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The Cape has no shortage of delicious fresh food. Luckily for our readers, Cape Cod Magazine staffers did all the heavy lifting (on full stomachs) and are happy to share our favorite dishes from around this beautiful region.
Happy Eating!
21 Catches from the Sea
If you are in the mood for a fried treat from the sea, snack on The Marshside’s Sweet, Whole-Bellied Fried Clams.The light coating enhances the flavorful taste of the clams. 28 Bridge St., East Dennis, 506.385.4010
We can’t help but dig in unabashedly when a bowl of the Chatham Squire’s Lobster Ravioli is
put before us. The light pockets of pasta are stuffed with chunky lobster meat and smothered
in a cracked black pepper and parmesan cream sauce. 487 Main St., Chatham, 508.945.0945
The Tavern at Chatham Bars Inn’s Pappardelle with Lobster is a seafood feast for our senses. Wide pieces of pappardelle pasta are tossed with succulent chunks of tender lobster, mild mushrooms and a light garlic cream sauce. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, 508.945.0096
Joe's Beach Road Bar & Grille’s Sole Francaise is dipped in egg, sautéed and topped with citrus beurre blanc. Served on a bed of tasty jasmine rice and perfectly cooked asparagus. This is one of Chef Christian’s signature dishes.
5 Beach Rd., Orleans, 508.255.0212
Come summer we make a beeline for Kream ‘N’ Kone’s Oyster Plate. The perfectly fried crispy French fries and onion rings are like an added bonus. 961 Main St., West Dennis, 508.394.0808
It’s hard not to have a weakness for everything at Kream ‘n’ Kone, but we especially love the Fried Scallop Roll. Big scallops are perfectly fried to a golden brown and stuffed into a crispy, toasted bun. 961 Main St.,
West Dennis, 508.394.0808
Maybe an appetizer to some people, we have been known to make the Clam Chowder at Chatham Pier Fish Market the main focus of our meal. Loaded with clams and not too many potatoes, creamy but not heavy.
45 Barcliff Ave., Chatham, 508.945.3474
A tasty and lighter alternative to fried seafood, Ocean House’s Pan-Roasted Diver Sea Scallops are served with white miso mashed potatoes, crispy lobster legs, soy beans, and a lemon grass sauce. Dig into the dish in their incredible seaside atmosphere. 425 Old Wharf Rd., Dennis Port, 508.394.0700
Our go-to place for an incredibly made, no frills, Lobster Roll? The Lazy Lobster. Heaped with fresh, local lobster meat and a touch of mayonnaise on a toasted roll, it’s not summer without this Not So Lazy Lobster Roll. 247 Orleans Rd., Chatham, 508.945.0032
Enjoy a taste of New Orleans with the Lobster Pot’s Cajun Bouillabaisse, stocked with tender scallops, clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, fish, and delicious andouille sausage. Authentic Cajun spices and Creole sauce make it impossible to stop eating this dish. 321 Commercial St., Provincetown 508.487.0842
Steamed Mussels get a kick at The Dolphin with juicy tomato chunks and garlic in a white wine and butter sauce. Our mouths are watering just thinking about this succulent dish. 3250 Main St., Barnstable, 508.362.6610
A Cape Cod favorite, The Bee-Hive Tavern’s Fresh Baked Scrod is baked in a citrus butter sauce and topped with just the right amount of sherry cracker crumbs. The tender fish pairs nicely with their garlic mashed potatoes! 406 Route 6A,
East Sandwich, 508.833.1184
We can’t get enough of Del Mar Bar & Bistro’s Wood Roasted Chatham Cod with a preserved lemon crumb topping, tender couscous risotto, roasted roma tomatoes and a tangy lemon caper beurre blanc. The cod melts in our mouths and we can’t get enough of the risotto! 907 Main St., 508.945.9988, Chatham
The Aqua Grille’s Atlantic Salmon with ponzu glaze and pickled ginger served on Thai rice salad with papaya, mango and pineapple salsa is wonderful to look at and a pleasure to eat. 14 Gallo Rd., Sandwich, 508.888.8889
One forkful of the Roadhouse Café’s Baked Seafood Casserole and you’ll find it impossible to stop eating. Tender pieces of scrod, scallops and shrimp are topped with cracker crumbs and lobster Newburg sauce. As if you weren’t already stuffed with tasty seafood, the meal comes with a baked potato and vegetables. 488 South St., Hyannis, 508.775.2386
The Paddock’s Oven Roasted Parmesan Encrusted Halibut with artichoke and tomato ragu keeps us thankful for locally caught and well-prepared seafood. Served with tasty baby gnocchi, we can’t get enough of that crispy parmesan crust. 20 Scudder Ave., Hyannis, 508.775.7677
