The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Cape May, New Jersey

If you're searching for the best seafood restaurants in Cape May, you’re stepping into one of the East Coast’s most enduring culinary traditions. This coastal New Jersey town blends historic charm with a long-standing love affair with the sea. The result? A collection of seafood restaurants that range from dockside crab shacks to elegant dining rooms—all delivering fresh, locally inspired fare. Whether you're craving butter-drenched lobster, old-school clambakes, or creative takes on fish and shellfish, Cape May has no shortage of standout options.

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How We Chose the Best

Our list of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May is based on real guest experiences, consistency of food quality, service, atmosphere, and the restaurant’s reputation in both local and traveler communities. We prioritized places that deliver not just great seafood, but a memorable Cape May experience.

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10. H&H Seafood

Starting our list of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May, H&H Seafood delivers a rustic, no-frills dining experience for true seafood purists. Located right on the marina, this spot is all about ultra-fresh catches—think steamed crabs, clams, and lobster straight from the tank to your tray. With picnic tables and paper plates, it's the kind of place that lets the food do all the talking.

What Guests Say

Visitors love the dockside atmosphere, fresh blue crabs, and casual, local vibe.

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9. SeaSalt Restaurant

Claiming the ninth spot among the best seafood restaurants in Cape May, SeaSalt offers modern, upscale dining inside the Ocean Club Hotel. Its menu blends East Coast ingredients with global flavors—think tuna tartare, miso-glazed fish, and seafood risottos plated with precision. The ocean views and curated wine list elevate it beyond the typical beachfront restaurant.

What Guests Say

Guests consistently highlight the elegant plating, attentive service, and resort-like ambiance.

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8. Tisha’s

Tisha’s ranks eighth among the best seafood restaurants in Cape May, offering a bistro-style experience with an upscale menu that leans Italian-American. It's not a traditional seafood joint, but their seafood entrees—like seared scallops or shrimp pasta—routinely impress diners. Set in a charming downtown location, the atmosphere is refined but not pretentious.

What Guests Say

Guests praise the consistent quality of seafood dishes and the BYOB policy.

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7. The Lobster House

The Lobster House earns its place as one of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May thanks to its size, history, and enduring popularity. Operating since the 1950s, it includes a restaurant, raw bar, market, and dockside schooner where guests can dine outdoors. It's a Cape May staple, known for its hearty portions and reliable classics like broiled lobster and fried seafood platters.

What Guests Say

Visitors love the nostalgic feel, fast service, and expansive menu—but warn it gets crowded.

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6. Cape May Fish Market

Taking the sixth spot on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May, this casual seafood spot is located in the Washington Street Mall and doubles as a retail fish market. The menu is straightforward—lobster rolls, fried oysters, crab cakes—but the quality is solid and the prices reasonable.

What Guests Say

Guests enjoy the casual vibe, outdoor seating, and solid lobster rolls.

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5. Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls

At number five among Cape May’s best seafood restaurants, Quincy’s specializes in one thing: lobster rolls. Whether you go for the classic warm buttered style or the chilled Maine version, the lobster is fresh, generously portioned, and served on a toasted split-top bun. It’s more of a fast-casual stop than a sit-down meal, but the quality holds up.

What Guests Say

Guests rave about the rich, meaty rolls and fast service.

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4. Lucky Bones

Lucky Bones ranks fourth on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May by combining pub-style comfort with serious culinary chops. From seafood nachos to mussels and pasta dishes, the menu is broad without sacrificing quality. It's a local favorite for both casual meals and relaxed date nights.

What Guests Say

Guests appreciate the variety, portion sizes, and laid-back atmosphere.

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3. Fins Bar & Grille

Claiming the third spot in our list of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May, Fins is known for its creative, upbeat menu and coastal-inspired cocktails. The vibe is casual but lively, with standout dishes like sesame-crusted tuna and lobster grilled cheese.

What Guests Say

Guests love the fun, beachy feel and inventive flavor combinations.

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2. 410 Bank Street

Coming in at number two, 410 Bank Street is among Cape May’s most distinctive seafood dining experiences. Housed in a Victorian carriage house, it blends French-Creole techniques with East Coast ingredients—producing upscale seafood dishes with bold, rich sauces and spice-forward flavors.

What Guests Say

Guests describe the food as rich, memorable, and worth the splurge.

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1. Oyster Bay Steak & Seafood

At the top of our list of the best seafood restaurants in Cape May is Oyster Bay Steak & Seafood. Known for its balance of surf and turf, this restaurant delivers both premium steaks and exceptional seafood. Favorites include crab-stuffed flounder, seared scallops, and buttery lobster tail—all in a cozy yet elevated setting.

What Guests Say

Guests highlight the well-executed seafood, warm service, and value.

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Final Thoughts

Cape May’s best seafood restaurants offer more than great food—they reflect the town’s history, charm, and connection to the Atlantic. Whether you're after a refined dinner, a casual marina lunch, or something in between, this list brings you the freshest and most flavorful seafood Cape May has to offer.