Nothing says summer on Cape Cod quite like a lobster feast. Not only is lobster decadently delicious, it’s also harvested by fisheries on the Cape. When you order a lobster dinner, it’s a win/win. You’re in for a treat, and you’re supporting local fishermen at the same time.
The beauty of lobster is that it can be served in so many delectable ways, a fact that many Cape eateries have celebrated through their own signature creations.
TheShack Out Back Raw Barin Hyannis is an outdoor patio oasis tucked behind The Black Cat Tavern. Start your meal with a chilled lobster co*cktail and some creamy lobster bisque before moving on to a lobster salad roll or traditional boiled lobster dinner, all while enjoying live acoustic entertainment and specialty co*cktails.
For lobster with a view, visitThe Flying Bridgeoverlooking bustling Falmouth Harbor. Fresh lobster tail is a highlight of their magnificent seafood tower from the raw bar, or go the more traditional route with steamed lobster or a lobster bake with corn, red potatoes, steamers and mussels.
At thein Wellfleet, you can order lobster three ways while catching a sunset from their deck overlooking the harbor. Purists will love the boiled lobster, while those looking to step up their game can order the baked stuffed lobster, filled with crabmeat stuffing and topped with scallops.
The sunset vistas of Cape Cod Bay are equally stunning at theOcean Terrace Restaurantat the in Brewster. A must-try is their butter-poached lobster, served over peppercorn tagliatelle with tarragon cream, peas, charred corn and morel mushrooms. If you visit at lunchtime, a local favorite is their lovely lobster salad, served with a light lemon aioli on a freshly baked croissant.
You know lobster is a specialty when the word is in the restaurant’s name.The Lobster Potin Provincetown lives up to its title by offering lobster in almost any form you can imagine. You can find everything from lobster avocado co*cktail, lobster egg rolls and lobster tacos to lobster ravioli, lobster Newburg and lobster pot pie.
in Eastham offers a similar variety, with decadent lobster bisque, hot or cold lobster rolls in two sizes and steamed lobster dinners among their lobster selections. Arnold’s fried lobster basket - served with hot drawn butter – is always a crowd-pleaser, and their award-winning homemade onion rings are the perfect companion to any of the above.
TheBeach House Grillat Chatham Bars Inn proves that lobster can be an amazing brunch item, as well as a main course for lunch or dinner. Their popular Lobster Benedict features toasted English muffins with lobster chunks smothered in a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce.
Lobster is also on the brunch menu at The Mattakeese Wharfin Barnstable, in the form of a lobster quiche with Swiss cheese and scallions. Additionally, the waterfront restaurant serves lobster salad plates, fried lobster tacos and lobster risotto with shiitake mushrooms, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese on their lunch and dinner menus.
The star of the lobster choices atMoby Dick’sin Wellfleet is their steamed clambake. You can choose any size lobster you desire and it comes with one pound of Chatham steamers and corn on the cob. While you’re there, be sure to ask about how the owners’ romance began as a result of this particular menu item.
For an upscale treatment of lobster,Twenty-Eight Atlanticat the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich is the place to go. You can order a lobster carbonara appetizer with al dente bucatini pasta, crispy pancetta, peas and sweet corn, or indulge in the butter-braised lobster entrée with sweet corn tamale, chorizo and a lovely lobster nage sauce.
When visiting Nantucket Island, the signature lobster mac and cheese at theBrant Point Grillat the White Elephant is not to be missed. They also serve two-pound lobsters, boiled or grilled, either as a stand-alone dish or as surf and turf for two with filet mignon.
For a lobster dinner that is literally on the water, theLobster Roll Cruisesaboard the S.S. Lobster out of Sesuit Harbor in Dennis are a fun way to celebrate all things lobster. Their lobster rolls are famous and the views are gorgeous. The cruises fill up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended.
Those hoping to pair their lobster fix with a romantic evening should considerArt’s Dune Tours. Art’s offers a two-hour sunset tour through the dunes of Provincetown with a beachside New England clambake dinner. In addition to the usual fixings, you can choose between clam chowder or Portuguese kale soup.
And last, but certainly not least, do it yourselfers can buy fresh local lobsters to cook right at home at many places around the Cape, including Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, Roche Brothers, Market Basket, Whole Foods and Osterville Fish. If you prefer to dine at home without the mess of cooking, most lobster retailers will steam your lobsters for you on site. All you need to do is melt the butter and enjoy!
