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Cape Cod is best known for being New Englanders' ultimate summer getaway, and it's no surprise-- conveniently located only a couple of hours south of bustling Boston by car (it's so close that people can visit in just one day!), locals and tourists alike flock south to lounge on Cape Cod's most famous beach, take an adventure to go see the real sunken pirate treasure and shop 'til they drop in idyllic New England villages.
But Cape Cod's busy summer season, and now its year-round offerings particularly popular in the autumn months, have given rise to a vibrant food scene that travelers and locals should be excited to partake in. Looking for some of the best dining experiences on the peninsula? Foodies should get excited about these standout restaurants.
Best Atmosphere and Service: Ocean Terrace at Ocean Edge Resort
There may be nothing swankier on Cape Cod than dining in a former Gilded Age mansion, surrounded by the opulence of bygone eras past. Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, a series of vacation villas and golf courses crowned by Fieldstone Hall, sits atop a magnificent oceanfront view. Situated in and outside of Fieldstone Hall, Ocean Terrace--the property's onsite restaurant-- boasts a menu of the freshest local seafood fare, crisp wines, and tantalizing cocktails.
Despite its rich indoor dining spaces, the spectacular views from its outdoor spots, and its incredibly delicious food, the most impressive thing about Ocean Terrace is its staff. They will simply blow diners away! Incredibly friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the menu, Ocean Terrace at Ocean Edge is the spot to choose if looking for amazing food topped by fantastic service.
- Address: 2907 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631
- Hours: 7:00 AM-10:30 AM (Breakfast); 11:30 AM- 3:00 PM (Lunch); 5:30 PM- 9:00 PM (Dinner); Summer Season
- Price: $$$
- Reservations: Reserve online via Open Table for the quickest booking
Best Menu and Cocktails: Chatham Bar Inn
Stars Restaurant at the Chatham Bar Inn has a premium prix fixe menu experience that invites visitors to choose their own adventure by selecting small format dishes from a curated menu. À la carte dining is also available, but the prix fixe experience is a lux journey. The restaurant sits in an expansive oceanfront restaurant, a perfect place to enjoy this restaurant's sumptuous cocktails.
Dishes range from deliciously decorated oysters to fresh salads to rich bites of lobster, fish, and shellfish. For those who prefer different kinds of proteins, the menu also features various poultry, beef, and pork options as well. Diners can end their meal with a creative selection of beautifully plated desserts like lava cakes and fresh sorbets while sipping yummy nightcap cocktails like a choice of decadent ports.
- Address: 297 Shore Road, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: 7:00 AM-11:00 AM (Breakfast); 4:00 PM- 9:00 PM (Dinner); Summer Season
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Reservations: Reserve by calling the hotel concierge at 508-945-6732 or reserve via OpenTable
Best Casual Dining Option: Spanky's Clam Shack
Spanky's Clam Shack is Hyannis's hometown hero. Located right next to the Hy-Line Cruise Port, the embarkation/disembarkation point for ferries to and from Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Spanky's is a popular haunt for travelers looking for some comfort-seafood like fish and chips, fried oysters, and of course, clam chowder.
The Baked Stuffed Lobster is definitely a crowd favorite, as is the Seafood Dinner, a 1/4 pound steamed lobster caught locally in Cape Cod. In fact, diners are quick to compliment and recommend lobster-anything from the restaurant, including their lobster macaroni and cheese and lobster ravioli. And of course, travelers must try the restaurant's quirky cocktails like the Harborside Rum Punch and the Spanky's Spritz.
- Address: 138 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA 02632
- Hours: 11:00 AM- "to closing," which is unspecified; mid-April to mid-October
- Price: $$
- Reservations: First come, first served; take-out is available by calling orders in
Best Breakfast, Lunch, and Brunch: Hangar B
Yes, this is a dinner guide. However, this restaurant was so good; it would be a mistake not to include them. Hangar B is located on the top floor of the teeny-tiny Chatham airport. This is an active airport that small puddle jumpers take off from and land, so diners get a spectacular view of aircraft of all different kinds.
The menu is both creative and incredibly tasty, featuring dishes like beet hash, an artichoke egg dish, and lemon ricotta pancakes. Diners should pay particular attention to the restaurant's daily specials board, which during the summer, may also include fun and mouth-watering, fish-based brunch dishes. The space is quite small, however, so be sure to get to the airport nice and early for the best chance to snag a seat.
- Address: 240 George Ryder Road, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: 7:00 AM- 2:00 PM, closed Tuesdays
- Price: $$
- Reservations: First come, first served; get there early!
While there are plenty of places to choose from on Cape Cod to wine and dine, these spots are some of the most popular, tastiest, and most atmospheric restaurants to experience while vacationing by the sea. From upscale seafood options to restaurants steeped in history to a small space tucked in an airport, these are places not to miss on the Cape!