Cape May has a knack for reeling in seafood lovers from across the coast, and it’s easy to see why. The air smells like salt and old sailing stories. Restaurants here do more than serve fish on a plate—they celebrate it. The search for the best seafood in Cape May isn’t just about filling an empty stomach. It’s about the anticipation of that first bite. It’s about the hush that falls over the table when fresh oysters arrive, or the urge to linger over a second round of crab cakes, even when you claim you’re full.
On my last stroll down the marina, I found myself caught between the aroma of fried flounder drifting from a corner shack and the elegant hush of a candlelit dining room promising a perfectly grilled catch. Each place seems to have a tale behind its menu, and more often than not, the owners are proud to tell you just where your dinner was pulled from the sea. This list of Cape May’s must-try seafood spots is based on real experience, honest bites, and a steady curiosity for local flavor. If you’re hunting for the freshest plates and the best atmosphere, you’re in expert hands. Dive in.
1. Oyster Bay Steak & Seafood
Oyster Bay Steak & Seafood is where the love of seafood meets classic steakhouse charm in the heart of Cape May. The first thing that grabbed me was the mix of locals and visitors, all sharing a cheerful hum in the dining room. With a menu rooted in fresh, local catch, there’s a sense that the chef is always one smart step ahead.
Their pan-seared sea scallops are a standout—plump, sweet, and resting on a bed of silky risotto. If you want something to share, the jumbo shrimp cocktail chills nicely over ice and is perfect to start. For a true taste of Cape May, try the catch of the day, sourced straight from nearby waters. Pair it all with a wine from their list and you’re set.
2. 410 Bank Street
410 Bank Street feels like a well-kept secret, tucked behind leafy greenery along a quiet road. When I first walked through its vine-wrapped path, the atmosphere hinted at old Key West with Cape May flair. There’s a softness in the candlelight, and the air is perfumed with mesquite smoke and promises of something special.
This spot stands out for its French-Creole flavors and fresh, local seafood. The chef’s blackened mahi-mahi is always a good bet, finished with a zesty sauce that feels straight from the Gulf. The seafood gumbo carries the depth of New Orleans and the sweetness of New Jersey crab. Nightly specials are where the kitchen lets loose—ask for the swordfish if you see it.
3. Fins Bar & Grille
Fins Bar & Grille is the kind of place that wraps you up in easygoing energy, whether you come by after a beach stroll or for a late-night meal. The sunlight bounces off the bar, the staff has an easy smile, and the whole scene just feels relaxed. Locals mingle with visitors, always a sign of a spot with staying power.
The menu leans into the ocean’s bounty, but with a playful twist you won’t find elsewhere in Cape May. The grilled fish tacos are reason enough to return—tender, lightly spiced, and stacked with crisp slaw. If you’re hungry for more, the seafood cioppino is loaded with flavor and local catch. This is seafood that keeps the conversation lively.
4. Lucky Bones
Lucky Bones is where beach-casual meets honest, flavorful food just minutes from Cape May’s historic core. Every visit here feels like meeting up with old friends, and the bustle of the open kitchen sets the tone for a laid-back meal. No pretense—just seriously good eats made with care.
The real draw? Seafood soups and chowders that taste homemade, and a menu that lets local catch shine. The clam chowder here is rich, creamy, and perfect on a breezy evening. For a bit of adventure, try the grilled fish sandwich, piled high with lettuce and tomato on soft bread. The prices stay sensible, the plates are generous, and you’ll want to linger over every last bite.
5. Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls
Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls puts a coastal classic front and center, and does it with style. It’s the sort of place where you can smell butter and the ocean before you reach the door. I once grabbed lunch here after a long beach walk, and the first bite transported me to a New England dock—without leaving Cape May.
This spot shines for its focus. The classic lobster roll is soft, buttery, and packs a generous serving of chilled lobster. You can try it “naked,” letting the seafood shine, or “traditional,” tossed in just enough lemony mayo. There’s a simple joy in unwrapping one at a boardwalk bench. If you only try one thing, make it the lobster roll. It’s their signature for good reason.
