Falmouth Is For Foodies

Contacts: Michael Patrick Communications, Ltd.
Bill DeSousa bill@mpdcltd.com 508-790-0566
Glenn Faria glenn@mpdcltd.com 508-7371595


Falmouth for Foodies

Falmouth, Cape Cod-June 2006—With eight villages, more coastline and golf courses than any other Cape Cod town, Falmouth is one of Cape Cod’s ‘must-visit’ towns. But it is also blessed with dozens of diverse, toothsome and acclaimed dining establishments and thus visitors and particularly ‘foodies’ must not pass this pleasing octet of villages by without at least one meal. 

Owing to proximity to an abundant supply of fresh seafood and demand for sophisticated cuisine, Falmouth—and the Cape overall—has seen tremendous growth in the number and diversity of restaurants. Some chefs are living lifelong dreams of leaving ‘the big city’ but have infused urbane sophistication and know-how into their new establishments. Along with these chefs’ and owners’ followings and reputations, increasingly savvy visitors are always expecting ever higher standards of cuisine. Many of the new dining sensations are as unassuming as unforgettable. From the latest trend in ‘fusion’ cuisine, to continental, and food from virtually every corner of the globe, Falmouth stands tall among its Cape sibling towns in providing a long list of restaurants worth a trip from all over the Cape (and the region) for a meal. 

In Falmouth Village, locals have christened Main Street “Restaurant Row,” owing to the significant—and growing—number of restaurants here. From continental to its newly Tex-Mex-inspired menu, The Golden Swan (323 Main Street, near junction with Shore Road, Falmouth) is hard to beat. Small and intimate, a smaller ‘old-world’ spot for formal dining, its Wienerschnitzel and desserts are legendary, as is the European charm. Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, renowned for Irish hospitality, cuisine and live year-round entertainment, it’s another great place with nothing ‘old world’ about the switched-on food! Liam Maguire’s has a well-rounded menu and is a “happening place” in downtown Falmouth village with Guinness, Bass, Harp and other imports on tap. Also along Main Street adding to this distinguished collection are Firefly Woodfire Grill & Bar, with chic interior and outstanding cuisine, and 2006 Fodor’s Choice pick La Cucina Sul Mare (237 Main Street). Even locals do not seem to mind waiting to get a sought-after seat at this popular eatery, all craving its hearty Italian fare. The cheery interior sports murals, a tin ceiling and picture windows overlooking the hungry queue on Main Street. Chef/owner Mark Clifone’s signature dishes include classic lasagna al forno, braised lamb shanks, osso buco, lobster fra diavolo over linguine, zuppa de pesce, rigotoni a la vodka, chicken Parmesan and veal piccata. Desserts, as one would expect, are homemade and truly indulgent. 

No visit to Falmouth Village would be complete without a stop at Peking Palace of Falmouth (452 Main Street, Falmouth), arguably the best Chinese restaurant around these parts. It has been serving authentic Chinese cuisine here since 1984 and, to round out the menu, a full sushi bar was added after its 2004 re-building and its menu broadened with the addition of Japanese, Thai and Polynesian cuisines in addition to three regional Chinese cuisines (Cantonese, Mandarin, and Szechuan). Patrons should be certain to solicit wait staff recommendations.  Quarterdeck Restaurant (164 Main Street, Falmouth) is known for its legendary lobster salad sandwich (on Portuguese bread) — known as ‘the best’ by locals and visitors alike. Since 1967, this gathering spot for has been serving swordfish with anchovy butter, baked or boiled lobsters, steaks and pasta and, of course, steamers, mussels and calamari. The building comprises salvaged wood from local boatyards and the owners have created a nautical ‘below deck’ ambiance. The Nimrod (100 Dillingham Avenue, near Gifford Street, Falmouth), originally two separate homes, is a charming historical landmark which enjoys an enviable reputation for romantic candlelight dining, live jazz and sophisticated nightlife. The smaller of the two structures was built during the 17th century and was located near the ocean. It was struck by cannon fire from the British frigate, HMS Nimrod, during the War of 1812. The hole remains today (though the cannonball disappeared years ago). It consistently offers up extraordinary cuisine (try The Nimrod Mixed Grill—grilled bacon-wrapped petit filet mignon served with sauce beurre rouge paired with shrimp & scallop kebab accompanied by champagne-lime beurre blanc presented on a bed of creamy—and dreamy—mashed potatoes). Open year round, the roaring fireplaces, antique pub in the cooler months or cabana bar, large screened porch or air conditioned formal dining room during the warmer months make it a distinguished dining choice (and be certain to order the indulgent Decadent Fallen Chocolate Cake upon arrival, to ensure availability). The Nimrod’s Sunday brunch is popular with locals and visitors. Coonamessett Inn (Jones Road & Gifford Street, Falmouth), the quintessential New England country inn and restaurant, is located directly on Jones Pond and offers two distinctive menus and dining rooms. The Inn is whimsically decorated with a large and impressive collection of Cape Cod native Ralph Cahoon’s nautical work, replete with mermaids and hot air balloons. Recently named “the culinary highlight” of one Boston Herald travel writer’s Falmouth visit during winter 2006, Coonamessett Inn’s Sunday brunch buffet is not to be missed (not only for volume, but for quality, selection and price). Its casual Eli’s Lounge also offers live music on weekend evenings. 

