10 Best Spots for Oysters on Cape Cod

10 Best Spots for Oysters on Cape Cod. Oysters have been a part of Cape Cod's history for a long time. Native Americans in the area frequently enjoyed these bivalves, and the colonists adopted the practice after they settled there. Nowadays, enjoying this raw bar staple is essential for any visit to Cape Cod. Here are our top picks across the Cape for savoring them straight from the shell or enjoying them fried.

The Naked Oyster & Raw Bar In Hyannis, the restaurant focuses on local seafood and offers a raw bar menu almost as extensive as its dinner options. Oysters, sourced daily from their own farm in Barnstable Harbor, are served in a variety of styles. You can opt for the classic raw oyster with mignonette sauce, enjoy gimlet oysters with gin, cucumber, and lime, or try them baked with various toppings.

The Wicked Oyster In Wellfleet, the focus is on local oysters sourced from the nearby tidal flats of Wellfleet, just a short distance from the restaurant. They highlight the oysters' natural flavors by using minimal toppings. You can enjoy them raw on the half shell or savor a rich oyster stew. Try their house specialty, buttermilk fried oysters, which are a local dinner favorite.

 Wellfleet Bookstore & Restaurant: This hot spot buzzes with people feasting on the fruits of the sea that are pulled from Wellfleet Bay, just a few yards away. Visit for the waterfront views and linger for the seafood, featuring oysters on the half shell, oyster stew, oysters Rockefeller, and the highly popular Oyster Po’Boy—fried oysters on butter-grilled French bread with remoulade sauce. For those who prefer non-oyster options, the hearty serving of spicy Portuguese stew is among their most cherished dishes.

 Scargo Cafe: Located on the historic Route 6A in Dennis, the delightful Scargo Cafe invites you to enjoy one of their 20+ wines by the glass, perfectly paired with locally sourced oysters on the half shell. For a more indulgent experience, try the restaurant's exquisite Oysters Scargo appetizer, which is baked and stuffed with artichoke, spinach, cheese, and bacon.

Bleu in Mashpee Commons offers a touch of France to the Upper Cape by adding a New England twist to traditional French cuisine. Begin with seasonal oysters for yourself, or share the fruit de mer platter, which is loaded with crab legs, tuna, oysters, and clams, with the table.

The Canteen: in Provincetown combines a relaxed seafood shack atmosphere with slightly more refined versions of classic summer comfort food. Enjoy fried oysters as a starter or in a brioche bun for a hearty oyster roll. The menu also includes beer and wine.

Mac’s Shack: You'll find great dining in Wellfleet at Mac’s Shack, a lively restaurant with a rich local history. Relish a few oysters on the half shell prepared traditionally, or try one of the Oyster Flutes like The Ruby Flute, featuring Wellfleet oysters, Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka, and citrus fruit. During summer, relax on the patio and enjoy everything from fish tacos and sushi to fried seafood platters (including oysters, of course)!

Bucatino's Restaurant & Wine Bar: in North Falmouth offers a unique take on chilled oysters, serving them with a blood orange mignonette. Alongside a full raw bar, indulge in Bucatino's exquisite Italian dishes and seafood favorites, including fresh salmon, codfish, and Lobster Tagliatelle.

 Beachcomber: This is a beloved beach bar on the Cape, they provide much more than just Cape Codders on ice. Their raw bar is extensive. Watch as fresh oysters and clams are shucked right before your eyes, or choose tuna sashimi, shrimp, lobster, or oyster shooters. For those who enjoy hot oysters, the fried oyster po' boy is a delight.

The Lobster Pot: in Provincetown is a popular spot for locals and a must-visit for summer tourists. For over 40 years, this iconic place has been serving local seafood and dishes with a Portuguese twist. The raw bar is renowned for its speedy oyster shuckers on the Cape. You can even customize your own oyster and appetizer platter. Just be sure to save room for a mug of their famous clam chowder!

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Categories: Food & Drink