Cape Cod, MA, is known for beaches, lighthouses (14 of historic significance), iconic New England villages, and fresh seafood. Suffice it to say, when visiting this area, there is plenty to keep you busy. However, no visit to Cape Cod would be complete without a stop at some of its best restaurants. Read on for some options you don’t want to pass up as compiled by the experts at Nauset Rentals.
799 Main Street (Route 6A), Dennis, MA 02638
Scargo Cafe pays homage to the legend of a young princess, Scargo (Nobscusset tribe), who fell in love with a Cope Cod Indian brave. The eatery is known for providing impromptu casual dining anytime. Scargo welcomes you to come as you are with their informal feel and “first come” seating design.
This isn’t to say there is never a wait, but it is true that you will never be turned away! Scargo presents a unique atmosphere with wood-paneled walls, an outdoor covered deck for al Fresco dining and a wood-burning fireplace indoors. Notable favorites include the seafood strudel and a roasted rack of New Zealand lamb.
3 Main Street, Unit 3B, Eastham, MA 02642
Translated in English as “House of the Cape,” Casa Del Cabo Restaurant, Garden and Bar opened its doors in June 2021 with a mission of serving traditional New England cuisine with a Latin-inspired flare to create a diverse menu.
This family-owned and operated restaurant serves dinner, made-from-scratch dishes made of fresh locally sourced ingredients, wines and crafted cocktails, all designed to celebrate the diversity, culture, and traditions of the region and beyond. This dining establishment is owned and operated by Anastasia Sotnic and Ryan Premdas and offers interior seating as well as deck and garden options, along with free off-street parking.
43 Main Street (Route 6A), Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
Situated in an iconic Cape Cod neighborhood, Leonessa is a welcoming environment that features regional Italian cruises (scratch made). Owned and operated by husband and wife team General Manager Taylor Amara and Chef Owner Diego Mota, the dishes and beverages combine the best of Italy with local fare, i.e. traditional Cape Cod food for a modern, elevated dining experience.
Known for its scratch cooking, curated wines, crafted cocktails and inviting atmosphere, Leonessa also boasts four unique dining rooms and a bar.
290 Shore Rd., Bourne, MA 02532
What began as a neighborhood fish market in 1969 has become a year-round restaurant dedicated to the betterment of its community. The Lobster Trap is now a Cape Cod landmark destination and still honors its origins by having its own fish market shop, where you can buy fresh fish and shellfish of all sorts. The mission of Lobster Trap is to “bring you a true Cape Cod experience.”
This is practiced by serving elevated cuisine in a fun and casual environment, welcoming the whole family. You can sit in the dining room, patio, or bar and no reservations are required. In fact, they don’t take them at all!
680 Main Street, Hyannis, MA, 02601
The family-owned Brazilian Grill was founded in 2000 in Hyannis and has well-earned its place on the list of must-visit Cape Cod restaurants. It offers a unique dining experience that features homemade recipes from the heart of Southern Brazil, which have been lovingly passed down for generations.
It’s fixed-price dining with a variety of different meat cuts, including lamb, pork, beef, and chicken that are slowly cooked over natural wood and then brought to you on skewers and carved at your table to preserve the juices and immense flavor. You can choose to stick to your favorite house specialty or try all the rounds of meats, enjoying the vast flavors to your heart’s (or your stomach’s) content. All dinner options are paired with a fresh salad bar with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and soups!
10 Market Street, Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, MA
Bringing a little bit of France to Cape Cod, Bleu Restaurant or "Le Vie en Bleu" offers a more elegant dining option akin to one you might experience in France, although no passport is necessary! Although Bleu doesn’t uphold a strict dress code per se, the recommended attire is smart casual. Jackets are not required but dress pants and collared shirts are preferred for a polished yet comfortable look.
Owner and executive chef Frederic Feufeu is a native of the Loire Valley and earned his stripes in the New York restaurant scene. He has earned many awards recognizing his authentic French bistro fare and contemporary cuisine. Bleu also earned the "Spectator Awards of Excellence" for its wine program.
223 Massachusetts Route 6A (MA-6A), Yarmouth Port, MA, 02675
Earning the “Best of The Cape and Islands” Award by Cape Cod Life Publications among other awards, the Old Yarmouth Inn offers classic New England cuisine in a travel-style setting. Your casual meal can be enjoyed indoors surrounded by warm wood paneling with views of the gardens in the historic Red Room. A seasonal patio and an elegant dining room with sunroom-style windows are also available.
Old Yarmouth Inn is also recognized for its copious wine selection and this, combined with the excellent service, has made this a treasured landmark since 1696. Of course, formally, it was a wayside inn and stage stop, and now it's one of the premier dining destinations in all of Cape Cod and has been so for some time. No visit to the area is complete without a stop at Old Yarmouth Inn.
2173 Head of the Bay Road, Route 28, Harwich, MA, 02645
Although situated inside a resort, twenty-eight Atlantic is the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in the Cape Cod region, so we believed it deserved to have a place on this list. Housed in an 18th century sea captain's home, this award-winning restaurant overlooks Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean (with floor-to-ceiling windows), offering some of the best views in New England.
Curated wines, native seafood, and local produce are prepared complete with an artist’s touch for delightful coastal dining. You will most certainly not be disappointed when visiting this restaurant!
Known as simply “The Cape” by locals, Cape Cod boasts a wide range of unique and delicious restaurants, eateries, cafes, and overall experiences. The above list outlines 8 of the best options, including award-winning dining, and those with unbelievable views and interesting historic backgrounds.
When visiting Cape Cod, the experts at Nauset Rentals recommend the above options to enjoy throughout your stay.