It might be the pickled ginger or the scallion rice that keeps us coming back for more of this dish, but we can’t get enough of Pisces’ Sushi Grade Yellowfin Tuna. Rubbed with a special blend of spices and lightly seared, the tuna is velvety goodness. The balanced soy glaze perfectly finishes the dish. 2653 Main St., South Chatham, 508.432.4600
We were always told not to play with our food, but thankfully Noble House breaks that rule, cooking up many a delicious meal right in front of us. The Hibachi Shrimp is our favorite as it is grilled to perfection and served with tasty fried rice. 21 Route 28, West Harwich, 508.432.8855
Trust us: Try the Mews’ Tuna Sushi Tempura and you’ll never look back. Tuna is dipped in tempura batter, quickly fried and laid over a bed of sushi rice with black sesame seeds,
water chestnuts, sliced pickled ginger, wasabi and finished with spicy
mayonnaise. 429 Commercial St., Provincetown, 508.487.1500
We can't help but greedily grab pieces of Inaho's delicious Double Dragon Roll with fresh tuna and salmon.
The eight slices are topped with spicy mayo, scallions and tempura flakes. 157 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, 508.362.5522
Cool Concoctions
Peking Palace’s Mango Margarita is a perfect accompaniment to all of their tasty dishes. The drink is made with fresh mango puree, tequila, triple sec, and lemon-lime mix. Having just one can be difficult!
452 Main St., Falmouth, 508.540.8204
We like to slide up to the bar at Mahoney’s and cool off with their Pink Bikini Martini. The pink splash of raspberry heaven is made with Stoli Raspberry Vodka, Mahoney’s homemade sour mix, ocean cranberry juice cocktail, and a splash of lime.
28 Main St., Orleans, 508.255.5505
Abba’s ice cold Ginger Martini is a simple mixture of sweet Stone’s Original Ginger Flavored Currant Wine and Rain Organic Vodka. We love the oversized glass and crystallized sugar candy at the bottom! 89 Old Colony Way, Orleans, 508.255.8144
Order up an Infused Pineapple or Berry Martini at Ocean House and you won’t be disappointed. Infused vodka gets a step up with pineapple pulp or blueberries and raspberries. 425 Old Wharf Rd., Dennis Port, 508.394.0700
Lyric’s White Citrus Sangria infused with blood orange, lime, lemon and mint always quenches our summer thirst. The restaurant uses seasonal fruit for their red and white sangria and whether they are using pears, apples, or peaches, the fruity drink always hits the spot. 43 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, 774.330.0000
Sometimes the best things in life are… simple. Two sips of the perfectly made Andale Cafe Margarita and you’ll have slipped into your Cape Cod summer state of mind. And that’s never a bad thing. 703 Main St., Harwich, 508.432.0518
Tasty Treats to Stop the Mid-day Hunger
Tuck your spoon into a heaping helping of Perry’s Main Street Deli’s Homemade Chili. Packed with a ton of flavor and not so hot you’ll be misty eyed, the chili comes with a side of sweet, grilled corn bread for a perfect lunch. 546 Main St., Hyannis, 508.775.9711
Sink your teeth into the deliciously flaky Quesadilla Grande at BZ's Mexican Pizzeria. Stuffed with melted cheese, green chilies, sliced tomato and onions and served with Mexican rice, sour cream, and chunky guacamole, the quesadilla is big enough to bring home the leftovers for lunch the next day. 682 Main St., Dennis Port, 508.394.6247
Plain albacore tuna gets a kick with red pepper relish, crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices on Brown Bag Bagel’s Chatham Sandwich. We grab a toasted muffin to go as a sweet afternoon treat. 70 Center St., Hyannis, 508.771.7877
When we are looking for a delicious sandwich to get us through the afternoon, we order up Caffée Dolci’s Il Panino. Fresh, tasty bread is covered with thinly sliced parma prosciutto, homemade fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil and olive oil and fills our craving for a savory Italian sandwich! 430 Main St., Hyannis, 508.790.6900
When we are in the mood for a
filling salad we get in the car and drive… until we hit Finely J.P.’s and their delicious Caribbean Jerk Seasoned Duck Breast Salad. The not-too-spicy duck is laid over mesclun green and vine ripe tomatoes and dressed with raspberry vinaigrette for a hint of sweetness.
