25 Best Romantic Restaurants in Cape May, NJ

© Magnolia Room

The Magnolia Room Restaurant is a nationally acclaimed restaurant in Cape May that serves Southern-style cuisine lovingly made with family recipes by a third generation of women from the Dickerson family. The Magnolia Room is open for both breakfast and dinner seven days a week from May to September. During the summer season, the restaurant’s veranda provides an ideal setting for dinner. The breakfast buffet is served from 8:30am until 11:00am and dinner starts at 5:30pm, which includes both a three-course prix fixe menu and a la carte choices. A supper buffet is offered on Sundays.

301 Howard St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-8409

© The Blue Pig Tavern

The Blue Pig Tavern serves all day dining in distinctive dining rooms in Cape May’s Congress Hall. Tucked away in the Congress Hall’s corner, the name of the restaurant comes from a gambling parlor that once existed in the building during the middle of the 1800’s. The Blue Pig Tavern has been recognized by the 2019 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards for a variety of awards, including “best American restaurants” and “great for lunch” among others. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served Monday to Friday, along with brunch from 7:30am until 3:00pm and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

200 Congress Pl, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-8422

© Ebbitt Room

The Ebbitt Room is one of the most popular seaside restaurants in Cape May. From the comfortable lounge and bar with weekend live piano music to the restaurant’s relaxing front porch, the Ebbitt Room is rooted strongly in a farm-to-glass, farm-to-table dining philosophy. The restaurant uses the freshest ingredients, sourced from its very own farm. The Bar and Lounge is open 4:00pm until 11:00pm Sunday to Thursday and 4:00pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The Dining Room is open 5:00pm until 9:30pm Sunday to Thursday and 5:00pm until 10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

25 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-5700

© Fins Bar & Grille

The Fins Bar and Grille, located along the Washington Street Mall, serves cocktails, dinner, and lunch seven days a week. The restaurant features outdoor seating, a full bar, and seasonal nightly live entertainment. Fins Bar and Grille also offers takeout and is known for having a great Happy Hour, featuring specialty cocktails, wines, and more than twenty craft beers, which include River Horse, Glasstown Brewing, and Cape May Brewing. Popular dishes at Fins include the Shrimp and Crab Penne, the Local Day Boat Scallops, and the Lobster Cobb Salad. Fins Bar and Grille is great for anyone looking for some high end food.

142 Decatur St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-3449

© Tisha's Fine Dining

Tisha’s Fine Dining is conveniently situated along the pedestrian Washington Street Mall and has been a Cape May establishment for more than thirty years. Serving New American fare, the restaurant offers something for even the most sophisticated of palates for both lunch and dinner. Guests can to choose to dine in the indoor dining room or if they prefer the fresh air, al fresco dining is available as well. Owned and operated by Paul Negro and his wife Jennifer, the menu at Tisha’s Fine Dining is inspired by what Paul learned from his mother, Letitia, combined with his own talent.

322 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-9119 x322

© 410 Bank Street Restaurant

The 410 Bank Street Restaurant is hidden away down a winding pathway through tropical foliage and overhanging vines, housed within a Carriage house from 1840. The ceiling fans slowly spinning stir around the smell of the kitchen cooking French-New Orleans inspired cooking, steaks grilled over mesquite, and trawler-to table fresh seafood. All of the meats and seafood are butchered in-house, then slowly smoked in-house as well. The 410 Bank Street Restaurant maintains a tradition of making every sauce, soup, and dish from scratch. The dining destination aims to transport guests to Key West or New Orleans through its cuisine.

410 Bank St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-2127

© Aleathea's Restaurant

Aleathea's Restaurant is considered by many to be one of the best kept secrets in the town of Cape May, offering a unique dining experience by the sea. The dining spot serves contemporary American fare featuring steaks and a variety of fresh fish served in a setting from the Victorian era with porch dining, offered during the summer season, and ocean views. Aleathea's Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week during the season. During the off-season, Aleathea’s is still open, but with much more limited hours and only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

7 Ocean St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-5555

© Black Duck On Sunset

The Black Duck On Sunset is located in West Cape Bay, at the start of Sunset Boulevard. Housed within a traditional seashore house, the restaurant is just a short distance away from the heart of Cape May’s historic district and the Washington Street Mall. The Black Duck on Sunset, a BYOB gourmet bistro, features a casual, cool environment reminiscent of an old porch on Cape May, with wicker-paddle ceiling fans and tropical palms. The menu includes fresh local seafood, a wide variety of appetizers, char-grilled steaks, slow-roasted honey-glazed duck, and more, ending with desserts that include a whiskey bread pudding.

