Craving seafood with a side of ocean breeze?
Cape Cod’s waterfront restaurants serve up more than just fresh lobster; they deliver unforgettable views, laid-back charm, and that salty-air magic you can’t bottle.
Whether you’re in flip-flops, grabbing fried clams at a harbor shack, or dressed up for oysters at a candlelit terrace, there’s a table waiting for you by the water.
The Cape knows how to turn a meal into a moment, where sunsets, sailboats, and sizzling plates come together in perfect harmony. It’s not just dining, it’s an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Why Waterfront Dining in Cape Cod Is a Must?
Dining on the water in Cape Cod is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive coastal experience. Savoring buttery lobster rolls as fishing boats glide by or sipping wine while the sun melts into the horizon, waterfront restaurants here offer a blend of natural beauty and culinary delight that’s hard to match.
Coastal Charm & Heritage: Enjoy Cape Cod’s rich maritime history with views of harbors, boats, and seaside architecture.
Fresh-from-the-Sea Flavors: Feast on ultra-fresh lobster, clams, and oysters—often caught the same day.
Fits Every Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic date, family lunch, or sunset solo meal, there’s a perfect spot by the water for you.
With the waves lapping beneath you and the salty air enhancing every bite, dining by the water in Cape Cod transforms your typical restaurant visit into a true coastal escape.
15 Best Cape Cod Restaurants on the Water
Cape Cod’s shoreline is dotted with restaurants that offer not just amazing food, but also unforgettable waterfront views. From luxury fine dining to casual shacks, here are the top picks for a memorable meal by the water.
1. Beach House Grill
Image Source:The Beach House – Chatham Bars Inn
📍Location / Address:297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
The Beach House Grill, nestled in the sand dunes of Chatham Harbor, is a premier waterfront dining destination known for its classic seaside favorites, including fresh clambake dishes, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
It offers a lively, casual atmosphere with oceanfront views, live music, and a private beach clambake during summer. Perfect for enjoying cocktails and summer vibes with friends and family.
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Beverages: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Clambake classics, clam chowder, lobster rolls, freshly harvested salads, and seasonal seafood specialties.
Price Range: Around $100–$130 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks
Parking & Accessibility: Parking available at Chatham Bars Inn; The venue offers oceanfront outdoor patios and indoor seating, generally accessible for guests with mobility needs.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 945-0096, Email – [email protected]
2. Fishermen’s View
Image Source: Fishermen’s View
📍Location / Address:20 Freezer Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563
Fishermen’s View is a celebrated sea-to-table restaurant and seafood market locally owned and operated by two commercial fishermen brothers.
It’s known for its ultra-fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and panoramic views of passing boats. Visitors enjoy a great mix of classic New England seafood favorites, inventive daily specials, and a lively dockside energy.
| Opening Hours | Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM (every day) Dinner: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (every day) |
Menu Highlights: Fresh local oysters, clam chowder, lobster rolls, Jonah crab melt, scallop dishes, and creative sushi (menu changes seasonally). Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Price Range: Around $90–$120 for two people, including appetizers, mains, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Free off-street parking available; restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with indoor and outdoor waterfront seating.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 591-0088, Email – [email protected]
3. Ocean Terrace at Ocean Edge
Image Source: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
📍Location / Address: 2907 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631
Ocean Terrace at Ocean Edge Resort is an upscale Cape Cod dining spot, famous for panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay from its open-air rooftop terrace. It offers seasonal fare year-round, blending New England ingredients with elegant presentation.
Renowned for its romantic atmosphere, Ocean Terrace suits everything from celebratory dinners to casual sunset cocktails with friends.
| Opening Hours | Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Seasonal seafood dishes, raw bar offerings, chef-driven small plates, craft cocktails, and locally sourced desserts. Vegetarian options and a kids’ menu are available.