554 Route 6, Wellfleet, 508.349.7500
Come lunchtime we are looking
for something hearty and the Cheeseburger Club Sandwich at the Land Ho never disappoints. Served with lettuce, tomato, bacon, mayo, and a side of crispy fresh fries, we always drag ourselves back to work with a full stomach. Route 6A and Cove Rd., Orleans, 598.255.5165
Our mouth is watering just thinking about Chatham Cheese Company’s buttery Fromager D'affinois and fig spread on a French baguette. Grab a few of these tasty gourmet sandwiches and find a grassy stretch for a perfect summer picnic. 902 Main St., Chatham, 508.945.1605
We can always depend on Chatham Cookware for a tasty, filling lunch. We like the Rip Tide Sandwich with oven roasted turkey, cranberry chipotle, scallions, crispy bacon and sour cream grilled together on a sourdough panini. 524 Main St., Chatham, 508.945.1250
16 Dishes to Look Forward to All Day
When we have a craving for the perfect cut of meat, we order up The Port’s Steak au Poivre. The 12 oz. sirloin is encrusted in black peppercorn and pan seared, sealing in the mouthwatering flavor. Served with a Dijon brandied cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables, we couldn’t have asked for anything more. 541 Route 28, Harwich Port, 508.430.5140
Mezza Luna’s Tender Veal Parmigiana is a reason to travel
to this culinary icon. Milk fed veal
is pounded into a cutlet, fried and then baked with mozzarella cheese. This simple dish is perfected at the restaurant. 253 Main St., Buzzards Bay, 508.759.4667
There is no doubt Inaho turns
fresh-off-the-boat fish into incredibly culinary creations. But their Steak Teriyaki is one our secret favorites.
157 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, 508.362.5522
Summer wouldn’t be summer without a perfectly grilled hot dog. The Foot-Long Hot Dogs at Mandy’s Cape Creamery served on a toasted New England-style roll with cheese, chili and sauerkraut always fulfill our craving. 14 Canal Rd., Orleans, 508.240.1618
Is it seafood, is it Italian? DiParma’s Italian Table‘s Chicken and Shrimp Fettuccini is the best mix of both worlds. The surf and turf is sautéed with garlic, fresh basil, broccoli and white wine and finished with a scrumptious alfredo sauce and
fettuccini. 175 Route 28, West Yarmouth, 508.771.7776
Served as both an appetizer and entrée, we prefer Vining’s Bistro’s Angel Hair Pasta as the main focus of our meal. The tender pasta is tossed with the perfect amount of garlic, pine nuts and roasted tomatoes with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. 595 Main St., Chatham, 508.945.5033
We can’t keep our mouth from watering when we think about
the Orange and Soy Roasted 1/2 Chicken at Cape Sea Grille.
The crisp skin keeps the tender chicken underneath perfectly moist. We love the fingerling potatoes, snap peas, caramelized onions and the orange-honey butter sauce and chili oil that comes with the dish. 31 Sea St., Harwich Port, 508.432.4745
One reason to drive way out of our way for lunch?