1 Sunset Blvd, West Cape May, NJ, Phone: 609-898-0100

© The Blue Rose Inn and Restaurant

The Blue Rose Inn and Restaurant is just one block away from the Washington Street Mall and one of the Cape May area’s best fine dining restaurants. The family owned and managed restaurant was opened by Thomas Keating, along with his son Michael, the Executive and Chef, and his wife Angela, the restaurant’s pastry chef. The seasonal menu at the Blue Rose Inn and Restaurant is focused on New American cuisine and utilizes fresh, local produce whenever possible. All dishes are made from scratch, with many ingredients made in-house, such as herbed butters, pastas, flavored aioli, and breads.

653 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-435-5468

© Godmother's Restaurant

Godmother’s Restaurant is known for its inviting, warm atmosphere and for providing excellent service by a professional and personable staff. The philosophy of Chef Hubert and the kitchen is to use only the freshest local produce in New Jersey, the local waters’ abundant seafood, and only choice cuts of meats, including chicken, veal, and beef. The menu at Godmother’s Restaurant provides a broad array of both non-traditional and traditional Italian dishes, pastas, freshly baked desserts, and more. The restaurant allows guests to bring their own beer or wine, but also offers an assortment of local Cape May wines.

413 S. Broadway St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-4543

© Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille

Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille is a popular dining spot with both visitors and locals in the Cape May ara. The rooftop bar and restaurant has been named as one of the “Best Place to Drink Outside” on the Jersey shore by Philadelphia Magazine. Harry’s is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a happy hour on a seasonal basis and is the only spot in Cape May with a rooftop bar, in addition to its amazing views of the ocean. The dishes served at Harry’s are made with quality, locally sourced ingredients, specializing in sandwiches, fresh salads, and local clams and oysters.

1025 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-2779

© Hemingway's Steaks & Seafood Restaurant

The Hemingway's Steaks and Seafood Restaurant is a popular casual dining spot in Cape May with both locals and visitors alike, serving contemporary American fare with an array of culinary creations that include locally sourced fresh seafood and its famous juicy steaks. The restaurant is open for all day dining and offers a “Sunset Dining” menu. The Bar @Hemingway’s Restaurant boasts a “classically casual never stuffy” atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind at the end of the day, offering specialty cocktails that come with some interestingly unique backstories. The bar is also a place to catch the game.

1045 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-5611

© La Verandah Restaurant

The La Verandah Restaurant is considered by several critics to be one of the best kept secrets of Cape May. It has been awarded the prestigious three stars by the Atlantic City Press and is a beloved dining spot among locals. Guests can choose to have dinner on the porch as they take in the cool ocean breeze during the summer season or dine in the restaurant’s intimate dining room. The La Verandah Restaurant is closed on Mondays, and while reservations are recommended, walk-ins are still welcome. The restaurant is also a popular venue for wedding receptions and parties.

107-113 Grant St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-5868

© The YB

The YB, or The Younger Brother, first opened in 2011 and is one of the pillars of the successful Kara Restaurant Group, which also owns and manages Michael Kara Catering, Shamone, and George’s Place. The YB is situated along the town of Cape May’s beachfront between Perry Street and Jackson Street, where Executive Chef Peter Gingerelli puts his own fresh and intriguing twist on modern American fare combined with Asian and Mediterranean influences. The YB is a cash-only, BYOB establishment and children ages six and younger are not permitted at the restaurant after 6:00pm.

314 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-898-2009

© The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar

The Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar is located on the historic Jackson Street and is referred to as the “Granddaddy of Cape May’s fine restaurants.” The recipient of several critically acclaimed awards, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside of the Carroll Villa Hotel, which has welcomed guests since the year 1882 and is designated as a national landmark. Open year-round, guests at the Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar can enjoy a meal in the skylit dining room, in the garden terrace, or during the summer season, on the front porch. Happy Hour and live music is provided daily.

19 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ, 08204, Phone: 609-884-5970

© The Merion Inn

The Merion Inn serves sophisticated, traditional American cuisine that includes sizzling steaks, and regional seafood specialities, along with classic cocktails, all of which have kept generations of visitors and local residents of Cape May coming back to the restaurant time and time again. Dinner and drinks are served on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting at 5:00pm, with live piano music beginning at 5:30pm. The Merion Inn was built back in 1885, offering a historic ambiance and charm, along with its live music, candlelit dining rooms, and turn-of-the-century mahogany bar, the oldest one in Cape May.