Located directly on Falmouth’s inner harbor, amidst vessels and with a lot of character, Boat House Restaurant & Lounge (88 Scranton Avenue, Falmouth; closed October to May) has an unsurprising nautical appeal. Set harbor-side, with large windows overlooking the marina and harbor, service is friendly here and the ambience (particularly from the bar) is warm and welcoming. The Boat House also offers a covered area for al fresco dining in the warmer months. Outstanding bouillabaisse and garlic-oil-rubbed sirloin are great for pairs to share land-and-sea offerings. On summer evenings, it is lively, to say the least. At the other end of the spectrum is a ‘hidden jewel,’ Paul’s Pizza (14 Benham Road—off Falmouth Heights Road—Falmouth). There is no sign on the street, so ask the locals … they all know it because this is where they all go for pizza (some say the best on Cape Cod) and seafood, reasonably priced and worth the drive. Its interior is rustic and very casual and the family which runs it has been at it for nearly 50 years. It is decidedly away from the crowds and those finding it will be back, year after year. 

With this sampling of establishments (and many more (too numerous to include here) visitors and locals never need to leave Falmouth Village to dine in style. But remember, there are seven other villages of outstanding dining to tantalize your taste buds.

Al Fresco Dining
Little can compare to dining outside on a glorious summer day or under the glittering stars. These fine Falmouth restaurants offer outdoor dining in a variety of styles and cuisines. Café Villaggio (188 Main Street, Falmouth) is a family-style restaurant with one of the most extensive menus of Italian favorites on Cape Cod. A warm and inviting ambiance—gleaming woods, sleek granite bar and pastel walls— sets the tone for a truly enchanting culinary experience. From Antipasti, Insalate, Zuppe, Pasta, Pollo & Melanzana, Carni, Vitello or Pesce, patrons are bound to leave sated and content. All of this is beautifully supplemented by a well-rounded wine list and menu of specialty cocktails. Eat in the charmingly authentic dining room or in the outdoor café. Laureen’s Restaurant (170 Main Street, Falmouth) specializes in Middle Eastern and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine; open seven days, eat inside or out. On the waterfront, Flying Bridge Restaurant (220 Scranton Avenue, Falmouth) claims ‘the only thing we overlook is Falmouth Harbor.’ Offering inspiring views of the Harbor and Martha’s Vineyard. Featuring a varied and delectable raw bar, seafood, steaks and lighter fare, make sure to save room for the Towering Chocolate Cake (four layers high). 

Firefly Woodfire Grill & Bar located in downtown Falmouth, offers superb American and European cuisine, an extensive selection of imported and domestic wines, classic and microbrew beers, and live entertainment. It might be difficult not to order the Mariscada, a house specialty. It is a robust combination of Mexican style shellfish in a fragrant chili tomato broth. Even though al fresco dining is incomparable, the bar here is so inviting, one may find it hard to dine there rather than at a table. The Clam Shack (227 Clinton Avenue, Falmouth Harbor) is where fried clams top the menu right at the head of Falmouth Harbor. This basic seafood establishment’s clams are crisp and fresh tasting; meaty lobster rolls and fish-and-chips platters are excellent choices, too. Place the order at the counter and take the tray to picnic tables on the roof deck for the best view in town. More tables are on the dock in back (or you can squeeze into the tiny dining room). Don’t plan on a late night here as ‘the Shack’ closes most evenings around 8pm. Ay! Caramba (137 Teaticket Highway, East Falmouth) is an inspired choice for the finest Mexican cuisine on Cape Cod (it has a sister restaurant 703 Main Street, Harwich). Food here is served with pride, a friendly smile and only the freshest of ingredients. Try the Chuletas de Puerco, Flautas or Carne Asado for a taste sensation as well as its burritos and tacos. Hernando Cortés 1521 conquest of Mexico introduced its indigenous cultures (Aztec, Mayan and Toltec) to domesticated animals and dairy products. In return, Mexico’s native cultures enlightened the taste buds of their European conquerors with avocados, corn, tomatoes, peppers (60 varieties), beans and chocolate. From this synthesis of cultures Ay Caramba’s cuisine was born.

In Woods Hole, although restaurants serve ‘landlubber food,’ it is all about seafood. For reliably scrumptious seafood, included here are some establishments where (even though you might wait during the summer), you will leave sated and smiling. 