Any Burrito at The Corner Store. We like our tortilla stuffed with beef, cheese, spinach, rice, pinto beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Ok, and hot sauce, too!
1403 Old Queen Anne Rd., Chatham, 508.432.1077
The Red Pheasant Inn makes
one of our favorite gourmet meals: succulent Roast Boneless Long Island duck. The flavor
of the moist meat is enhanced
by the accompanying dried
cranberry and port wine sauce. 905 Main St., Route 6A, Dennis, 508.385.2133
When we can squeeze in past
the happy crowds of diners at Masaki we like to order the Chicken Teriyaki with sautéed onions, mushrooms and teriyaki sauce. There is a beauty in the simple flavors of this dish.
379 West Main St., Hyannis, 508.771.3771
Clothes might not make the man, but the chili ketchup and bacon totally make Embargo’s Kobe Beef Sliders. Perfectly seared and flavorful pats of beef are lovingly sandwiched between a fresh bun. 453 Main St., Hyannis Port, 508.771.9700
Craving a delicious dish, packed with spice? Look no further than Bangkok Thai Cuisine’s Red Curry. Beef, pork, chicken, or
tofu are slowly cooked in sweet coconut milk and red chili and served with vegetables. 46 Route 6A, Orleans, 508.255.3301
There is a reason Steak Lucifer has been on Clancy’s menu for
24 years: it is really, really delicious! The 12 oz. sirloin is topped with asparagus, a sweet meat
lobster tail, and béarnaise sauce.
8 Upper County Rd.,
Dennis Port, 508.394.6661
Not Your Average Joes’ Mustard Chicken never fails us when we are in the mood for a tasty dish. The chicken breasts soak in a three mustard marinade, breaded with panko bread crumbs and pan-seared, served with sautéed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes 793 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis, 508.778.1424
Sink your teeth into Pates Tender Filet Mignon. The perfectly cooked cut of meat is served with tasty carrots and their famous baked stuffed potato. Route 28, Chatham, 508.945.9777
We can’t drive by Woodies without stopping for the Caribbean Cheese Burger with zesty jerk seasoning, crispy fried plantains and pepperjack cheese on a perfectly toasted bulkie bun. 56 Main St., Post Office Square, Orleans, 508.255.4242
We can always go for the
handmade and cooked-to-order Nun Burger at Red Nun. A half pound of Black Angus is shaped by hand, grilled and topped
with melting cheddar cheese, bacon, sautéed onions, mushrooms, lettuce, sliced tomato,
and red onion on an English
muffin. Perfection! 746 Main St., Chatham, 508.348.0469
Delicious Meals the Skip the Meat
Agro Dolce’s Homemade Lasagna is flavor layered upon flavor. Handmade lasagna is covered in spinach, ricotta, mozzarella and béchamel and gently smothered in tomato and spinach sauces. 2671 Main St., Brewster, 508.896.8600
Blue Moon Bistro’s Vegetable Napoleon is an inventive treat with a tasty layering of tender, grilled vegetables and creamy goat cheese over a light basil marinara sauce. Just beware: it will cause meal envy from your fellow diners. 605 Main St., Dennis, 508.385.7100
Looking for a no-meat option in the land of seafood? The Lobster Pot’s Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms, with roasted red peppers, spinach and fresh mozzarella, are a great alternative. The tender and tasty mushrooms come served on top of garlic mashed potatoes. 321 Commercial St., Provincetown, 508.487.0842
Have a soft spot for perfect grilled and seasoned vegetables? We do and we can’t get enough of Mahoney’s Atlantic Bar & Grill’s Grille Herbed Polenta Cakes with grilled portabella mushrooms and other delicious seasonal vegetables. 28 Main St., Orleans, 508.255.5505
There are crepes and then there are the light and tasty crepes, stuffed with wholesome toppings, at The Outer Crepe. We like the Veggie served with tofu, spinach, tomato, mushrooms, pepper and sharp cheddar. 336 Commercial St., Provincetown, 508.487.6237
Ease into Dinner with these Starting Options
Buca’s Bruschetta di Salame is one of our favorite flavorful ways to start off any meal. Grilled Tuscan bread is layered with fresh mozzarella, Tuscan salami, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
