Cape Cod restaurants to try this summer that are on the waterfront - Cape Cod Times

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As I was driving down the Scenic Highway in Bourne recently, I noticed cars parked in the dirt-and-crushed clamshell lot of The Seafood Shanty. 

That could mean only one thing: The seafood shack owned by Johnny and Tish Economides for the past 30 years was open for the season! It was time to get a lobster roll because The Seafood Shanty was one of five places voted best lobster roll by Cape Cod Times readers last year.

Seeing The Seafood Shanty open got me to thinking about the other Cape restaurants that have recently reopened. That got me to making a list of all the classic Cape Cod places I will share with summer visitors. And if there aren't enough visitors? No worries, I can be perfectly content sipping a bellini at a table for one.

Here are some of the seasonal places — all  waterfront — I plan to visit this summer and why: 

From the archives: Cape Cod restaurants: Ocean House chef Tom Woods cooks Pan Asian, with some help from Ming Tsai

Address: 425 Old Wharf Road, Dennis Port

Contact: 508-394-0700; https://www.oceanhouserestaurant.com/

Why it's on the list: Tom Woods, executive chef at The Ocean House, worked with celebrity chef Ming Tsai and Woods was put in charge of crafting an amuse bouche — a  small bite of flavor and creativity that was served to special diners. That early influence on Woods can be tasted in The Ocean House menu which focuses on fresh seafood layered with a Pan-Asian influence in dishes including Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos ($21) and Tempura Lobster Maki priced daily.

Ocean House co-owner Janet Barbato says there is a new menu this year, and live nightly entertainment, at the Ocean House Beach Bar, which is featuring a mix of Hawaiian and Mexican flavors and techniques. Look for dishes including Toasted Coconut Shrimp ($25), jumbo shrimp with a sweet tamarind dip. "Fun and fresh and current and different," Barbato says of the menu that she says is making things "A little bit tropical on Nantucket Sound."

Even more waterfront restaurants: Want a water view with your Cape Cod dinner? Readers recommend 10 (and more!) places to go

Address:286 Grand Ave., Falmouth

Contact: 508-548-7800; https://www.sopranosfalmouth.com/

Why it's on the list: Located right on the beach in Falmouth Heights, Soprano's Casino By The Sea has two levels of inside and outside dining and a view that overlooks Vineyard Sound all the way to Martha's Vineyard. "At night, you  can see the sunset over Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole," says manager Keath Driscoll, noting that Casino By The Sea has added free valet parking and more seafood dishes — including seafood bianco ($45.95) with shrimp, scallops and lobster in a garlic-and-herb white wine sauce over angel hair pasta.

From the archives: A review of Pearl in 2014

Address: 250 Commercial St., Wellfleet

Contact: 508-349-2999; https://wellfleetpearl.com/

Why it's on the list: An open-air kitchen rising up to a peaked roof at Pearl makes for a modern feel within a historic building. According to Pearl's website, the structure was originally the Spit & Chatter Club, then moved across the street and redesigned into the well-known Captain Higgins restaurant. At Pearl, there is an abundance of outside dining, including a covered patio that abuts the marshland. The spectacular harbor view includes the main boat dock, town pier, Mayo Beach, and Great Island. The menu starts with a raw bar featuring Wellfleet oysters at $15 per half-dozen, and has a strong focus on local seafood. The lunch and dinner menu features fried fish plus a dozen salads, with dishes including spicy paella ($27) and New England shrimp and grits ($25). Yes, there is chicken and beef for those who enjoy the view but don't eat fish.

Address: 357 Sesuit Neck Rd, Dennis

Contact: 508-385-6134; https://sesuit-harbor-cafe.com/

From the archives: Readers' choices: 5 top places to get a lobster roll on Cape Cod

Why it's on the list: Six ounces of lobster meat tossed with mayo and celery, served in a grilled hot dog roll with lettuce, tomato and, on the side, French fries and handmade cole slaw put Sesuit Harbor Cafe on the list of best lobster roll last year.

But I love the fact you can eat that treat at picnic tables, on the rocks or on the cafe's 64-passenger lunch and dinner cruises next door for which the cafe provides food service. Sesuit Harbor Cafe, in its 22nd season, was started by J.C. and Jo-Ann Cuchetti.

Visit the Chart Room: Cape Cod restaurants: Waterfront Chart Room is seasonal tradition at Cataumet marina

Address: 1 Shipyard Lane, Cataumet at the Kingman Yacht Center (put this is your GPS)

Contact: 508-563-5350; http://chartroomcataumet.com/

Why it's on the list: In addition to lunch and dinner, the Chart Room serves a light bar menu — sandwiches, chowder and drinks — whenever the restaurant is open so mariners coming by boat can sail in for a little sustenance. Does anyone else hear Jimmy Buffett music playing? The idea of going to dinner by boat seems quintessentially Cape Cod as does the Chart Room's rich, creamy chowder and overflowing lobster sandwich (on bread, not a roll!). One recent evening, the menu included haddock chowder, Cotuit oysters and grilled salmon surf-and-turf.

Chart Room had deck dining before the pandemic left everyone eager to eat outside. The atmosphere is casual, meaning no one will look twice if you show up in shorts and boat shoes. Although there are daily specials, they don't stray far from the seafood-heavy menu.

Where should you eat on Cape Cod?: Ultimate food and drink guide

Asked if there were any changes for summer 2022, Chart Room co-owner David Jarvis says, "We're pretty much staying the course of what's been successful for us for the past 49 years."

Join our dining community to ask questions and share your ideas at the Cape Cod Times' free Facebook group , Good Stuff at Cape Cod Restaurants.

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