20 BEST Cape Cod Seafood Restaurants for the Freshest Catch of the Day
The 20 Best Cape Cod Seafood Restaurants
Indulge in the ultimate New England dining experience with our guide to the 20 Best Cape Cod Seafood Restaurants, featuring everything from legendary lobster rolls to world-class Wellfleet oysters. Whether you are looking for upscale waterfront dining in Chatham or the top seafood restaurants in Cape Cod for a casual family clam bake in Hyannis, this Westgate Resorts' guide highlights the freshest local catches. Discover hidden gems and iconic institutions across Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the best Cape Cod hotels, that define the region's rich maritime culinary heritage.
| Restaurant Name | Town/Location | Signature Dish | Dining Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lobster Pot | Provincetown | Lobster Bisque & Clam Bake | Iconic Waterfront |
| Impudent Oyster | Chatham | Oysters Rockefeller | Upscale Casual |
| Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar | Eastham | Warm Buttered Lobster Roll | Family Friendly / Shack |
| Baxter's Fish & Chips | Hyannis | Classic Fish & Chips | Dockside Dining |
| Mac’s Shack | Wellfleet | Fresh Wellfleet Oysters & Sushi | Trendy / Sustainable |
| Sesuit Harbor Cafe | Dennis | Lobster Roll (Overfilled) | Outdoor / BYOB |
You can eat seafood pretty much anywhere, but let’s be honest, there's something about cracking open a lobster on a sun-drenched dock in the Cape that just hits differently.
Whether you're chasing the best lobster rolls in Cape Cod, hunting for the freshest Wellfleet oysters, or just want a bucket of steamers and a cold drink with your toes in the sand, the seafood restaurants on this list deliver every single time.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Cape Cod
From Falmouth to Provincetown, the Cape's dining scene spans clam shacks that have been slinging fried clams since the 1950s to upscale waterfront bistros worthy of a special occasion.
We've rounded up 20 of the absolute best spots spanning all corners of the Cape! So, no matter where your hotel in Cape Cod is, you’re not far from a mouthwatering meal!
1 | The Lobster Pot | There's no more iconic opening act on a Cape Cod seafood bucket list than The Lobster Pot in Provincetown.
Perched right on Commercial Street overlooking Provincetown Harbor, the menu is packed with New England classics done right: steaming bowls of chowder, whole boiled lobsters, Portuguese-style seafood dishes, and a raw bar that keeps oyster lovers very happy.
The views from the waterfront dining rooms are as good as what's on your plate, and with two dining levels to choose from, you can always snag a seat.
Pro Tip: Reservations are strongly recommended in summer; the restaurant also has a fish market if you want to take something home.
Where: 321 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657 | Who: (508) 487-0842
2 | Impudent Oyster | Don't let the name fool you, there's nothing arrogant about the experience at Impudent Oyster in Chatham, just exceptional seafood served with genuine hospitality.
This local institution goes well beyond the basics with globally inspired preparations like Indonesian Seafood Curry, fresh sushi rolls, and classic raw bar staples all live on the same menu, and somehow it all works.
The Impudent Oyster is celebrated as one of the top seafood restaurants in Cape Cod for a reason — it's consistently excellent, the staff is warm, and it's the kind of place that earns a standing reservation for repeat visitors year after year.
Where: 15 Chatham Bars Ave, Chatham, MA 02633 | Who: (508) 945-3545
3 | Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar | Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham has been a Cape Cod institution for nearly 40 years, serving up the freshest seafood, an impressive raw bar, and what might be the best gourmet ice cream on the outer Cape.
Arnold’s is known for being casual and fun, cash-friendly with generous portions at reasonable prices, plus the raw bar selection is a step above the average clam shack.
Where: 3580 US-6, Eastham, MA 02642 | Who: (508) 255-2575
4 | Baxter's Boathouse | Location, location, location — and Baxter's has it in spades!
The menu is a greatest-hits of New England seafood: fried clams, scallops, lobster, plus burgers and salads for the non-seafood folks in your group.