6. Cape May Fish Market
Cape May Fish Market feels like the heart of fresh seafood on Washington Street. There’s a sense of bustle as you pass the glass cases filled with today’s best local catch. I’ve stopped in for a quick lunch and watched as locals chatted with staff about which fillets looked best that morning.
Dining here is about letting the freshness speak for itself. The grilled scallop platter is a favorite—plump, tender, and given just the right touch of seasoning. Try the crab cakes as well; they’re full of sweet crab and light on filler. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeout feast for a beach picnic, this spot is a Cape May staple for seafood lovers.
7. The Lobster House
The Lobster House sits right on the water, and the setting says everything: boats unloading their catch, seagulls calling, and a gentle sea breeze. My first visit felt like stepping into a Cape May tradition. The atmosphere buzzes with families, couples, and friends gathering for local classics.
This spot stands out for freshness and variety. The steamed whole lobster is a must—plucked right from the tank and served with drawn butter. The broiled seafood combination is equally impressive, piling shrimp, scallops, and flounder onto one generous plate. The dockside Raw Bar is perfect for a quick dozen local oysters or clams. No matter what you pick, you’re eating seafood at its source.
8. Tisha’s
Tisha’s brings a sense of warmth and heart right to the center of the Washington Street Mall. Every visit feels a bit like dining at a friend’s home who really knows their way around a kitchen. The service is as thoughtful as the food, and the dining room hums with happy conversations.
The menu beautifully blends comfort and creativity. If you want that Cape May touch, start with jumbo lump crab cakes, crisped just right and paired with a bright remoulade. The seafood risotto is another highlight—creamy, rich, and loaded with shrimp and scallops. Tisha’s is about those classic flavors done with a little extra love. You’ll taste the difference with every forkful.
9. SeaSalt Restaurant
SeaSalt Restaurant sets itself apart with an airy dining room and sweeping beachfront views, making every meal feel like a little celebration. The ocean seems just an arm’s length away, and on my last visit, the light and laid-back mood made everything taste brighter. It’s a spot where families and couples both settle in comfortably.
SeaSalt focuses on **locally sourced seafood** and seasonal flavors, keeping the menu fresh and inviting. The **pan-roasted Atlantic salmon** stands out, flaky and finished with a punch of citrus. For something shared, the **seafood sampler** is a smart pick, featuring the best from the kitchen that evening. Coming here is all about enjoying food that mirrors the beauty just outside the window.
10. H&H Seafood
H&H Seafood is the Cape May spot for roll-up-your-sleeves eating without any fuss. The first time I ate here, I sat at a picnic table with friends, peeling crab shells and laughing until sundown. It’s a no-frills seafood shack, and that’s its charm.
This place stands out for **freshness and simplicity**. Their famous **all-you-can-eat blue crabs** keep locals coming back and invite newcomers to dig in. If you’re craving variety, order the **steamed shrimp platter**—generous, sweet, and perfectly seasoned. Everything here lets the catch shine, whether you pack it up for a beach feast or stay and BYOB while savoring the view. H&H is Cape May’s answer to “seafood the way it should be.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Cape May known for?
Cape May is famous for its blue crabs, scallops, flounder, oysters, and lobster. Many local restaurants serve dishes with these fresh catches straight from nearby waters.
Are there seafood restaurants with ocean views in Cape May?
Yes, several spots like The Lobster House and SeaSalt Restaurant offer waterfront or beachside dining, making meals as memorable as the views.
Where can I find the best takeout seafood in Cape May?
H&H Seafood and Cape May Fish Market are local favorites for steamed seafood and fresh takeout options perfect for a picnic or cozy dinner.
Do Cape May seafood spots accommodate food allergies or special diets?
Many restaurants, including Tisha’s and Fins Bar & Grille, offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Always check with your server about specific needs.
When is the best season for seafood in Cape May?
Summer through early fall brings the widest range of fresh catches and seasonal specialties, but good seafood can be found year-round.
