If you’re looking for some of the coziest spots to escape the winter chill and grab a bite, these Cape Cod and Nantucket restaurants should be at the top of your list. From classic French dishes paired with a live jazz band to drinks near a roaring fireplace, check out these eight spots to wine, dine and keep warm.
Town (Nantucket)
A candle-lit dining room and breathtaking marble fireplace immediately set the mood in Town, a restaurant known for its Indian meets Southeast Asian cuisine. Start with delectable appetizers like a spicy tuna roll or grilled naan with hummus and pickled vegetables. For the main course, the menu features dishes such as red wine braised short ribs, Thai chicken bowls with sweet and sticky coconut sauce, and Portuguese seafood stew. Try the local favorite truffle fries drizzled in truffle oil with parsley and pecorino.
Bleu (Mashpee)
Enjoy a taste of France at Bleu, a rustic yet elegant French Bistro on Cape Cod. Relax under the golden lights in the dining room as you feast on traditional dishes like duck confit, escargot drenched in garlic butter, and roast chicken crusted in sea salt with apple cranberry jam. On Sundays, stop by for brunch and enjoy the smooth tunes of talented jazz musicians. And you can’t miss out on the desserts, from the hot chocolate truffle cake to the Raspberry Chambord Crème Brûlée.
Courtyard Restaurant & Bar (Cataumet)
Offering up tavern-like vibes, this spot is your one-stop shop for fresh local seafood and brick-oven pizza. Get cozy by the outdoor fire pit under strings of twinkling lights, or tuck in at one of the tables near the roaring fireplace and dig into some delicious pub grub. Indulge in the creamy house-made clam chowder, steamed mussels or buffalo chicken dip. In the mood for pizza? Try the blackened shrimp – it’s got a Cajun kick and is topped with tomato, cheddar, and mozzarella with house aioli. And if you’re visiting for dinner, you might stumble on local bands performing in the courtyard.
Scargo Café (Dennis)
Just a short drive from the Cape’s famous Mayflower Beach, this easygoing eatery is perfect for a late lunch or dinner with a sunset. Get comfy in a quiet leather booth or sit at the tavern’s bar while browsing the menu of bar bites like boneless wings, artichoke dip and lobster rolls. Warm up with craft brew on tap or sip a glass of Chianti. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a handcrafted cocktail, and the Scargo Hot Toddy with clove and cinnamon hits the spot.
The Dolphin (Barnstable Village)
You’ll feel like you’re having a meal at Grandma’s house at The Dolphin, a Barnstable Village hotspot decked out in kitschy knickknacks, colorful floral arrangements and charming paintings. Relax at a table by the white-brick fireplace adorned with twinkle lights and order dishes like wedge salad with lobster, fried clam strips, or the classic Cape Cod Reuben with fried local cod, swiss cheese, and house-made slaw.
Ciro & Sals (Provincetown)
You can’t help but feel cozy when dining at Ciro & Sals, a popular seafood and Italian restaurant in Provincetown. From the dimly lit dining room crafted from red brick to the hundreds of wine bottles hanging from the ceiling, it offers a homey and rustic vibe that’s a throwback to Italy. Ask for a table by the tiny fireplace and enjoy a menu of classic plates, such as lasagna, breaded veal cutlets, and chicken parmigiana. Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Order the light and zesty lemon cake served with lemon cream.
Brotherhood of Thieves (Nantucket)
Why dine at one restaurant when you can experience four distinct concepts under one roof? At Brotherhood of Thieves in Nantucket, you can grab a bite at the original 1840s Whaling Bar & Tavern, sip a cocktail at the Notch Whiskey Bar, enjoy beach-inspired bites at the Cisco Kitchen & Bar, or grab a beer at the Beer Garden (only open during the warmer months). Check out the raw bar featuring fresh oysters from local farms. Or, dig into juicy burgers piled high with bacon, cheese and caramelized onions. And don’t skip dessert— the warm apple crisp with cranberry granola is heavenly!
Hearth n’ Kettle (Hyannis)
Nestled inside the Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis, Hearth n’ Kettle is a beloved local restaurant known for its all-day breakfast and classic New England chow. Featuring an old-timey vibe with muskets on the walls, a rustic fireplace and hearth and period decor, this beloved spot is a great place to indulge in good ‘ole comfort food. Dig into fluffy omelets stuffed with fresh local veggies, try the decadent chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate drizzle, or for something savory, the buttermilk fried chicken with macaroni and cheese is a must-eat.
