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Washington Inn, Cape May, NJ

Washington Inn

4.8 (9138)
$50 and over
American
801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 59 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
Built in 1840, this Cape May estate is now home to the acclaimed Washington Inn and Wine Bar. The Craig Family has carefully preserved the beauty & essence of this distinctive treasure without undertaking major alterations to its original form. The Inn's welcoming facade overlooks tree-lined Washington Street in the seaside community Historic District. The Washington Inn offers six unique dining areas, from a summer patio to cozy fireside tables. Cocktails are a must in the Wine Bar, where the passing Cape May scene can be best appreciated. Often described as romantic, our easy-going elegance will satisfy anyone's craving for fine dining. Our enticing menu offers the best of American cuisine but with an inventive, upscale edge. Food, Service, and Ambiance, the essential ingredients for dining excellence, are all masterfully blended here at the Washington Inn. Come experience it for yourself!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Mediterranean, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Miriam Wood
  • Catering
    The Washington Inn provides off-premise catering at whatever location you desire. We are expert at arranging details, creating just the right look, and, of course, offering your guests the highest quality food & attention available. Our catering staff will help you plan an outstanding event, customized to your needs and budget. The Inn caters early- afternoon wedding receptions for up to 125 people on premises. If your guest list is longer, we can help to arrange a reception at the Cape May Beach Club, the Isaac Smith Vineyard, Cape May Winery, your home or wherever you prefer.
  • Neighborhood
    Cape May
  • Cross street
    Jefferson & Washington
  • Parking details
    We offer Complimentary Valet Parking - simply drive up to the front of the restaurant on Washington Street and our valet will happily park your car, free of charge!
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Cellar Series Wine Dinner - Kermit Lynch

    $162.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 18, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    This edition of our Cellar Series is truly something special. Our in-house sommeliers are absolutely thrilled about these selections, and trust us, you should be, too. In 1972, a self-proclaimed “penniless musician” named Kermit Lynch took a $5,000 loan, bought 35 cases of wine, and unknowingly built an empire. Fast forward 50+ years, and he’s one of America's most legendary wine importers, bringing in over 500,000 cases annually from Italy and France. Now, we’re bringing his incredible portfolio straight to your glass. Our Cellar Series Wine Dinners are the crown jewel of the Washington Inn & Wine Bar—intimate, expertly curated, and always in high demand. This exclusive evening features highly sought-after selections from Kermit Lynch, perfectly paired with elevated cuisine from Chef Vincent and Chef Maria. Expect an unforgettable night of top-tier wines, exquisite dishes, and engaging conversation. This event will sell out fast, so don’t wait—secure your seat now and prepare for a next-level wine experience. Questions? Please email winecellar@washingtoninn.com
    Cellar Series Wine Dinner - Kermit Lynch Photo
  • Somm's Table - Iconic España

    $75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 25, 2025 only
    3:00 PM
    Somm's Table, hosted by our in-house wine experts, hosts up to 16 guests in our cozy Wine Cellar. Four wines are paired with four canapés created by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste. The focus is on enjoying a rare, unique wine alongside fellow wine enthusiasts. Featuring four half-glass pours, Somm's Table creates a relaxed, small-group setting to savor and learn about a luxurious, exclusive wine from our library or cellar. Center stage on this Somm's Table are stars of Spain: Icons of Iberia, Greats of Galicia, and Rockstars of Rioja! Age-worthy Albariño from one of the original 14 growers who elevated the potential of Rías Baixas. Samsó (aka Carignan) is shared with us from this Grand Cru parcel from Costers del Priorat, deep in the Catalan countryside. Sample of the 60-year-old vine Garnacha from a village in the southeast of the province of Ávila. Conde de Hervías is a powerful Tempranillo and Graciano only produced in the best vintages and minimal quantities from pre-Phyloxera vines on the Ebro River bank. And, of course, each wine is tastefully paired with a small bite (canapé) prepared by our Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.
    Somm's Table - Iconic España Photo
  • Somm's Table - Studying Syrah