Price Range: Around $100–$140 for two people, including appetizers, mains, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Guest parking available on-site; rooftop terrace and indoor seating are wheelchair accessible.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 896-9000
4. Chart Room at Crosby’s
Image Source: Tripadvisor
📍Location / Address:330 West Bay Road, Osterville, MA 02655
Chart Room at Crosby’s is a vibrant waterfront restaurant located at the yacht marina in Osterville, offering guests classic Cape Cod seafood against the backdrop of Nantucket Sound.
Known for its fresh, local seafood, nautical décor, and lively marina views, this spot suits relaxed lunches and festive dinners with friends and family. The atmosphere is casual yet energetic, capturing the essence of a Cape Cod summer tradition.
| Opening Hours |
Monday–Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Lobster rolls, swordfish, fresh fish tacos, clam chowder, arugula salad, and rotating seafood specials.
Price Range: Around $80–$110 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Parking available on-site at the marina; venue is wheelchair accessible with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Contact Details: Phone- (774) 602-8156
5. Mattakeese Wharf Waterfront Seafood Restaurant
Image Source: www.mattakeese.com
📍Location / Address:273 Millway, Barnstable, MA 02630
Mattakeese Wharf Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, family owned for over 50 years, sits directly on Barnstable Harbor next to the Whale Watch boat.
This waterfront dining spot is known for sunsets, welcoming atmosphere, and dock access. It offers live music on weekends and provides dine-in, takeout, and dockside service for boaters.
| Opening Hours |
Open 7 days a week, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Cape Cod clam chowder, fresh lobster rolls, baked scallops, swordfish, Mattakeese fish tacos, stuffed quahogs, broiled haddock, seafood platters, and steak and chicken options.
Price Range: Around $70–$100 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Free off-street parking available; wheelchair accessible; indoor and waterfront seating provided.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 362-4511
6. Sesuit Harbor Cafe
Image Source: sesuit-harbor-cafe.com
📍Location / Address:357 Sesuit Neck Rd, Dennis, MA 02638
Sesuit Harbor Cafe is a family-owned, classic Cape Cod clam shack perched right at the water’s edge in Northside Marina. Known for a laid-back, communal picnic-table vibe and harbor views, this spot is BYOB and cash-only.
It’s especially beloved for its legendary lobster rolls and relaxed outdoor dining, perfect for a sunny day or a sunset meal by the boats.
| Opening Hours | Daily: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM (seasonal; breakfast served until 11:30 AM, lunch 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, dinner 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM) |
Menu Highlights: Lobster roll, raw bar (fresh oysters and clams), clam chowder, fried scallop plate, fish and chips, fried clams, chicken tenders, burgers, and daily seafood specials.
Price Range: Around $60–$90 for two people, including seafood plates and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Free outdoor parking available; all seating is outdoor at picnic tables and the site is wheelchair accessible.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 385-6134
7. Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon
Image Source: Tripadvisor
📍Location / Address: 138 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon is a lively, family-friendly seafood restaurant situated right on Hyannis Harbor. This local favorite captures classic “Old Cape Cod” vibes with indoor and outdoor seating and marina views.
Known for award-winning seafood and a relaxed vibe, Spanky’s is ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a casual waterfront meal.
| Opening Hours | Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Seasonal: typically open April–October, lunch & dinner served daily; first come, first served) |
Menu Highlights: Lobster roll, whole belly fried clams, clam chowder, baked scallops, fried seafood combo, lobster salad, fish & chips, New England lobster dinners, burgers, and specialty salads.
Price Range: Around $60–$90 for two people, including appetizers, seafood mains, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: On-site and public parking available nearby (can get busy in summer); wheelchair accessible; both indoor and outdoor harbor-view seating.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 771-2770
8. Lobster Boat
Image Source: www.thelobsterboatrestaurant.com
📍Location / Address: 681 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
The Lobster Boat has been a staple waterfront seafood restaurant on Cape Cod for over 30 years, located on Parkers River overlooking the marina.
It offers a casual and family-friendly dining experience with fresh seafood sourced directly from their on-site fish market. Guests enjoy outdoor waterfront dining on the pier as well as an enclosed dining room with scenic views.
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Tuesday–Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Homemade onion rings, Lobster Boat Combo, 3 lb. Lobster, Cape Cod Platter, fresh fish dishes, and frozen drinks from their boat bar.