106 Decatur St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-8363

© mikhail_kayl/stock.adobe.com

The Oceanview Family Restaurant is a popular dining establishment located in historic Cape May, owned by two local restaurateurs, Nick Margarites and Ted Margarites. The dining spot offers creative specials, generous portions, and warm hospitality combined with an oceanfront setting. The BYOB beachfront dining spot serves seafood plates, breakfast, and a variety of American fare all day. Along with the Oceanview Restaurant, Nick and Ted also own several other dining establishments, and with the help of Bill Patras, serve delicious seafood dishes, along with other non-seafood fare, to guests with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

235 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-3772

© Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar

The Oyster Bay Restaurant and Bar is a centrally located dining spot in Cape May known for its combinations of steak and seafood. The restaurant provides a memorable dining experience with daily specials freshly prepared by experienced chefs and friendly, attentive service. Oyster Bay focuses on New American cuisine, serving certified Angus beef and fresh local seafood. Guests can also enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail at the intimate and inviting bar, as well as free parking in the private parking lot. The Oyster Bay Restaurant and Bar is a popular spot with both locals and visitors.

615 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-2111

© Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant

The Peter Shields Inn and Restaurant consists of five welcoming dining rooms for guests to dine on a delicious meal, as well as a front porch that overlooks the ocean. The executive uses only the highest quality of ingredients to prepare both contemporary and traditional dishes that highlight the seasonal ingredients. While the Peter Shields Restaurant is a BYOB venue, like several other dining establishments in Cape May, it also provides a selection of Cape May wines. The restaurant is open Sunday to Friday from 5:30pm until 8:30pm and on Saturdays from 5:00pm until 9:00pm.

1301 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ, Phone: 609-884-9090

© Sapore Italiano

Sapore Italiano is a fine dining, BYOB Italian restaurant situated in West Cape May in New Jersey. Housed within a restored Victorian-style house, the dining destination offers fine Italian cuisine made from local, farm-picked, fresh ingredients served in an elegant setting. Dishes featured on the dinner menu at Sapore Italiano include a range of the freshest ingredients, including fresh flounder, tilapia, branzino, salmon, shrimp, calamari, mussels, and shrimp, as well as Jersey farm tomatoes, fresh tea and coffee, and homemade desserts made fresh daily. While advance reservations are strongly encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome.

416 S Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-600-1422

© SeaSalt Restaurant

The SeaSalt Restaurant offers its guests of both visitors and local residents alike in Cape May a unique fine dining seafood experience that features fresh ingredients native to the Cape May area paired with a variety of wines and specialty cocktails in a memorable and chic beach environment. With hints of influences from the Mediterranean and Asia, the flavorful and innovative food is matched by the attention to detail and ambiance of the restaurant. The SeaSalt Restaurant is serves breakfast and dinner daily during the on-season, and open on the weekends from the end of March to the end of April.

1035 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-7000

© The Lobster House

The Lobster House overlooks the Cape May Harbor and has been providing guests with an array of dining experiences for more than four generations. Open daily for both lunch and dinner throughout the entire year, the waterfront restaurants features a full bar and five dining rooms that offer family-friendly, upscale dining with a special nautical atmosphere. Providing a varied and extensive menu, the Lobster House serves only the freshest seafood available, with much of it coming from its own commercial boat fleet. There are also many non-seafood dishes, and everything served is made fresh each day in the kitchen.

906 Schellengers Landing Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-8296

© Union Park Dining Room

The Union Park Dining Room is an elegant dining spot situated across from the Atlantic Ocean and offers classic American fare with a unique touch. The restaurant has consistently received the “Critics Choice Award” from the New Jersey Monthly Magazine as one of the state’s best restaurants since 2005, as well as the “Diners’ Choice Award” from OpenTable since 2010. The spacious dining areas in the Union Park Dining Room feature antique fixtures, mahogany and cherry furniture, and fireplaces, offering a romantic setting for dinner. Private dining rooms are also available, accommodating anywhere from eight to forty-two guests.

727 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-8811

© Washington Inn

The Washington Inn was built back in the year 1846 with a design meant to look like Mount Vernon, with huge columns stretching up to the building’s third floor. Arthur and Rona Craig bought the inn and its restaurant in 1979, shifting the business focus entirely on the restaurant. Now owned by their son Michael, the Washington Inn has now become one of the highest ranked and more popular of Cape May’s fine dining restaurants. Dinner is served on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting at 5:00pm, with a brunch buffet offered on Sundays from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

801 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, Phone: 609-884-5697

© The Red Store

The Red Store was opened in 2012 by the creative duo of Deanna Ebner and Lucas Manteca and has become a favorite restaurant of Cape May. Lucas was nominated in 2014 for the James Beard Award for the mid-Atlantic region’s “Best Chef.” While the food of Lucas Manteca can be described at heart as coastal-American, the menu at The Red Store explores his Argentinian heritage, borrowing ingredients from other cuisines of South America as well. The food is based on a respect for flavors, colors, shapes, and simplicity, focusing on “homey hospitality” and honest food.

500 Cape Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, Phone: 609-884-5757