The Beach Times
A Foodie's Guide to Truro
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Monday, May 7, 2018
It is common knowledge around here that Provincetown is the place to go if you’re looking for a great meal on the Outer Cape. There’s a valid reason for this distinction, as Commercial Street is loaded with exceptional restaurants and a simple wander through the area means stumbling on some of the best food anywhere on the East Coast.
Having said that, Truro is no slouch in regards to its cuisine, with plenty of high-end restaurants for you to enjoy throughout your vacation. Truro is perhaps overlooked by foodies because it lacks the central downtown area that Provincetown, Orleans, and Chatham have and, therefore, isn’t as easily walkable.
At the same time, this lack of a central gathering space adds an air of exclusivity to dining in Truro, as you must know where you are going and how to get there to reach these high-end eateries. If you’re into finding an off-the-beaten-path restaurant experience, Truro and its fantastic dining options are well worth checking out while on the Outer Cape.
Get Your Day Started Right
To get things started, you’ll want to track down the top breakfast spots in Truro. The Top Mast Café is celebrated because it enjoys an oceanfront location, creating a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. If the weather is pleasant, you can sit outside and enjoy your meal, complete with the sounds of the sea. While the interior decor is basic, it creates a laid-back vibe that you’ll only find on Cape Cod.
As for the menu, the Top Mast Café has all of the traditional breakfast favorites, like bacon, eggs, sausages, bagels, and pancakes, in their various forms. If you're lucky, they might have the lobster omelet or lobster Benedict on the menu during your stay, two options that immediately validate your decision to visit this eatery. The cafe also serves one of the best Bloody Marys on the Cape.
We've mentioned the Savory & the Sweet Escape in this space before and with good reason, as this local favorite has a little bit of everything. All of the breakfast necessities are available here, including muffins, pastries, bagels, and scones that are baked on-site daily. Locally roasted coffee and espresso are also on the menu, and if you come later in the day, the pizza and ice cream are worth trying.
Something Local in the Afternoon
Once you’ve had a hearty breakfast, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend the rest of your morning on Cape Cod. Maybe you’ll take a couple of hours to go on a hike or bike ride, or possibly visit a museum or lighthouse. Once your appetite returns, there some places specializing in lunch in Truro that you’ll want to check out.
Although Box Lunch is technically a chain, which might disqualify it in the eyes of some foodies, there are only three locations, and they’re all on the Outer Cape, making it slightly more tolerable. The concept of the restaurant is providing good food quickly, as it's technically a fast food joint, but nothing is fried, the ingredients are fresh, and the menu is surprisingly affordable. Sandwiches are about the only thing you'll find on the menu here, but they're tasty, and there are countless varieties available. You can even build your own sandwich, if there is something specific that you'd like to try.
For something a little different, the High Tide Kitchen is the choice. This is a food truck that sits outside the Chequessett Chocolate building in North Truro and features an Asian-inspired menu with rice bowls, noodles, salads, and banh mi sandwiches. There’s a unique atmosphere surrounding the truck, with music playing and tables on which to enjoy your meal. It’s like the food trucks that are popular in major cities, but you don’t have to leave the Cape to find it.
A Winner For Dinner
Afternoons on the Outer Cape are often spent lounging somewhere on the Cape Cod National Seashore, swimming in a nearby kettle pond, or finding a quiet place to enjoy the scenery. You’ll also want to decide on a place for a great meal. Luckily, once dinner comes around, you’ll have numerous choices in Truro, depending on the type of food you want to enjoy tonight.
Montano's Restaurant first opened its doors in 1988 and has been a local favorite ever since. This is an Italian restaurant with house-made pasta, freshly-baked bread, and homemade sauces, providing a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving the Cape. Even the seafood is local, as the owners pride themselves on serving freshly caught fish supplied by local fishermen.
Everything at Blackfish is local, and the menu is always changing, giving you a reason to check it out a few times while in the area. Much like the rest of Cape Cod, local seafood is always part of the menu, but you’ll also find burgers and steaks if you’ve had your fill of the ocean for the day. All of the beef available at the restaurant is raised humanely, as well.
Whitman House Restaurant is a unique property set on four acres and featuring four dining rooms and a tavern. The building was formerly an inn, which was built in 1894, and has since evolved into its current form. The restaurant side of the property has everything you'd expect from a Cape Cod restaurant, including clam chowder, oysters, scallops, lobster, swordfish, and tuna. There’s also surf and turf, prime rib, chicken, and steak. The restaurant has a weekly boiled lobster special that you’ll have to check out sometime during the summer, while the tavern serves appetizers and has a kids’ menu.
The Perfect Way to End Your Evening
Once you’ve finished your dinner, you might be in the mood for something sweet. While your restaurant of choice probably has a rather diverse dessert menu, sometimes it’s good to get out there and explore Cape Cod later on in the evening, especially when the weather is cooperative.
Chequessett Chocolate, a local staple for dessert, was heavily damaged during the winter of 2017/2018 when a pipe burst during a period of extreme cold, and it is unknown when the storefront will be open for buiness again.
As a result, you might have to head north to Provincetown if you have your heart set on the perfect dessert. There are a number of renowned spots right on Commercial Street, including the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery, Purple Feather Cafe & Treatery, and PtownScoop, and it’s only five miles away.
As was mentioned before, Savory & the Sweet Escape also has great desserts, so make your choice based on where your Truro vacation rental is located and how far you want to travel.
Find Your Inner Foodie in Truro
As you can see, there’s plenty for the foodie within the town limits of Truro, despite the lack of hype. Whether you’re in the mood for homemade Italian cuisine or seafood that has just been pulled from the ocean, this area with a population of 2,000 people has you covered.
If you're just visiting Truro, however, make sure you research where you are going to make it easier to find your local foodie paradise this summer.
Breakfast Dining Restaurants Truro Where To Eat In Truro