Want a delicious meal in the Cape May area? Explore the local dining scene, and you’ll find there are many great options.
At Mahalo Cape May, we provide upscale beachfront accommodations, natural island-inspired hotel rooms, and other perks to help you discover your Mahalo moment.
Along with these things, our dedicated team knows all about the best Cape May restaurants — and we’re happy to share some with you today.
Here are seven of the best restaurants in Cape May, NJ.
1. Tisha’s Fine Dining
Located in the Washington Street Mall, Tisha’s Fine Dining offers new American cuisine that’ll satisfy even the most sophisticated palate.
Tisha’s provides a large selection of lunch and dinner options. Enjoy seafood risotto, short rib bolognese, or one of the restaurant’s many other delectable entrées. Or, treat yourself to crab cake tacos, a lobster salad sandwich, or other house specialties.
Additionally, Tisha’s serves mouthwatering gourmet burgers. It also lets you choose from a variety of small-plate soups and salads.
Dine indoors or al fresco at Tisha’s. The restaurant is popular, and we recommend booking a reservation.
Tisha’s closes seasonally, so check its availability before you visit.
“First time dining here… The service was great and the food was fantastic! Loved our dining experience so much that we came back for lunch the next day.” -Nick Jacobini via Google Reviews
2. The Mad Batter
“Family owned & argued over since 1976,” The Mad Batter is a surefire addition to the list of can’t-miss restaurants in Cape May.
The Mad Batter is located on historic Jackson Street. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, year-round.
Kick off your day with buttermilk pancakes, a country breakfast, the Mad Batter benedict, or other tasty breakfast dishes.
If you want to stop by for lunch or dinner, you’ll be able to enjoy salads, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Check out the Mad Batter’s events, too. The restaurant has live music every night and an open mic night every other Sunday.
“This place was absolutely amazing! The food was great. The service was great.” –Steena Steen via Google Reviews
3. Lucky Bones Backwater Grille
For a casual dining experience in Cape May, visit Lucky Bones Blackwater Grille.
This restaurant is located at 1200 Rt. 109 South. It offers handcrafted appetizers and meals, unique co*cktails, and a fun, exciting atmosphere.
Lucky Bones’ lunch and dinner menu includes brick oven pizzas, seafood dishes, burgers, and sandwiches.
For those on the lookout for a locally inspired seasonal co*cktail, Lucky Bones offers one-of-a-kind options like the Mermaid Water and Coral Reef.
Lucky Bones is open year-round. It also serves breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
“Went here for the first time. The food and service was outstanding. Josh was our server. He was friendly and made sure everything we ordered did not contain anything that I’m allergic to. The Scottish Salmon was the best salmon I’ve ever had. Definitely will come back.” –Kevin Franken Jr via Google Reviews
4. The Lobster House
The Lobster House overlooks Cape May Harbor, making it a terrific dining option for anyone who wants to enjoy lunch or dinner with a waterfront view.
This family-owned, dockside seafood restaurant is located on Fisherman’s Wharf. It offers family-friendly dining with a nautical vibe.
At the Lobster House, you’ll be able to enjoy freshly cooked seafood from the Take-Out dockside or at home. If you prefer to sit down with family and friends indoors, you can get a table at The Raw Bar.
The Lobster House’s menu includes oysters, mussels, clams, and other seafood favorites. If you’re not a seafood fan, sandwiches, salads, chicken fingers, and other alternatives are available.
“The Lobster House is a haven for seafood lovers, offering a delightful blend of culinary expertise, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere. It stands as a testament to the vibrant and delicious seafood scene in New Jersey.” –Jimmy Gao via Google Reviews
5. Peter Shields
If you want an unforgettable dinner or dessert in Cape May, Peter Shields on Beach Avenue is a must-visit.
Peter Shields offers an award-winning restaurant with outdoor seating and a fireplace.
At Peter Shields, the executive chef crafts traditional and contemporary seasonal dishes using the finest ingredients.
Peter Shields’ dinner menu includes lobster “thermidor,” grilled venison, and other expertly prepared dishes.
And for a dessert that’ll surely make you smile, try the vanilla bean crème brûlée, banana cream pie, or any of the restaurant’s other sweet treats.
Peter Shields has a “smart casual” dress code and well-behaved children are welcome.
It’s also a BYO establishment, and reservations are required.
“Superbly executed dining experience, food, ambiance, service. A classic Cape May Fine Dining Restaurant with an ocean view!” –Gregory Norkis
6. Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar & Grill
If you find yourself in nearby Diamond Beach and want to grab a bite to eat, Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar & Grill is an excellent option.
Coastal Blue is located on Atlantic Avenue at ICONA Diamond Beach resort. This restaurant provides a wonderful blend of comfort food and modern American cuisine. It uses locally sourced and high-quality produce and ingredients in every dish it serves.
In the cozy season, Coastal Blue serves breakfast daily from 8 a.m. to noon, so you can enjoy a relaxing start to your day.
Coastal Blue offers nightly specials and a happy hour throughout the cozy season. It also hosts St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and other holiday-themed events during the year.
“We had an excellent birthday dinner here with a party of 10. The staff was so accommodating and friendly. Our table was already set up with two high chairs before we arrived. The server, Virginia, took time to learn the birthday boy’s name and treated him and us with great care.” –Mike Bauder via Google Reviews
7. The Star Beach Bar
If you want to enjoy drinks and dining right on the sand, look no further than The Star Beach Bar on Diamond Beach.
The Star Beach Bar, which is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, serves pizza, paninis, co*cktails, and a great selection of beers. It also offers sofas and a fire pit and hosts live music and entertainment throughout the summer.
It’s first-come, first-serve at the Star Beach Bar unless someone’s already rented a fire pit or cabana. We recommend getting there early so you’ll be able to find a seat and enjoy all this restaurant has to offer.
“We had an amazing night with awesome scenery… The server Kira was the best. The food was great as usual. We got married at the ICONA one year ago and wanted to go back to where we vowed our love💕 The Star Beach Bar was the perfect place to spend our one-year Anniversary.” –Crystal Mooney via Google Reviews
Plan a Trip to a Top Cape May Restaurant
If you’re in or around Cape May, there are lots of dining options to choose from.
Enjoy an appetizer, meal, dessert, or drink at any of the best restaurants in Cape May and Diamond Beach. If you want to fully explore the local dining scene, visit each one.
If you want help finding the perfect restaurant in the area, the team at Mahalo Cape May is here for you.
Our guests enjoy impeccable hospitality and special amenities — it’s all part of our efforts to serve you in the Aloha Spirit.
Book your next Cape May stay at Mahalo Cape May.
