The best Cape May restaurants range from fine dining at The Ebbitt Room in the 1879 Virginia Hotel and the historic Washington Inn to fresh seafood at The Lobster House on Fisherman’s Wharf and breakfast at The Mad Batter. Cape May is also known for bring-your-own-bottle (BYO) favorites such as 410 Bank Street, Louisa’s Cafe and Maison Bleue, and for farm-to-table dining at Beach Plum Farm Kitchen in West Cape May. This guide groups the top picks by style, based on New Jersey Monthly’s Cape May restaurant guide updated in August 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Fine dining: The Ebbitt Room, Washington Inn, Peter Shields Inn and Primal.
- Seafood: The Lobster House on Fisherman’s Wharf, which is open 365 days a year, and Louisa’s Cafe.
- BYO favorites: 410 Bank Street, Louisa’s Cafe, Maison Bleue, Iccara Italian Bistro and Tisha’s Fine Dining.
- Breakfast and brunch: The Mad Batter and the Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall.
- Casual and year-round: Lucky Bones Backwater Grille and The Rusty Nail.
- Off-season note: some Cape May restaurants reduce hours or close in winter, so call ahead.
Restaurant details follow New Jersey Monthly’s Cape May guide, last updated in August 2026. Hours, menus and chefs change, so confirm directly with each restaurant.
Fine Dining Cape May Restaurants
| Restaurant | Style | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| The Ebbitt Room | Fine dining, seafood and steaks | Dinner in the Virginia Hotel, built in 1879 |
| Washington Inn | American, with gluten-free options | A building dating to 1846 and one of the most extensive wine lists in Cape May |
| Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant | New American fine dining | A canopied porch with an ocean view |
| Primal | Steak and seafood | Bold, modern decor and a protein-focused menu |
| Tisha’s Fine Dining | New American, BYO | Founded in Wildwood in 1988 and in Cape May since 1995 |
Seafood Cape May Restaurants
Cape May is one of the busiest fishing ports on the East Coast, so seafood is a big part of the dining scene.
| Restaurant | Style | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| The Lobster House | Seafood and raw bar | A dockside spot on Fisherman’s Wharf with its own fishing fleet; open 365 days a year; seasonal deck dining on the Schooner American from May to October |
| Louisa’s Cafe | Seafood, BYO | A small cafe open since 1980, known for generous portions and desserts |
| Mayer’s Tavern | Neighborhood tavern | Fried calamari and a cold shellfish tower |
BYO Cape May Restaurants
Many Cape May restaurants are BYO, which means you can bring your own wine or beer. It is a great way to enjoy a special meal for less. Here are well-known BYO options:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| 410 Bank Street | Caribbean and Southern | A tropical garden entrance and slowly spinning ceiling fans; open since 1984 |
| Maison Bleue | French | A relaxed, non-stuffy feel and duck confit |
| Iccara Italian Bistro | Italian | Sicilian-inspired dishes such as lobster with squid ink fettuccine |
| Good Earth Organic Eatery | Healthy and casual | Nearly everything can be made gluten-free or vegan |
| Beach Plum Farm Kitchen | Farm-to-table | A West Cape May farm that supplies produce to Cape Resorts restaurants |
Breakfast, Brunch and Casual Eats
- The Mad Batter: a breakfast favorite at the Carroll Villa Hotel since 1976, known for pancakes, French toast and mimosas.
- Blue Pig Tavern: inside Congress Hall, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch.
- Magnolia Room at the Chalfonte Hotel: Southern staples such as fried chicken in a hotel built in 1876.
- Lucky Bones Backwater Grille: a family-friendly, year-round spot with brick-oven pizza and seafood.
- The Rusty Nail: a beach bar with an outdoor deck and fire pit, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round.
Cape May Restaurants by Occasion
| Occasion | Good choices |
|---|---|
| Anniversary or special dinner | The Ebbitt Room, Washington Inn, Peter Shields Inn |
| Fresh seafood by the docks | The Lobster House |
| Affordable date night | 410 Bank Street, Louisa’s Cafe or Maison Bleue with your own bottle |
| Family meal | Lucky Bones Backwater Grille, The Lobster House |
| Breakfast before the beach | The Mad Batter, Blue Pig Tavern |
| Dietary needs | Good Earth Organic Eatery; Washington Inn offers gluten-free options |
Dining in Cape May in the Off-Season
Cape May stays lively well past summer, especially during the fall and the Christmas season. However, some restaurants cut back hours or close for part of the winter. Year-round options highlighted in New Jersey Monthly’s guide include The Lobster House, Lucky Bones Backwater Grille and The Rusty Nail. For holiday visits, reserve early, since Christmas events bring crowds on weekends.
