Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Cape Cod and the Islands

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Cape Cod and the Islands? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Van Rensselaer's RESTAURANT & RAW BAR

4.9

4.9 (1383)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Wellfleet

About the restaurant

If you are having difficulty reserving a table on this site please call us directly at 508.349.2127.
Peter and Diane Hall & Chef Derek of Van Rensselaer's proudly continue to serve the freshest locally caught seafood, superbly prepared meats wonderful poultry, and a wide variety of salads, in addition to great homemade sauces, and desserts
Desserts are homemade and Chef Derek was written up for being a top Hawaiian Baking Chef in Hawaii for his Bread Pudding.
We have two small patios, open air with heaters and umbrellas as needed, An eight table screened in awning covered porch as our outside areas.
Our inside tables are well spaced, with black linen table clothes. Staff is noted for its professionalism and friendliness. We welcome you to Van Rensselaer's.

We are proud to say we are Level 1 Green certified! Check out our newly renovated bar for dinner or just a drink.

Top review

NVIP

Dined on Oct 21, 2024

Friendly service, we had potato crusted salmon (outstanding) & mixed grill special also outstanding but overpriced. Didn't know until got the bill.

Black Eyed Susans

4.9

4.9 (238)

$31 to $50

American

Nantucket

About the restaurant

An island institution for over 30 years, BES has recently been reborn under new management and ownership. Chef Todd Edwards returns to create new + old menu item favorites, including BES’ classic linguini w/ clams and tuna tartare. With an intimate and cozy atmosphere, the restaurant features an open kitchen with counter and table service. BYOB.

Breakfast is open! Walk-in only.

Top review

HeidiVIP

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

One of our favorite places in Nantucket! Great service and food-- never disappoints!

Branches Grill and Cafe

4.8

4.8 (31)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Chatham

About the restaurant

Branches Grill & Cafe, Chatham, Ma. Your Local Caribbean Restaurant. A family-owned restaurant in the heart of Chatham, Cape Cod. Locally-sourced ingredients, Caribbean-inspired dishes. A one of a kind restaurant, aimed to electrify and expand the palate, delivering quality food with amazing taste and freshness.

Top review

Steven A .

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

We had a large group 9 people they accommodated us beautifully. Everyone had a wonderful meal and a great experience and we’re adventurous and tried many items from goat to manage water to conch, and everyone was thrilled with their food, as well as plenty to take home and enjoy for another time!!

Nonno Pizza Cucina & Bar

4.7

4.7 (78)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hyannis

About the restaurant

Welcome to Nonno Pizza Cucina & Bar we look forward to serving you.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 6, 2024

excellent service, great food, a great place to dine with the family

Governor Bradford Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (37)

$30 and under

American

Provincetown

About the restaurant

Located in a building with a unique and telling history, we bring to the table classic dishes with a traditional Cape Cod feel and a new twist. Focusing on local, fresh, ingredients, our chef demonstrates how innovation can make old feel renewed. The bar room has been updated with a state of the art draught system. It is our privilege to be pouring craft beers from the most coveted breweries near and far. We hope you join us soon to enjoy our offerings.

Top review

Pat

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

The new "new" Gov Bradford is fun and a great place to hang out with friends. Drag Queen Karaoke is a must!

Knots Landing Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (38)

$31 to $50

Italian

Chatham

About the restaurant

Welcome to Knots Landing: the New Home of New England Pizza Chatham!

The Malitas family are pleased to announce they've opened a new restaurant. Brother and Sister Philip and Sophia Malitas had the desire to own a restaurant for over 30 years. They opened New England Pizza in 1987 and have been serving the town of Chatham ever since.

With a love for the community and when the opportunity arose they purchased as well as totally renovated what is now known as Knots Landing Bar & Grill located at 1077 Main Street in Chatham. The dream of owning an upscale restaurant that is casual and family friendly has come true!

Please stop by Knots Landing lunch or dinner to try our amazing cuisine and don't forget to bring the family.

Top review

HeatherVIP

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

Knots is a hidden gem. Don’t let the giant New England Pizza sign out front distract you. Yes, they have yummy pizza but they also have fantastic burgers, seafood and pasta.

Square Rigger

4.5

4.5 (31)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Edgartown

About the restaurant

Nestled in the charming town of Edgartown on the scenic Martha's Vineyard, indulge in a dining experience like no other at the Square Rigger. Renowned for serving the freshest seafood and highest quality meats available, this restaurant is a true gem in the heart of the island.

At the Square Rigger, we believe in providing our guests with more than just a meal; we strive to create an unforgettable culinary adventure. From the moment you step through our doors, you will be greeted with warm hospitality and impeccable service.

Top review

robert

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

It’s was excellent start to finish. Food was amazing and staff was very attentive.

Not Your Average Joe's Hyannis

4.1

4.1 (819)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Hyannis

About the restaurant

Not Your Average Joe's Hyannis offers a menu inspired by American cuisine. Its menu is stylish, contemporary and includes fresh oysters, gourmet pizzas, rice bowls and a variety of burgers. During a daily Happy Hour at Not Your Average Joe's Kitchen & Bar, diners can also enjoy both drink and appetizer specials.

Not Your Average Joe's Hyannis is located in the Cape Cod Mall, minutes off Route 6 (Mid-Cape Highway). Join us for dinner and a movie at Regal Cinemas Cape Cod Mall 12, or shop at a variety of stores nearby from Sears to Trader Joe's. There is plenty of nearby lodging, including Courtyard by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cape Cod, the Hyannis Host Inn, and Holiday Inn Cape Cod - Hyannis. The Barnstable Municipal Airport is moments away, as is the Hyannis-Nantucket Ferry at Hyannis Terminal.

Top review

Daniel

Dined 3 days ago

Seasonal entrees make it special. This time it was the Roast Pork Tenderloins and the Shrimp Scampi. And, of course, the pre-meal bread and oil.

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Roadhouse Cafe

4.0

4 (55)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hyannis

About the restaurant

At Road House Hyannis, we believe that great food and great company are inseparable. Our mission is to craft unforgettable dining experiences through outstanding service and delectable comfort cuisine. We are dedicated to using the freshest ingredients and supporting local farmers.

Top review

Angie

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

We were so excited when the Roadhouse Cafe reopened with new owners. They have done an outstanding job of keeping the quality of dining and service on the same level. Food choices were excellent. Preparation was perfect. Service was outstanding. We purposely chose to visit an evening that they have a jazz group performance. Outstanding! A wonderful evening.

Bay Cafe

3.6

3.6 (13)

$30 and under

American

Provincetown

About the restaurant

Bay Cafe (former Bayside Betsy's location) in Provincetown, MA is a fantastic place to grab a meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In addition to our great menu, delicious food, and chef's specials, our restaurant is right on the water with magical views of Cape Cod Bay.

Our breakfast/Brunch menu offers our traditional comfort food regulars including pancakes and french toast. Or go all out with our variety of eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and the brunch burger (a bacon cheese burger with a fried egg).

Lunch options include Soups, salads, wings, fried fish sandwiches, burgers and seafood - including everyone's favorite lobster roll.

Dinner is just as tempting with our classic chicken parmigiana, broiled seafood sampler, and pasta carbonara.

Enjoy your meal in our water-view dining room, spacious deck, or our comfortable bar. If you're in in the mood for take-out, order to-go at www.BayCafePtown.com.

We'll see you soon!

Top review

Maureen

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

The five of us enjoyed our meals. This rest is waterfront so the views are amazing.

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