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Best Dining Bets
The Best Restaurants
It wasn't long ago that "fancy" food in these parts began and ended with classic French. Now "fancy," when it comes to food, is almost out of style and French food is hard to find. Although one of this year's "bests" is Italian and one is Mexican, most occupy that catchall category of New American, with influences from all over the world. Several aren't even fancy at all, just memorable.
Osteria La Civetta (Falmouth; tel. 508/540-1616): It hasn't taken long for locals to realize that what's cooking at the little osteria on Main Street is something very special and authentic. This is the kind of place where the owners, who are from Bologna, send the chefs to Italy in the off-season to learn new skills. From the handmade pasta to the specialty desserts, this is a must try.
Heather (Mashpee; tel. 508/539-0025): Chef/owner Heather Allen has created the perfect restaurant, a place where ambiance, service and wonderful food come together in the somewhat surprising location of a strip mall in Mashpee. But you'll forget all that once you settle in to what is bound to be a memorable meal.
The Regatta of Cotuit at the Crocker House (Cotuit; tel. 508/428-5715): What most distinguishes the Regatta from its competition is the sensational service so rare at local establishments. The Regatta has a quintessential old Cape Cod setting -- the building was once a stagecoach inn, and the decor is formal Federal style. Food here is consistently excellent, with fresh ingredients, generous portions, and creative preparations.
28 Atlantic (Harwich; tel. 508/430-3000): This superb restaurant at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club offers the most elegant dining in the region. Floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows give you a panoramic view of Pleasant Bay. The menu is loaded with delicacies from around the world. In this graceful setting, professional waiters will see to your comfort and thorough satisfaction.
Bramble Inn and Restaurant (Brewster; tel. 508/896-7644): An elegant entry in the Lower Cape dining scene, the Bramble Inn attracts those who don't mind a rather steeply priced, four-course, fixed-price dinner. The five intimate dining rooms are decorated with antique china and fresh flowers. Chef Ruth Manchester is a local favorite for her extraordinary, evolving cuisine.
Devon's (Provincetown; tel. 508/487-4773): The namesake of Devon's is a multitalented restaurateur with a great attitude. That positive vibe permeates every part of this small fine-dining restaurant, a former fishing shack on Provincetown's far East End. Serving New American cuisine with an emphasis on local provender, this is one of Provincetown's most romantic options, but its teensiness means you do need a reservation.
Lorraine's (Provincetown; tel. 508/487-6074): This is exciting cuisine, part Mexican, part New American, and all sensational. Even people who don't like Mexican food should try Lorraine's. Start your meal off with a shot of tequila from the four-page menu and chase it with their special-recipe tomato juice. Now you're off and running. Try something different -- you can hardly help it here -- like the sea scallops flambéed in tequila and topped with green-chili sauce.
Galley Beach (Nantucket; tel. 508/228-9641): Newly redecorated, this exquisite beachfront restaurant next to the Cliffside Beach Club is the place to go if you want to feel like you are in a spread of Travel + Leisure magazine. Delicious food too!
Straight Wharf (Nantucket; tel. 508/228-4499): Talented chef/owners have made this the fine-dining restaurant on Nantucket. Make your reservation for 8pm, so you can sit on the outside deck and watch the sun set over the harbor. Whether you opt for one of their specialty seafood dishes (wild striped bass with gazpacho) or choose a land-based entree (filet of Kobe beef), you will not be disappointed.
Atria (Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard; tel. 508/627-5850): This fine-dining venue on Upper Main Street gets rave reviews for its gourmet cuisine and high-caliber service. The menu, featuring produce and meats from local farmers and the daily catch from local fishermen, takes its influences from around the country and around the world.
The Best Clam Shacks
The Clam Shack (Falmouth Harbor; tel. 508/540-7758): The ultimate clam shack sits on the edge of the harbor and serves up reasonably priced fried seafood with all the fixings. Order the fried clams (with bellies, please!), and squeeze into the picnic tables beside the counter to await your feast.
Cap't Cass Rock Harbor Seafood (Orleans; no phone): Take a photo of the family in front of this shack covered with colorful buoys, and then go inside and chow down. Hearty portions of simply prepared fresh fish keep diners coming back year after year.
Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar (Eastham; tel. 508/255-2575): Once you get served a heaping plate of fried seafood here, you won't bother with any other clam shack. No one else gives you so much for such a reasonable price on Cape Cod.
Moby Dick's Restaurant (Wellfleet; tel. 508/349-9795): Unfortunately, word has spread about this terrific restaurant, and it can get pretty mobbed here around supper time. Still, it's a terrific place to bring the family, screaming kids and all. The clambake special is a 1 1/4-pound lobster, native Monomoy steamed clams, and corn on the cob. Perfect.
Sayle's Seafood (Nantucket; tel. 508/228-4599): Take a 10-minute walk from town on Washington Street Extension, and you'll arrive at this fish store-cum-clam shack. Charlie Sayles is a local fisherman, and everything here is deliciously fresh. Get your fried clams to go and eat them at the beach.
The Bite (Menemsha, Martha's Vineyard; tel. 508/645-9239): A travel writer once called it the best restaurant on Martha's Vineyard, perhaps in retaliation for a high-priced meal in Edgartown. Nevertheless, this is a top-shelf clam shack, tucked away in a picturesque fishing village. Order your meal to go and stroll over to the beach, which has the best sunset views on the island. The fried clams are delicious; some say the secret is the batter. Of course, the fish, unloaded just steps away, couldn't be fresher.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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