Great restaurants in Cape Cod are known for their beautiful ocean views overlooking quaint fishing villages. The deepest-rooted local traditions are found at its dining tables. Lobster rolls, fried clams and grilled fish are among the many must-try eats on Cape Cod. Cape Cod is also known for its cocktails (the classic highball Cape Codder was created here), so don’t be afraid to try a few. 

Restaurants on this list introduce you to a food culture that has changed little over the years – a blend of old-school American diners, rustic Italian joints, and fresh seafood eateries. The views from these spots are just as enticing as the dishes. Come early to enjoy the summer breeze and amazing cuisine.  

  • 1

    The Ocean House

    One of the most scenic restaurants in America

    The Ocean House
    • Families
    • Food
    • Photo

    The Ocean House has an eclectic menu featuring everything from Italian pizza to Japanese tempura to fresh-shucked oysters and pan-seared scallops. And it all tastes fantastic, thanks to locally sourced ingredients and seafood caught daily. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, making it a good pick for families and groups.

    The real pull of The Ocean House is the view. The restaurant, perched directly on the beach, has been named one of the most scenic restaurants in the USA. It also has an outdoor beach bar where diners can enjoy cocktails and meals on the sand.

    Location: 425 Old Wharf Rd, Dennis Port, MA 02639, USA

    Phone: +1 508-394-0700

    Map
  • 2

    The Brewster Fish House

    Elevated seafood classics in a cosy seaside cottage

    The Brewster Fish House
    • Food

    The Brewster Fish House is a seafood restaurant serving unique dishes with local ingredients, such as salmon in bacon broth or scallops and green apple. It’s the place to visit if you’ve already had your fill of traditional Cape Cod fried seafood and you’re ready to try something different.

    The Brewster Fish House's cocktails are well-known on in Cape Cape. The drink list is long, with each cocktail a bit stranger than the last. For an after-dinner kick, try the Bourbon Milk Punch – a blend of whisky, rum, cream and spices. It’s got the best of American roots and seaside spice in 1 glass. Keep in mind that The Brewster Fish House doesn’t take reservations and a queue out the door is common.

    Location: 2208 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631, USA

    Open: Thursday-Sunday from noon to 9 pm (closed Mondays to Wednesdays)

    Phone: +1 508-896-7867

    Map
  • 3

    CERALDI

    Italian-inspired fine dining featuring local ingredients

    CERALDI
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    CERALDI is a Cape Cod restaurant specialising in Italian cuisine. Dinners come in 7 courses for a fixed price, challenging you to explore your culinary boundaries. Visit this spot if you’re ready for a unique dining experience in .

    The kitchen team transform local ingredients and seafood into exotic daily menus. Previous dishes have included fennel and lobster soup, espresso arancini, and scallops prepared with pink pepper and thyme. A wine pairing is available for each dish. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on Cape Cod, CERALDI’s 7-course meal allows you to try all of the peninsula's specialities in a single evening.

    Location: 15 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA

    Phone: +1 508-237-9811

    Map
  • 4

    The Lobster Pot

    A Cape Cod landmark featuring fresh lobster and stunning bay views

    The Lobster Pot
    • Families
    • Food
    • Photo

    The Lobster Pot is one of the most famous seafood restaurants on Cape Cod. Located at the tip of the peninsula, this eatery is your reward for traversing the entire cape.

    The Lobster Pot serves traditional seafood dishes, most notably lobster. Try a lobster roll or lobster ravioli to start, before moving on to a baked, boiled or pan-roasted seafood platter. Go for the clam bake to try a little bit of everything, but don’t forget a bowl of clam chowder. The Lobster Pot is a very laidback restaurant near the pier, making it a great place to visit straight from the beach.

    Location: 321 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA

    Phone: +1 508-487-0842

    Map

    photo by m01229 (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Bleu

    A modern bistro serving authentic French dishes

    Bleu
    • Couples
    • Food

    Bleu is a French restaurant on Cape Cod that aims to bring the taste of real French cooking to the states. Chef Feufeu puts a creative spin on playful bistro dishes and comfort food, resulting in rich dishes that don’t leave you feeling stuffed.

