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Washington Inn, Cape May, NJ

Washington Inn

4.9 (9128)
$50 and over
American
801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 47 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
  • Charming
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

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What 9,128 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

4.9
4.9 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 in Cape May offers a "consistently great dining experience" with "fantastic oysters," "exceptional service," and an "impressive wine selection." The ambiance is "elegant but understated," and guests rave about the "phenomenal" food, from seafood to short ribs. Many highlight the "attentive staff" and the "cozy, inviting atmosphere."

9,128 Reviews
  1. Mr. & Mrs. John

    New York City24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Enjoyed the experience. Our server, Sonata was excellent. She timed our meal perfectly, and made excellent suggestions. Also, great personality. The restaurant has a calming, relaxing atmosphere of you are sitting far from the piano bar. Food was presented beautifully and was delicious. We both had the burrata, then sea bass and short rib. Enjoy.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tom

    New York City24 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I ordered rack of lamb, medium rare. The meat was RAW, not rare, but raw. It went back and I was given a tasteless meat with loaded with grizzle. I've eaten rack of lamb numerous times and this was, by far, the worst.

    Is this helpful?

  3. James VIP

    New York City105 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server Rachel was charming and attentive. Shrimp cocktail, sea bass, steak tartare (Rachel’s recommendation), and Filet Rossini were all excellent. Portions very large — did not have room for dessert despite a tempting dessert menu. Short but well-curated winelist. Pleasant DR atmosphere, lively winebar.

    Is this helpful?

  4. patricia

    New York City3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Pretty place. Friendly servers!! Restaurant moderately crowded yet they squeezed us at a table that backed up to the staging area for busing tables. There were many other tables. Food was good.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Arthur VIP

    New York City9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful staff. Freindly and knowledgeable. Food was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  6. john VIP

    New Jersey48 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always excellent. From valet parking to dessert. Cioppino. The best.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kathleen

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience. One of the best in Cape May!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Barbara

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food & service were very good. Would definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kathleen

    Philadelphia12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always our dinner was delicious, went with our waiter Sean’s recommendation. Service was wonderful!

    Is this helpful?

  10. CRAIG

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Washington in is one of our all-time favorite restaurants. The food is always excellent, never had a bite of anything that wasn't fantastic!! Also nowadays it seems like every restaurant is incredibly loud, not at Washington inn, it's not stuffy, totally comfortable but peaceful so you're able to have a nice conversation with your guests. The servers are always excellent, super friendly and knowledgeable. Anyone who's never been here is truly missing out on a wonderful experience. We don't even live in the area. We drove down (about 2 hours) to hang around, have dinner and then drive home -and that probably says it all. Keep up the great work!!!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Washington Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 9128 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 47 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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