But it's the outdoor seating that makes Baxter's truly special. Sitting right on Hyannis Harbor, it combines a casual, clam shack atmosphere with waterfront views, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal with a view.
Pro Tip: Visit early evening, and you'll be treated to a gorgeous sunset as a bonus. There's indoor seating available too, but trust us, sit outside.
Where: 177 Pleasant St, Hyannis, MA 02601 | Who: (508) 775-4490
5 | Mac's Shack | Housed in a charming 19th-century building that once served as a nautical shop, Mac's offers a fantastic raw bar, fresh sushi, and a menu built around the season's best local harvest.
The Wellfleet oysters here are the real deal; harvested locally and served as nature intended. Beyond the classics, Mac's pan-roasted halibut with lobster mashed potatoes and the Hawaiian poke bowls bring a creative energy that sets this spot apart from your average Cape seafood joint.
Where: 91 Commercial St, Wellfleet, MA 02667 | Who: (508) 349-6333
6 | Sesuit Harbor Cafe | This waterside gem sits right at Sesuit Harbor on the bay side of the Cape, and has the kind of laid-back New England charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
The menu is simple and focused: fresh lobster rolls loaded with no-filler claw meat, clam chowder that earns its reputation, and perfectly cooked scallop plates.
It's a cash-only operation, and lines can form fast, but here’s the trick: arrive just before the lunch rush for quick service and the best seat by the water.
Pro Tip: With the region's notoriously fickle weather, popping into a new cafe is one of the best rainy day activities in Cape Cod.
Where: 357 Sesuit Neck Rd, Dennis, MA 02638 | Who: (508) 385-6134
7 | Tugboats at Hyannis Marina | If waterfront views are what you're after, Tugboats delivers some of the best on the entire Cape! Overlooking Hyannis Harbor, this local gem is consistently voted one of Cape Cod's best outdoor dining destinations.
Sunset views, harbor breezes aside, the menu balances classic New England seafood with some genuinely creative touches that make this a crowd-pleaser.
Start with the Portuguese mussels served fresh in a saffron red sauce with linguica, the Lobster Quesadilla, or maybe the seriously indulgent Lobster Mac & Cheese.
The newly renovated decks and dining areas make it a great spot for both a casual lunch and a longer, celebratory dinner. Plus, reasonable prices for a waterfront restaurant are another big selling point.
Where: 11 Arlington St, West Yarmouth, MA 02673 | Who: (508) 775-6433
8 | Moby Dick's Restaurant | Since 1983, Moby Dick's has been the go-to Cape Cod clam shack for families and groups who want great food without any fuss.
Set in a nautical-themed building designed to feel like the inside of a wooden boat, Moby's serves up some of the Cape's finest lobster, Wellfleet oysters, award-winning lobster rolls, and crispy fried clams in a setting that's pure, relaxed coastal fun.
It's BYOB, has both indoor and outdoor seating, the menu even has gluten-free options and a dedicated kids' menu, and dog-friendly for those traveling with four-legged family members.
Pro Tip: Stop by the souvenir shop next door, Moby's Cargo, a fun bonus for picking up a Cape Cod memento.
Where: 3225 US-6, Wellfleet, MA 02667 | Who: (508) 349-9795
9 | Kream 'N Kone | Kream 'N Kone is the quintessential Cape clam shack: no pretense, no shortcuts, just consistently excellent fried clams, shrimp, scallops, and fresh lobster rolls made the same way since day one.
The air-conditioned dining room is a blessing on hot summer days, and the outdoor patio overlooks Swan River, giving you a lovely water view without the full waterfront restaurant price tag. There's also a soft serve window for dessert!
This is the perfect stop for families with kids who are on the pickier side, as burgers and sandwiches round out the menu nicely alongside the seafood heavy hitters.
Where: 961 Main St, West Dennis, MA 02670 | Who: (508) 394-0808
10 | Spanky's Clam Shack & Seaside Saloon | Right on the water in Hyannis inner harbor, Spanky's is consistently a Cape Cod favorite, particularly its award-winning clam chowder.
Spanky's serves locally harvested seafood daily, April through October, in every preparation. Enjoy everything from a full New England lobster dinner to fish and chips to its famous fried whole belly clams.