    $75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jun 15, 2025 only
    3:00 PM
    Join us on Sunday, June 15, at 3 PM in our Wine Cellar for an intimate, 16-seat tasting dedicated to Syrah’s remarkable versatility. From the peppery elegance of Northern Rhône to the bold fruit of Barossa Valley and the refined balance of California, we’ll explore how terroir shapes this dynamic varietal. Guided by our in-house Sommeliers, Tyler and April, and thoughtfully paired with a canapé crafted by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste, this experience will deepen your appreciation for Syrah’s diverse expressions.
    Somm's Table - Studying Syrah Photo

What 9,138 people are saying

Washington Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cape May

    Best Overall

  • Cape May

    Best Food

  • Cape May

    Best Service

  • Cape May

    Best Ambiance

  • Cape May

    Best Value

  • Cape May

    Healthy

  • Cape May

    Romantic

  • Cape May

    Good for special occasions

  • Cape May

    Lively

  • Cape May

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Washington Inn offers a consistently wonderful dining experience in Cape May, with "fantastic service," "delicious food," and a "great atmosphere." Guests praise its "top notch" wine selection and "outstanding" desserts. The charming setting, attentive staff, and beautifully presented dishes make it a favorite spot for special occasions and repeat visits.
9,138 Reviews
  1. Dorothy

    New Jersey4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Short ribs were dry & my husband’s steak was under cooked. I had high expectations I did ask to change table because at first it was loud but hostess never came back over to change table so we stayed. But besides all that they did give us a complimentary anniversary dessert

    Is this helpful?

  2. Joe

    New York City1 review

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    See Bear‘s dinner had no flavor even the vegetables and the sauce were bland Caesar salad and never has all anchovies. Also, you had to cut your own glass in order to mix in the dressing. Crabcakes were outstanding

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  3. L VIP

    Baltimore61 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always perfect! Fantastic dining experience and beautiful presentation!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Bonnie

    Philadelphia6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    I ordered the filet mignon and paid $19 extra for lump crab. Very little crab and I was as specific just pink. Medium well. Half of it was rare. When my waiter asked him w my meal was I showed him it was not done properly. I thought he would bring a manager but instead I got the bill. My friend ordered short ribs and there was a lot of grizzle. My meal was $108. It should have been perfect. I have been here many times before and it was delicious. Just not Mother’s Day.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Mary Beth VIP

    Atlantic City137 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Requested larger table when we arrived. Second area of porch area towards the side of the restaurant was very bright and roomy.

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  6. Rosemary VIP

    New York City12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a wonderful Mother's Day brunch at the Washington Inn. The food was amazing and we had a great time.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Cindy

    Atlantic City15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love the Inn. Our favorite special place to be. Food, atmosphere, service and all of the rest! What a wonderful way to spend my birthday and Mother’s Day. The menu was perfect. Excellent selections to choose from. I had a hard time deciding. I wanted most of them. My friend and I picked different meals so we could share everything. We were so full we couldn’t finish dessert. Thank you for the special surprise birthday ice cream. Thank you for a very special day.

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  8. Ginger

    Washington DC8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very pretty rooms. All food was special, sometimes in subtle ways. Fine seevice

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  9. Lynda VIP

    Atlantic City46 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter Drew is amazing. We visit Washington Inn several times a year. It never disappoints , Sea Bass was off the charts. Seafood Cioppino was absolutely fabulous . Great night as usual. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Carol VIP

    Philadelphia10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Washington inn has always been a staple for us for a really nice occasion and great meal. It is consistently top notch with a great atmosphere and always great food! Love the crab cakes!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Washington Inn is rated 4.8 stars by 9138 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Cape May
  5. Cape May

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 59 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Washington Inn

801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Jefferson & Washington
  • Neighborhood
    Cape May
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Mediterranean, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    We offer Complimentary Valet Parking - simply drive up to the front of the restaurant on Washington Street and our valet will happily park your car, free of charge!
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Miriam Wood
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    The Washington Inn provides off-premise catering at whatever location you desire. We are expert at arranging details, creating just the right look, and, of course, offering your guests the highest quality food & attention available. Our catering staff will help you plan an outstanding event, customized to your needs and budget. The Inn caters early- afternoon wedding receptions for up to 125 people on premises. If your guest list is longer, we can help to arrange a reception at the Cape May Beach Club, the Isaac Smith Vineyard, Cape May Winery, your home or wherever you prefer.
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