What are the best restaurants on Cape Cod?
 

I know of the Impudent Oyster and the Red Pheasant. Which others are considered the best on the Cape? Also, can you comment on the atmosphere of the restaurant you recommend?

Thanks so much!!

Such a subjective question! :) However if you mean haute cuisine as opposed to places treasured for seashore memories, then I would guess that Chillingswoth in Brewster is in the running. Very lovely atmosphere. *Very* high Zagat rating. Take a look at their website.

I think 28 Atlantic at the Wequasset is pretty fantastic. The room is gorgeous with views and the food and atmosphere is high end but not stuffy. Definitely more modern than quaint, but not too modern. If you check out the wequasset's website you can probably find pictures and a menu.

"nother vote for Chillingsworth.

Lobster Pot in Provincetown. A tradition that goes back as far as I can remember. Once of those places that serves great seafood in a wonderfully casual atmosphere and is also a New England icon. It is one of the most photographed and painted images in Provincetown and the lunches/dinners do not disappoint in the least. I have eaten there several times and never had a bad meal, usually going right for their Clam Bake: chowder, steamed lobster, corn bread, mussels, and corn on the cob for about $25.

Thanks for your replies!

To Socialworker, I am looking for restaurants with really tasty food, so that could include haute cuisine or casual fare.

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll check them out!

Nauset Beach House in Orleans. Last few times we were at the Lobster Pot in P'town, clam chowder was "thickened" with clumps of raw flour. Ick!

I think irish swamp yankee means the Nauset Beach Club, in Orleans.And it is exce;;ent.
On the outer Cape, our favorites are Front Street, in Provincetown, Blackfish in Truro, Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet, Buca's in Harwich. All fine food, inovative, great atmosphere,impressive wine list- on the Cape, one doesn't have to "dress'. even in season. Of course, the ambiance is a bit less hectic in the shoulder season- likenow!
The Cape is a big place, with many towns hosting some excellent fare. It would help if you were more specific.

I went to Columbo's in Hyannis tonight. Three people, three different entrees, all wonderful. They have gelato and pastries in a case for dessert. You look and pick what you would like.

It is open and modern looking. There is also a bar area w/TVs. I can't wait to go back. (I have no personal involvement w/this place). And agree w/ccs. Where on the Cape will you be?

Provincetown is filled with great places to eat. The Mews, Front Street and my new favorite is The Red Inn. The Lobster Pot is always good. The food sets a standard in it's 1950's sort of way .. it's a must eat at place.

We'll be in Chatham, so can travel in either direction. I'm eager to check out the suggestions that have been made thus far. Thanks a lot!!

I agree wholeheartedly with your choice of the Red Pheasant in Dennis. My wife and I have been vacationing on the Cape for more than 40 years, and have enjoyed the Red Pheasant 2 to 3 times during our annual 2 to 3 week vacations on the Cape. No doubt, one of the top 3 restaurants on our list.
in August this year, we helped our friends celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary here and they were impressed. They will be back again, as we will in 2009.
Ask for Steven!

Everyone has their favorites .. Best to check with any Cape restaurants .. their hours often change after Labor Day ..

Some of my favorites are ...
Ocean House ... Dennisport
Brewster Fish House .. Brewster
Inaho .. Sushi .. Yarmouth
Abicci .. Yarmouth Port
Cape Sea Grill .. Harwich Port
The Red Pheasant .. Dennis
Gerardi's Cafe .. (Italian) Yarmouth
Bramble Inn .. Brewster


Casual .. but good .. dependable
Scargo Cafe .. Dennis
Marshside .. East Dennis
Villa Roma .. Harwich


Very casual .. but food is good
Sesuit Cafe .. E. Dennis
Lost Dog Pub .. E. Dennis

Grumpy's for breakfast or lunch ..

I summer on Cape Cod and can recommend the following:

Red Pheasant in Dennis - great food, wonderful wine list, chef uses local ingredients whenever possible. Upscale casual

Sesuit Cafe in East Dennis - great water views. Picnic tables for outdoor seating. Fresh seafood but also a good variety of other offerings.
Long lines waiting to get in if you go during peak times. Very casual.

Grumpy's in East Dennis and Jack's Outback in Yarmouth Port are excellent choices for breakfast. Casual

Abicci in Cummaquid - They have innovative selections..all fresh and very good.

Land 'Ho in Orleans - great for lunch or dinner. Causal, fun atmosphere.
Good burgers, chowder, fried seafood.
Nice bar. Casual

Wequasset Inn - Chatham - Wonderful atmosphere and excellent food. Upscale casual

Chatham Bars Inn- Their restaurant on the beach in Chatham. Awesome views of ocean and the food is good
Casual

Girardi's in Yarmouth - wonderful Italian food. Casual

Chillingsworth in Brewster gets a vote from me as well.
upscale casual.

We often visit Eastham on the outer cape and can make some recommendations for the Wellfleet/Orleans/Truro area. You can check out menus on-line
In Orleans:
Land 'Ho (lunch or light dinner, pub-style atmosphere)
Joe's Bar and Grill (at the Barley Neck Inn in East Orleans-casual atmosphere)
Mahoney's Atlantic Grill (casual/urbane atmosphere)
Captain Linnell House (upscale casual)
Nauset Beach Club (Northern Italian, up-scale casual)
Academy Grill (Up-scale casual)

Wellfleet:
Finely JP's (One of our favorites! Chef owned and run with new American selections. Casual)
Wicked Oyster (casual, up-scale)
Mack's Shack (casual)
Winslow's Tavern (casual/up-scale)

Truro:
Blackfish (casual)
Terra Luna: (Northern Italian/casual)

I am acquainted with some Italians in Falmouth who don't like Cucina (too American) and prefer La Civetta

Inaho Japanese restaurant: TERRIFIC!!

The Bramble Inn: lots of options (bistro menu for small dishes ala carte, or else full 4-course dinner)

Abba: Totally excellent

Abbici: very good

The Naked Oyster: remarkably good

Those are the Big 5 -- others can also be good occasionally. Beware of Olivers (inedible), and Brewster Fish House (overpriced, not so good).

I agree with the Lobster Pot. The lobster bisque and lobster roll are to die for. There is another place around the corner towards the water, that has cranberry tea.

I have to disagree with scargo1013's post about the Brewster Fish House as we had the most incredible meal there this Saturday night.
My husband and I started with the oyster/shrimp/clam plate and then had fish dishes (cod for me and swordfish for him) and we both agreed that every bite was delectable and delicious.
The hospitality was warm and friendly, the wine list very reasonably priced and varied and the apple pie one of the best in my memory.
We've eaten in many good restaurants over the years but this will be one that will stand out in our minds as a memorable night out.

Sad news, Marietta has closed the doors of Abicci and it is up for sale.... a great loss borne of the economy. I hope she takes another pass with her great Italian cooking skills and brings back a new restaurant... I long for La Cipollina