Cape May Restaurant Week: All You Need To Know

Cape May Restaurant Week is one event that I look forward to each year. I’ve attended a lot of food festivals, but this one? It’s not the same. It’s cozy, intimate, and brimming with the kind of charm that only Cape May, New Jersey, has to offer.

Imagine a seaside town with Victorian houses, cobblestone streets, and ocean breezes that have a subtle hint of salt and fried crab cakes. Every June (and again in November), Cape May is transformed into a foodie’s paradise for one glorious week. With prix fixe menus, multi-course meals at set prices that make fine dining completely accessible, every restaurant in town appears to be joining in.

When I first heard about it, I thought it would be another tourist gimmick. I was wrong. Cape May Restaurant Week is the real deal, a genuine celebration of the town’s culinary soul.

How It Works (And Why It’s So Special)

The concept is straightforward: you select a lunch or dinner prix fixe menu from dozens of participating restaurants, then savor three or four courses of flawless coastal cuisine. Lunch is typically about $25, and dinner is between $40 and $55. The prices are surprisingly affordable.

No lines, no tickets, no tricks. Simply schedule a reservation, arrive hungry, and have fun. The feeling of community is what makes it even better. Every eatery participates in the fun, from sophisticated inns to laid-back beachside cafés. The first time I attended, I spent three nights exploring the town’s best dining rooms, and honestly, each meal felt like a little story in itself.

The Blue Pig Tavern: Comfort with a Side of History

My journey began at The Blue Pig Tavern, tucked inside the historic Congress Hall Hotel. The moment you walk in, you feel the historic brick walls, wooden beams, and a cozy glow that feels straight out of a storybook. Their Restaurant Week menu started with a creamy corn chowder made from local Jersey corn. It was sweet, buttery, and the perfect nod to Cape May’s farm-to-table roots.

For my entrée, I had seared scallops perfectly caramelized and resting on a bed of lemon risotto. I swear, each bite melted like butter. Dessert? A warm bread pudding drizzled with bourbon caramel sauce. I could’ve ended the night right there and gone home happy.

The Ebbitt Room: Farm-to-Table Elegance

Next up was The Ebbitt Room at The Virginia Hotel, and this one was pure class. The restaurant sources ingredients from Beach Plum Farm, just a few miles away. You can literally taste the freshness. My server recommended the braised short ribs, and wow, he was right. The meat was tender enough to fall apart with a fork, paired with truffle mashed potatoes that could convert anyone into a foodie.

The dish was so thoughtfully balanced that it reminded me why I love Restaurant Week: it gives chefs a platform to shine without pretense. The vibe here is sophisticated but never stuffy. Everyone, from the host to the bartender, treats you like a regular. I left feeling full not just in the belly, but in the heart.

The Washington Inn: Cape May’s Crown Jewel

I saved the best for last on my last night: The Washington Inn, a Cape May institution that has been a mainstay since the 1970s. It’s like dining in a piece of living history, housed in a beautifully restored mansion from the 1840s.

Their menu for Restaurant Week was poetic: chocolate lava cake, crab-stuffed flounder, and duck breast with cherry glaze. I chose the duck, and it was delicious, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ideally tempered by the tart sweetness of the cherries.

My server, who was obviously proud of the restaurant’s history, explained to me how the chefs here use wines from Cape May vineyards and local produce. The key component that makes this event so unique is that sense of community pride.

Why Cape May Restaurant Week Feels Different

What struck me most wasn’t just the food, it was the sense of connection. You could feel it in every interaction, every dish, every smile. The chefs are proud of what they create, and the servers are genuinely excited to share it. Cape May Restaurant Week also shines a spotlight on the local economy. Many of the ingredients come straight from nearby farms and fisheries.

By dining here, you’re supporting local families, not big chains. It’s farm-to-table in the most authentic sense. And then there’s the town itself. Between meals, I walked along Washington Street Mall, watched dolphins near Sunset Beach, and wandered through rows of pastel-colored Victorian homes. Cape May has a way of slowing time, and pairing that charm with world-class dining makes for an unforgettable experience.

Insider Tips for First-Timers

If you are planning to go, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Book early. Popular spots like The Washington Inn fill up fast.

• Go midweek. Tuesday or Wednesday offers a calmer atmosphere and easier reservations.

• Explore. Don’t eat at the same place twice. Part of the fun is discovering new favorites.

• Ask questions. Chefs and servers love sharing their stories. You’ll learn a lot about local flavors.

Savor the moment. Prix fixe dining is meant to be slow and social. Enjoy each course and the company you’re with.

A Celebration of Flavor and Community

I came to understand that Cape May Restaurant Week is more than just a culinary celebration; it’s a tribute to the town. Each plate narrates a tale of local pride, inventiveness, and heritage. You’ll leave with a greater understanding of Cape May’s culinary culture, regardless of whether you’ve lived there your entire life or are just visiting.

By the end of the week, I was already making plans to return for the autumn edition. Seeing a town come to life through its cuisine is a unique experience, and Cape May does it better than any other place I’ve been. Mark Cape May Restaurant Week on your calendar if you’re ever in the mood for delicious food, views of the sea, and authentic hospitality. I promise that every bite is worthwhile.

FAQs

1. When is Cape May Restaurant Week 2025?

Cape May Restaurant Week 2025 is expected to take place in early June, with a Fall Edition in early November. The exact dates are usually announced on the official website, CMRestaurantWeek.com
. Visitors can enjoy a weeklong celebration of fine dining, featuring special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus across Cape May’s best restaurants.

2. How does Cape May Restaurant Week work?

During Cape May Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer prix fixe (fixed price) multi-course meals at discounted rates. Diners can choose from a variety of restaurants each featuring unique menus highlighting local seafood, farm-fresh produce, and seasonal ingredients. No tickets are needed; simply make a reservation and enjoy.

3. Which restaurants participate in Cape May Restaurant Week?

Top restaurants like The Blue Pig Tavern, The Ebbitt Room, The Washington Inn, Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, and Carney’s Cape May regularly participate. Each restaurant crafts a special menu showcasing its signature dishes, making it the perfect opportunity to explore Cape May’s diverse culinary scene.

4. Is Cape May Restaurant Week family-friendly?

Yes! Cape May Restaurant Week welcomes families, couples, and solo diners alike. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly dishes, casual lunch options, and relaxed atmospheres, making it an ideal event for visitors of all ages to enjoy great food together.

5. How can I stay updated about Cape May Restaurant Week events and menus?

To stay updated, visit CMRestaurantWeek.com
, follow @CapeMayRestWeek on X (Twitter)
, or join the official Facebook page
. These platforms post the latest restaurant lists, menus, and dining tips for each season’s event.