The lobster bisque, loaded with actual lobster chunks, and the no-filler crab cakes topped with lobster sauce are standouts worth ordering alongside whatever else catches your eye.
Where: 138 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601 | Who: (508) 771-5201
11 | The Oyster Company | If the name didn't give it away, oysters are this local gem’s calling card! And this award-winning bistro-style seafood house consistently takes home "Best Raw Bar" honors from local Cape Cod polls.
The restaurant has a relaxed but polished feel, the kind of spot where you can settle in for a long, leisurely meal and work your way through a serious raw bar selection. Beyond the oysters, the menu features well-executed seafood in both classic and creative preparations.
Where: 202 Depot St, Dennis Port, MA 02639 | Who: (508) 398-4600
12 | Blackfish Bistro | Considered one of the Outer Cape's best-kept secrets, Blackfish is the kind of restaurant that locals quietly treasure, and visitors discover by happy accident.
Set inside a rambling old blacksmith shop with exposed brick walls and a cozy, rustic interior, Blackfish brings a farm-to-table approach to coastal cooking that's genuinely impressive.
It's not a traditional seafood shack — the menu features locally-focused dishes like buttermilk-fried Wellfleet oysters, heritage pork chops with vinegar potatoes, and tuna Bolognese over house-made pappardelle.
Where: 1600 State Hwy Rte 6, Wellfleet, MA 02667 | Who: (508) 349-3322
13 | Bookstore & Restaurant | The Bookstore & Restaurant in Wellfleet is exactly what it sounds like, a cozy dining room lined with books that doubles as one of the most charming seafood spots on the outer Cape.
Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, this harbourfront institution has a laid-back downstairs dining room plus outdoor tables on the second floor with gorgeous views of Wellfleet Harbor.
The menu is classic Cape Cod seafood done with care: fresh-caught fish, clam chowder, lobster, and oysters all prepared simply and well.
Where: 50 Kendrick Ave, Wellfleet, MA 02667 | Who: (508) 349-3154
14 | Chatham Pier Fish Market | This one isn't your typical sit-down restaurant — and that's exactly what makes it special. The Chatham Fish Pier Fish Market is where you go to grab a plate of fresh seafood and eat it picnic-style right on the pier! It doesn't get more boat-to-table than this.
For families or anyone who wants to understand where their seafood actually comes from, this is a uniquely Cape Cod experience you can't replicate anywhere else. Simple, fresh, and utterly memorable.
Pro Tip: Seals often hang around the pier, too, which makes it an unexpectedly great activity for kids.
Where: 45 Barcliff Ave #2, Chatham, MA 02633 | Who: (508) 945-3474
15 | Five Bays Bistro | When you've had your fill of lobster rolls and clam shacks and you're ready to dial things up for a proper special occasion, Five Bays Bistro in Osterville is your move.
You’ll find white tablecloths, tufted leather banquettes, and a menu that features dishes like swordfish with spring pea risotto and filet mignon in a red wine demi-glaze.
The wine list is curated, the service is polished, and the overall ambiance is as far from a picnic table as you can get on the Cape while still being within a few miles of the beach for a romantic moonlit stroll afterwards.
Where: 825 Main St, Osterville, MA 02655 | Who: (508) 420-5559
16 | Fishermen's View | With stunning 270-degree panoramic views of the East Boat Basin and the Cape Cod Canal, this restaurant takes waterfront dining to another level.
The boat-to-table concept means seafood arrives dayboat fresh, and the menu reflects that with creative preparations like Jonah Crab Stuffed Haddock and Lobster Fra Diavolo.
For warmer evenings, its outside bar, Sandie's, serves cocktails, light appetizers, and live music right by the water. It's a great entry point to the Cape, and the views alone are worth the stop.
Where: 20 Freezer Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563 | Who: (508) 591-0088
17 | Lune | This James Beard Award semifinalist is one of the most exciting restaurant concepts on the entire Cape!
Built in a converted antique gas station on Route 28 in Dennis Port, owners Charlotte and Mick Formichella have certainly made their mark with the eight-course seasonal tasting menu.
