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Best Dining Bets
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 two of this year's "bests" are 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.
La Cucina Sul Mare (Falmouth; tel. 508/548-5600): The permanent line outside this Main Street restaurant is the first hint of its popularity. You'll soon see why there's always a wait. Chef Mark Ciflone and his wife, Cynthia, have created a very special establishment, with a top-notch waitstaff and a romantic and fun atmosphere. Mark's dishes are delicious, from his signature lasagna to the lobster fra diavlo. Portions are huge.
RooBar (Falmouth; tel. 508/548-8600): The food is so good at this hip venue on Falmouth's Main Street that it might distract you from the artsy decor, which includes handblown glass lights over the bar and wrought-iron sconces on the walls. From Thai wontons to snapper pie to brick-oven pizza, there's great variety and creativity to the menu.
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.
902 Main (South Yarmouth; tel. 508/398-9902): How does one begin to describe the sublime experience of dining at 902 Main? This is fine dining as it used to be, with the chef/owners manning the kitchen and greeting people out front. They make you feel welcome, coddled, and special. And then there's the food. Featuring the best produce, meats, and seafood from the region, every course will make you oooh and ahhh.
28 Atlantic (Harwich; tel. 508/430-3000): This superb restaurant at the Wequassett Inn and Resort 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 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-chile sauce.
Black Eyed Susan's (Nantucket; tel. 508/325-0308): Inspired by flavors from around the world, this is supremely exciting food in a funky bistro atmosphere. There's no extra charge for the show; watch chef Jeff Worster at work in the open kitchen behind the dinerlike counter. If you can put up with the eccentricities (no liquor license, no reservations, no credit cards), you're in for a treat.
Straight Wharf (Nantucket; tel. 508/228-4499): New chef/owners have made this the fine-dining reservation 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 and 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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