Cape Cod offers a delightful culinary adventure, with a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale establishments, catering to diverse palates.
Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes Cape Cod an ultimate destination for fresh seafood. Menus reflect the region’s coastal identity, featuring lobster rolls, clam chowder, grilled fish, sushi, and more.
While seafood is prominent in the peninsula, many of the best Cape Cod restaurants serve other culinary options, including American, Italian, and international cuisine.
1. The Ocean House – Dennis Port
What makes Ocean House one of the best seafood restaurants on Cape Cod is its award-winning cuisine and cocktails, which guests can indulge in while appreciating the breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound.
- Ocean House Omakase – Chef’s weekly selection of 5 seasonal small plates.
- Point Judith Calamari – Rock shrimp, calamari, scallops, pork belly, ponzu, pickled chiles, ginger soy drizzle, togarashi aioli.
- Sea Scallops Sizzle – Black garlic escargot butter, citrus emulsion, herbed brioche, furikake.
“My wife and I have been dining on Cape Cod since 1984. The experience we had at the Ocean House was nothing short of spectacular. We had a hard time remembering when dining out was this incredible. We enjoyed it with every fiber of our being and will certainly return!”
- Price Range: $100+
- Address: 425 Old Wharf Rd, Dennis Port, MA 02639
- Click here to check out their menu!
2. The Pheasant
What sets The Pheasant apart from other Cape Cod restaurants is its warm and inviting setting – a historic 200-year-old farmhouse where guests are served inventive dishes cooked from as close to the source as possible.
- Lamb Osso Buco – Creamy polenta, Castelvetrano olives.
- Steelhead Trout – Local clams, CBI Farm choy toi, smoked trout roe, vin jaune.
- Caviar Service – 30g Royale oscietra caviar, crème fraiche, chives, chips.
“WHAT A GEM! Drinks, dinner, service and ambiance were impeccable. We had wonderful conversation with the bartender, he offered thoughts on the cocktail program, suggestions for our meal and recommendations for other spots while on the Cape for a long weekend. FINALLY, a place that understands that going out to dinner isn’t just about the food (which was also AMAZING) but that ambiance and hospitality matter too. Oh, and don’t even think about not ordering the CCB23 Crowes Pasture oysters – the smoothest oysters we’ve ever had! Thanks to the team at The Pheasant – we will be back!”
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 905 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638
- Click here to check out their menu!
3. Beach House Grill
The Beach House Grill is one of the premier Cape Cod restaurants on the water, nestled in the sand dunes of Chatham Harbor. It’s known for classic seaside favorites, including clam chowder and lobster rolls.
- Wood Roasted Chicken Wings – Dry rub, cold smoke, cilantro ranch.
- Lobster Pizza – Lobster, ricotta, blistered tomato, pesto, herbs.
- Short Rib Pizza – Pulled beef, provolone, pickled onions, tomato.
“Absolutely amazing! Came here for lunch this past weekend. We got lobster nachos and they were so delicious. Service and drinks were also absolutely amazing. My favorite place to eat on the Cape!”
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 905 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638
- Click here to check out their menu!
4. The Lobster Pot – Provincetown
Considered a Provincetown tradition, The Lobster Pot is one of the best places to eat in Cape Cod serving the finest and freshest in seafood, Portuguese specialties, steaks, poultry, vegetarian, and light fare.
- Tim’s Clam Chowder – Grand Prize-Winning Clam Chowder blended in a traditional New England recipe.
- Pork & Clams Osso Bucco – Pork shank and littlenecks simmered with Portuguese sausage, tomatoes, fish and veal stocks, and Sardinian cous cous.
- Baked Stuffed Shrimp – Five jumbo shrimp stuffed with sautéed onions, celery, and Ritz crackers blended with shrimp and scallops. Served with orzo.
“Amazing service and the best seafood we had on the cape. The wait wasn’t very long either! The drinks were great and our waiter was especially friendly and suggested I get the Portuguese fish, which the table agreed was the best dish we ordered.”
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 321 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657
- Click here to check out their menu!
5. Sesuit Harbor Café – Dennis
Sesuit Harbor Café is one of the pet-friendly restaurants in the area, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood on the scenic harbor with the company of your dog.