From Parmesan velouté with black pearl oyster mushrooms and monkfish Wellington, to clever nostalgic desserts like a dolled-up Hoodsie cup with sea salt caramel and Chantilly cream, this innovative eatery is one of the most unique (and delicious) spots in the Cape!
Where: 587 MA-28, Dennis Port, MA 02639 | Who: (508) 260-7951
18 | Captain Parker's Pub | Captain Parker's Pub is a West Yarmouth classic, with its clam chowder consistently rated among the best on the Cape.
Overall, this casual New England pub is unpretentious and welcoming, with a menu that covers everything from Cape Cod seafood classics to burgers and hearty pub fare.
It's a great option for groups with mixed tastes, and the price point makes it one of the more accessible spots on this list.
Pro Tip: Year-round availability (which is rare on the Cape) also makes it a local favorite well into the off-season.
Where: 668 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673 | Who: (508) 771-4266
19 | OCEAN 193 | This cozy seafood restaurant has a spacious back deck overlooking Provincetown Harbor, and on a sunny afternoon, it might just be the best seat on all of Cape Cod.
The menu runs the gamut from clam chowder and Korean Cod Poppers to red snapper, seared tuna, oysters, lobster rolls, and fish tacos, all executed with an artistic flair that makes even a simple garden salad look like a statement.
The cocktails are creative and memorably delicious. It's also surprisingly accommodating for large groups, even without reservations.
Where: Historic District, 193A Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657 | Who: (508) 487-1527
20 | Beach House Grill | We saved the best for last – Beach House Grill was just voted the #1 Best Waterfront Restaurant in the entire United States by USA Today's 2025 10Best Readers' Choice Awards!
Nestled right in the sand dunes of Chatham Harbor with panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, this is waterfront dining at its absolute finest.
The menu is classic seaside Cape Cod done: clam chowder, lobster rolls, lobster nachos with jalapeño and Monterey Jack, fresh Jonah crab BLT, and seasonal seafood specials sourced directly from Chatham's working fishing fleet.
Pro Tip: Live entertainment on weekends completes the picture.
Where: 297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA 02633 | Who: (508) 945-0096
Travel Tips for Dining on Cape Cod
Planning a Cape Cod seafood trip takes a little strategy — especially in peak summer season. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:
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Go early or go late: The most popular spots — Arnold's, Sesuit Harbor Cafe, Moby Dick's — fill up fast between noon and 2 PM and again at 6–8 PM. Arrive right at opening or a little before peak times to skip the longest waits.
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Check seasonal hours: Many of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod are seasonal, operating from April through October, so call ahead or check the restaurant's website before making the trip.
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Reserve ahead for dinner: Spots like Impudent Oyster, The Naked Oyster, Lune, and Five Bays Bistro book up quickly, especially in July and August. Make reservations as soon as your travel dates are set.
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Bring cash for the shacks: Several casual spots, including Sesuit Harbor Cafe, operate cash only or prefer it. Most have ATMs nearby, but it's worth coming prepared.
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Explore beyond Hyannis: The mid-Cape hub gets the most tourist traffic, but some of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, are in quieter towns like Wellfleet, Truro, Eastham, and Dennis. Renting a car or having a vehicle gives you access to the full culinary map.
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Ask about the catch of the day: Cape Cod's fishing communities are still very active. At almost any restaurant on this list, the freshest item on the menu is whatever came off the boat that morning. Ask your server what's local and seasonal, you won't regret it.
Hook, Line & Sink Your Teeth In
From steaming oysters at a harborside table in Provincetown to a casual lobster roll at a Dennis harbor shack, Cape Cod delivers seafood experiences that stay with you long after you've headed home.
Whether you're a visitor trying out this famous seafood for the first time or a seasoned professional looking for your next favorite dish, grab your bib, bring an appetite, and get ready to enjoy every bite!
Don’t flounder when it comes to planning your trip to Cape Cod; we’ve got you covered! From quaint coffee shops to the best beaches, hotels, and beyond, be sure to check out our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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