Price Range: Around $70–$100 for two people, including appetizers, entrées, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Parking & Accessibility: Free parking available; wheelchair accessible; outdoor pier seating and indoor dining room available.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 775-0486
9. Sundancer’s Cape Cod
Image Source:sundancerscapecod.com
📍Location / Address: 116 Main Street (Route 28), West Dennis, MA 02670
Sundancer’s Cape Cod has been a lively Bass River landmark for over 34 years, serving as one of the area’s favorite spots for casual waterfront dining, live music, and vibrant summer nightlife.
Guests can dine indoors with panoramic river views or outdoors on a scenic waterfront deck. It’s a family-friendly gathering spot where you can arrive by car, bike, or even boat.
| Opening Hours | Tuesday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – Closing Monday: Closed (Seasonal; live music and entertainment offered most nights during summer.) |
Menu Highlights: Cape’s largest lobster roll, whole boiled lobster, Chatham steamers, fried clams, clam chowder, fish tacos, burgers, fresh salads, and specialty appetizers.
Price Range: Around $60–$90 for two people, including appetizers, mains, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Free on-site parking; indoor and outdoor deck seating available. Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 394-1600
10. Tugboats at Hyannis Marina
Image Source: www.tugboatscapecod.com
📍Location / Address: 11 Arlington St, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Tugboats at Hyannis Marina is a well-loved seafood restaurant perched right on the waterfront overlooking Hyannis Harbor.
Tugboats, known for its inviting atmosphere and scenic outdoor deck, offers classic New England seafood and modern American comfort food. It’s highly rated for great views, lively atmosphere, and consistently delicious dishes.
| Opening Hours |
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Bang Bang shrimp, lobster mac and cheese, lobster roll, fried calamari, seafood pasta, fish tacos, clam chowder, and steak tips.
Price Range: Around $80–$120 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Free parking available nearby, valet service on site; wheelchair accessible with both indoor and outdoor waterfront dining.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 775-6433
11. The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House
Image Source: Tripadvisor
📍Location / Address: 152 South Shore Dr, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House is a long-standing seasonal Cape Cod dining institution known for its award-winning clam chowder and classic seafood dishes since 1936.
Positioned right on the waterfront with beautiful views of Nantucket Sound, it combines nostalgic charm with a lively atmosphere and generous portions, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
| Opening Hours |
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Award-winning clam chowder, huge onion rings, lobster stew, baked scrod, boiled lobster, scallops wrapped in bacon, steamed clams, and fried fish platters.
Price Range: Around $70–$110 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Parking available on site; wheelchair accessible; indoor and covered outdoor seating with waterfront views.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 394-7406
12. Black Cat Tavern
Image Source: Black Cat Tavern
📍Location / Address:165 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Black Cat Tavern is a year-round, waterfront restaurant located on the docks of Hyannis Harbor, just steps from the ferries. It’s celebrated for its classic seaside ambiance, piano bar with live music, and a heated patio with views of the harbor.
The menu spotlights fresh native seafood, hearty burgers, and chef-driven specialties, making it a Cape Cod favorite for locals and visitors alike.
| Opening Hours | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday–Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
Menu Highlights: Clam chowder, lobster roll, pan-seared diver scallops, stuffed quahog, fish & chips, blackened swordfish, fried seafood platters, and burgers. A raw bar and vegetarian/vegan options are available.
Price Range: Around $70–$110 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Plenty of free parking on site with valet service; wheelchair accessible; indoor, heated patio, and waterfront seating options available.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 778-1233
13. Clancy’s Restaurant
Image Source: www.clancysrestaurant.com
📍Location / Address:8 Upper County Rd, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Clancy’s Restaurant, a local Cape Cod favorite in Dennis Port along Swan River, features a lively dining room and riverside patio.
Celebrated for classic New England comfort food, seafood, and a diverse menu including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, its welcoming atmosphere suits families, couples, and groups year-round.