- Portabella Sandwich– Marinated, grilled portabella, roasted red peppers, Gorgonzola, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion on a roll with balsamic.
- Lobster Roll– Grilled hot dog bun topped with lettuce and tomato filled with Lobster salad and served with fries, and homemade coleslaw.
- Fisherman’s platter– combo of fried haddock, whole belly clams, and scallops.
“Definitely one of the best lobster rolls on the cape – stopped by in mid-September on a Sunday with minimal line. fun place to sit, eat & people watch! it is cash only but there is an ATM inside.”
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 357 Sesuit Neck Rd, Dennis, MA 02638
- Click here to check out their menu!
6. Mac's Shack – Wellfleet
Mac’s Shack is popular for serving ice-cold Wellfleet Oysters, tender lobster dripping with butter, delectable sushi, and the freshest seafood made exactly how you like it.
- Grilled Octopus – Marinated tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, whipped feta, ras el hanout.
- Crispy Oyster Bao Buns – Nori-yuzu aioli, seaweed salad, pickled ginger.
- Chirashi Bowl – Chef’s choice assorted sashimi, seaweed salad, sushi rice.
“The best sushi on Cape, arguably. We love sitting at the bar. Chris, the bartender is the wiz. Flavors pop, each plating is a work of art… this place is the bomb.”
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 91 Commercial St, Wellfleet, MA 02667
- Click here to check out their menu!
7. The Barnstable Restaurant & Tavern – Barnstable Village
Located in the heart of Barnstable village, this elegant fine dining restaurant serves the freshest local seafood, the highest quality prime steaks, and satisfying soups and pastas.
- Vitello e Capesante – Scallops, veal scallopini francaise, baby spinach, lemon caper white wine sauce, angel hair.
- Pittsburgh Rib Eye – Fingerling potatoes and vegetable cognac cream sauce.
- Lobster and Clams – Grilled whole lobster over little neck clams sautéed in a garlic truffle butter sauce tossed with linguini.
“Excellent place. Mostly empty on a weekday night, but the food was excellent and staff was kind and helpful. Shrimp & Lobster Saffron was very delightful.”
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 3176 Main St, Barnstable, MA 02630
- Click here to check out their menu!
8. LUNE
Nestled in Dennis Port, LUNE offers a unique dining experience on Cape Cod, hosting an open kitchen, a tasting menu Fridays and Saturdays, and a la carte wine bar on Sundays.
- Parmesan Velouté – Black pearl oyster mushroom, artichoke barigoule, wild fennel.
- Confit Halibut – Asparagus, rhubarb hollandaise, rhubarb mustarda.
- Duxbury Oyster – Lovage sabayon, mirepoix, shallot, carrot.
“The best dining experience we have had in the Cape! An incredible place through and through! Every menu item is exquisitely curated, fresh, flavorful and unique. The atmosphere is so chic and the staff go above and beyond to make your experience special. All very knowledgeable and helped guide us through the menu. A must-go for everyone’s cape list!”
- Price Range: $100+
- Address: 587 MA-28, Dennis Port, MA 02639
- Click here to check out their menu!
9. The Atlantic Bistro
The Atlantic Bistro prepares delicious, thoughtful cuisine from scratch, with the freshest seafood harvested daily from the docks of New Bedford, meats selected from the finest purveyors in the area, and produce sourced straight from local farms.
- Potato Crusted North Atlantic Cod – Yukon, leek and asparagus potage, smoked mussels, tart cherry coulis.
- Hazelnut Crusted Long Island Duck Breast – Maple-sweet potato puree, sautéed rainbow chard, toasted hazelnuts, gooseberry jam.
- Swordfish Schnitzel – North Atlantic swordfish, panko, warm potato salad, crispy bacon, braised red cabbage, lemon caper beurre blanc.
“Had dinner here last Friday with a few close friends. This had to have been the best meal I have had out for the past 5 years. The cocktails were delicious and perfectly mixed, the Crispy Brussel Sprouts were fabulous, the entrees were the Sesame Crusted Salmon and the Potato Crusted North Atlantic Cod and both were awesome, delicious, moist, and perfectly cooked. The desserts were equally great. Just an overall great meal and our waitress, Christine’s, service was outstanding. Next time I am visiting our friends in Wareham we will certainly dine here.”
