Where to Eat Outdoors: Cape Cod’s Best Outdoor Dining

By Jeanette Robinson 04/25/25

Where to Eat Outdoors: Cape Cod’s Best Outdoor Dining. Enjoying a meal in the great outdoors encourages us to take a moment to relax and appreciate life's daily experiences, particularly those involving food. Luckily, outdoor dining is available at many Cape Cod restaurants, whether it's cozy patio dining or a waterfront table with a view, here are a few of our top picks while staying with us at Frederick William House on Cape Cod during your visit.

The Canteen: Settle into the oceanfront backyard of this cherished Provincetown community restaurant, where locally-sourced ingredients are the highlight throughout the day in the scratch kitchen offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This spot combines the charm of a classic seafood shack with modern American cuisine, featuring delicious menu options that offer healthy twists on Cape Cod classics, appealing to all ages. It's rumored that the lobster roll is heavenly, and the Crispy Brussel Sprouts are the must-try dish of the day. Locals recommend not missing the Saturday sticky buns and Wednesday bagels!

Siena: Who says you can't have everything? This place combines the hills of Tuscany with the dunes of the Cape right in Mashpee Commons. This local gem is celebrated for its genuine Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Enjoy an evening of al fresco dining with friends and family at one of the restaurant's outdoor patio tables, embracing the European tradition. The hand-selected wine list perfectly complements the seasonal menu specials. Bringing children along? You'll appreciate the outstanding and diverse kids menu! Their motto encapsulates it perfectly: Live well, eat well, be social.

Fishermen’s View: This culinary gem combines a seafood market, featuring flash market lobster sales, with a boat-to-table restaurant experience. True to its name, it offers panoramic dining views of the Cape Cod Canal and Sandwich Marina. Guests can enjoy watching the unique vessel traffic and unloading activities while indulging in creative dishes that put a modern spin on Cape Cod classics, all made with freshly caught seafood. Be sure to try the highly recommended “knuckle sandwich” for an exceptional lobster experience.

Wellfleet Bookstore & Restaurant: Transform any weekday into a memorable experience by enjoying waterfront dining with stunning views of Wellfleet Harbor, offering classic Cape seafood dishes that the entire family will love. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for both lunch and dinner, featuring irresistible french fries and a fig martini worth mentioning. Relax on the upstairs balcony and savor dessert as you await the awe-inspiring sunset.

Flying Bridge Restaurant: Waterfront dining reaches new heights on the outdoor multi-level deck at the Flying Bridge restaurant in Falmouth. The tables provide expansive views of the lively Falmouth Harbor, and you might catch a glimpse of the Island Queen ferry as it sails to the Vineyard. The vibrant dockside setting, complete with yachts and boats as a backdrop, offers a unique and cosmopolitan dining experience with freshly prepared seafood. Be sure to try the signature mud pie, even if you can only manage a bite!

Skipper Restaurant: The 1936 original, known for its triple crown chowder showcased on the Travel Channel, an ice cream shack, and stunning views of Nantucket Sound, stands as one of Cape Cod's oldest waterfront restaurants and a must-visit in South Yarmouth. The Skipper team is dedicated to serving freshly cooked entrees to both locals and visitors, offering beloved seaside dishes and a specialty sundae menu that elevates the ice cream experience.

Spanky's: Visit Spanky's Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon, where you can enjoy award-winning seafood on Hyannis Harbor in a nostalgic Olde Cape Cod waterfront setting that everyone will cherish. Offering everything from New England-style lobster feasts to delicious seafood chowders, this is no ordinary clam shack. Take a seat on the outdoor patio, and you might find that dining here quickly becomes one of your favorite traditions.

Anejo: This outdoor Mexico bistro and taqueria in Hyannis serves genuine Mexican market cuisine with a unique Cape Cod flair and boasts a charming outdoor seating area beneath a magnificent 250-year-old BeechTree adorned with lanterns, earning five stars for its ambiance. Be sure to try the "Main Street" corn and the essential Margarita selection. Their sister restaurant in Falmouth provides an equally delightful outdoor dining experience on the patio, with views of Falmouth's scenic downtown.

Clancy’s: If menus that change with the seasons excite your taste buds, visit this beloved restaurant open all year for a meal by the water and tranquil views of the Swan River in Dennisport. The natural beauty creates a perfect setting for a romantic evening on the outdoor deck. Don't miss out on ordering the house specialty, baked stuffed quahog!

For more outdoor dining options on Cape Cod, click here!

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Categories: Food & Drink