Dining on Cape Cod

An INNsider’s Perspective

Eat to live or live to eat? Ahh, the perennial question. Rich and I consider ourselves “professional eaters” and feel we have a personal obligation to our guests to try as many restaurants as we can so that we can make appropriate recommendations according to our guests’ preferences. This, by the way, can a full time job in itself, as there are so many restaurants on the Cape-from fine dining establishments; to tap rooms, pubs, and taverns; plus the requisite road side clam shacks and burger joints! We have compiled a brief summary of some of our personal favorites, along with input from our guests, so that you can choose the perfect setting for your Cape Cod dining adventures. We have grouped these according to style (casual to formal) and made note of those for which we can make reservations for you. Please note that some restaurants are seasonal. By the way, we will continue to add to this repertoire as time and waistlines allow.

Very casual dining, reservations not required, some open late

Amari Ristorante 674 Route 6A East Sandwich (508) 375-0011

Italian restaurant offering contemporary Italian fare including steaks, seafood, poultry, and brick-oven pizzas, an amazing wine list and a cosmopolitan bar. Reservations accepted. Music on weekends in the large bar.

Lost Dog Pub Route 134, East Dennis (508) 385-6177 (Lunch & Dinner)

A fun little pub specializing in home made pizza, clam chowder, burgers and fish cakes. Entertainment is available on some weekend nights during the summer.

Land Ho! Route 6A & Cove Rd. Orleans (508) 255-5165 (Lunch & Dinner)

Crazy atmosphere includes red & white checked tablecloths, old business signs hanging from the ceiling, and newspapers hanging on a wire to separate the dining room from the bar. Land Ho! Serves club sandwiches, fried seafood and burgers. Specialties include fish & chips, barbecued ribs, stuffed clams, chowder and kale soup. You’ll find lots of families, college students and old-time locals here.

Mahoney’s Atlantic Bar & Grill 28 Main Street Orleans (508) 255-5505

Upscale bar and grill offer’s an innovative menu with “New American” cuisine and live jazz on select evenings. Fresh seafood, grilled specialties, healthy salads, hearty steaks and creative pasta and poultry dishes and a few vegetarian dishes. Specialties include Tuna Sashimi and Pan Seared Lobster with Brandy Flambé. The lively upscale bar is a great place to sample a light bite while sipping a martini or a pint of Guinness. The dining room is also available for a more formal meal.

The Beehive Tavern 406 Route 6A Sandwich (508) 833-1184 (Lunch & Dinner)

Styled on a classic English pub, the interior was very warm, cozy, and very authentic. The menu is diverse, with a great selection of salads or sandwiches if that’s all you want, to a full menu of entrees as well. Fresh fish, prime rib, and interesting specials, with lots of “homemade” touches, like their desserts with freshly whipped cream.

Casually Elegant dining, most will require reservations

Brewster Fish House 2208 Main Street, Brewster (508) 896-7867 (Lunch & Dinner)

This is a local favorite and for good reason!. A unique, eclectic menu with an emphasis on local seafood that changes seasonally. Preparations are simple, elegant and always fresh. Open most of the year. During the busy summer months the wait can be up to 2 hours. You may want to have a late lunch or early dinner to avoid the crowds.

Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse 4 Depot Road, Harwich 508-432-6900

Authentic Tuscan cuisine makes this a must for connoisseurs of Italian food andwine. Two veal dishes, one cooked in red wine, balsamic butter and sun dried cherries and roasted tomatoes, the other in white wine with lemon, capers and parsley, top the mouth-watering offerings. The Cicciucco, the establishment’s signature seafood stew, features a sumptuous blend of cherrystones, mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp and the day’s fresh catch in a rich tomato sauce. The wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator, includes some 30 wines by the glass and includes offerings from many small Italian vineyards.

Red Pheasant 905 Route 6A, Dennis 508-385-2133

Creative classic American food with an emphasis on native seafood, lamb and game. Romantic, cozy atmosphere. Former guest comment “Food is absolutely first class, not only in flavor but presentation. Try their homemade cheesecake – to die for. Game selection is out of this world. A delight!” Open year round for dinner with reservations recommended. Dress code casual to formal.

Abba’s 89 Old Colony Way, Orleans (508) 255-8144

A unique fusion of Mediterranean and Thai cuisine. Open year round with reservations recommended. Closed on Mondays. Specialty dishes include curries. This is a real favorite for our adventuresome diners.

Nauset Beach Club 222 Main Street, East Orleans (508) 255-8547

Homemade pasta, wood-grilled entrees and roasted antipasti are a specialty. Former guest comment; “This is a very authentic Northern Italian restaurant and is A+ EXCELLENT. The atmosphere is upscale casual. You will love this place” Open year round for dinner. Reservations requested. Dress code casual to formal

L’Alouette 787 Main Street Route 28 Harwich (508) 430- 0405 (Dinner)

The local seafood and produce to create exquisite contemporary French cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Good wine list and typically we have found good service. Small, estate-grown, handcrafted wines are served in Riedel stemware. Try the tarts after dinner. Reservations recommended.

