Romantic restaurants in Cape May are timeless escapes: candlelit verandas, ocean breezes, and flavors that whisper of seaside indulgence. It’s where I dine under soft lantern light, wrapped in the charm of a Victorian town and the scent of salt air.
I’ve got pan-roasted scallops drizzled in lemon butter, a flute of sparkling rosé, and the lull of waves echoing beyond the dunes—right here in graceful, storybook Cape May, New Jersey. Who knew romance could be this effortlessly enchanting?
"Seaside elegance, vintage charm, and unforgettable flavors? This is Cape May’s romantic soul, plated to perfection!"
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique Romantic Restaurants in Cape May, NJ:
1. Dine in Southern Charm at the Magnolia Room
The Magnolia Room is a cherished Cape May dining destination housed within the historic Chalfonte Hotel, where Southern-style cuisine is served with heart and heritage. Led by a third generation of women from the Dickerson family, this nationally acclaimed restaurant offers breakfast and dinner daily from May through September.
Recommended For: Fans of Southern comfort food, history buffs, and anyone seeking a heartfelt dining experience in a charming Victorian setting.
- Savor Southern-style classics made from treasured Dickerson family recipes.
- Enjoy breakfast buffet offerings including a three-course prix fixe and à la carte options.
- Dine on the inviting veranda during warm summer evenings.
- Relax in the timeless ambiance of Cape May’s historic Chalfonte Hotel.
- Support a multigenerational, women-led culinary tradition with national acclaim.
301 Howard St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-8409
2. Step Into Cape May History at The Blue Pig Tavern
The Blue Pig Tavern is a celebrated dining destination located inside Cape May’s iconic Congress Hall. Named after a 19th-century gambling parlor that once occupied the building, this charming restaurant offers all-day dining in elegant, historically inspired surroundings.
Recommended For: History lovers, casual fine diners, and anyone looking to enjoy classic American cuisine in a landmark Cape May setting.
- Dine in the heart of Congress Hall, Cape May’s historic seaside resort.
- Enjoy seasonal menus with all-day offerings from hearty breakfasts to savory dinners.
- Experience a blend of timeless ambiance and contemporary comfort food.
- Relax in beautifully appointed dining rooms steeped in Cape May history.
- Support an award-winning restaurant with local flavor and national acclaim.
200 Congress Pl, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-8422
3. Indulge in Coastal Elegance at the Ebbitt Room
The Ebbitt Room is one of Cape May’s most beloved seaside dining destinations, offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere just steps from the shore. Located within the historic Virginia Hotel, this elegant restaurant champions a farm-to-table and farm-to-glass philosophy, sourcing the freshest seasonal ingredients directly from its own Beach Plum Farm.
Recommended For: Romantic dinners, special occasions, and anyone seeking elevated farm-fresh dining with a touch of classic charm.
- Savor locally sourced, farm-to-table dishes crafted with care and creativity.
- Unwind in the elegant lounge with cocktails and live weekend piano music.
- Dine on the relaxing front porch in the heart of Cape May’s historic district.
- Experience exceptional service and a tranquil, upscale seaside ambiance.
- Support a restaurant committed to sustainability and locally grown ingredients.
25 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-5700
Date Ideas:
4. Catch Fresh Seafood with a View at Fins Bar & Grille
Fins Bar & Grille is a lively dining hotspot located along Cape May’s charming Washington Street Mall, offering lunch, dinner, and cocktails seven days a week. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Fins features outdoor seating, a full bar, and seasonal nightly live entertainment.
Recommended For: Seafood lovers, Happy Hour seekers, and anyone looking for upscale fare in a fun, energetic setting.
- Enjoy lunch and dinner seven days a week with indoor or outdoor seating.
- Unwind during Happy Hour with specialty cocktails and over 20 craft beers.
- Listen to live entertainment nightly during the summer season.
- Try popular dishes like Shrimp and Crab Penne or the Lobster Cobb Salad.
- Support a Cape May favorite blending high-end cuisine with casual coastal charm.
142 Decatur St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-3449
5. Savor Sophisticated Plates at Tisha’s Fine Dining
Tisha's Fine Dining is a beloved Cape May institution located along the vibrant pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall. For over thirty years, this family-owned restaurant has offered elevated New American cuisine, blending cherished family recipes with refined culinary techniques.
Recommended For: Foodies, romantic diners, and anyone seeking upscale American cuisine in a warm, family-inspired setting.
- Savor thoughtfully prepared New American fare crafted with passion and tradition.
- Dine indoors or enjoy a relaxed al fresco experience on the Washington Street Mall.
- Enjoy a menu that reflects generations of family cooking and culinary finesse.
- Discover a Cape May staple with over three decades of hospitality and heart.
- Support a locally loved, family-run restaurant with timeless appeal.
322 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-9119 x322
6. Treat Yourself to Creole-Inspired Cuisine at 410 Bank Street Restaurant
410 Bank Street Restaurant is a hidden culinary gem in Cape May, tucked away down a lush, winding pathway through tropical greenery and nestled inside a historic 1840s Carriage House. With its slow-turning ceiling fans, vine-draped entrance, and sultry ambiance, this dining destination evokes the charm of Key West and New Orleans.
Recommended For: Romantic evenings, culinary adventurers, and anyone craving bold, bayou-inspired cuisine in a lush, intimate setting.
- Follow a hidden path into a tropical oasis with historic charm and ambiance.
- Savor house-smoked meats and trawler-fresh seafood prepared with French-Creole flair.
- Experience mesquite-grilled steaks and scratch-made sauces in every bite.
- Relax beneath gently turning fans and lush greenery that transport you south.
- Support a long-standing Cape May favorite known for handcrafted excellence.
410 Bank St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-884-2127
7. If You Love Laid-Back Vibes and Great Flavor, Book a Table at Black Duck On Sunset
Black Duck On Sunset is a charming BYOB gourmet bistro located at the gateway to Sunset Boulevard in West Cape May. Just a short stroll from the historic district and Washington Street Mall, this inviting eatery is set within a classic seashore house and evokes the feel of a breezy Cape May porch with wicker-paddle ceiling fans and lush tropical palms.
Recommended For: Date nights, fine dining fans, and anyone looking for an intimate BYOB experience with locally inspired cuisine.
- Dine in a coastal cottage ambiance with tropical touches and seaside charm.
- Savor locally sourced seafood, juicy steaks, and expertly prepared duck entrées.
- Relax in a cool, casual setting reminiscent of a classic Cape May porch.
- Bring your own bottle to enhance the flavors of this gourmet bistro menu.
- Support a West Cape May favorite that balances elegance with comfort.
1 Sunset Blvd, West Cape May, NJ
Phone: 609-898-0100
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What makes Cape May a great dining destination?
- There are many unique things to do in Cape May, home to a wide array of different restaurants.
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What types of restaurants can you find in Cape May?
- Local residents and visitors alike can find dining spots that range from hotdog stands to oceanfront, world-class restaurants, with numerous restaurants open throughout the year.
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What type of cuisine is popular in Cape May?
- It should come as no surprise that seafood is the theme of the cuisine found in many restaurants, particularly oysters.
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Are there restaurants with alcohol options in Cape May?
- A number of spots offer extensive wine lists and fully stocked bars, while others let guests bring their own alcohol.
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What food events can visitors enjoy in Cape May?
- Check out the Cape May Food & Wine Festival!
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