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
Menu Highlights: Clam chowder, lobster roll, fish & chips, baked scallops, lobster mac and cheese, steak tips, seafood alfredo, burgers, vegan quinoa burger, vegetarian pasta primavera, and gluten-free crab cakes.
Children’s menu and desserts (like Cape Cod Mud Pie) are also available.
Price Range: Around $60–$90 for two people, including appetizers, mains, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Parking & Accessibility: Free off-street parking; wheelchair accessible; indoor and outdoor riverside seating.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 394-6661
14. Mac’s Shack
Image Source: Mac’s Seafood
📍Location / Address:91 Commercial St, Wellfleet, MA 02667
Mac’s Shack is a vibrant, rustic-chic seafood and sushi restaurant housed in a historic building near Wellfleet Harbor. A beloved local favorite, it’s renowned for serving creative, globally inspired dishes using ultra-fresh, locally sourced seafood.
The atmosphere channels summer fun with outdoor and indoor seating, lively crowds, and a popular bar scene, no reservations, just great food and Cape Cod vibes.
| Opening Hours |
Monday–Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Wellfleet oysters (raw or grilled), lobster roll, fish tacos, clam chowder, locally caught bluefish, sushi rolls and poke bowls, crispy oyster bao buns, scallop crudo, steamed lobster, and creative daily specials.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options available.
Price Range: Around $60–$100 for two people, including appetizers, mains, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Free private lot and street parking available; wheelchair accessible; indoor and outdoor patio seating.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 349-6333
15. The Marshside
Image Source: Boston’s Hidden Restaurants
📍Location / Address:28 Bridge Street, East Dennis, MA 02641
The Marshside is a family-friendly restaurant above Sesuit Creek in East Dennis. It offers panoramic marsh views, a relaxing atmosphere, and a diverse menu, including Cape Cod seafood, American classics, and vegetarian options. Indoor and outdoor seating is available year-round for couples, groups, and families.
| Opening Hours |
Monday–Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
Menu Highlights: Clam chowder, New England seafood stew, lobster roll, fish tacos, Cape Cod Reuben, baked haddock, short ribs, seasonal soups, burgers, vegan risotto, and plantain tacos. Children’s menu and creative desserts are also available.
Price Range: Around $70–$100 for two people, including appetizers, entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Parking & Accessibility: Complimentary private lot and valet parking; wheelchair accessible; spacious indoor and marsh-view patio seating.
Contact Details: Phone- (508) 385-4010
What’s the Best Time to Visit Waterfront Restaurants in Cape Cod?
Cape Cod’s waterfront restaurants are popular for a reason: spectacular views, fresh seafood, and lively atmospheres. But to truly enjoy the best of what these spots offer, timing is everything. Planning a weekend getaway or a midweek lunch, here’s when to go for the most enjoyable dining experience.
- Best Season: Late spring to early fall (May–September) offers warm weather and full outdoor dining options.
- Top Months: June–August is lively but busy. May and September are quieter with mild weather.
- Best Time of Day:
Lunch (11 AM–2 PM) – Relaxed and family-friendly
Sunset (5–7:30 PM) – Perfect for scenic dinners (book ahead!) - Live Music & Happy Hours: Often available on weekends, check the venue’s calendar.
- Reservation Tip: Always reserve for dinner in summer to avoid long waits.
Timing your visit right can turn an ordinary meal into a scenic, memorable experience by the water. Peaceful ocean views or lively patio vibes, Cape Cod has the perfect time and place for everyone.
Ready to Dine Dockside?
Cape Cod restaurants on the water serve more than meals; they offer a full sensory escape with ocean views, fresh seafood, and coastal charm in every bite.
From laid-back clam shacks to upscale terraces, each spot brings its own unique flavor and setting. The timing of your visit, choice of view, and local tips all play a role in making your dining experience smooth and memorable.
Sunset dinners, mid-day lobster rolls, or quiet riverside lunches become highlights of any Cape Cod getaway. With so many waterfront gems to choose from, your next favorite meal is just a tide away.
Tried one of these spots or have a hidden gem to share? Let us know your favorite Cape Cod restaurant on the water in the comments below!
