If you’re a big foodie, a must-visit place to add to your bucket list is Cape May, New Jersey. With fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean, delicious sweets, and farm-to-table freshness, Cape May is a food lover’s paradise. Here, our team at Ocean Club Hotel shares how to make the most of a food-centered trip to Cape May.
Key Takeaways
- Cape May, New Jersey, is a great place for food-focused trips because it offers fresh, local seafood, farm-to-table restaurants, and a walkable historic district with local eateries.
- To plan a foodie trip, consider eating breakfast by the beach and heading to lunch near the water to take in the views while you eat.
- Reserving a table for dinner at a fine-dining establishment, such as our own SeaSalt Restaurant, will let you unwind over delicious seafood, steak, and other favorites.
- Ocean Club Hotel offers luxury accommodations and on-site dining in Cape May. Our team can help you plan a food-lover’s itinerary.
Why Is Cape May a Strong Destination for Foodie Trips?
When you’re looking to plan a trip centered around food, Cape May is a great choice for many reasons. Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh, local catches from the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, which range from lobster and blue crabs to Atlantic scallops, flounder, oysters, and clams.
Even if you’re not a huge seafood fan, Cape May has plenty of other cuisine to offer you, often set in breathtaking waterfront locales. Many local restaurants use a farm-to-table model, which helps to ensure freshness, highlight seasonal food items, and support local farmers.
Cape May is home to a wide assortment of restaurants, bakeries, cafes, pubs, and other eateries, so the whole family can find a type of food they’ll love. With a walkable, historic district, you can pop into several local places and try a variety of items.
How to Build a Food-Lover’s Cape May Itinerary
If you want to experience the food scene in Cape May, there are some essential steps to add to your itinerary:
Start with Breakfast Near the Beach
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast and a gorgeous view. Located directly across from Cape May Beach, Oceanview Restaurant is a family-owned and -operated spot that serves classic American breakfasts. George’s Place has been in business since 1968, offering American and Greek fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It even lets you bring your own beverages (BYOB). If you’d prefer a grab-and-go breakfast that you can take right to the waterside, stop at Bagel Time Cafe, which is known for its fresh bagels and spreads.
Plan Lunch Around Beach or Pool Time
When you’re in Cape May, you’ll likely be spending lots of time at the beach or pool. As you’re having fun in the sun, there are several eateries close to the beach that let you enjoy lunch nearby. They include:
- Stockton Place Beachfront Eatery: This fast-casual spot has outdoor seating right near the beach, and its menu includes sandwiches, wraps, and snacks.
- McGlade’s on the Pier: Located on the pier, this laid-back restaurant serves fresh seafood, salads, hot dogs, burgers, and more.
- Mermaids Restaurant: This Mediterranean restaurant has a covered back patio that offers expansive views of the beach. It also serves ice cream, so you can end lunch on a sweet note.
At Ocean Club Hotel, our dining options include the Tiki Ten35 Bar, a poolside spot that serves a light lunch menu and cocktails. This place is perfect when you’re lounging by the pool and want some lunch delivered right to your chair.
Make a Reservation for a Nice Dinner
If you want to end your day with a delicious meal, reserve a table at one of these highly rated Cape May restaurants:
- Washington Inn & Wine Bar: This restaurant offers delectable entrees, including oysters, risotto, short ribs, sea bass, and more. It also has a happy hour until 5:30 p.m.
- The Ebbitt Room: This classy spot features farm-to-table offerings, made with seasonal ingredients from West Cape May’s Beach Plum Farm.
- Tisha’s Fine Dining: This restaurant on the Washington Street Mall has been in business for 30 years. It features New American cuisine and offers both al fresco and indoor dining.
Ocean Club Hotel also has an on-site restaurant called SeaSalt Restaurant. If you don’t want to venture out after a long day, simply head downstairs and enjoy fine dining without the fuss.
Plan Your Cape May Food Trip Today
If you’re ready to enjoy all the food that Cape May has to offer, book your stay at Ocean Club Hotel today. We offer ocean-view accommodations and amenities like a heated pool, sun deck, and on-site dining. To learn more about must-visit Cape May restaurants or to plan your visit, contact us today.
FAQ About Cape May Restaurants
What food is Cape May known for?
Cape May is known for its fresh, locally caught seafood, including oysters, lobster, blue crabs, Atlantic Sea scallops, flounder, clams, and more. It is also popular for its sweets, including saltwater taffy and fudge.
Are there oceanfront restaurants in Cape May?
Yes, there are many oceanfront restaurants in Cape May, including Stockton Place Beachfront Eatery, McGlade’s on the Pier, George’s Place, and Mermaids Restaurant.
How do you plan a Cape May dining weekend?
To plan a Cape May dining weekend, make a list of the foods and restaurants you want to try. Then, do some research into the best places, or ask your hotel concierge for more information.
How does on-site dining help?
Staying at a hotel with on-site dining, such as Ocean Club Hotel, helps you access convenient and delicious food without needing to travel far between meals and activities.