Browse the top restaurants in Cape May with pricing, features, and local tips to help you choose.
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Top 10 Restaurants
Peter Shields Inn
$$$$4.8 stars from 7,500+ reviews. Zagat-rated cuisine with direct ocean views from 1907 Georgian Revival setting. NOTE: No longer BYOB as of January 1, 2025 ($40 corkage fee).
The Ebbitt Room
$$$$Chef Jason Hanin earned 2025 NJ Chef of the Year. 4.7 stars from 3,500+ OpenTable reviews. Seasonal tasting menus showcase Cape May scallops and Beach Plum Farm ingredients. Elegant porch dining with live piano.
Washington Inn
$$$$4.8 stars from 9,500+ reviews. Most extensive wine selection in Cape May within an 1840 plantation-style building. "Outstanding" baked escargot, seafood risotto, fireside dining. Occasionally noisy on busy nights.
410 Bank Street
$$$Chef Sing's Creole-Caribbean cuisine in a vine-covered 1840 carriage house. NY Times called it "the reason many come to Cape May." BYOB. Seasonal closure in winter.
George's Place
$$"If Nancy Meyers opened a Greek diner" atmosphere. Tiramisu waffles and flaming Saganaki draw crowds.
Gusto Brewing Co
$$North Cape May brewery pouring Gusto beers.
H & H Seafood
$$Seafood plates from H & H.
Harbor View Restaurant
$$Restaurant with a harbor-view name and American menu.
Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille
$$Harry's pairs a bar with American grille fare.
Hemingways Prime Steak Seafood
$$Prime steaks meet seafood at Hemingways.
Our Top Picks Reviewed
Best Overall: Peter Shields Inn
Peter Shields Inn stands out as our top pick for restaurants in Cape May.4.8 stars from 7,500+ reviews. Zagat-rated cuisine with direct ocean views from 1907 Georgian Revival setting. NOTE: No longer BYOB as of January 1, 2025 ($40 corkage fee). At $$$$ pricing, it delivers excellent value for the quality. Notable features include ocean views, Zagat-rated, historic inn. Specializing in fine-dining and american, this spot is perfect for both locals and visitors.
Best Value: Washington Inn
Washington Inn delivers solid quality at $$$$ pricing.4.8 stars from 9,500+ reviews. Most extensive wine selection in Cape May within an 1840 plantation-style building. "Outstanding" baked escargot, seafood risotto, fireside dining. Occasionally noisy on busy nights. A reliable pick for families and groups on a set budget.
Best for Special Occasions: The Ebbitt Room
For a nicer night out in Cape May, The Ebbitt Room is a strong choice.Chef Jason Hanin earned 2025 NJ Chef of the Year. 4.7 stars from 3,500+ OpenTable reviews. Seasonal tasting menus showcase Cape May scallops and Beach Plum Farm ingredients. Elegant porch dining with live piano. The upscale setting and attention to detail justify the price.
What to Know Before You Go
The restaurants scene in Cape May varies by season. During peak summer months (June through August), wait times at popular spots can exceed an hour, especially on weekend evenings. We recommend making reservations at least a week in advance for weekend dining. Off-season visitors (September through May) will find it much easier to secure tables, and many establishments offer seasonal specials and promotions.
Price-wise, expect to spend between $15-30 per person at $ spots, $30-50 at $$ establishments, $50-80 at $$$ venues, and $80+ at $$$$ fine dining locations. Most Cape May restaurants are BYOB-friendly, which can significantly reduce your total bill if you bring your own wine or beer.
Quick Comparison
| Name | Price | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Shields Inn | $$$$ | Special Occasions | ocean views, Zagat-rated |
| The Ebbitt Room | $$$$ | Special Occasions | award-winning chef, farm-to-table |
| Washington Inn | $$$$ | Special Occasions | extensive wine list, historic building |
| 410 Bank Street | $$$ | Date Night | Creole-Caribbean, BYOB |
| George's Place | $$ | Families & Groups | breakfast, Greek touches |
More Restaurants in Cape May
We've found 30 additional restaurants in Cape May. Browse the complete list in our directory.
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View Cape May Guide →Cape May is a historic, romantic Cape-may County beach town about 3hr from New York City. Parking, beach badges, events, and the full picture beyond restaurants are in the complete Cape May guide.