If you are looking for one must-stop destination on the Cape, head to ABBA in Orleans. Luring foodies from Provincetown and beyond, chef-owner Erez Pinhas and his partner Christina Bratberg transformed this part of the Cape’s dining scene in 2001. Lucky for us, ABBA still lives up to the hype. Settle in on a pillowed booth or take a seat...

Looking for a real Northern Italian meal or a romantic dinner? Look no further than Alberto’s Ristorante in Hyannis. Since 1984, the chef-owners of Felis and Donna Barreiro have offered professional service and consistently excellent cuisine. Sure it’s done up with faux marble and could look rather like the setting for a white-gloved society party, but everyone feels comfortable here....

Location, location, location. Since 1956 diners have been taking advantage of the best harborfront seat in town at Baxter’s Boat House in Hyannis. They populate the picnic tables to munch on fried and broiled seafood, served generously atop a flimsy paper plate. Baxter’s was erected on an old fish-packing dock near the Steamship Authority terminal. Each summer they consistently lure everyone...

Sit on a deck atop the blonde beach, sipping Chardonnay and voila!, you suddenly feel like you are on holiday. The Beach House Grill in Chatham is one of the few spots to feel the ocean breeze and warm sun while you eat lobster rolls, fried seafood, burgers and abundant salads. Sure the prices are high, but you’re paying for...

The Beachcomber in Wellfleet is rowdy spot and lots of things to lots (and lots) of people: a cabana-themed raw bar, waves of beer, piles of oysters, powerful spirits, and righteous blues bands. They keep the wings coming, as well as the burgers, seafood plates, salads, sandwiches, and other dishes that go well with a cold one. Nothing but apps...

It’s hard to know which is more appealing at the Belfry Bistro in Sandwich: the casually elegant and sophisticated surroundings within the former abbey or the elegant and sophisticated plates that come from this kitchen. Either way, your senses will be sated with architectural delights, candlelight, and contemporary American cuisine. Dine on lavender poached Chatham cod or an extensive selection...

The latest venture for Roadhouse Café owner Dave Colombo, Black Cat in Hyannis offers a casual waterfront feel and quite good fried and baked seafood staples — fish and chips, scallops, seafood platter — while kicking casual up a notch with the likes of pan seared scallops with strawberry pineapple risotto and lobster ravioli. Gourmet burgers and salads, too. Stick...

I really love Bleu in Mashpee — from the very cool blue interior to the cushy seats where you could sit all afternoon to the side-alley alfresco dining. It’s upscale but casual and definitely stylin’ with a smart waitstaff decked out in all black. French chef-owner Frederic Feufeu excels in both inspired bistro and contemporary cuisine, from regional French classics...

Folks enjoy their perch atop Saquatucket Harbor so much that they consistently wait for up to 45 minutes for a seat at Brax Landing in Harwich Port! Made popular by its casual tavern-like appeal (and the sought after views of the harbor), Brax has decent food populating a varied menu. Chicken sandwiches rub elbows with a slew of seafood served...

You’d have to fly to Rio for more authentic churrascaria rodizio, a traditional, elaborate all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet of skewered meats. Come hungry to Brazilian Grill in Hyannis or don’t bother. And then don’t bother eating for the rest of the week.

The Brewster Fish House is a pleasant and contemporary bistro that charms and delights diners. Owner Vernon Smith worked wonders with this small roadside building, transforming it into an intimate dining room complete with high ceilings, fresh flowers and enticing cuisine. But before you get in the car and start heading over to Brewster, check your watch. If it’s before 6PM, you...

Hunting for a true Cape lobsta shack complete with colorful buoys and checkered tables? Head over to Cap’t Cass Rock Harbor Seafood at the Orleans harbor and join the masses who know a good lobster roll when they taste one — especially a sandwich stuffed with the main ingredient, not a bunch of filler lettuce and breading. Other specialties, posted...

Since this old sea captain’s home was transformed into a dining destination in 2002, foodies have flocked to the Cape Sea Grille in Harwich Port. Jennifer Douglas Ramler and her chef husband Douglas have managed to weave the Cape’s casual ambiance into this modern candlelit dining room. The perfected New American cuisine with a French Mediterranean influence doesn’t hurt either....

“Chappy”, as locals call the Chapoquoit Grill in West Falmouth, has been popular since the day it opened its doors in 1993. Everyone welcomed the innovative cuisine with open arms — maybe even too much so, since you must arrive by 5pm or be prepared to sip wine in the bar until they finally call your name. When you are...

Sipping a mudslide, settling in by the shore, watching the sunset from Red Brook Harbor at the Chart Room … you know you’ve arrived on Cape Cod. However, you gotta do a bit of work to get that coveted seat. You’ll wait for a table for what seems like an eternity (especially if you are trying to score one on...

Hunting for a friendly lunch spot to bring the kiddos? Or maybe you want a relaxed dinner sans white table cloths and ten dollar cocktails? Chatham Squire in downtown Chatham may feel like a family room gone amok, but does that have to be a negative thing? Casual, with paisley carpet, wooden tables and captain’s chairs, plus pool tables when...

If it were my last night on the Cape or celebrating a special occasion, I would dine at chef “Nitzi” Rabin and Pat’s Chillingsworth in Brewster. From the moment you arrive outside the 300-year-old white temple of gastronomy, you know you are in for a treat. The maitre d’ guides you into your small (seemingly private) candlelit dining room and...

Fried seafood on the waterfront defines summertime — at least once in a season. You can forget your dream of squeezing into a bikini after a fried bucket of seafood at the Clam Shack, a teeny operation in Falmouth. But the clams, scallops, and freshly snagged fish are all so good, how can you say no? Especially when you learn...

When I am cycling the Rail Trail in Brewster, Cobie’sis always a designated stopping point. Owner Rob Slavin maintains the foundation of this classic joint, which never seems to change with time — in this case, that’s a good thing. For over 25 years, Slavin and his loyal staff have been stuffing fine lobster rolls and slinging onion rings, fried...

While not necessarily a mecca for big city foodies, The Dolphin in Barnstable has been reeling in locals to their friendly watering hole for down home cooking for three generations. Chef-owner Nancy Jean Smith features plenty of seafood. Lunch promises crabcakes, oysters, salads, specialty sandwiches, and baked and fried seafood. At dinner you can expect grilled swordfish, braised salmon, home-roasted...