Food lovers who visit the Cape will no doubt relish in the abundance of fresh seafood this coastal village has to offer. A favorite of both locals and visitors is the renowned lobster roll- comprised of succulent lobster meat served on a toasted open-top roll. Of course, in their desire to serve something unique, you’ll find variations of this traditional seafood fare in restaurants all over the Cape.
To assist you in your quest for the ‘perfect’ lobster roll -one that will awaken your senses and tantalize your taste buds, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best lobster rolls on Cape Cod to help you narrow down your search:
Sesuit Harbor Café / Dennis- a family owned business for over 17 years, the Sesuit is your classic Cape Cod ‘shack’ eatery overlooking a bustling marina on beautiful Cape Cod Bay. The Sesuit Harbor café offers its diners a hefty mouthwatering lobster roll that is well worth seeking out. We guarantee your appetite will be satisfied with their five to six ounces of fresh lobster meat served cascading over a traditional split-top open bun. For about $19 you’re sure to become an avid fan of this savory seafood delight, which is always accompanied by a traditional side of fries and slaw.
The Friendly Fisherman / North Eastham– winner of ‘The Best Lobster Rolls’ by Cape Cod Magazine and a favorite of celebrity chef Rachel Ray, the lobster rolls served at the Friendly Fisherman never disappoints its customers. Considered one of the most ‘honest’ rolls on the Cape, it’s made from fresh, picked-on-the- premises lobster meat daily. Served on a massive top-split bun, you’ll find this lobster roll brimming with generous pieces of tail, knuckle and claw meat, lightly tossed with mayo and served on a simple leaf of lettuce. Without a doubt, the Fisherman serves a top-notch lobster roll that will cost you about $21 and keep you coming back for more!
The Raw Bar / Mashpee and Hyannis –with two locations on the Cape, this seafood haven proudly serves one of the top ‘10 Lobster Rolls in America’ ranked by Food and Wine. We recommend you seek out the original location in Mashpee; which for some tourists -might be a bit of a challenge to find. No worries though, your GPS can guide you to this hidden gem; and as soon as your lobster roll arrives, you’ll know it was worth the venture. The lobster roll at this Cape hideaway is overflowing with fresh meat enhanced with a just a bit of mayo that will send your taste buds into orbit and satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Served with a side of drawn butter, the Raw Bar’s version is more than enough to feed two people. Make sure you bring your wallet along because this immensely popular lobster roll will set you back about $30.
Skipper Chowder House / South Yarmouth- established in 1936, the Skipper not only serves up 3 delicious variations of their lobster roll, it has also has breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound. Whether you choose their traditional roll filled with 4 ounces of prime lobster meat on a toasted bun, the Lobster Roll Supreme-brimming with a half-pound of chunky meat atop a toasted bun or the Wicked Awesome- a half pound of hot fresh lobster on a grilled brioche- you just can’t go wrong at this award winning waterfront restaurant on the Cape. All the lobster roll options at this eatery come with either seasoned kettle chips or fries and a side of slaw, with the cost of each based on market price.
Chatham Pier Fish Market / Chatham– the Chatham is a popular spot among the locals due to its location. Consisting of a seafood market, shack and working fish pier- we can confidently say, you are guaranteed to get a lobster roll chock full of freshly caught, choice meat. Making it a bit unique than the other classic lobster rolls in the area, the Chatham’s is served on a bed on broad leaf lettuce nestled into a warm split-top open bun, topped off with a generous dusting of paprika-which gives it a distinctive reddish hue. The delicious lobster roll’s cost at this seafood shack is listed at ‘market price,’ but we think you’ll agree…any price is worth it for this little taste of heaven.
Mac’s Seafood / Wellfleet- as a Cape Cod native, owner Mac Hay is known on the island for creating some of the best seafood dishes in town; and his scrumptious lobster roll is one of the locals’ favorites! Having personal and long standing relationships with many of the lobstermen and fisherman ensures the lobster he packs on top of every roll at Mac’s is hand selected and super-fresh daily. In addition to the traditional roll, which will run you about $18, Mac’s also offers the ‘Lazy Man’s Lobster Roll’ for $24- consisting of 5 generous ounces of succulent lobster meat sautéed in butter- piled high on a grilled hot dog bun with fries and a side of slaw.
Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar / Eastham –celebrating its 40th year in business, Arnold’s is known as a super busy tourist destination because of its mouth-watering seafood cuisine, miniature golf course and popular ice cream shack on the premises. But, that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing one of the best lobster rolls on the Cape. Their fresh hand-selected meat is available either hot (with butter) or cold (gently tossed with mayo) served overflowing on a traditional open-top bun that is a true lobster lover’s delight. And, if you are really into eating lobster, you can even order a jumbo version of Arnold’s roll with twice the amount of meat. At this bustling lobster and clam bar you’ll pay market price for your lobster roll, served with a side of chips and slaw.
The Lobster Trap / Bourne -the Lobster Trap is a classic New England seafood shack and market housed in a quaint, shingled building overlooking the Black River on the Cape. This charming eatery never disappoints its visitors in search of a high quality, fresh lobster roll! The Trap’s lobster roll consists of a hefty helping of premium lobster meat tossed gently with mayo, resting on a bed of lettuce served on warm grilled brioche. Here, a lobster roll will cost you about $25 -which is comparable with other area restaurants. With its vibrant seafaring atmosphere, your visit to the Lobster Trap will not only be a delicious one, but a memorable one as well.
Seafood Shanty / Bournedale Established back in the late 1950’s, the Seafood Shanty is perhaps one of the best kept secrets on the Cape- so you’ll definitely want to stop by when you’re in search of a tasty lobster roll. Located on scenic Route 6 close to the mainland side of the canal, it is the perfect place to satisfy your lobster craving on your way into the Cape or on your way out heading home. Even though we know looks can be deceiving, this simple roadside stand is renowned throughout the Cape for serving up immense lobster rolls brimming with fresh meat from the tail, knuckle and claw tossed with just a touch of mayo then scooped on top of a slit-top bun. For about $24 you can satisfy your appetite with this hefty lobster roll served with a side of fries-especially if you get stuck in traffic!
Cape Cod Lobster Rolls/ Onset – How could we not pay tribute on our list to a place that is actually called Cape Cod Lobster Rolls? This terrific seafood eatery is a quaint unassuming café located across the street from beautiful Onset Beach. Not only do they serve a deliciously gratifying lobster roll overflowing with lightly seasoned chunks of fresh meat on a toasted buttery bun, they also offer other variations of the traditional roll- like lobster quesadilla and lobster grilled cheese. Fans of this eatery boast that there are never long lines to eat here and their ‘awesome’ lobster rolls that melt in your mouth start at only $14. Definitely worth the trip to hang out at Onset for the day, and well worth the money!