4 Depot Rd., Harwich, 508.432.6900
In the mood for a salad with a hot twist? Buca’s Romania ala Griglia Salad is a tasty plate of grilled Romaine lettuce drizzled with lemon
gorgonzola vinaigrette. The warm, but still crisp lettuce and acidic bite makes a perfect combination. 4 Depot Rd., Harwich, 508.432.6900
When we want an Asian twist on a tried and true Cape Cod classic, we order up a heaping help of Clancy's Sesame Fried Oysters with wasabi dipping sauce, palate cleansing pickled ginger and seaweed salad. 8 Upper County Rd., Dennis Port, 508.394.6661
Ebb Tide’s Lobster Fritter’s combine two of our favorite summer foods: lobster and anything fried. Delicious chunks of fresh lobster meat are deep fried in the restaurant’s homemade fritter batter and served with lobster sauce. 88 Chase Avenue, Dennis Port, 508.398.8733
The Nachos Grande at Bobby Byrne’s Restaurant & Pub were probably originally envisioned as an appetizer, but with a huge stack of crispy tortilla chips smothered in melted cheese, guacamole, meat, beans, and dollops of cold sour cream, this plate is a meal for us. 489 Bearses Way, Hyannis, 508.775.1425
Gerardi’s Café’s Potato Encrusted Crab Cakes are a taste bud tantalizing mixture of crabmeat and slivers of sautéed sweet onions. The cakes sit atop an orange cognac and shallot sauce. 902 Main St., South Yarmouth, 508.394.3111
We can’t get enough of the delicious
Tempura Shrimp at Thoreau’s. It’s almost impossible to stop eating these lightly battered gems. The accompanying citrus-soy ponzu is finger-licking good. 21 Route 28, Harwich, 508.432.5400
Thick chunks of moist lobster meat make Brewster Fish House’ Lobster Bisque a great start to any meal. A secret spice gives the stew-like bisque a nice kick. 2208 Main St., Brewster, 508.896.7867
We secretly have serious cravings for The Port’s Caesar Salad. Romaine hearts, Romano cheese, and garlic croutons make the perfect palate for the flavorful homeade dressing. 541 Route 28, Harwich Port, 508.430.5410
Come summer we like to join in with the best of them and head to Liam’s at Nauset Beach for a heaping helping of their famous onion rings. Sweet onions are cut into perfect strips and dipped into their delicious batter. Nauset Beach, East Orleans, 508.255.3474
When we stray too far from the
Cape we always have a craving for The Oyster Company Raw Bar
and Grille’s $.95 Oysters. Harvested daily from their own oyster beds and available from 4 to 6:30 p.m, these gems from the sea make a great start to any meal. We like ours with a splash of mignonette sauce. 202 Depot St., Dennis Port, 508.398.4600
Trust us and indulge in DiParma Italian Table’s Fried Mozzarella.
The gooey pieces of tasty mozzarella are breaded and fried to perfection. The light battering and seasonings
are a treat for the taste buds and
pair perfectly with the marinara
Sweet Ways to End a Meal
The Macaroons at PB Boulangerie may just rival the best in Paris.
A big statement, but once you bite into the flaky outside you won’t disagree. Pastry chef, Dorian O’Connell makes a few different varieties, but we suggest nibbling on the apricot macaroons.
15 Lecount Hollow Rd., Wellfleet, 508.349.1600
Who knew something better than
a sweet, mixed drink could come in a martini glass? Chef Peter
Hyde at Blue Moon Bistro does! Topping a silken chocolate mousse with handmade butterfly cookies and espresso chocolate coffee beans, his Chocolate Martini is one that doesn’t make you miss
the alcohol. 605 Main Street Dennis, 508.385.7100
Full disclosure: We have a weakness for moist chocolate cake and the Cape Sea Grille’s Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake always fills our craving. Light but rich chocolate cake is topped with Frangelico crème anglaise. 31 Sea St., Harwich Port, 508.432.4745
Mahoney’s Tiramisu is dreamily opined by one of our staffers as being “made with magic.” A thick slice of this traditional Italian dessert comes with generous layers of mascarpone cheese, chocolate sauce, Lady Fingers dipped in coffee and Kahlua and is topped with homemade whipped cream.
