Washington Inn

Name: Washington Inn
Address: 801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ, United States, 08204
Telephone: (609) 884-5697
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.9

4.9 (9290)

$50 and over

American

801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 73 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 Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 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.

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, 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

Featured in

Experiences

Somm's Table - Champagne
$75.00 per person
Prepaid
Jul 27, 2025 only
3:00 PM
Meet your next favorite Champagne house, Maison Bruno Paillard! These carefully crafted wines are proudly sourced from grapes in Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. Come learn about aging, disgorgement, malolactic fermentation, assemblage, dossage, terroir, and blending as hallmarks of the Méthode Champenoise and the history behind this beloved beverage used to celebrate and savor. This experience is guided by our in-house Sommeliers, Tyler and April, and thoughtfully paired with a canapé crafted by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.
SOLD OUT: Somm's Table - Cru Barolo
$75.00 per person
Prepaid
Aug 10, 2025 only
3:00 PM
Barolo, often called "the king of wines and the wine of kings", is a high-quality, long-lived Italian red wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes in the Piedmont region, known for its complex flavors and long-aging potential. After nearly 20 years spent sorting, clarifying, and standardizing within a multitude of interests, a Cru-like classification system in Barolo DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) was created in 2010. Time needed to implement and make the wines means these long-aging wines are starting to reach their peaks now, so let's sip a few together and talk about their merits. This experience is guided by our in-house Sommeliers, Tyler and April, and thoughtfully paired with a canapé crafted by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.
Somm's Table - Cru Barolo
$75.00 per person
Prepaid
Aug 24, 2025 only
3:00 PM
Barolo, often called "the king of wines and the wine of kings", is a high-quality, long-lived Italian red wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes in the Piedmont region, known for its complex flavors and long-aging potential. After nearly 20 years spent sorting, clarifying, and standardizing within a multitude of interests, a Cru-like classification system in Barolo DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) was created in 2010. Time needed to implement and make the wines means these long-aging wines are starting to reach their peaks now, so let's sip a few together and talk about their merits. This experience is guided by our in-house Sommeliers, Tyler and April, and thoughtfully paired with a canapé crafted by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Popular dishes

Featured East Coast Oysters$3.75
raspberry mignonette, traditional cocktail sauce, lemon
Hamachi Crudo$21.00
sushi grade japanese yellowtail, guajillo chili & pineapple aguachile, watermelon radish, cilantro
Poached Oishi Shrimp$21.00
traditional cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon
Italian Osetra Caviar$98.00
traditional accoutrement, whipped ricotta, house potato chips
Washington Inn Seafood Platter$59.00
poached oishi shrimp, east coast oysters, mussels bouchot, ceviche, smoked trout pâté, NY style flatbread
Champagne Split$48.00
Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, NV

Soup & Salad

add a basket of gruyere puffs 9

Roasted Wild Mushroom Soup$16.00
crispy prosciutto, gruyere crostini
Seafood Bisque$18.00
lobster & shrimp, sherry gastrique crème fraîche
Asparagus & Pea Tendrils$18.00
arugula, frisee, snow peas, lemon, green goddess dressing
Colors of the Garden$16.00
local lettuces, seasonal shaved vegetables, french vinaigrette
Sweet Gem Caesar$17.00
radicchio, fennel panko, marinated anchovy, parmesan frico

Appetizers

Baked Escargot$17.00
pernod, garlic & herb butter, crostini
Cow's Milk Burrata$19.00
prosciutto di parma, capers, roasted red peppers & cherry tomatoes, olive toast, parsley vinaigrette
Delaware Bay Oysters Rockefeller$18.00
spinach, bacon, parmesan, smoked paprika
Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras$28.00
semolina cake, seasonal mostarda, sherry wine gastrique
Steak Tartare$22.00
perigueux truffle aioli, quail egg, grilled focaccia

