The Top 5 Restaurants on the Water in Cape May, NJ
Cape May has always been a place where the water is part of everything, including the food. Whether you are stepping off the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s long-trusted terminal or arriving by car, the waterfront dining scene here is one of the best on the Jersey Shore. From casual oyster bars to refined oceanfront dining rooms, these five restaurants capture what makes eating in Cape May so special. Use our guide to plan your next meal on the water!
Stowaways Cape May
1200 Lincoln Blvd Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Stowaways Cape May brings a fun, nautical vibe to the Cape May waterfront dining scene, offering a menu full of crowd-pleasing seafood, burgers, and bar bites in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. It’s easy to reach whether you’re coming from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry terminal or exploring the broader Cape May area. The laid-back energy and waterfront setting make it a go-to for families, groups, and anyone looking for a satisfying, no-fuss meal by the water. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that locals keep coming back to (and visitors quickly add to their Cape May rotation).
Beach Creek Oyster Bar
500 W Hand Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Beach Creek Oyster Bar is a Cape May-area gem for seafood lovers, specializing in freshly shucked oysters and other coastal classics in a relaxed setting right on the water. The raw bar is the star of the show, but the full menu holds its own with locally sourced seafood dishes that highlight the best of what New Jersey’s coastal waters have to offer. Whether you’re an oyster enthusiast or simply looking for a fresh, waterfront meal off the beaten path, Beach Creek Oyster Bar delivers a genuinely local experience that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds. It’s a perfect final stop before catching the ferry back across the bay.
Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant
1301 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
For a more elevated Cape May waterfront dining experience, Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant delivers ocean views alongside an award-winning menu in a beautifully restored Georgian Revival estate. The restaurant has earned consistent recognition for its seasonal American cuisine, with dishes that showcase fresh, local ingredients in an elegant but approachable setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Atlantic Ocean, making it as stunning visually as it is culinarily. If you’re looking for a special-occasion dinner in Cape May with unmatched views, Peter Shields is a great choice.
The Lobster House
906 Schellengers Landing Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Few Cape May restaurants carry the legacy and reputation of The Lobster House, a Cape May institution since 1954. Sitting right on the working waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf, this beloved seafood spot offers everything from a raw bar on the schooner deck to a full-service dining room steps from the harbor. You can watch the fishing boats come in while you crack open fresh-caught lobster (it doesn’t get much more Cape May than that)! Whether you opt for the market, the raw bar, or the main dining room, The Lobster House is a must-visit stop on any Cape May waterfront dining itinerary.
Harpoons on the Bay
91 Beach Dr, North Cape May, NJ 08204
Perched right on the Bay (just minutes from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry terminal) is Harpoons on the Bay. It is the ideal spot to kick off (or cap off) your ferry experience. This casual waterfront bar and grill serves up cold drinks, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere with some of the best bay views in Cape May. Whether you’re watching the sun set over the water from the outdoor deck or grabbing a quick bite before boarding, Harpoons on the Bay delivers the kind of relaxed, coastal energy that makes Cape May dining so memorable. It’s the kind of place where the views are as good as the food!
More Ways to Make the Most of Your Ferry Trip
If you are looking to make the most of your culinary trip to Cape May, the Cape May – Lewes Ferry is more than just a way to get across the bay. For a lot of travelers, the crossing itself is the destination. From biking through historic Cape May and climbing the lighthouse to catching the sunset at Sunset Beach, our blog breaks down six Delaware Bay bucket list experiences worth penciling into your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cape May ferry have food?
Yes! The Cape May – Lewes Ferry offers onboard concessions with snacks, drinks, sandwiches, and light meals. It’s a great way to enjoy a bite while you cruise across the Delaware Bay. If you’re looking for a full waterfront dining experience, Stowaways Cape May is located right inside the Cape May – Lewes terminal for your convenience. The rest of the restaurants on this list are just a short drive away.
What are the best restaurants in Cape May, NJ on the water?
The best waterfront restaurants in Cape May include Stowaways Cape May, The Lobster House, Harpoons on the Bay, Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant and Beach Creek Oyster Bar. Each offers a unique take on waterfront dining, from casual raw bars to upscale ocean-view dinners.
When does Harpoons on the Bay close for the season?
Harpoons on the Bay is a seasonal restaurant. Hours and seasonal closing dates can vary year to year, so we recommend checking their website or calling ahead before you visit, especially if you’re planning a fall or early spring trip.
Does the Lobster House in Cape May take reservations?
The Lobster House does not take traditional reservations. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This means waits can be long during peak summer season, so plan to arrive early or enjoy a drink at the schooner raw bar while you wait. The experience is well worth it!
Is Cape May a good destination for seafood lovers?
Absolutely. Cape May is one of the best seafood destinations on the Jersey Shore. The proximity to working fishing boats and fresh local waters means the seafood you’ll find at places like The Lobster House and Beach Creek Oyster Bar is as fresh as it gets. Pair that with stunning waterfront views and the chance to arrive by ferry, and you have a seafood lover’s dream.
How close are these waterfront restaurants to the Cape May - Lewes Ferry terminal?
Stowaways is located in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry terminal itself, so it is very convenient to access and enjoy. Harpoons on the Bay is literally adjacent to the terminal, meaning you can walk there. The Lobster House, and Beach Creek Oyster Bar are all within a short drive. Peter Shields Inn is a few miles away on Beach Avenue. All five restaurants are easy to add into a ferry day trip to Cape May.