Tips for Eating Out in Cape May
- Reserve ahead in summer and on holiday weekends, especially for fine dining.
- Bring a bottle to BYO restaurants, and check whether a corkage fee applies.
- Expect waits at popular walk-in spots such as The Lobster House in peak season.
- Park once and walk. Many restaurants are near the Washington Street Mall and the beachfront.
- Check seasonal hours from late fall through early spring.
Where the Restaurants Are
| Area | Restaurants nearby |
|---|---|
| Fisherman’s Wharf and the harbor | The Lobster House |
| Beach Avenue and the oceanfront | Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall, Peter Shields Inn |
| Historic district near the Washington Street Mall | The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel, The Mad Batter, Washington Inn |
| West Cape May | Beach Plum Farm Kitchen |
Because the historic district is compact, many visitors park once and walk to dinner, then stroll the Washington Street Mall or the beachfront promenade afterward.
Cape May Food Specialties to Try
- Local scallops and fish landed by Cape May’s commercial fishing fleet.
- Oysters from the Delaware Bay and nearby waters, served at raw bars around town.
- Farm-fresh produce in summer, from farms such as Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May.
- Southern classics such as fried chicken at the Magnolia Room.
- A big breakfast before the beach, a Cape May tradition at spots like The Mad Batter.
Menus change with the seasons, so ask your server what is local and fresh when you visit Cape May restaurants.
Planning Around the Seasons
Summer is the busiest time for Cape May restaurants, with long waits at popular spots and many restaurants booked on weekends. Spring and fall are quieter and often a great time for relaxed dinners, as many restaurants remain open while crowds thin out. In winter, the Christmas season brings a second rush of visitors, especially on weekends in December. Because hours vary so much by season, check each restaurant’s website or call before you go, and book dinner reservations for holiday weekends well in advance.
If you are staying for several days, mix one special dinner at a fine dining room with casual meals, a BYO night and a big breakfast before the beach.
Whatever your budget, Cape May restaurants reward a little planning. Reserve the special dinners, leave room for spontaneous stops, and ask locals or innkeepers for their current favorites, since the town’s dining scene changes a bit every season. Many inns and hotels also keep lists of nearby restaurants for guests.
With so many strong choices in a small town, it is easy to eat well in Cape May in any season, from a summer seafood feast to a cozy Christmas dinner.
More Cape May and Shore Guides
Plan your full trip with our guide to things to do in Cape May NJ, and visit in December with our Christmas in Cape May NJ guide. For statewide picks, see the best restaurants in New Jersey. Browse more in our Jersey Shore section or on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape May Restaurants
What is the most famous restaurant in Cape May?
The Lobster House on Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the best-known, along with the Washington Inn and The Ebbitt Room.
Are there BYOB restaurants in Cape May?
Yes. BYO options include 410 Bank Street, Louisa’s Cafe, Maison Bleue, Iccara Italian Bistro and Tisha’s Fine Dining.
Where should I eat breakfast in Cape May?
The Mad Batter at the Carroll Villa Hotel and the Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall are popular choices.
Which Cape May restaurants are open year-round?
The Lobster House, Lucky Bones Backwater Grille and The Rusty Nail are open year-round.
Is The Lobster House open every day?
According to New Jersey Monthly, The Lobster House is open 365 days a year.
Where can I find gluten-free food in Cape May?
Good Earth Organic Eatery can make nearly everything gluten-free or vegan, and the Washington Inn offers gluten-free options.
Where do locals eat in Cape May?
Year-round spots such as Lucky Bones Backwater Grille, The Rusty Nail and The Lobster House are popular with locals and visitors.
Is there fine dining in Cape May?
Yes. The Ebbitt Room, Washington Inn, Peter Shields Inn and Primal are known for fine dining.
Do Cape May restaurants close in winter?
Some reduce hours or close for part of the winter, so call ahead in the off-season.
The Bottom Line
Cape May restaurants offer something for every trip, from fine dining at The Ebbitt Room and Washington Inn to dockside seafood at The Lobster House and BYO gems such as 410 Bank Street and Louisa’s Cafe. Start the day at The Mad Batter, reserve dinner early in busy seasons and check winter hours before you go.