Entrée

Australian Rack of Lamb$62.00
pistachio crust, ginger-glazed seasonal vegetables, yam purée, roasted garlic & rosemary jus
Black Garlic Roasted Graffiti Eggplant$36.00
crispy eggplant & cherry tomato stuffing, fennel panko, tomato-bell pepper sauce
Cape May Seafood Cioppino$42.00
scallops, shrimp, mussels, little neck clams, white wine & tomato broth, roasted garlic aioli, grilled focaccia
Creekstone Ranch Short Rib$42.00
aged gouda potato purée, haricot verts, young carrots, cipollini in agrodolce, spiced red wine jus
Filet Rossini, 8 oz.$64.00
haricot verts, crispy potato galette, sauce perigueux add seared hudson valley foie gras 19
Lamb & Ricotta Cavatelli$39.00
san marzano tomato braised lamb shoulder, broccoli rabe, manchego
Mediterranean Seabass$45.00
cherry tomato, caper & taggiasca olive relish, crispy creamer potatoes, salsa verde
Parmesan Gnocchi$42.00
cape may scallop & porcini mushroom ragout
Prime NY Strip, 14 oz.$72.00
farroto, roasted wild mushrooms, green peppercorn & red currant sauce
Roasted Akaroa Salmon$42.00
creamed bloomsdale spinach, celeriac purée, vermouth & trout roe beurre blanc
Washington Inn Crabcakes$45.00
crispy creamer potatoes, seasonal vegetables, roasted red pepper cream

To Share

Aged Gouda Potato Purée$12.00
yukon gold, aged gouda cheese, scallions
Curried Cauliflower$15.00
golden raisins, herb yogurt, sunflower seed dukkah
Grilled Local Asparagus$14.00
lemon dressing, anchovy breadcrumbs
Roasted Wild Mushrooms$15.00
cipollini in agrodolce, white wine, thyme, black garlic & eggplant purée, manchego cheese

SPARKLING

PROSECCO, Trecase, Extra Dry$14.48
SPARKLING ROSÉ, Paltrinieri Solo$14.50
CHAMPAGNE, Jean Pierre Baudouin, Brut Cuvee Prestige$20.72

WHITE

SEAFOOD WHITE, VERMENTINO, Volpaia$16.59
ALBARIÑO, Jardin de Lucía$17.65
PINOT GRIGIO, I Castelli$13.42
SAUVIGNON BLANC, Rata Estate$15.59
CHABLIS, Vincent Dampt$18.63
SANCERRE, Domaine Dominique et Janine Crochet$19.68
VIOGNIER, "Insolente", Laurent Family Vineyard$14.53
RIESLING, Lucashoff$13.45
CHARDONNAY, Clos Julien$18.63

ROSÉ

ROSÉ, Château Peyrassol$14.54

RED

BURGUNDY, Domaine Rion$18.75
PINOT NOIR, Montinore Estate$17.63
GAMAY NOIR, DuSoil "Aebischer Vineyard"$14.52
NEBBIOLO, Guidobono$15.58
RED BLEND, Jolie Laide "Glou d'État"$16.62
CABERNET FRANC, Domaine de Chantelouserie$17.65
BORDEAUX, Maucaillou$15.59
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Odjfell "Armador"$15.58
RED BLEND, Hourglass$23.85

SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

COCCHI SPRITZ$14.00
cocchi vermouth di torino, orange zest, club soda light, easy drinking, notes of cocoa
GOLDEN HOUR APERITIF$15.00
giffard apricot, blue coat gin, aromatic bitters, champagne, sugar cube elegant, refined, effervescent
PASSION FRUIT MARTINI$19.00
vanilla vodka, fresh passionfruit pulp, fresh lime, prosecco fun & flirty martini! not too sweet
THE SMOKE SHOW$17.00
mezcal unión uno, fresh grapefruit, fresh lime, anchos reyes verde, agave smoky, citrusy, subtle heat
PINK PARROT$16.00
plantarey white rum, aperol, fresh lime, coconut, pineapple, orgeat, nutmeg think pain killer meets piña colada...
BITTER BLOOM$19.00
makers mark bourbon, carpano antica formula vermout, cynar, saline, lemon zest bold, slightly bitter, smooth
BARREL AGED BLACK MANHATTAN$24.00
elijah craig small batch bourbon, averna amaro, bitters barrel aged in our very own port wine barrel... no substitutions