Aqua Grille 14 Gallo Road Sandwich, MA (508) 888-8889 (Lunch & Dinner)

The restaurant offers quality dining with a global flair at moderate prices in a casual atmosphere. Aqua Grille is located at the Sandwich Marina and Cape Cod Canal on Gallo Road adjacent to the Coast Guard station. The menu features Cape Cod favorites such as native fish and lobster, as well as a wide variety of other fares. Call for reservations and ask for a table on the enclosed porch for a spectacular view of the sunset.

Barnstable Tavern 3176 Main Street 6A Barnstable (508) 362-2355 (Lunch & Dinner)

6 Critics across America have praised Bob Calderone’s food, calling it “bold,” “prepared with real gusto,” and “creative.” The restaurant offers delicious New England cuisine in a historic and scenic Cape Cod setting. Very friendly service and great value. Eat in the formal dining room, the casual tavern, or outside. Reservations accepted.

The Dolphin 3250 6A Barnstable (508) 362-6610 (Lunch & dinner)

New American cuisine. Amid the more typical fried fish you’ll find such delicacies as Chilean sea bass with roasted corn salsa and lime vinaigrette, roast duck with mango glaze and toasted coconut, or arctic char with caramelized onions and citrus butter. Lots of local color in the bar and fun, friendly service. Call ahead waiting list.

The Roadhouse 488 South Street Hyannis (508) 775-2386

The menu offers native seafood, including cioppino and Cajun blackened poached salmon steak, choice beef, pasta dinners and Italian specialties. For those looking for lighter fare, the Bistro offers both the regular dinner menu and the bistro menu which consists of salads, sandwiches and authentic Italian thin crust pizza. Piano bar with music on weekends and Jazz on Monday nights. Reservations accepted

Island Merchant 302 Main Street Hyannis (508) 771-1337

The Island Merchant is an East End restaurant & lounge serving regional seasonal cuisine with an island flair. Featuring entertainment nightly with no cover charge. Pulled pork on savory bread pudding, fish tacos, macaroni and cheese and imaginative salads. Reservations accepted.

Formal Dining, will require reservations

Bramble Inn 2019 Route 6A, Brewster (508) 896-7644

This restaurant is in an1861 farmhouse and has a small intimate setting and a formal atmosphere. The menu is a French/Continental 5 course price fix menu and only dinner is served. Previous guest comment: “Excellent food! The best restaurant in Brewster.” A perfect romantic evening to celebrate that special occasion. The dress code is casual to formal. Reservations recommended. Closed in January.

Belfry Bistro 8 Jarves Street Sandwich (508) 888-8550

Dinners at The Bistro feature a palatable pastiche of contemporary American cuisine. The menus change with the seasons, incorporating the freshest local and regional ingredients. The setting is unique, created from an old church and restored with respect to its original purpose. Extensive wine list, patio seating, piano bar.

Chillingsworth 2449 Main Street Route 6A, Brewster (508) 896-3640

Creative modern French cuisine. Multi course, table d’Hote dinners, very formal atmosphere with old fashion attention to detail. Bistro café open for lunch for a more casual American a la carte meals. Incredible pastries! Open from May- November. Business casual dress with reservations recommended.

Ocean House 421 Old Wharf Road (end of Depot Street) Dennisport (508) 394-0700

“New American Bistro & Bar”. Get there early for a prized window table. They have a seasonal menu of contemporary fusion cuisine with local influence. The wine list is extensive with 20 wines by the glass. Enjoy innovative martinis, specialty cocktails and a unique culinary experience at this stylish oceanfront restaurant.

Regatta of Cotuit 4631 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Cotuit (508) 428-5715

Delicious, award-winning new American cuisine. Simply one of the best restaurants on Cape Cod. Dine in their formal dining room, or the new expanded tap room. Zagat rated, fine dining with extraordinary service.

Wequassett Inn (28 Atlantic Restaurant) Route 28 Pleasant Bay Chatham (508)430-3000

Waterfront location on Pleasant Bay, elegant setting and emphasis on personalized service.

Chatham Bars Inn Shore Road Chatham (800) 527-4884 (Lunch & Dinner)

Historic “old Cape Cod” venue serving a variety of cuisine in numerous restaurants. Very special high end large resort.

Casual & Unique

Inaho 157 Main St., (Rte. 6A) Yarmouth Port (508) 362-5522

Yuji Watanabe, the chef-owner of the Cape’s best Japanese restaurant, makes early morning journeys to Boston’s fish markets to shop for the freshest local catch. His selection of sushi and sashimi is vast and artful, and vegetable and seafood tempura comes out of the kitchen fluffy and light. If you’re a teriyaki lover, you can’t do any better than the chicken’s beautiful blend of sweet and sour. One remarkable element of the restaurant is its artful lighting: small pinpoint lights on the food accentuate the presentation in a dramatic way. The serene and simple Japanese garden out back has a traditional goldfish pond. Closed Mon. No lunch.

