Cape Cod is a beautiful region on the eastern coast of Massachusetts, known for its sandy beaches, charming towns, and rich history. It’s also an excellent destination for food lovers, with various delicious dishes and local cuisine showcasing the region’s seafood and agriculture. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best food in Cape Cod, including the top dishes and local cuisine, the best restaurants in the area, and some exciting food festivals to check out. We’ll also explore the best time of year to visit for food lovers and other attractions in Cape Cod and answer some common questions about the region’s food scene.
Best Dishes and Local Cuisine On The Cape
Cape Cod is known for its seafood, and it’s no surprise that some of the best dishes in the region feature fresh lobster, clams, and other seafood caught right off the coast. Here are a few of the top local dishes and cuisine to try while you’re in Cape Cod:
- Lobster Rolls: These classic sandwiches feature chunks of freshly caught lobster meat served on a toasted bun with mayonnaise, lettuce, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. You can find lobster rolls at many restaurants and seafood shacks throughout the region.
- Clam Chowder: This creamy soup is made with diced potatoes, onions, and clams and is often served with a side of oyster crackers. It’s a must-try dish for anyone visiting Cape Cod.
- Fresh Clams: Whether you prefer them steamed, fried, or raw, you can’t visit Cape Cod without trying some fresh clams. They’re often served as an appetizer or a main course with drawn butter and lemon wedges.
- Fried Clams: Another popular way to enjoy clams in Cape Cod is by having them fried and served with tartar or vinegar-based sauce.
- Blueberry Pie: Cape Cod is home to many blueberry farms, and it’s not uncommon to see blueberry pie on the menu at local restaurants and bakeries. The region is also known for its cranberry bogs, so cranberry pies and other cranberry-based desserts are also famous.
Best Restaurants in Cape Cod
Cape Cod is home to a wide variety of excellent restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments. Here are a few of the top restaurants in the region, along with some of their most popular dishes:
- The Lobster Pot: Located in the heart of Provincetown, this popular restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, including lobster, clams, and scallops. Don’t miss the lobster bisque and the lobster rolls.
- The Red Cottage: Located in Dennis, this restaurant is known for its locally-sourced ingredients and dishes that showcase the flavors of Cape Cod. Some popular menu items include lobster mac and cheese, pan-seared scallops, and wood-fired pizzas.
- The Oyster Company: Located in Wellfleet, this seafood restaurant is known for its fresh oysters, clams, and other seafood dishes. The oyster bar is a popular spot to sit and enjoy a few oysters, and the seafood chowder is a must-try.
- The Naked Oyster: Located in Hyannis, this stylish seafood restaurant is known for its fresh oysters and clams, as well as its lobster rolls and other seafood dishes. The raw bar is a popular spot to sit and enjoy a few oysters, and the lobster mac and cheese is a must-try.
- The Coonamessett Inn: Located in Falmouth, this historic inn is home to a popular restaurant that serves classic American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Some popular menu items include the lobster bisque, the pan-seared scallops, and the prime rib.
Food Festivals in Cape Cod
Cape Cod is home to many food festivals throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to sample various local cuisine and specialties. Here are a few festivals to check out if you’re in the area:
- Cape Cod Restaurant Week: This annual event takes place in the spring and features special prix-fixe menus at participating regional restaurants. It’s an excellent opportunity to try various dishes and sample some of Cape Cod’s best food.
- Cape Cod Food Truck Festival: This festival takes place in the summer and features various food trucks serving everything from lobster rolls and fried clams to wood-fired pizzas and gourmet sandwiches. It’s an excellent opportunity to try some unique and delicious dishes.
- Cape Cod Cranberry Festival: This annual festival takes place in October and celebrates the region’s cranberry bogs and the harvest season. There are plenty of cranberry-themed dishes and drinks to try, as well as live music and other entertainment.
Best Time of Year to Visit for Food Lovers
Cape Cod is an excellent destination for food lovers year-round, but the best time to visit may depend on what you want to eat. In the summer months, you’ll have the opportunity to try some freshest seafood, including lobster and clams, and local produce like blueberries and cranberries. The fall is also a great time to visit, as the region’s cranberry bogs are in the full harvest season, and there are plenty of cranberry-themed dishes and drinks to try.
Other Attractions in Cape Cod
While the food is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to Cape Cod, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy. The region is home to beautiful sandy beaches, charming towns and villages, and rich history. Some popular attractions to check out include:
- Cape Cod National Seashore: This protected area spans 40 miles of coastline and features beautiful sandy beaches, dunes, and marshes. It’s a great place to spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the trails.
- Provincetown: Located at the tip of Cape Cod, this charming town is known for its artistic community, lively nightlife, and beautiful beaches. It’s also home to the Pilgrims’ Memorial Monument, which marks where the Pilgrims first landed in the New World.
- Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket: These two islands, located just off the coast of Cape Cod, are popular day trip destinations and offer a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and charming small towns.
People Also Ask
- What is the best seafood restaurant on Cape Cod?
- There are many excellent seafood restaurants in Cape Cod, but some popular options include The Lobster Pot in Provincetown, The Oyster Company in Wellfleet, and The Naked Oyster in Hyannis.
- What is the best time of year to visit Cape Cod?
- The best time to visit Cape Cod may depend on your personal preferences and what you want to do while in the area. The weather is warm and sunny in the summer, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The fall is also a great time to visit, as the region’s cranberry bogs are in the full harvest season, and the weather is more relaxed and less crowded.
- Are there any food tours available in Cape Cod?
- Several food tours in Cape Cod allow visitors to sample a variety of local cuisine and learn about the region’s food and drink scene. Some popular food tours include the Cape Cod Foodie Tour, which offers guided walking tours of local restaurants and food shops, and the Cape Cod Beer Tour, which takes guests on a tour of local breweries and includes beer tastings.
- Are there any food festivals in Cape Cod?
- Cape Cod hosts food festivals throughout the year, including Cape Cod Restaurant Week, the Cape Cod Food Truck Festival, and the Cape Cod Cranberry Festival. These events offer the opportunity to try a variety of local cuisine and specialties.
- Is there any locally-produced wine available in Cape Cod?
- Cape Cod is home to several wineries and vineyards that produce various locally-grown wines. Some popular options include Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod, Westport Rivers Winery, and Cape Cod Winery. Many of these wineries offer tastings and tours, making them an excellent option for wine lovers visiting the region.
Cape Cod is a beautiful and delicious destination for food lovers, with various dishes and local cuisine showcasing the region’s seafood and agriculture. From lobster rolls and fresh clams to blueberry pie and locally-produced wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out some of the top restaurants in the region, as well as the food festivals and food tours available. And don’t forget to explore Cape Cod’s other attractions, including its sandy beaches, charming towns, and rich history.