ZERO-PROOF

PASSION FRUIT LEMONADE$13.00
fresh passionfruit pulp, fresh lemon, bar-spoon sugar, club soda super bright & fun! very refreshing
BITTER APERITIF$14.00
ghia bitter aperitif, ritual zero-proof gin alternative, demerara bold, bitter & vibrant
CRANBERRY & TONIC$11.00
fever tree mediterranean tonic & cranberry
VIRGIN TROPICAL$10.00
cranberry, orange, pineapple
BEST DAY BREWING NON-ALCOHOLIC CRAFT BEER$8.00
Hazy IPA - Sausalito, CA rich & fruity aromas with tropical hops

BEER

OBSCURA$9.00
Vienna Lager - CMCH, NJ smooth, toasty, malty aroma
WANDER BACK BEERWORKS$8.00
Future Proof Pilsner - Vineland, NJ dry, crisp, crushable
STELLA ARTOIS$7.00
Pilsner - Leuven, Belgium fruity & malty sweetness
MILLER LITE$7.00
Pilsner - Milwaukee, WI light, american pilsner

What 9,290 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
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Cape May
Best Overall
Cape May
Best Food
Cape May
Best Service
Cape May
Best Ambiance
Cape May
Great for fine wines
Cape May
Romantic
Cape May
Good for special occasions
Cape May
Lively
Cape May
American
Cape May
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Washington Inn in Cape May offers a "top-notch" dining experience with an exquisite ambiance and attentive service. Guests rave about the "incredible and consistent" food quality, including standout dishes like the crab cakes and short ribs. The wine selection is impressive, and the service is "impeccable." Perfect for special occasions.

9,290 Reviews

H
Helene
Philadelphia County9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was excellent. Clam chowder was the best I’ve ever eaten. The Mediterranean Sea bass is a perfect dish! Great service as well Love it every time
Is this helpful?
C
Cynthia
New York City5 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was superb! The wait staff is well trained in all the refinements of a fine dining establishments. The food was very good though some of the prices ($72 for a lobster tail) seemed a little high even for me a NYC diner. The only drawback is that we were seated in the porch. We were dressed in our finest and the air conditioning was a little cold but in true fine dining form they comped the coffees. More importantly it was very noisy. It did not have that quiet fine dining atmosphere. The noise from the bar wafted loudly onto the porch and it was raucous. Maybe it was just the crowd that night but the atmosphere was more like a tavern. Perhaps if you request to be in the dining room it is different.
Is this helpful?
K
Karen
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore5 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a delightful evening! The food and service was outstanding! It was rather noisy in the main room but once we got used to it, it was a non-issue because everything else was so excellent! I would highly recommend it, particularly for a special occasion because that’s how you feel when you’re there! Thank you Washington Inn for a job well done! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is this helpful?
M
Michael VIP
Philadelphia County52 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always a top notch dining experience when staying in Cape May. We were alittle disappointed in the lobster tail. It was certainly not a 9 oz tail as stated and for 78 dollars it was underwhelming at best. The rack of lamb was excellent as well as the overall service as we celebrated a milestone birthday. Special thanks to Miles for a memorable night!
Is this helpful?
J
Janet VIP
New Jersey18 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food. Excellent service. Washington Inn is always our dinner restaurant when visiting Cape May.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura VIP
Greater Boston38 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The champagne tasting was outstanding Tyler and April did a great job learned a lot can’t wait to return for the next tasting.
Is this helpful?
m
michael VIP
New York City12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a party of four and we all greatly enjoyed our meal. Food quality, preparation and presentation were all excellent The service was also first class. I’ve been here a number of times and have never been disappointed.
Is this helpful?
CH
ChristopherH
New York City8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time diners. Wagyu was excellent Excellent!!!
Is this helpful?
B
Bette Jean
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were seated on the front porch at 5:15. There were only 2 other tables seated in this area then so it was very quiet and relaxing. Once the front porch tables were all seated about halfway through our meal , it became very loud in that room and we were eager to leave.
Is this helpful?
S
Shari
West Palm Beach1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From start to finish it was 10/10 experience. Will be back for sure.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Washington Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 9290 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 73 times today

Experiences are available.