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 167 Spring St #1568, Marion, MA 02738
- Click here to check out their menu!
10. Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar
Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar crafts sushi that showcases seafood in classically inspired Japanese methods fused with modern Asian style.
- Cape Cod Monster – Spicy tuna, cucumber, topped, torched yellowtail, tobiko, scallions, lime slices, spicy mayo, unagi sauce.
- Chatham’s Sunset – Spicy scallop, tempura crumbs, topped with tobiko, mango.
- Panko Crusted Haddock – Jasmine rice, asparagus, baby carrots, shiro dashi beurre blanc.
“Bluefins Chatham Sushi and Sake is an outstanding overall dining experience. The service was excellent, efficient but not rushed. The menu is varied with items suitable for most diners. The food was prepared to perfection and well presented. The quality of the fish in my sushi and sashimi was excellent. We had a fabulous meal at a fair price.”
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 513 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633
- Click here to check out their menu!
11. Water Street Kitchen
At Water Street Kitchen, everything on the menu is made from scratch by talented cooks who put their hearts into the dishes, serving comfort food made with high quality ingredients from local providers.
- Water Street Burger – A signature blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib, house-ground and hand-formed, on a potato bun with house aioli, and served with togarashi spiced French fries and a pickle. Topped with braised short rib, smoked gouda, and roasted tomato.
- Shrimp & Grits – White corn grits, bacon, braised kale, scallion brown butter.
- Double Cut Pork Chop – Sweet potato, griddled cornbread, rhubarb barbecue, spring onion.
“I wish I could give this restaurant 6 starts! My bf and I went to cape cod for a week long work trip and we’re not able to find many good restaurants to eat at – that is until we found this one. The entire experience was PHENOMENAL. The host was so kind and sat us for our res early. Our server Taylor L was so kind, knowledgeable, cheerful and positive. So helpful and on top of everything. The food was all delicious and so fresh! Will be back again next time we’re on the cape!”
- Price Range: $50–$100
- Address: 56 Water St, Woods Hole, MA 02543
- Click here to check out their menu!
12. Scargo Cafe
Scargo Cafe serves mouthwatering seafood, steaks, and other “New England” cuisine in a romantic colonial setting. Enjoy your lunch on the covered deck or a fireside dinner on a cold winter evening.
- Chicken Carbonara – Sautéed chicken medallions, peas, and bacon, tossed in a parmesan egg sauce served over linguine, with garlic bread.
- Grilled Swordfish – Grilled swordfish served over jasmine rice with asparagus and lemon dill butter.
- Seafood Strudel – Genuine crab, shrimp, and sweet scallops baked in a flaky pastry crust crowned with Newburg sauce and a pair of large shrimps. Served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and vegetable medley.
“Enjoyed a wonderful dinner celebration for my sister in laws birthday. We had a quaint private room for our seating. The waitress very very friendly and attentive. The dinners were delicious. We enjoyed the Seafood Studel, Scrod with potato and corn chowder and chicken carbonara. The atmosphere was delightful all decked out tastefully for the holidays. A wonderful experience overall.”
- Price Range: $30–$50
- Address: 799 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638
- Click here to check out their menu!
Conclusion
Cape Cod is an amazing culinary destination known for the freshest seafood, along with other cuisines. If you’re planning to visit the peninsula, be ready to have a great gastronomic adventure!
And, if you’d like to know more about the area, specifically the real estate offerings in Cape Cod, MA, please give me a call at 508-846-2243 or email me at erin@homesofcapecod.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod?
Some of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod are Mac's Shack, The Ocean House, and The Lobster Pot. -
What is the best place for a romantic dinner in Cape Cod?
Scargo Cafe is an amazing place to enjoy a romantic dinner in a colonial setting. -
Can I get a good lobster roll in Cape Cod?
Definitely! Some of the Cape Cod restaurants that serve delicious lobster rolls include Beach House Grill and Sesuit Harbor Café.
