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Washington Inn, Cape May, NJ

Washington Inn

4.8
4.8
8241 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top Tags:
Built in 1840, this former Cape May plantation residence 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 Inns welcoming facade overlooks tree-lined Washington Street in the seaside communitys 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 anyones craving for fine dining. Our enticing menu offers the best of American cuisine, but with an inventive, upscale edge. Food, Service, Ambiance, the essential ingredients for dining excellence, are all deftly blended here at The Washington Inn. We are what "eating out" used to be.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Mediterranean, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (609) 884-5697
  • Website
    http://www.washingtoninn.com/
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    LINDSEY DEBAUN: (609) 884-5697
  • Location
    801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 8,241 people are saying

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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore

    Best Overall

  • Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore

    Best Food

  • Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore

    Best Ambiance

  • Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore

    Great for fine wines

  • Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore

    Romantic

  • Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore

    American

  • South Jersey Shore

    Best Overall

  • South Jersey Shore

    Best Food

  • South Jersey Shore

    Best Ambiance

  • South Jersey Shore

    Great for fine wines

  • South Jersey Shore

    Romantic

  • South Jersey Shore

    Good for special occasions

  • South Jersey Shore

    American

  • South Jersey Shore

    Most Booked

8,241 Reviews

  1. CathieS

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Omg, celebrating a birthday. Food and service (from Meghan) excellent

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    82 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always our meals were fantastic and the service excellent Jessy did a wonderful job

    Is this helpful?

  3. AnnaD

    Atlantic City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service and ambience was excellent here! We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal and service. Will defiantly go back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Experience would’ve been enhanced how do we been in the main dining room and not on the porch?

    Is this helpful?

  6. Barb

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All entrees were delicious. Appetizers and salad was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience fm bar to dinner table. The staff are amazingly friendly & accommodating. My husband has some dietary restrictions. They were able to work with us & we worked with them in adjusting his selections. They comped us dessert. They put his allergies into our record for future visits. We WILL be back. Never had such service ANYWHERE else!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible restaurant- food and service was 10-10 and I will 100% be going back!

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  9. tracy

    Philadelphia

    83 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    83 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our entire experience was awesome. The bar was mobbed but were served within minutes of arriving. Table was lovely. I wish I could remember our servers name. She was excellent. Food was amazing. From apps to dessert. Perfect.

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  10. Ciaobellezza

    Atlantic City

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was superb-the waitress was there for everything we needed-can’t wait to come back

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  11. Rudy

    Philadelphia

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was amazing. Had a cocoon the bar before, great atmosphere

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  12. Nancy61

    Philadelphia

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Melt in your mouth braised lamb shoulder over cavatelli, broccoli rabe with manchego cheese absolutely amazing! Very beautiful restaurant and excellent staff!

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  13. Chipsthediner

    Atlantic City

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Washington Inn has never failed us as place to have an enjoyable dinner out. Attentive staff, excellent food, reasonably priced, lovely ambience. Literally our favorite place to dine, even if we live 2 hours away in suburban Philadelphia!!

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  14. LNG37

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic meal great experience from the moment we entered the restaurant until the moment we left. Great night!

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  15. Foodi

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service and food was excellent - food was brought out in time with no issues waiting for service

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Washington Inn is one of the best places to eat in Cape May. We select it whenever we are celebrating a special occasion and have never been dissapointed.

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  17. katiel

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, amazing food, service, drinks, and ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  18. SusanC

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our entire experience was exceptional! Our waitress was wonderful, the food was delicious the drinks, the dessert, everything, was outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  19. NyNjdine

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our very favorite restaurant in Cape May. Service is impeccable food outstanding. Can’t wait to go back on New Years Eve!

    Is this helpful?

  20. Linnie

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Although the menu is somewhat limited, there is something for everyone. Each entree was spectacular. Imaginatively prepared, and absolutely delicious. Try to dine in the enclosed porch. So cozy and romantic. This restaurant is really special!!!

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  21. CredibleEdible

    Philadelphia

    399 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    399 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently wonderfully prepared courses presented by friendly and attentive staff. This is a full bar establishment but we find the food prices, portion sizes, and pricing window up making it comparable to the local BYOBs. We dine here 2-4x a month off-season and highly recommend this establishment.

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  22. Melanie

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic experience- bartenders were great, food was delicious and the service was good. Can’t wait to come back.

