7 Best Restaurants in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Once a clam shack, this bistro has found new life and won legions of fans in this seaside town selling just-baked breads and succulent pastries—by early morning (even in off-season) the line snakes into the parking lot. There's outdoor and indoor seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the latter is a three-course prix-fixe meal ($95) that changes with the seasons, featuring locally sourced produce that highlights the finer flavors of this French kitchen. Sunday brunch is also popular.

This casual spot specializes in classics like grilled cheese sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and local seafood in a lively spot. Order at the counter, then grab a seat inside or at one of the several outdoor seating options; there's also a large beer menu with New England offerings, a good selection of wines, and fun cocktails. Weekend brunch features dishes like sticky buns and egg tacos.

Owner/baker Antoine Vera has brought the French and Belgian boulangerie experience to Hyannis with this charming cafe, located just steps from the Village Green. Order fair-trade coffee, tea, and a wonderful pastry—or perhaps a prosciutto and cheese sandwich—and enjoy conversation with a friend at one of the indoor or outdoor bistro tables. Before you leave, pick up a tin of Belgian cookies or a jar of French mustard to bring home, along with a few extra melt-in-your-mouth macarons.

The friendly, family-run Fairway specializes in Italian comfort food but also has a very popular breakfast. Attached to the Hole in One Bakery and Coffee Shop—a favorite among locals for exceptional hand-cut doughnuts and muffins—the Fairway puts a jar of crayons on every paper-covered table and sells its own brand of root beer.

Fuel up for a beach day at this bustling family-owned breakfast and lunch spot, where options range from a kombucha and a cruller to a balsamic-drizzled veggie wrap and an iced chai latte. Guests order food at the downstairs level, confronted by an array of decadent baked goods (hand-cut donuts are a specialty), and take it to go or eat in the upstairs solarium or at a picnic table next to the parking lot.

Crowds line up for tasty treats at this beloved year-round bakery, in business since 1982, which serves up a lot more than pie, though that is not to be missed. Sticky buns and scones fly out of the kitchen at breakfast, while daily soup specials, wraps, and salads are popular at lunch.