Impudent Oyster 15 Chatham Bars Avenue Chatham (508) 945-3545 (Lunch & Dinner)

This restaurant is small and quaint with a rustic décor, specializing in seafood dishes. They serve lunch and dinner and are open year round. Located next door to the Chatham Gazebo; where summer concerts are held on Friday evenings. This is Cape Cod’s version of the fictitious bar portrayed in the long-running television series “Cheers”. Located just off Chatham’s main thoroughfare, the bar is divided into an upper dining room and a lower bar area. The same menu, which features great sandwiches, burgers, and heartier fare, is served throughout. Try the mussels in white wine sauce at this popular hangout.

Napi’s 7 Freeman Street, Provincetown (800) 571-6274 (Lunch & Dinner)

If you are interested in a really unique, different experience… a drive to Provincetown and a dinner at Napi’s is for you! Dinner year-round from 5 pm. Lunch October thru April from 11:30. Located on a winding street full of colorful sunflowers and roses, a block away from the hustle & bustle of town. Napi’s is decorated by works of local artists, antique stained glass and carousel horses. You will enjoy a varied menu of Napi’s and Helen’s favorite dishes from around the world. Just to name a few of the favorites; Portuguese Soup, Santa Fe Stuffed Poblano Chili, Chinese Dumplings, Bouillabaisse, and always available…Fresh Native Lobster!

Blue Moon Bistro 605 Main Street (Route 6A) Dennis, (508)-385-7100

Chef/Owner Peter Hyde presents homemade Mediterranean cuisine in an atmosphere of comfortable sophistication. Cream linens, soft lighting, and complementary colors enhance your culinary experience. Ingredients are fresh and whenever possible, from local purveyors – even from the Chef’s garden near the main rear entrance! Flavors are bold, and a wine list offers an international selection at every price range. Outdoor dining, a fun Martini menu, and a stylish Wine Lounge round out this friendly neighborhood bistro.

Painted Lady Cafe 6 Jarves Street Sandwich (508) 888-8550 (Lunch & Dinner)

A casual, contemporary, fun flair in a Victorian setting. An interesting array of comfort foods and fun finger foods. Imaginative cuisine ranging from pot pie to pizza to unique salads. Porch and patio dining. Warm and inviting atmosphere.

Naked Oyster 20 Independence Drive Hyannis (508) 778-6500

Specializing in fresh seafood, the Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar brings a chic, urban, but casual vibe to Hyannis. David Kelley, executive chef, knows many of the local fishermen and shellfishermen, and has teamed up with them to bring their products directly from the sea to his kitchen. He adjusts his specials menu weekly to reflect seasonal changes not only in produce and fish, but also in meats and fowl.

Misaki 379 West Main Street Hyannis (508) 771-3771 (Lunch & Dinner)

Operated by Ota Torao, a professional sushi chef with over 28 years experience, Misaki offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with authentic Japanese style. Sushi bar.

Sesuit Harbor Cafe 357 Sesuit Neck Road Dennis (508)385-6144 (Lunch & Dinner)

This a simple place at the Sesuit Northside Marina where you order at a counter, pick out a picnic table along the harbor, and a server calls out your name and brings your order over when it’s ready. By far the best classic fried seafood you’ll ever have, and the most scenic view of boats returning to the harbor. Open April – October. BYOB. Cash only. Best before sunset, due to the bugs. Debbie’s favorite spot for a lobster roll and Rich believes that the fried clams are the best he has ever eaten.

Captain Frosty’s 219 Route 6A Dennis (508) 385-8548 (Lunch & Dinner)

Captain Frosty’s built their reputation on quality products, friendly service & good value! They feature fresh Chatham cod in the fish & chips, local clams lightly fried & day-boat scallops, premium lobster salad, and other favorites such as clam cakes, hand-cut onion rings, Black-Angus burgers, and dairy bar favorites. Open April-September.

Seafood Sam’s, 2 Coast Guard Road, Sandwich (508) 888-4629 (plus outlets in Falmouth, Harwich, and South Yarmouth)

Fresh local seafood served on paper plates with plastic utensils, but good, fresh, hot and reasonably priced. Great location on the canal. Open early March to early November. Call for take out or eat inside or out (weather permitting).

Jack’s Outback II, 161 Main Street, Yarmouthport (508) 362-6690

A real local color joint, great for an inexpensive lunch (and breakfast if you’ve missed Rich’s divine cuisine at the High Pointe Inn). Extensive menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, and specials. Very reasonably priced. The best part of eating at Jack’s is meeting their eponymous golden retriever who usually meets you outside near his dog house and immediately rolls over for a belly scratch.

The Optimist Cafe, 134 Route 6A Yarmouthport (508) 362-1024

A wonderful new addition to dining choices along 6A. Serving breakfast, lunch, and high tea in a restored Victorian building with a casual, but tasteful decor. Soups are wonderfully imaginative and portions are plentiful. An extensive selection of teas (hot or cold), generous sandwiches, blue plate specials, plus a traditional ploughman’s lunch, scones with clotted cream, and tea sandwiches.

Four Seas Ice Cream 360 South Main St. Centerville (508) 775-1394

Quite simply the best ice cream we’ve ever had! Open mid-May to mid-September.

Bon Appetite!

Debbie Howard

High Pointe Inn

http://www.thehighpointeinn.com
888 362-4441