If you’ve spent any time eating your way around Martha’s Vineyard (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), you know this island is home to some truly exceptional dining. From fresh ocean oysters to farm-fresh everything, the Vineyard is a food lover’s paradise.

But for all the culinary gems we have, there was one major flavor missing from the table -- Indian food. A few years ago, the island got a brief — and very welcome — taste of Indian cuisine, but it didn’t stick around. Ever since, many of us have been dreaming of warm naan, fragrant curries, and the kind of slow-simmered spices that stay with you long after the meal ends.

 

Well, the wait is over. Point B is  thrilled to introduce you to the Island's newest restaurant - Indigo Indian Restaurant

Indigo Indian Restaurant - From Mumbai to Martha's Vineyard - The Restaurant 

When folks caught wind that an Indian restaurant was opening in Edgartown, there was immediate excitement. Located where Sharky's in Edgartown once was, this spacious, indoor/outdoor restaurant was closely watched as renovations continued and we awaited the doors to open. The restaurant was originally supposed to be Sea Grass Grille, a Brazilian steakhouse, but plans changed as the owner realized that he could not run his other businesses and a restaurant.

As Island luck would have it, or I say, a little Vineyard magic happened, Babu Kaoganti, part of Rebel Foods Inc, which owns a number of Indian restaurants off-Island -- including Madras Dosa Co. and Vaanga in Boston -- was introduced to the open restaurant. The idea to bring an Indian restaurant quickly blossomed.

Indigo Indian Restaurant - From Mumbai to Martha's Vineyard - Dining

The parking lot has been packed since Indigo opened its doors in late August -- clearly the Islanders are excited about this new dining option. When you walk through the door, you are immediately greeted by all the scents - fragrant curry, spices, and it all makes you immediately hungry!

When I went, I sat at the bar so I could meet and spend some time with the manager, Babu. He believes that the Island "needs some good flavors and ethnic food with cozy vibes." He also said that "Indigo wants to be part of the community with their food and believe in bringing people together over food. Indigo is going to be a place where everyone and anyone can come in and have good food with good drinks."

 

They are also very committed to offering food to community events or when needed by the community. They love Martha's Vineyard, and have already been overwhelmed by the response of the Island community. Well, it seems as though the community is enjoying this new YEAR ROUND restaurant in Edgartown!

 

Babu did not have much time to chat as Indigo was busy! I loved sitting at bar, watching people come in for the first time - their reactions were so fun. The space looks a lot different from its Sharky's days! However, don't expect to have that Indian restaurant vibe just yet. There are plans to add to the restaurant but things moved quickly, and the main focus was to open the restaurant.

I wanted to begin the night with one of Indigo's signature cocktails. I decided on the Thyme Traveler, tequila, fresh thyme, honey, and tamarind. It was so fresh and flavorful -- highly recommend. There are a number of fun cocktails, mocktails and Indian beers available to choose from. Then after studying the menu, I began my journey of Indian cuisine on Martha's Vineyard.

For an appetizer, and there are many to choose from, I began with the Samosa Chaat. Samosas are fried pastries that hold various tasty fillings. The Samosa Chaat - crushed Samosa with chickpea curry, and yogurt. I love Samosas so much! It's been ages since I have had them, and knowing that you can enjoy these tasty bites all year is so exciting.

Next up, the main course! There are so many options - curries, kabobs breads, rice, noodles, American-Indian fusion options -- its so hard to choose. Since it was my first time at Indigo, I decided on a classic that I have had many times before and could make a comparison with. So ordered the OG Butter Chicken, grilled chicken cooked in a special creamy curry sauce. A side of naan was necessary too of course. After all, what's Butter Chicken without naan to soak up that delicious special Indigo sauce. It was really delicious. I am not an expert in Indian food but I would come back again and again for this meal! Sadly, I ate so much I had to skip dessert! Save room for the scrumptious sounding Mango Lassi Parfait! 

What's great about Indigo is that with its extensive menu, there are vegan options, gluten free options, Alpha Gal friendly options and options that have only a little Indian influence. People who don't like Indian food can join in the fun.

 

When dining at Indigo, I feel like a family style ordering may be the best way to create a culinary experience. The plates are sharable and there is so many things to try -- classics and new dishes. If you don't feel like dining in, takeout is available too. The food is so comforting and warming - it's great for enjoying at home too!

I also have to remind you that there is plenty of outdoor dining space at Indigo. At dusk the twinkly lights made the outdoor space really shine. So when the weather is good, enjoy your meal under the lights.

 

Indigo is open year round, and hours may change with the seasons. As of now, Indigo is open 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, 7 days a week. Visit their website to learn more including hours, menu changes. Be sure to add Indigo as one of your Martha's Vineyard dining destinations.

 

Thank you for reading On Point MV, a blog about Island happenings! Have something special to share or a topic you'd like us to write about? Email guinevere@pointbrealty.com. Also, don't forget to follow Point B on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram.