Inn at Cape Cod

When we first announced to our French friends that we were leaving the south of France to embark upon a new adventure in the U.S., they were indignant at how we were prepared to trade our idyllic life style in one of the most coveted “regions gastronomiques de France” for the awful food “mal bouffe” ( unhealthy eating ) that we could expect 3000 miles away. Then, as they continued, what would we do about finding decent wine. Well, we are now five years into that adventure, and no worse for wear. Quite the contrary, we are loving every minute of it. The food? We rave about the quality and diversity of restaurants here on Cape Cod, almost on a daily basis.

 In truth, we are thoroughly spoilt living here year round, and even more so are our guests, who descend upon us every year from all points of the globe. You will probably not need reminding that they can choose to leave the car in our private parking and stroll to three of The Cape’s finest restaurants : The Old Yarmouth Inn ( 1697 ) famous for it’s “spirits” both in the glass and out of it, great seafood and of course it’s wine cellar; The Lyric with its mouth-watering contemporary cuisine, accompanied if you’re lucky by the lovely Anne’s singing; Inaho offering Japanese dishes and a sushi bar.

Maybe you just want a more casual evening. The Black Sheep is our local pub and is once again in Yarmouth Port. The grub is incredibly good, the service friendly and you can always play Trivia if you feel so inclined.

Looking for something special by the water on a warm summer evening. The Sesuit Harbor Cafe, 12 minutes from the Inn, is our summer favorite. It has an irresistible formula all of it’s own. The seafood and fish is hard to beat, the lobster roll may be the best on The Cape. The cafe has a raw bar and you can bring your own wine. All the outdoor tables share breath-taking views across Sesuit Harbor and the yacht marina. Welcome to Cape Cod!

Since we are talking about waterside dining, we have two further favorites that we love and want to share with you. A ten minute taxi ride and you’re at The Mattakeese Wharf family seafood restaurant at Barnstable Harbor. The seafood and service is excellent, and there are stunning views, so try to time your table to take in the sunset. This is a true Cape experience not to be missed, nor is the very special way in which Paul and Dana consistently treat our guests.

The Ocean House is a whole 18 minute drive away and worth that extra effort, and then some! It’s almost being unfair to the other great restaurants, if we were to call this beachside gem our favorite, so we won’t. This is a restaurant NOT to be missed. It’s classy split level layout gives diners stunning views of white sands and the ocean. The cuisine is a very innovative fusion of east meets west, which is always beautifully presented. The ambience has a bustling vibrant edge to it, but at the same time there are tables for that special intimate evening – we have been there for anniversaries. Oh, and we must not forget to thank Janet and Carie, who look after our guests so beautifully every time ( that’s not easy when it’s always so busy ). Book well ahead for this one to avoid disapointment.

So there you have it, seven of the best, each one superb in it’s own right and waiting for you to try it. There are several more worth a special mention – the likes of The Naked Oyster and Fin for example – we shall talk about these another time.