront views, nautical décor and contemporary New England fare.

According to Elizabeth Rothwell, regional director of marketing for Scout Hotels, “The Lighthouse Grill is a casual, contemporary New England grill with a focus on fish, steak, and chop entrées that are simply prepared and of the highest quality. The service is warm, skilled, and beach-club casual; the menu approachable and family-friendly. Drinks range from a large selection of draft beers, to specialty mixed drinks, to an eclectic wine list. The grill’s bright, welcoming décor evokes a nautical bistro vibe, and lets Edgartown’s most beautiful view take the spotlight.”

Executive Chef Caleb Lara of the Harbor View Hotel will take the helm at the Lighthouse Grill’s kitchen. So what type of food can we expect from Lighthouse Grill?

Chef Lara says, “At Lighthouse Grill, our menu focuses on the freshest local fish, steak and chop entrees — locally sourced and simply prepared to let the quality shine through.

“Unique to Lighthouse Grill is utilizing resources on the Vineyard such as daily market catch as well as fresh produce from local farms. Our vision is going along with the theme of approachable, but a lot of love and time put into the food. Humble and simple-looking, yet incredible-tasting food that people want to eat!

Bringing in memories from the culinary team: Shrimp cocktail — memories of summertime growing up eating in South California, for myself. Ceviche and light influences from South America, specifically Peru, where Sous-Chef Marco is from. The entire team collaborates to bring the best of our experiences to Lighthouse Grill!”

Some additional menu highlights include crab and avocado ceviche, a roasted beet salad with pistachio, truffled honey and crumbled blue cheese; a lighthouse bouillabaisse with market catch, crab, mussels, classic saffron pepper “rouille” and grilled bread; and a farmer’s plate with toasted quinoa rice and seasonal vegetables.

Upon entering Lighthouse Grill, guests will be welcomed by a cheerful wait staff decked out in bistro-style uniforms. The restaurant’s design features nautical décor inspired by the Island’s natural surroundings and prime views of the harbor through expansive windows that surround the restaurant. The dark, hardwood floors are complemented by softly colored walls, upholstered seating, and elegant tables.

According to a press release, through May 31, 20 percent of dinner proceeds will benefit Island Housing Trust, which supports Martha’s Vineyard communities by creating and sustaining permanently affordable housing solutions for low- and moderate-income Island families.

“We’re proud to support such an important organization that truly improves the wellbeing of our Island community, affording residents the opportunity to thrive on this beautiful Island,” said Harbor View Hotel’s general manager, Andrew Bartlett.

The Lighthouse Grill, 131 North Water Street, Edgartown. The Lighthouse Grill opens for dinner service for the season on Thursday, May 21, and will be open for dinner at 5:30 pm Thursday through Sunday. Starting June 14, Lighthouse Grill will be open seven nights a week. The Lighthouse Grill serves breakfast daily from 7 to 10:30 am, and Sunday brunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm. For additional information or reservations, please visit harbor-view.com or call 800-225-6005.