When you think of Cape Cod the first two things that come to mind are beaches and seafood. You got that right! A trip to Cape Cod is not completed without indulging in a variety of fresh seafood. Recognized as home to one of Cape Cod’s most prolific fishing fleets, Chatham is well known for its fresh fish and seafood. Chatham waters are a treasure trove of clams, oysters, lobsters, scallops, tuna, and cod.
Often guests ask us what are our favorite restaurants in Chatham. For this reason, we came up with a list of restaurants we love and you must try while visiting Chatham. They are all either within a short walk or a short drive from the Inn. From fine dining to small seafood shacks Chatham has it all!
Chatham MA Restaurants you must try
The Impudent Oyster has been a Chatham landmark for over 50 years. The Impudent Oyster started its life as a fisherman’s bar and a local hangout with a limited food menu. In the 1980s the bar was transformed into a fine dining restaurant serving both lunch and dinner. Must-tries are Devils on Horseback (Bacon-Wrapped Cape Sea Scallops), Cioppino (fresh local lobster, mussels, littlenecks, clams, scallops, fresh fish, shrimp, and potatoes simmered in a tomato herb broth), and Oysters Rockefeller.
Tucked away from Main Street in downtown Chatham, Bistro on Main is a hidden secret for moderately-priced seafood dishes and a warm welcoming atmosphere. The phenomenal raw bar, martini bar, and outdoor seating are sure to please any taste. Don’t miss the daily happy hour, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., when shrimp, oysters, and clams on the half shell are half-price. Must-tries are Portuguese Scrod, Linguini and Clams and Crispy Duck Spring Rolls.
This great Modern American Cuisine restaurant is definitely not to be missed. From Wood-Fired Pizza to Sushi-grade Seared Yellowfin Tuna, they have it all. The self-taught chef Maria Pollio and her twin brothers have a strong passion for cooking using locally sourced ingredients. All the seafood on the menu is caught in Chatham that morning. Must-tries Japanese Pumpkin Ravioli, Portuguese Steamed Littlenecks, and Wood Roasted Catch of the Day.
Pates in downtown Chatham has been a town staple for over 63 years. This newly renovated restaurant with contemporary decor offers a modern New England atmosphere and innovative menu. Try the lobster tacos, potato chips crusted codfish as well as their fisherman’s pan roast. They offer an amazing raw bar, small and large plates to satisfy every taste.
This high-end sushi restaurant and sake bar in Chatham, MA offers Asian-inspired food and cocktails in an upscale vibrant atmosphere. The owner of this restaurant also owns the Chatham Fish Market so be sure to try their super fresh seafood options. On the menu, you’ll find a selection of sushi, sashimi, and rolls as well as extensive Asian inspired seafood dishes. Some of our favorite sushi rolls are Chatham’s Sunset, Nauset Light, and Patriots.
A can’t miss experience set in a weathered gray shingle clad building overlooking Aunt Lydia’s Cove, the Chatham Fish Pier Market is a great place to pick up lobster, clams, scallops, shrimp rolls, or fish and chips to go. You can enjoy your meal at the picnic benches provided and watch fishing boats pull up and unload their catch daily.
One of the longest-running seafood joints on Cape Cod is the Kream ‘n Kone, established in West Dennis in 1953 as a small roadside stand. In 2003, the original location burned down and was replaced with a larger restaurant that thankfully still feels like a flashback to another era. There’s now a second Kream ‘n Kone in Chatham, where you can try their extensive menu of fried fish, clams, oysters, scallops and amazing lobster rolls which you order at a counter and eat at long tables. Do not forget to get your soft serve on the way out.
Whether you’re eating at one of Chatham’s fine-dining restaurants or at a humble roadside shack or pier, expect to find plenty of fresh seafood. No matter where you decide to eat, one dish you must order is a cup of creamy New England clam chowder (pronounced “chowdah” in these parts). Rich and briny, this is Cape Cod in a cup, as delicious on a hot summer day as on a foggy, cool fall afternoon.
While you’re planning your trip to Chatham, be sure to include these restaurants we have mentioned. They are a short walk or drive from The Old Harbor Inn. If seafood is not your thing, there is no lack of other fare, including Italian, French, Continental, Asian and, of course, good old traditional American. Dining in most establishments is casual; and while shoes and shirts are always required, the need for a jacket and tie is rare. Also, most of the restaurants require a reservation especially in the summer months. Make sure you check the Cape Cod restaurant week dates for a prix-fixe off season deals. Our professional concierge staff is here to help you make the most of your Cape Cod Getaway. Contact us today and reserve your stay at The Old Harbor Inn!
