10 Best Local Restaurants in Cape Cod

Fanizzi’s Restaurant is an Italian spot serving seafood-heavy dishes to accompany fantastic bay views. It's a recommended sit-down spot for budget eaters and families. Locals come here to enjoy a high-end meal with a view without paying high tourist prices.

The menu is full of your favourite Italian comfort foods, from chicken parmigiana to seafood alfredo. For a taste of Cape Cod, go for the fresh sea scallop plate or cod piccata. Not in the mood for Italian? Fanizzi’s Restaurant also serves American classics in big portions like burgers, nachos and meatloaf. 

Betsy’s Diner transports you back to the 1950s with authentic American diner décor and massive portions of food. The neon sign outside says “Eat Heavy,” and that’s no lie. Standouts include 3-egg omelettes, stacked pancakes and Belgian waffles.

Or, try Betsy’s Diner's signature breakfast, called The Cape Cod. It's a satisfying mix of French toast, eggs, potatoes and meat. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, so come early. It only takes 1 meal to fuel up for the rest of the day – an excellent start to an active time at the beach. 

Old Yarmouth Inn is a traditional tavern serving high-end meals and fresh seafood. This inn is more than just a restaurant – it’s one of the USA's oldest buildings, dating back over 300 years. Come here to enjoy a taste of Cape Cod’s freshest catch and a look back at the country's colonial history.

For first-timers at Old Yarmouth Inn, locals recommend clams and oysters. These raw delicacies are a refreshing way to start a meal. Entrées include lobster pappardelle with fig and mascarpone ravioli, alongside elevated pub fare like Cape Cod fish and chips and local beef burgers.

Ann & Fran’s Kitchen is a favourite local spot for home-cooked breakfast and lunch in Cape Cod. This cosy breakfast nook has no frills or gimmicks – just comfort food the way it should be. It’s the place to come if you want to be the only tourist in the joint.

Make sure to check the specials board for off-menu items made with seasonal ingredients. Standard offerings include fluffy blueberry ricotta pancakes and a Reuben piled with tender corned beef. Seating is limited at Ann & Fran’s Kitchen, and it’s always busy on weekends. 

Corner Store is a restaurant that serves hefty burritos and sandwiches at the counter. Looking like an old-timey trading post on The Oregon Trail, it makes for great photo-ops.

You can choose from hand-wrapped options like the buffalo-ranch chicken burrito or the balsamic steak burrito. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also build your own. Want something healthier? Try one of its many signature salads or grilled paninis.  

Keltic Kitchen is an Irish diner known for its Celtic-inspired breakfasts and lunches. The cosy interior looks like a classic American diner, with a long counter and stools. But the menu is full of hearty favourites from across the pond, including Irish brown bread, black and white pudding, and rashers of bacon.

If you only visit Keltic Kitchen once, try the corned beef hash with eggs and home fries. For something sweet, the creme brulée French toast is decadent and filling. There are also seafood dishes for those who want a Cape Cod-inspired breakfast. The seafood hash is made with fresh lobster, scallops and clams.

The Lanyard Bar and Grill is where many Cape Cod locals enjoy a beer and pub fare after work. American food doesn’t get more American than this – fried pickles, giant burgers, and house-smoked BBQ are classic meals you'd want to end a day with. You can come early for lunch to enjoy a sandwich or salad.

Like all good Cape Cod eateries, The Lanyard Bar and Grill serves fresh seafood. It specialises in baskets of fried clams, oysters and scallops, served with fries. For healthier options, try the baked cod or broiled scallops. 

Wimpy’s Seafood Cafe & Market is a seafood eatery that’s hard to classify. It’s combines a family restaurant, bar and fresh seafood market. Tourists might be confused by the quiet exterior and the uncommon setup, but locals know it as an underrated restaurant for lobster, fresh fish and meat.

Come for a quick lunch of fish tacos, fried squid or shrimp cocktail. Or make an evening out of your visit and indulge in a fresh lobster dinner or prime rib. Don’t forget to start with a cup of Wimpy’s famous chowder. Don’t have time to dine in? Visit the onsite market for ready-to-eat seafood or the freshest catch if you want to make your own meal. 

Rock Harbor Grill is a pub and pizzeria with a bustling atmosphere. This place is very popular with locals, especially when the weather gets chilly in Cape Cod. Hot pizzas, huge burgers, and pub mains are prepared in its wood-fired oven. And yes, you can get fresh Cape Cod seafood dishes too.

Pair your meal with a rootbeer float, a local craft beer, or a cocktail from the bar. Rock Harbor Grill is hard to spot from the road, which is how the locals like it. 

Red Barn Pizza & More is great for photoops and family fun in Cape Cod. This restaurant occupies a picturesque red barn surrounded by the New England countryside, providing an escape from the beaches and busy tourist centres. It’s easy to spend an afternoon here, and prices are more than reasonable.

Drop by for a thick slice of American-style pizza loaded with cheese and various toppings. Indoor and outdoor seating make Red Barn Pizza & More a good place for a pit stop. It’s also an excellent destination for families. Come for a meal as well as a round of mini-golf and fun at the onsite arcade.