Like many who love Cape Cod, the expectation of star-quality seafood is as big of a draw as the beauty of its sandy beaches and view of the Atlantic Ocean. Here are just a few of the best places to eat on Cape Cod that you should definitely plan to try!
1. Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon
Worn out from all the shopping and beach fun? Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon is one of the best restaurants on Cape Cod and a must-eat for any seafood lover. Known for its New England fare and specifically its clam chowder, Spanky’s is a casual seafood joint with a relaxed atmosphere, close access to the shopping district, and waterfront views of the Hyannis Harbor. Adjacent to the Nantucket ferry boats, Spanky’s serves up a lunch and dinner menu that boasts the traditional fare such as New England-style lobster dinners, seafood stew, chowder, scallops, shrimp, cod, and more, including a raw bar you can also order from. Spanky’s opens daily at eleven in the morning so plan your day accordingly to fit in this classic for a delicious lunch.
2. The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House
Another restaurant known for its chowder, Skipper Chowder House is one of the older waterfront restaurants that Cape Cod has to offer with pristine views of Nantucket Sound. Located in South Yarmouth, the prize-winning, triple crown chowder is the star of the menu, but other dishes such as shellfish platters, lobster rolls, pasta, seaside sandwiches, and fish also take center stage. For more options, you can also order from the Skipper Raw Bar. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Skipper’s Ice Cream Shack is also there for your dessert cravings. This first-come-first-serve restaurant does not take reservations so be sure to arrive early to get a table with a great view at one of the best Cape Cod restaurants.
3. Lobster Pot
Considered a “Provincetown tradition” for visitors of the Outer Cape, Lobster Pot’s waterfront dining rooms and harbor view complement a full and diverse culinary menu. Not only do they serve all the classic, fresh seafood such as lobster rolls, oysters Rockefeller, clambake, mussels, and shellfish, but they also serve pasta dishes, steaks, poultry, vegetarian meals, and the surprising—but welcome—addition of Portuguese specialties. If you’ve had a full day of seeing what the Cape has to offer and just want to drop in for drinks and a good time, they have you covered there, too. Famous for their bloody mary and signature cocktails, you can be served drinks in the “Top” of the Pot bar and just enjoy the ambiance and scenic beauty of the harbor. Of course, if you get hungry you can still always pair it with dishes such as their award-winning clam chowder. For its diverse menu and ability to cater to different needs, Lobster Pot easily ranks as one of the best places to eat on Cape Cod, MA.
4. Chatham Pier Fish Market
The Chatham Pier Fish Market is consistently ranked as a top restaurant on Cape Cod—specifically as a top quick bite joint in Chatham. Patrons can find something for everyone on the menu at the Pier with their lobster rolls earning rave reviews in addition to their ahi tuna and fried shrimp. Serving up classic American dishes and seafood, Chatham’s Pier Fish Market is famous being one of the most affordable restaurants on Cape Cod, with sides and entrees ranging from five dollars to twenty dollars. Additionally, it’s also one of the best takeout restaurants on Cape Cod since their quick bites such as fried shrimp, lobster rolls, scallops, bacon rolls, and side of fries are easily packaged into takeout boxes. With its simplistic but effective menu, you might also say that Chatham Pier Fish Market is one of the best family restaurants on Cape Cod, giving families the ability to quickly grab their food and go while enjoying their day out and about. This makes the Market one spot that has to make your to-eat list.
5. Moby Dick’s
Like Spanky’s and Skipper’s, Moby Dick’s is one of the oldest restaurants on Cape Cod. Opened in 1983, this Wellfleet summer-only restaurant had a simple mission of providing patrons top-quality, fresh seafood with friendly service in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Nearly four decades later, Moby Dick’s is still delighting locals, new residents, and tourists alike with their menu of hits like their lobster rolls, fried shrimp, fried oysters, clam strips, crab cakes, or their old-fashioned bucket of steamers. Closed in the winter months, Moby Dick’s seasonal hours make it a stop that you want to plan ahead for each summer, beginning in May when the restaurant reopens each year. If you’ve got a busy day with friends and family, Moby Dick’s makes a great quick bite joint—like Chatham Pier Fish Market, this also means it’s one of the best family restaurants on Cape Cod.
Coastal beauty is just one reason to love Cape Cod. With excellent restaurants, family-friendly festivals, museums, galleries, and nature trails, the Cape offers something for everyone. ERA Cape Real Estate agents are here to help you find your perfect Cape Cod residence and become a permanent part of this vibrant community.