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  23. FoodLover

    New York Area

    76 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great night from every aspect. Greeting, waitress, food, regular and upscale wine list, atmosphere. All perfect. A meal that lived up to expectations.

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  24. CathleenP

    Atlantic City

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been dining here for 27 years however disappointed this time

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  25. AnthonyR

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have never had a bad meal at Washington Inn. The salmon dish was one of the best I’ve had. And the fromage blanc dessert was so light and delicious. One of our favorite places to dine in Cape May.

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  26. Smiles

    Atlantic City

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful restaurant. Also, one of my favorite restaurants.

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  27. Kevin

    Philadelphia

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Always a great evening at The Washington Inn. Sad to see some app's no longer as choices even though they are on the menu as entree's. Great as always though!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had, for the most part, a wonderful evening at The Washington Inn. Our server, Megan, was friendly, courteous, quite knowledgeable about the menu items and extremely competent. Her service was nearly impeccable--although we would have preferred that she had waited until she served our dessert before bringing the espressi and digiustivi. Our only real complaint was with the hostess. We had a late reservation (8:30 pm)n and were led to a virtually empty dining room and were seated next to the only occupied table--a four-top of rather loud,crass individuals. We thought that perhaps the many unoccupied tables were reserved for later arrivals. This turned out to not be the case; there were no other late arrivals. The hostess could have seated us at another table away from the boisterous four-top--she should have known that other tables were available and, even if those tables were not in our server's station, we could have been seated elsewhere without disrupting our server's table assignments.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Everything was actually good, we were just unlucky that a big company was seated just before us and that slowed down our server a lot. She did apologize but it was pretty annoying waiting for service.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best waitress ever food was cooked perfectly. Great experience kid friendly

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  31. MikeD

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was outstanding. Festive holiday decorations. Accommodated small variations to a dish (I.e. sauce on side). Oyster appetizer was so fresh it was like they were just plucked from the sea. Filet mignon and Duck dishes cooked to perfection and so tender they could be cut with forks. The standout was the brussel sprouts side with butternut squash and bacon. One word, superb!! Finished dinner with bananas foster dessert which was scrumptious. The best meal we have had in Cape May hands down.

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  32. frankM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great combination of food, ambiance and service. Special experience

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  33. LynnC

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best restaurants that I’ve ever been to.

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  34. Zeno28

    Philadelphia

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a wonderful experience; food, atmosphere, service…all excellent

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  35. LeslieF

    Atlantic City

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently the best restaurant and bar in Cape May! We chose the off-season Sunday fixed price menu of soup or salad, lobster tail with seared shrimp and ginger miso beurre blanc, and choice of dessert. Excellent mushroom soup, utterly delicious lobster, and a lovely creme brûlée to finish. We added escargots as a starter - always the best. As a Sunday bonus, we were able to bring our own outside wine, which made for a luxurious yet affordable evening.

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  36. local

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best cioppino in town! Loaded with fresh seafood in a delicate broth.

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  37. RichW

    Philadelphia

    83 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was excellent. We were next to the bar and it was a bit loud.

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  38. Clara

    Atlantic City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love the Washington Inn. We eat there every time we are at our beach house which is often. The staff is outstanding and offers service not many restaurants can offer. The sommelier is amazing and really understands your palate. I had the salmon which was a special last night and it’s the best salmon dish I’ve ever had in my life. The mushroom soup this time of year is also a favorite. We always try to eat somewhere else just to change things up but can’t seem to do it as we know we would be missing out on the best meal in town. Thank you to the amazing chef and staff for a true culinary experience every single time.

    Is this helpful?

  39. NJbeachgrl

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently great food and service. My favorite in Cape May.

    Is this helpful?

  40. mrwarshaw

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Second time at the Washington Inn, and second time enjoying the best dining experience my wife and I have ever had. Service is excellent, paced perfectly, and the food is to die for. Creative, but still accessible, good portions that are enough to feel like value but not so much that you feel gigantic at the end, and outstanding flavors. We will always come back to Cape May, and we will always come back to the Washington Inn when we do.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Washington Inn is rated 4.8 stars by 8241 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today
Google Map for Washington Inn

801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Jefferson & Washington
  • Neighborhood
    Cape May
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.washingtoninn.com/
  • Phone number
    (609) 884-5697
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    LINDSEY DEBAUN: (609) 884-5697

Featured in

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