Guests at our Nauset Beach hotel often ask us for recommendations on waterfront restaurants, those that offer a great overall experience, not merely a superior location. We shared some of favorites here on our website several years ago, but the restaurant scene on Cape Cod is ever shifting. Clearly, it was time for an update.
Cap’t Cass Rock Harbor Seafood; 117 Rock Harbor Road, Orleans
After closing during the pandemic, Cap’t Cass’s made a very welcome return under new ownership in 2025. Not much has changed about the casual waterfront eatery overlooking Rock Harbor: not the oft-photographed collection of buoys on its exterior, and not the laid-back clam shack vibe inside. They’re known for their heaping plates of fresh, local seafood perfectly fried to a golden crisp, a hefty lobster roll at a reasonable price, and creamy clam chowder. While the views of the water inside the humble dining room – think flip-flops and sandy floors – are so-so, they are absolutely stellar from the in-the-sand outdoor dining area.
Sesuit Harbor Café; 357 Sesuit Neck Road, Dennis
An additional standout from our previous story of restaurants on Cape Cod with a view is Sesuit Harbor Café, a clam shack perched on yet another picturesque harbor. There are several choices for those who don’t enjoy seafood. Those who do enjoy seafood will be in heaven. The lobster roll is the go-to choice for many who visit this dockside eatery. In fact, it’s Pete’s favorite lobster roll on Cape Cod. Should you prefer fried local seafood, you’ll find a huge selection. Chowder, steamers, stuffed quahogs, and raw bar items round out the expansive menu. The food is served on paper plates; seating is at picnic tables along the harbor: you get the idea. Fun. Casual. Fabulous. Please note: This restaurant does not accept credit cards; there is an ATM on site.
The Rooftop at Pelham House Resort; 14 Sea Street, Dennis Port
We’ve been remiss in not including this personal favorite sooner. No longer really new, The Rooftop at Pelham House made an immediate splash with both locals and visitors when it burst onto the culinary scene several years ago. The best seating is out on the spacious deck that sits three stories above Vineyard Sound. Removable glass walls and screening ensure one is able to enjoy the room comfortably in almost any weather. A beachy bright dining room allows them to stay open year-round. The music is just loud enough to make things feel lively. The creative menu offers unexpected options along with local delicacies expertly prepared.
The Ocean House Restaurant; 425 Old Wharf Road, Dennis Port
How this well-established waterfront restaurant in Dennis Port escaped our attention a few years ago is simply inexplicable. The restaurant sits right on the sand, and both the dining room and the lounge feature a wall of oversized windows, so virtually every seat has a view. With soft lighting and white linen-clad tables, the dining room is a date night-worthy destination. The lounge is in a separate room so its much more energetic atmosphere doesn’t interfere with the mood in the dining room. Wherever you choose to dine, expect exquisite food and gracious service.
The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House; 152 S Shore Drive, South Yarmouth
The Skipper is one of those “You’re-sure-to-fall-in-love-with-old-Cape-Cod” kind of places, and we mean that in the very best way. The dining room has a tailored coastal look, but we think the fun is up on the second-story deck, which also happens to be where the view of the nearby ocean is the best. The Skipper does Cape Cod fare well; award-winning clam chowder, steamers and stuffed quahogs are go-to favorites for appetizers. The fried seafood is very good, but lobster is kind of the thing here. It’s the kind of restaurant where plastic bibs and buttery fingers make perfect sense.
Brax Landing; 705 Route 28, Harwich Port
Brax Landing, overlooking Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port, is somewhat similar to The Skipper in that it’s been around for decades and is the epitome of Cape Cod casual dining. The dining rooms are nothing fancy – let’s say they’re classic – and the lounge is typically filled with lots of local color. Our favorite place to dine is out on the oversized deck, where the view of the yacht-filled harbor is by far the best. The menu is as classic as the décor; chowder, lobster bisque, oysters Rockefeller and clams casino are just a few of the many appetizers offered. Sandwiches and burgers are served at both lunch and dinner. The lobster roll is a local favorite. An extensive list of entrée selections with a focus on simply prepared seafood rounds out the massive menu.
Bookstore & Restaurant; 50 Kendrick Avenue, Wellfleet
Forgive us for repeating ourselves but, like The Skipper and Brax Landing, the Bookstore & Restaurant falls under the category of “classic Cape Cod.” There is a reason such restaurants have thrived on the shores of the Cape for decades: they’re good and people love them. There is much to love about the Bookstore & Restaurant. First of all, there’s the name. Yes, there actually is a fun, funky bookstore. But we’re here to talk about restaurants on the water, so we’ll focus on that. The second-story deck offers spectacular views of Wellfleet Harbor. Time your visit to catch the sunset. They are absolutely incredible from this perch! The menu has “the expecteds” as well as several “unexpecteds,” such as the Fish Pot and the Portuguese Stew, which are must-try dishes.
Pearl; 250 Commercial Street, Wellfleet
While a couple of our choices are classic clam shacks, and others are casual family-style and more upscale restaurants, Pearl, which is east or “down Cape” of the inn – is right in the middle of the high-low restaurant spectrum. Flip-flops are certainly appropriate here, but so is getting a little dressed up for an evening out. The first-floor dining room has rustic appeal, but it’s the open-air, second-story deck with epic views of Wellfleet Harbor that gets our vote. Like the overall feel of the restaurant, the menu spans the space between shanty and swanky, with appetizers such as stuffed quahogs and several Asian-inspired options such as tuna sashimi and the Bangin’ Shrimp Bowl. Entrées include fried seafood and simply prepared grilled local fish. Pearl’s afternoon happy hours, with live music and bargain oysters and lobster rolls, are legendary.
The Beachcomber; 1120 Cahoon Hollow Road, Wellfleet
By day, the Beachcomber, set on a dune overlooking Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, is a family restaurant where people wander in from the beach – often in their bathing suits – for a casual meal on the outdoor terrace. By night, it’s a rocking good time. Well, that is with the exception of Sundays, when it’s a rocking good time from opening until closing. Open, and nearly unchanged, for 42 years, the ’Comber is the very embodiment of the let-your-hair-down vibe that vacationers crave. For that matter, locals love it too, which is why this place is packed all season long. The menu is extensive, and the food quite good, but it’s the atmosphere – it is just so Cape Cod – that makes a visit one of our “musts” every season.