28 Main St., Orleans, 508.255.5505
We are impartial to any type of cupcake, but Cupcake Charlie’s Hostess with the Mostess version leaves us weak in the knees. Tasty chocolate cake is stuffed with plenty of cream filling, dipped in thick, teeth-sticking ganache and topped with a butter cream swirl. 28 North St., Mashpee, 508.477.2253
Think you can’t eat pizza for dessert? Ember is changing the way you think with their Oversized Chocolate Chip Cookie baked in a pizza dish and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzled with hot fudge and laden with whipped cream, this is definitely a dish worth sharing. 600 Route 28, Harwich Port, 508.430.0407
Save room for Colombo’s Creamy Carrot Cake. A thick slice of the moist cake is smothered in even thicker, richer frosting. Scraping your fork vigorously on the plate after the last bite is totally permitted. 544 Main St., Hyannis, 508.790.5700
Tasty Ways to Wake up your Appetite
The crowds at the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery might just give it away, but we’ll tell you we run there for their delectable, donut-like malassadas. Find out when they are making a new batch and gobble up a fresh one. 299 Commercial St., Provincetown, 508.487.1803
There is a reason PB Boulangerie has a legion of faithful fans after being open for such a short time: Buttery Croissants. Stop by for breakfast and an espresso as these buttery, light
triangles are quickly devoured.
15 Lecount Hollow Rd., Wellfleet, 508.349.1600
Good Friends Café’s Build-an-Omelet is the perfect reason to get out of bed on a lazy Sunday morning. Choose from a multitude of options, but one staffer recommends the bacon, tomato, and cheese. The “big” omelet comes with a side of homefries and homemade bread. 83 School St., West Dennis, 508.760.2727
Wicked Oyster’s Smoked Salmon Benedict is a tasty alternative to
the traditional Benedict without
the pork. The salmon adds a strong smoky flavor to the poached
eggs and the silky, homemade Hollandaise sauce has you licking your fork after the last bite.
50 Main St., Wellfleet, 508.349.3455
We’ve never given up our childhood love of pancakes. And why should we when Grumpy’s Cranberry Pancakes fill our belly with delicious, homemade goodness? 1408 Main St., East Dennis, 508.385.9494
Pies We Can’t Go Without
Chef Maria Pollio and her crew at Del Mar Bar & Bistro get their thin crust, brick-oven Margarita Pizza just right with thinly sliced tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. 907 Main St., 508.945.9988, Chatham
Sienna Italian Grille and Bar’s Veggie Pizza is a tasty way to get all your vitamins. The thin crust pizza is cooked in a brick oven and topped with roasted mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, roasted peppers and goat cheese. Route 28 in the Mashpee Commons, 508.477.5929
It is worth smelling like garlic all night for a slice of Hillcrest Pizza and Sub Shop’s Mediterranean Pizza. The honey-wheat crust comes laden with artichoke hearts, marinated, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, and, of course, garlic. 180 Route 6A, Orleans, 508.255.7160
We can’t pass Pizzas by Evan without stopping in for the Hawaiian. Thick chunks of pineapple and ham pair perfectly with the savory mozzarella cheese. 559 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, 508.362.7977
Ember’s Chicken Pesto coal fired white pizza is one of our weaknesses. Tender grilled chicken, fresh basil, pine nut pesto, and a blend of cheeses has us coming back for more. 600 Route 28, Harwich Port, 508.430.0407
We can’t make our bites big enough when it comes to Sweet Tomatoes’ Buffalo Chicken Pizza. The thin crust pizza is topped with spicy buffalo chicken, pineapple chunks, jalapeno slices, crumbled blue cheese, and mozzarella. 770 Main St., Osterville, 508.420.1717
