A Taste of Cape Cod: Savoring Local Flavors
By Monica Vanover on May 1, 2025
Spring is the perfect season for food lovers to discover Cape Cod. As acclaimed restaurants, local breweries and coastal wineries awaken with fresh flavors, the region offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Imagine shucking oysters at a waterfront raw bar, sipping a locally crafted beer with an oceanfront view, or selecting fresh ingredients from a quaint farm stand.
From seaside bites to farm-to-table delights, the Cape’s vibrant culinary scene is as captivating as its scenic landscapes.
Cape Cod is a seafood lover’s paradise, where generations of fishermen have hauled in the freshest catches from local waters. Mac’s Seafood—found in Wellfleet, Chatham, Eastham, and Provincetown—embodies the Cape’s rich seafood heritage, with brothers Mac and Alex Hay sourcing directly from local fishing boats. Over in Sandwich, Fishermen’s View Restaurant pairs its just-caught seafood with stunning canal views, as fishermen brothers Bob and Denny Colbert deliver their daily haul straight from boat to table.
For a taste of history, visit The Lobster Pot, a Provincetown institution featuring harbor views and Portuguese specialties alongside the freshest seafood, including lobster cooked every way imaginable. Skipper Chowder House, located on the waterfront in South Yarmouth, serves their award-winning chowder alongside stunning views of Nantucket Sound.
For an elevated experience, The Naked Oyster in Hyannis brings French bistro flair to Cape Cod. Owner and executive chef Florence Lowell crafts classically prepared dishes using local ingredients and day-boat fish, along with oysters sourced from the restaurant’s local oyster farm.
From the Sea
@visitcapecod
@visitmarthasvineyard
@ackchamber
Visit us on Instagram!
The farm-to-table movement is alive and well across the Cape, showcasing the dazzling agricultural bounty of the area. STARS at Chatham Bars Inn creates memorable dining experiences with ingredients from their own farm, which produces over 100,000 pounds of vegetables annually. The restaurant's stunning views of Chatham Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean perfectly complement their refined seasonal menu. For special occasions, the farm hosts unique dining events on site in season where guests can enjoy meals surrounded by flourishing crops.
Twenty-Eight Atlantic at Wequassett Resort offers a sophisticated dining experience, combining panoramic Pleasant Bay views with expertly crafted cuisine celebrating native and seasonal ingredients. The menu at The
Pheasant in Dennis highlights sustainable local ingredients that reflect the changing seasons. Housed in a historic farmhouse, the picturesque farm-to-table eatery places an emphasis on classic New England flavors.
Farm to Table
Cape Cod's craft beer scene has evolved into a destination in its own right. Tree House Brewing Company's waterfront location in Sandwich showcases state-of-the-art German engineering in their full line of IPAs, ciders, spirits and canned cocktails, as well as elevated pub fare. Bad Martha Farmer's
Brewery in Falmouth is another terrific spot - their lively beer garden atmosphere provides the perfect setting to sample the diverse selection of craft beers, accompanied by artisanal cheese plates and wood-fired pizzas.
Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis, the region's original craft brewery, offers tours and tastings six days a week, providing an in-depth look at the brewing process along with samples of their exceptional beers. And for those wanting to explore multiple breweries, Cape Cod City Brew Tours offers guided experiences that showcase the best of the local brewing scene.
Breweries
This year, let Cape Cod's flourishing food scene add flavor to your coastal getaway. Visit capecodchamber.org today to plan a delicious journey you’ll never forget!
Sponsored by
Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
For information on travel to Massachusetts, explore more at visitma.com.
Photo Credit: Randi Baird Photography
Photo Credit: Mac's Seafood
Photo Credit: Ben Nugent
Photo Credit: Chatham Bars Inn
Photo Credit: Tree House Brewing Company
Photo Credit: Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery
The Cape's unique climate creates distinctive conditions for wine production, resulting in varieties you won't find anywhere else. Truro Vineyards’ charming tasting room, located in a restored 1830s farmhouse, provides an intimate setting to sample delicious wines, including their signature lighthouse bottle series. The vineyard’s lawn is a welcoming outdoor space for wine lovers in season.
In Falmouth, Cape Cod Winery carries on the region's rich agricultural tradition from their location on historic farmland. Ongoing special events - including a summer concert series and vino & vinyasa yoga sessions - make this family-run winery a can’t-miss destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a uniquely Cape Cod experience.
Wineries
Photo Credit: Truro Vineyards by Ben Nugent
Photo Credit: Cape Cod Winery by
Randi Baird Photography
Local Farms and Farmers Markets
The local farming community adds another layer to Cape Cod's rich culinary tapestry. Coonamessett Farm in Falmouth welcomes visitors to experience agriculture firsthand through their pick-your-own options and popular seasonal events. Their membership-based model offers regular access to hand-grown produce, while their café and bakery provide delicious farm-fresh meals and treats.
Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis not only provides fresh produce, but also serves as a vital community resource, offering employment and training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Their award-winning tomatoes and vibrant selection of seasonal produce make this Route 6A destination a must-visit for food lovers with a conscience.
The Cape comes alive in spring with a network of farmers markets that connect visitors directly with local growers and artisans. From Provincetown to Falmouth, these markets offer a bounty of regional specialties including just-picked produce, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and locally made treats. The Mashpee Farmer's Market creates a festive atmosphere every Sunday at the Mashpee Commons’ Naukabout Beer Garden, complete with food trucks and live entertainment, while the Chatham Farmers' Market transforms the grounds of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church into a vibrant Tuesday afternoon gathering. For those seeking scenic beauty with their shopping, the Falmouth Farmers' Market at Marine Park pairs harbor views with an exceptional selection of local goods every Thursday, and the Wellfleet Farmers' Market offers a quintessential Cape Cod experience Wednesday mornings against the backdrop of the historic Congregational Church.
Photo Credit: Cape Abilities Farm by
Randi Baird Photography
Photo Credit: Coonamessett Farm by
Cape Cod Chamber
For those hoping to catch their own dinner, numerous fishing charters depart from the Cape's harbors. Family-owned operations like Patriot Party Boats offer guided experiences that connect visitors directly with the region's fishing heritage. Their experienced captains share generations of knowledge, helping guests land prized catches like striped bass and bluefish. Hy-Line Cruises combines fishing excursions with expert local knowledge gained from over 40 years on these waters. Their deep-sea fishing trips provide all necessary equipment and guidance, making them perfect for both novice and experienced anglers.
Fishing Charters
Photo credit: Hy-Line Cruises
Photo credit: Patriot Party Boats by Paul Scharff
Food and Drink Festivals
Spring and summer bring a celebration of Cape Cod's diverse culinary traditions through exciting food festivals. La Tavola transforms Mashpee into Little Italy for one night each August, offering an enchanting evening of Italian cuisine and live music under twinkling lights. The Cape Cod Brew Fest has become a highlight of the September calendar, bringing together over 50 breweries and showcasing more than 150 styles of beer at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth. And every October, the renowned Wellfleet OysterFest draws visitors from across the region to celebrate the town's rich shellfishing heritage with cooking demonstrations, live music, and the legendary shucking competition.
Photo Credit: Wellfleet OysterFest by Greta Georgieva
Wineries