801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Additional information

Cross street
Jefferson & Washington
Neighborhood
Cape May
Hours of operation
Bar Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Dinner Tue–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

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.

Washington Inn

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

22 Atlantic City Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

45 Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Somm's Table - Champagne

SOLD OUT: Somm's Table - Cru Barolo

Somm's Table - Cru Barolo

Steak Tartare

Baked Escargot

Washington Inn Crabcakes

Chilled Seafood

Featured East Coast Oysters$3.75

Hamachi Crudo$21.00

Poached Oishi Shrimp$21.00

Italian Osetra Caviar$98.00

Washington Inn Seafood Platter$59.00

Champagne Split$48.00

Soup & Salad

Roasted Wild Mushroom Soup$16.00

Seafood Bisque$18.00

Asparagus & Pea Tendrils$18.00

Colors of the Garden$16.00

Sweet Gem Caesar$17.00

Appetizers

Baked Escargot$17.00

Cow's Milk Burrata$19.00

Delaware Bay Oysters Rockefeller$18.00

Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras$28.00

Steak Tartare$22.00

Entrée

Australian Rack of Lamb$62.00

Black Garlic Roasted Graffiti Eggplant$36.00

Cape May Seafood Cioppino$42.00

Creekstone Ranch Short Rib$42.00

Filet Rossini, 8 oz.$64.00

Lamb & Ricotta Cavatelli$39.00

Mediterranean Seabass$45.00

Parmesan Gnocchi$42.00

Prime NY Strip, 14 oz.$72.00

Roasted Akaroa Salmon$42.00

Washington Inn Crabcakes$45.00

To Share

Aged Gouda Potato Purée$12.00

Curried Cauliflower$15.00

Grilled Local Asparagus$14.00

Roasted Wild Mushrooms$15.00

SPARKLING

PROSECCO, Trecase, Extra Dry$14.48

SPARKLING ROSÉ, Paltrinieri Solo$14.50

CHAMPAGNE, Jean Pierre Baudouin, Brut Cuvee Prestige$20.72

WHITE

SEAFOOD WHITE, VERMENTINO, Volpaia$16.59

ALBARIÑO, Jardin de Lucía$17.65

PINOT GRIGIO, I Castelli$13.42

SAUVIGNON BLANC, Rata Estate$15.59

CHABLIS, Vincent Dampt$18.63

SANCERRE, Domaine Dominique et Janine Crochet$19.68

VIOGNIER, "Insolente", Laurent Family Vineyard$14.53

RIESLING, Lucashoff$13.45

CHARDONNAY, Clos Julien$18.63

ROSÉ

ROSÉ, Château Peyrassol$14.54

RED

BURGUNDY, Domaine Rion$18.75

PINOT NOIR, Montinore Estate$17.63

GAMAY NOIR, DuSoil "Aebischer Vineyard"$14.52

NEBBIOLO, Guidobono$15.58

RED BLEND, Jolie Laide "Glou d'État"$16.62

CABERNET FRANC, Domaine de Chantelouserie$17.65

BORDEAUX, Maucaillou$15.59

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Odjfell "Armador"$15.58

RED BLEND, Hourglass$23.85

SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

COCCHI SPRITZ$14.00

GOLDEN HOUR APERITIF$15.00

PASSION FRUIT MARTINI$19.00

THE SMOKE SHOW$17.00

PINK PARROT$16.00