    Menu highlights include fresh-caught halibut in absinthe butter, scallops with maple grapefruit glaze and duck leg confit. And of course, you can expect a lengthy list of exquisite French wine. The food may be fine-dining quality, but the atmosphere is light and airy—leaving you feeling like you’re on the water even if the ocean is a few miles away. 

    Location: 10 Market St, Mashpee, MA 02649, USA

    Open: Monday-Saturday from 11.30 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 9.30 pm, Sunday from 11.30 am to 3 pm

    Phone: +1 508-539-7907

    Map
  • 6

    C Salt Wine Bar & Grille

    Casual American dining for brunch and dinner

    C Salt Wine Bar & Grille
    • Budget
    • Food

    C Salt Wine Bar & Grille is a restaurant serving distinctly American-style dishes prepared with global influences. Helmed by Bib Gourmand-awarded Chef Charles, the menu consists of steaks, seafood and pasta dishes that are both rich and complex. The grilled swordfish and yellowfin tuna are great for diners looking to enjoy seafood on Cape Cod. 

    Make sure to stick around for cocktails, as they are just as exciting as the dishes. One of C Salt Wine Bar & Grille's most popular cocktails is the refreshing C Salt Summer Spritzer, which is made with prosecco, lemon and elderflower.

    Location: 75 Davis Straits, Falmouth, MA 02540, USA

    Open: Wednesday-Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 774-763-2954

    Map
  • 7

    Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar

    Iconic seafood shack for Cape Cod classics and family fun

    Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar
    • Families
    • Food
    • Group

    Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar might look like an old house on the side of the road, but it’s a Cape Cod institution. The restaurant helped make the cape famous for lobster rolls and fried clams. And that’s not all the menu offers – bisques and chowders are freshly made every day.  

    Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar is very popular with families thanks to its onsite mini-golf course. You can easily turn a visit to this eatery into a full afternoon of family fun. Adult groups can join the fun too, as there's a full bar within the restaurant. 

    Location: 3580 US-6, Eastham, MA 02642, USA

    Phone: +1 508-255-2575

    Map
  • 8

    Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse

    Tuscan-style Italian cooking in a rustic atmosphere

    Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse
    • Food

    Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse transports the flavours of the Italian countryside to your table. Dishes like pasta with wild boar bolognese and veal scallopini are more than enough to satisfy a hearty appetite after a day on the beach.

    Buca’s is also known for having one of the most extensive drink menus. New featured cocktails are always appearing, and the wine list reads like a novel. The dim lighting and checked table cloths at Buca’s are right out of an old American movie – get ready for loads of nostalgia to accompany your garlic bread and meatballs. 

    Location: 4 Depot Rd, Harwich, MA 02645, USA

    Open: Daily from 4.30 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 508-432-6900

    Map
  • 9

    Fin

    Sustainable seafood fine dining in an antique home

    Fin
    • Food

    Fin is a modern seafood restaurant serving high-end dishes made from the local catch. You can go with a fixed menu if you’re an adventurous eater or order from the a la carte menu for familiar Cape Cod dishes. Standouts include truffle oyster chowder, grilled squid, and seared yellowfin tuna yakisoba.

    If you’re unfamiliar with Cape Cod seafood, the waitstaff at Fin is knowledgeable about the sources of ingredients. They can also assist with wine pairings. Fin occupies an antique Cape Cod home, and eating there feels as if you’re dining in an airy sitting room as the sea breeze passes through.

    Location: 800 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638, USA

    Phone: +1 508-385-2096

    Map
  • 10

    Scargo Cafe

    American food in a colonial tavern setting

    Scargo Cafe
    • Food
    • History

    Scargo Cafe is an American restaurant known for its steaks, sandwiches and seafood. But it’s a “cafe” in name only. This high-ceilinged colonial tavern is full of traditional New England spirit. A wooden bar and high stools line the restaurant, and tourists mix with locals over bloody mary cocktails and beers.

    The menu is all-American, featuring racks of ribs, chicken wings and burgers. But you’ll also find plenty of fresh seafood from the cape, such as crispy scallops and swordfish. Come early to try more than a couple of drinks. Scargo Cafe has very extensive wine and cocktail menus. 

    Location: 799 Main St, Dennis, MA 02638, USA

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 508-385-8200

    Map
Benjamin Gorman | Contributing Writer