Nine times out of ten, a guest will tell us seafood has a starring role in their Cape Cod vacation experience. It doesn’t matter if it is fish and chips, clam chowder (not Manhattan), a full-fledged lobster clambake or briny treats from a raw bar.
As Cape Codders, we too savory the delicacies plucked from the local seas. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions from our resident and very local vacation rental specialists.
Falmouth
Whether you live in Falmouth, are staying in Falmouth or just visiting for the day, don’t miss lunch or dinner at the Flying Bridge Restaurant. Right on the marina, the view is the only thing as good as the menu. Jamie Edwards (Falmouth) is a big fan of the Bang-Bang Shrimp. And what’s not to love? Fried shrimp meets sriracha! Have it as an appetizer (share if you want, or don’t) or as a bowl.
North Falmouth
Make sure you are good and hungry when you get to the Chart Room in Cataumet. Mary Ellen Mackey (North Falmouth) is a big fan of the Baked Stuffed Lobster. Served with drawn butter and a starch, the lobster won’t be the only thing stuffed that day. They bake and stuff their shrimp too!
Yarmouth Port
If you are in the mood for a delightful dinner, try the Old Yarmouth Inn in Yarmouth Port. This favorite of locals and visitors does everything right. Especially the Lobster Pappardelle, according to Amanda Kundel (Barnstable). Fresh and not overly heated, Amanda pairs this delicious dish with one of the restaurant’s amazing martinis or glass of wine from their extensive offerings.
Dennis
Surprised we haven’t gotten to lobster rolls yet? The wait is over! Betsy Studley (Harwich, Dennis & Yarmouth) had to think twice about sharing Sesuit Harbor Cafe. From this unassuming shack on the harbor comes incredible seafood including their self-titled World Famous Lobster Roll. And if it isn’t world famous yet, it should be–lobster salad done right. Take your lunch or dinner to a picnic table out back and watch the boats glide in and out of the harbor.
Chatham
If you visit Chatham, put aside a day for seeing Chatham Lighthouse, the bustling harbor and the amazing shops on Main Street. All that exploring will make you hungry. Wendy Hatch (Chatham) is a fan of the Red Nun’s fish sandwich featuring lightly fried cod on a brioche bun with fries and cole slaw.
Brewster
As hard as it may be to fathom, not everybody loves seafood and not everybody is in the mood for seafood every day. Surely you can be tempted by a fantastic burger? Dan & Cindy Roth (Brewster) love to grab a bite at Freeman’s Grill at the Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster. Their favorite is the Smash Burger, 4 oz. of Wagyu Kobe Beef with house sauce and your choice of fixins. Book a tee time and make it an afternoon!
Orleans
The Beacon Room is a delightful restaurant–cozy and subdued. It is the kind of restaurant where it is hard to make a choice because although you have made a good choice, you know you are missing out on something else. That being said, Maggie Kulbokas (Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown) suggests the Roasted Cod Loin. It is crab cake crusted and served with a fragrant jasmine rice. Year’s ago, Maggie had their Scallops Risotto. It isn’t on the menu now. Maybe it was a special. Hopefully it will be back.
Wellfleet
Known for its summer delights, many Cape Cod businesses close up for the winter. If you are a Cape Codder, you know summer is just around the corner when the seafood shacks begin to open. Jane Booth (Wellfleet, Truro & Provincetown), waits patiently each season for PJ’s in Wellfleet to open. They’ve got it all at PJ’s including awesome ice cream, but Jane always goes for the fishwich–a big hunk of fresh fried cod on a toasted bun.
Provincetown
If you are heading up to Provincetown, Paige Daigle (Wellfleet, Truro & Provincetown) recommends the lobster egg rolls and clam chowder at the Lobster Pot. A true P-town tradition, the Lobster Pot is the go-to spot for seafood at the Cape’s tip. Popular and always packed, consider going at an off time so you can grab a window seat looking over the harbor.
And a bonus bite, just over the bridge…
Plymouth
A trip to the Cape would not be complete without a visit to Plymouth–America’s Hometown. This is where the Pilgrims settled (don’t forget they stopped in Provincetown first!) and you can check out how it was back in the 1600s at The Plimoth Patuxet Museums and aboard the Mayflower II. After a tour of the Mayflower II, you’ll be wanting some modern refreshment and you will find it at East Bay Grille on the Harbor. Beth Brouillard in Plymouth recommends the Seafood Kristopher–shrimp, scallops, swordfish and lobster–nothing missing in this tasty dish.
