The DiPeso Group Blog

The town of Cape May, New Jersey is one of the oldest communities in the United States and it is also one of the oldest vacation destinations in North America.

Since the 1700s, residents from the Philadelphia area have been traveling to the Cape May Islands and treating the area as a resort destination. Since the 1830s the expansion of infrastructure on the main Cape Island, the doors were opened attracting visitors from New York, Baltimore, and even politicians from Washington, DC including United States Presidents such as Franklin Pierce, Benjamin Harrison, Ulysses Grant, and Chester Arthur.

Today, Cape May is a great destination for South Jersey locals and vacationers alike who want to experience a great blend of historical and modern decorum. Aside from the great history of the Cape Islands and miles of beaches, one of the biggest attractions for the town is their numerous options to enjoy some great meals. Here's a list of some of the best restaurant and dining options you can find in Cape May, New Jersey:

Aleathea's Restaurant

A seaside dining experience set in a Victorian Inn, Aleathea's Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant atmosphere. Located on Ocean Street near the beach, this establishment is within walking distance of many Cape May hotels and resort locations.

The Boiler Room

It's heating up in Cape May's Boiler Room | Archive | pressofatlanticcity.com

A staple of the Cape May nightlife, The Boiler Room at Congress Hall offers a menu with pizza and pub-style food options. The casual environment and live entertainment with a dance floor make this establishment a go-to for "night owls" looking for a night on the town.

Beach Plum Farm (West Cape May)

25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cape May (NJ) - Attractions & Activities

Located less than two miles west of Historic Downtown Cape May featuring options for breakfast, lunch, and Ddnner based on what is in-season on their farm, Beach Plum Farm is a must-visit for anyone on vacation in Cape May. Since 2008, this is the place to go to experience a real organic food experience for your meal while you can also check out the farm and their animals.

The C-View Inn

Wing Night at home with C-View takeout – CapeMay.com Blog

One of the oldest taverns in Cape May, in operation since the 1800s, the C-View Inn is a locals' favorite for food and drinks whether on game day or any time of year. Located on Texas Avenue across the street from the Wawa, they offer a tavern-style menu with daily specials and pizza.

Cape May Fish Market

Frontage. - Picture of Cape May Fish Market - Tripadvisor

Whether you are craving Surf-n-Turf or Raw Bar options or sandwiches, this establishment has something for everyone for lunch and dinner. Located on the Washington Street Mall, the Cape May Fish Market is one of the favorite casual food destinations on the Cape Island.

Carney's Cape May

Four generations have overseen the operation of this establishment on Beach Avenue within walking distance of the Washington Street Mall. By day, Carney's is a go-to for many people coming to and from the beach, then at night, it offers live music and a dance floor adjacent to a large bar.

Delaney's Irish Pub And Grill

Located off the Washington Street Mall is this laid-back destination for lunch and dinner that offers Irish and American food options on their menu. Delaney's is a priority for many visitors to Cape May as part of their day trips and vacations.

Fins Bar and Grille

Fins Bar & Grille – Cape May Area Restaurants and Dining

Offering a modern grill and seafood menu for lunch and dinner located on Decatur Street within walking distance of the Washington Street Mall and the Beach Avenue resort properties. Under current ownership since 2015, Fins Bar and Grille offers live music year-round along with indoor and outdoor dining options.

The Lobster House Restaurant

Restaurant | The Lobster House® Restaurant

If you want your lunch or dinner with a view, this is the place to go with both indoor and dockside seating. For 100 years, The Lobster House has been serving some of the best seafood options that South Jersey has to offer with one of the most unique environments on Cape Island.

Lucky Bones Back Water Grille

Lucky Bones

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner located on the right-hand side as you come off the bridge heading into Cape May. This family-friendly establishment offers a diverse menu featuring classic American foods plus seafood but also has plenty of adult drink options for those who want them with their meals.

The Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar

Cape May Rehearsal Dinners & Private Parties at Mad Batter

Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner select days of the week, this establishment located on Jackson Street offers an American Bistro style menu. Family-owned since 1976 and within walking distance of both the Beach and the Washington Street Mall, The Mad Batter is one of the many great options for day-trippers and Cape May vacationers alike.

Oyster Bay Bar and Restaurant

Oyster Bay — Exit Zero

Located in the heart of main Cape Island on Lafayette Street, combining Nautical decor with a menu built around their staple foods: steak and seafood. Oyster Bay has a large bar and plenty of seating for the dinner crowd.

Panico's Bistro (West Cape May)

Early June, 6:30PM, it's already full - Picture of Panico's, West Cape May - Tripadvisor

One of the hidden gems of Cape May is located on Broadway (Cape May Route 626) offering a menu featuring Italian and Mediterranian eats. Panico's Bistro offers a unique atmosphere in what used to be an old church and is a great lunch or dinner option for those looking to get away from the busier sections of main Cape Island.

The Pier House

The Pier House reopens – CapeMay.com Blog

Located on Beach Avenue on the northern end of the main Cape Island, this establishment is known for its wine and bourbon pairing dinners. The Pier House has a diverse Mediterranean and seafood menu.

The Rusty Nail

Rusty Nail | Things to Do in Cape May NJ

Located off Beach Avenue and offering a lively atmosphere with a variety of traditional American eats plus fun drinks options at the bar. The Rusty Nail is a popular spot for both beachgoers coming off the beach along with vacationers who want a casual spot for food and drink within walking distance of numerous hotels and resorts in Cape May.

Taco Caballito Tequileria

Within walking distance of Washington Street Mall and the beach, this establishment offers a modern Mexican menu for lunch and dinner plus happy hour and other specials throughout the week. Located at the corner of Beach Avenue and Decatur Street where Cabanna's used to be, Taco Caballito Tequileria offers something unique compared to most of the restaurants in Cape May.

Tisha's Fine Dining

Where to eat in Cape May, NJ

Located near the south end of the Washington Street Mall, Tisha's Fine Dining is a favorite of Cape May locals and vacationers looking for a quality meal for lunch or dinner. Their menu offers a variety of New American dishes along with sandwiches and they are BYOB.

The Ugly Mug Bar and Restaurant

Pennsylvania & Beyond Travel Blog: Fantastic Food and Drinks at the Ugly Mug in Cape May

With live music each weekend and a variety of food options on the menu, they are open for lunch and dinner plus a casual late-night atmosphere with a large bar. The Ugly Mug is a popular spot for those looking to experience Cape May's nightlife right on the Washington Street Mall and within walking distance of several parking lots.

The Washington Inn

Washington Inn Restaurant - Cape May, NJ | OpenTable

First constructed in 1846 and located in the heart of Cape May off Washington Street and Jefferson Street, this is one of the top classy dinner destinations. Known for their great service, New American style menu options, and wine selection, The Washington Inn is so popular that reservations are usually required.

Blue Pig Tavern

blue pig - Cape May Bed and Breakfast

A staple of Congress Hall since the 1800s and one of the destination dining establishments in Cape May, The Blue Pig Tavern offers a classy atmosphere with a diverse Modern American menu.

20 Cape May Restaurants You Should Visit