The dining scene in Cape May blends seaside charm with culinary sophistication, offering experiences that feel both timeless and ambitious. With such a diverse range of cultures and cuisines, it’s tough to find the best place to eat. After polling our social media followers, five restaurants emerged to claim their place as The 5 Best Restaurants in Cape May.
These restaurants strike a rare balance between comfort and craft, respecting tradition while embracing creativity. They range from historic taverns serving elevated American fare to waterfront grills where fresh seafood meets laid-back ambiance. No matter the menu, each spot is a fan-favorite for their use of fresh ingredients and exceptional customer service. Which spots made our list of The 5 Best Restaurants in Cape May? It’s time to find out!
Quick Click Guide: Want to Jump Straight to Number One? Click any Number Below and see which restaurants made our list of The 5 Best Restaurants in Cape May.
| Number #5 | Number #4 | Number #3 | Number #2 | Number #1 |
The 5 Best Restaurants in Cape May
#1 in Cape May:
Washington Inn & Wine Bar
Where: 801 Washington St, Cape May
Details: First built in 1840, this Cape May estate is now home to the Washington Inn & Wine Bar. Since 1978, the Craig Family has preserved its charm and character while introducing refined cuisine and warm hospitality. Under the direction of Executive Chef Vincent Celeste, the inventive menu pairs seamlessly with wines selected by in-house Sommeliers. Standout starters include Baked Escargot, Italian White Sturgeon Caviar, Steak Tartare, and Hamachi Crudo. Likewise, popular entrees range from the Cape May Seafood Cioppino to the Lamb & Ricotta Cavatelli. The Washington Inn offers six distinctive dining areas, from elegant dining rooms to a cozy wine cellar. Meanwhile, the Wine Bar is a perfect spot for a handcrafted cocktail or glass of wine. Don’t skip dessert, as Pastry Chef Maria Marshall’s inventive creations will enhance any meal. The Washington Inn masterfully blends food, friendly service, and ambiance to create the perfect dining atmosphere.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-884-5697 |
#2 in Cape May:
The Ebbitt Room
Where: 25 Jackson St, Cape May
Details: Seems like Best of New Jersey followers love this spot as much as we do! (We recently named The Ebbitt Room one of the Most Romantic Restaurants in New Jersey.) The Ebbitt Room prides itself on fresh farm-to-table food, and what they call farm-to-glass cocktails. Fan-favorite entrees include the Local Duck Breast (wildflower honey, wilted gai lon, blackberry-balsamic jus); Rack of Lamb (spring pea salad, black garlic purée, za’atar, salsa macha), Cape May Scallops (english peas, favas, black trumpets, speck, ramp sauce), and A5 Japanese Wagyu (with seasonal accompaniments). Meanwhile, signature cocktails include fresh flavors like Basil Lemon Drop (sskyy vodka, limoncello, lemon, bpf basil); Blackberry Smash (redemption bourbon, lemon, honey beach plum farm blackberry preserves); Pear Martini (grey goose la poire, st. germain pear purée, cranberry); and Spicy Pineapple Margarita (jalapeño-infused cazadores tequila, pineapple, lime).
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-884-5700 |
#3 in Cape May:
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
Where: 1025 Beach Ave, Cape May
Details: Breakfast, rooftop dining, and drinks with a view are just a few reasons why locals love Harry’s Ocean Bar. The menu features what they describe as Coastal American cuisine, with an obvious focus on fresh local seafood. But Harry’s is also a popular spot for signature sandwiches and their famous Orange Crushes. The latter mixes Absolut Mandrin Vodka with Triple Sec, fresh orange juice, and Sprite. As for their next-level sandwiches, we recommend the Pressed Cubano, Lobster Roll, or Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
#4 in Cape May:
The Blue Pig Tavern
Where: 200 Congress Pl, Cape May
Details: The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall attracts locals and vacationers alike thanks to their classic American menu. The centerpiece of their dining room is a large fireplace with a framed drawing of a pig above the mantle. A casual restaurant at heart, the menu serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites both indoors and out on their patio. This true farm-to-table spot relies on their own Beach Plum Farm for fresh produce, herbs, and eggs. The Eggs Blackstone is a breakfast favorite, with poached eggs, spinach, tomato, bacon, a cheddar biscuit, and Black Pepper Hollandaise. Visiting for lunch? Try the Cape May Crab Dip or Tavern Mac & Cheese (with Lobster for an extra punch of flavor). For dinner, we recommend the Chilled Seafood Platter with jumbo shrimp, Cape May Salt Oysters, and colossal lump crab cocktail. Be sure to save room for their Congress Hall Apple Pie and Valrhona Chocolate Cheesecake. We can’t decide which one is better!
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-884-8422 |
#5 in Cape May:
Port
Where: 954 Ocean Dr, Cape May
Details: At Port, waterfront dining meets modern luxury along the scenic shores of Cape May. In fact, a recent renovation has transformed their once ordinary deck area into a must-visit open-air dining destination. The multi-level culinary experience now offers a downstairs bar, additional upstairs bar and restaurant, and unique outdoor dining. The indoor and outdoor menus differ slightly, but both offer a range of seafood and cocktails. From sushi and handhelds to shared plates and large entrees, Port has something for everyone.
Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.
Top Photo: © The Ebbitt Room | Website