The places locals love to eat in Cape Cod aren’t too far from serving seafood as it is quite a beacon for those looking for fresh grills by the Atlantic. One of the most alluring aspects of a visit to the Cape Cod region is indeed the food. Given the number of travellers the area hosts every summer, its restaurants are state of the art and offer enough diversity to appeal to most.
These local restaurants all offer a dose of Cape Cod charm, however, and you won't find a restaurant in the area without at least some oysters, clams or lobster rolls on the menu. Here’s where to find Cape Cod's best local food scenes for a sampling of flavours in Massachusetts’ iconic coastal area.
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Captain Linnell House
Try fine dining in a historic mansion
- Couples
- Food
- Luxury
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The 1840 Captain Linnell House is a well-known, classic historical site in Cape Cod that’s been renovated and transformed into a high-end restaurant. You'll find incredible American cuisine with a French twist here, including dishes such as oysters on the half shell, escargot with mushrooms, and bourbon lobster bisque.
The restaurant features an elegant atmosphere that matches the ambiance of the house itself, and you can feel its refinement simply by looking at its stunning exterior lined with white columns.
Location: 137 Skaket Beach Rd, Orleans, MA 02653, USA
Phone: +1 508-255-3400
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Cuvée at Chatham Inn
Enjoy fine wines with your seafood and steaks
- Couples
- Food
- Luxury
Cuvée at Chatham Inn, also referred to as Chatham Wine Bar, is a good bet if you're looking for a fancy night out in Cape Cod. This fine-dining experience offers seemingly endless elegance alongside contemporary American cuisine cooked to perfection with locally acquired Cape Cod flavour and ingredients.
The dining room's atmosphere is welcoming and refined, though you can also enjoy your evening on the tranquil terrace. Don't forget to check out the restaurant's wine bar as well. The staff is available to make suggestions on pairings, so you can get the most out of your meal.
Location: 359 Main St #2, Chatham, MA 02633, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm
Phone: +1 508-945-1468
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Ceraldi
Modern Italian cuisine by the pier
- Food
- Photo
Ceraldi offers some of the best Italian dining experiences in all of Cape Cod. Chef-owner Michael Ceraldi is an expert when it comes to Italian cuisine, and he creates a 7-course menu each night based on the available local, seasonal ingredients.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxed, which allows diners to take it easy in a way they normally wouldn't be able to in the fancier and more refined establishments. Additionally, you'll also find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on Ceraldi’s diverse menu.
Location: 15 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 5.30 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +1 508-237-9811
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Far Land Provisions
Grab your sandwiches and light bites at this all-day deli
- Food
At Far Land Provisions in Cape Cod, you'll find a convenient destination for breakfast and dinner. Their on-site bakery and deli create truly incredible pastries and sandwiches that are easy to enjoy in the restaurant's beachfront setting.
The sandwiches here are so iconic that they've been voted the best sandwich by Cape Cod Life for 12 years in a row. Being a corner store, you'll also find a few other items here for your convenience, including snacks, sweets, and even personal care products.
Location: 150 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 508-487-0045
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Water Street Kitchen
Laidback dining on the Woods Hole waterfront
- Food
At Water Street Kitchen in Woods Hole, you can enjoy a contemporary American-style experience with an emphasis on seafood. What sets this establishment apart from most other restaurants in the Cape Cod area, however, is that the atmosphere is simultaneously cosy and historic, all while being situated to offer gorgeous waterfront views.
In addition to the standard fare, you'll find numerous gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options as well. Try the fried shiitake and tofu in sweet soya and served with peanuts, cashews and scallion, or the Scottish salmon crudo with cauliflower, lemon and purple crisps. And don't forget to check out their handcrafted cocktails as well to get a taste of their creativity.
Location: 56 Water St, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 5 pm to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 508-540-5656
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Keltic Kitchen
Where to go for a traditional Irish breakfast in Cape Cod
- Food
Keltic Kitchen, as the name suggests, is the best spot in Cape Cod if you're looking for an Irish breakfast. Their commitment to authenticity coupled with their use of fresh ingredients makes them a local favourite. While everything is fresh, not all of it is locally sourced – to ensure authenticity with their dishes, they import Irish bacon for that unique Irish taste.
You'll also find sandwiches, black and white pudding, and scones, amongst other items on Keltic Kitchen’s menu. Lunch is quite an event here as well, especially if you opt for the Keltic burger with Irish bacon.
Location: 415 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 2 pm
Phone: +1 508-771-4835
Map - 7
Gerardi's Cafe
Experience Sicilian flavours in South Yarmouth
- Food
Gerardi's Cafe is the place to be if you're looking for stunning Italian cuisine in a relaxing and relatively affordable environment in the Cape Cod area. Gerardi’s chef was trained in Italy and is dedicated to maintaining tried-and-true traditional techniques while also implementing creative contemporary twists into his dishes.
Try the grilled swordfish piccata or grilled fillet mignon scaloppini for a Sicilian seafood treat. In addition to the standard Italian fare, you'll also find quite a few vegetarian and vegan options on the menu as well as gluten-free options that don't sacrifice the impactful flavours.
Location: 902 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 508-394-3111
Map - 8
Relish
Cape Cod's local-favorite bakery and sandwich shop
- Food
Relish in Provincetown is a great place to find tasty treats and a satisfying lunch when you need to take a break from your Cape Cod adventures. One of the most popular activities in Cape Cod is to venture out towards the beach or along the green spaces to have a picnic, and Relish has all the supplies you need.
The local-favorite bake shop prepares fresh sandwiches, wholesome wraps, scones, cookies, cheeses, and virtually anything else you would need for a quick bite or to pack for your day out on the beach.
Location: 93 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Open: Friday–Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)
Phone: +1 508-487-8077
Map - 9
Post Office Cafe
Enjoy all-day dining and fun cabarets in the evenings
- Food
- Nightlife
The Post Office Cafe is home to one of the most unique dining and nightlife experiences in all of Cape Cod. You'll find delicious food no matter what time of day you visit. Breakfast includes omelettes, pancakes, and all sorts of different eggs benedict dishes. For lunch, you can try the best Reuben sandwich in Provincetown or one of their sirloin burgers.
The dinner menu features more creative creations crafted by executive chef Johnathon Smith. Additionally, you can see a show on the restaurant's second-level cabaret with some of the best acts in town routinely performing.
Location: 303 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 508-487-3892
Map - 10
Del Mar Bar and Bistro
For seafood and live jazz in Chatham
- Food
- Nightlife
Del Mar Bar and Bistro is one of the top spots in the Cape Cod region for dinners. This bistro in Chatham features creative dishes crafted by the talented chef along with classics like wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas. You'll also find an extensive selection of wines and draft beer to enjoy.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is largely relaxing and contemporary, but the ambiance is especially appealing if you visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday during the summer. On those days, they host live jazz performances that you can enjoy while relishing in your Portuguese steamed clams in marinara or oysters Rockefeller.
Location: 907 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +1 508-945-9988
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