Phusion Grille (71 Water Street, Woods Hole) is upscale with indoor and patio dining, fireplace, fresh flowers, contemporary art and music. The interior is all blond wood and Asian screens, but nothing blocks the views of the wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows. A relaxed ambiance is pervasive and inviting. The Asian-American cuisine (replete with sushi bar) includes seafood, steaks, chicken, pork and pasta entrees. House specialties are filet mignon on a wild-mushroom risotto cake and diver scallops with fresh herbed pasta. For dessert, the special fresh fruit strudel is superb. Captain Kidd Restaurant & Bar (77 Water Street, Woods Hole) is open year round for lunch and dinner. During the summer, diners relax while enjoying moonlit views of Eel Pond Harbor from its deck. Captain Kidd opened its doors shortly after Prohibition ended and has been serving Cape Codders, year-round, ever since. And while in the great measure of things, prohibition is not exactly ancient history, it is far more than ancient when considering the life span of many Cape restaurants. So what keeps people coming back after all these years? It is the fresh seafood (brought in by Cape Cod fishermen) that is likely to be most responsible for Captain Kidd’s loyal patronage. Grilled, broiled or steamed, the key to good seafood can be summed up with one word: freshness. Whether lobster, tuna, cod, clams, oysters or any other seafood favorite, it is honesty hard to find fresher anywhere else. A land-based menu with turkey sandwiches, burgers and steaks is available, too. Families and friends all enjoy the setting at Captain Kidd. Shuckers World Famous Raw Bar & Café (on the dock at 91 Water Street, down Cobble Way, Woods Hole), means serious seafood. It is a casual waterfront place blessed with “location, location, location.” Seating on the dock, inside or out, patrons enjoy lunch, dinner, or a favorite summer libation made with fresh squeezed juice while watching boats go by. Try the Nobska Light beer brewed to owner Kevin Murphy’s specifications. Its world-famous lobster roll is always available and includes steamed clams, mussels and corn-on-the-cob (definitely not for light eaters). Lobster is the true Cape Cod meal and this is the perfect place to enjoy it, boiled live, in cioppino, or served cold in salad. Tuesday evenings a twin lobster special is offered. (Expect to wait in high season, but the decadence is worth it, not to mention the price.) Landfall (Luscombe Avenue, Woods Hole), which celebrated its 60th year in 2005, provides a spectacular oceanfront dining experience for enjoying fresh local cuisine: lobsters, swordfish, clams, scallops and seasonal fin fish (dine cozy inside or outside under the umbrellas). The building is constructed of wood taken from shipwrecks and boards from old buildings. Its dining room is ‘authentic Cape Cod.’ Pie in the Sky Bakery & Café (10 Water Street, Woods Hole) is a mere three-minute walk from the Steamship ferry terminal and is open seven days a week, 363 days a year, from at least 5 am - 9 pm. It features from-scratch-baked croissants, pies, pastries, and breads. All coffees, espresso and cocoa drinks are freshly ground, 100% organic Dean’s Beans. Indulge under the sun or stars or one of its umbrellas. 

East Falmouth could well be called “East of Eaten.”  While in East Falmouth with an appetite visit Coonamessett Farm (277 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth), a 20-acre combination farm, attraction and restaurant which sells organic vegetables (grown under pristine conditions) with ten acres of pick-your-own fruits & vegetables. There are buffet lunches and brunches, too, and its café serves hot & cold foods. There is an ice cream stand and general store (fresh produce), gourmet and vegetarian foods. The cafeteria serves vegetarian buffets Friday and Saturday nights (in season) plus a Jamaican Night buffet summers. Not far away, Green Pond Seafood (366 Menauhant Road, East Falmouth) offers an actual Lobster Pot meal for two or four (including the pot) and lobster, linguica, hot dogs, corn, steamers and all the trimmings. In addition to this ‘peak seafood dining experience,’ it is also home of the renowned “Green Pond Stuffed Quahog” (for those who do not know this word, a quahog is a large clam). In addition, they make all the sides fresh daily—cole slaw, potato salad and signature cocktail sauce. Operating since 1960, they also provide clambakes and boils in addition to selling fresh seafood for those wanting to prepare their own. The unassuming Oysters Too (876 East Falmouth Highway, Route 28, East Falmouth) is a popular spot with locals as well as visitors and it’s busy year round. Chef Tom Pandiscio’s background is classic French cooking, which he uses to create exciting new dishes (check the “Special Menu” which changes often to promote an interesting variety and the best seasonal items). The menu is diverse but includes a well rounded selection of meats, seafood and specials … but save room for the desserts (live entertainment weekends). 

Off the beaten track in West and North Falmouth, visitors will find some unusual and worthwhile dining spots. Silver Lounge Restaurant (412 Route 28A, North Falmouth) is definitely one of these. Even during the winter, there is usually an hour’s wait outside the door here. It has been a local choice for decades and visitors “discover” it when they happen along scenic Route 28A. Kind of “pubby,” it has a large stone hearth and draws families like a magnet. Kids love sitting inside the railroad caboose (these are in short supply, as there are only nine booths inside). Basic American fare keeps them coming back and packed in here constantly; its popular Black Diamond steak is a staple. And it serves a full menu until midnight (well, till 11:45pm anyway). An extensive sandwich menu is served all day long and, on summer weekends, patrons may find talented performers from College Light Opera Company tinkling the ivories and entertaining the late-night dinner crowd with old show tunes. 

And for those en route to or from Falmouth from the mid Cape along Route 28, The Regatta of Cotuit (4631 Falmouth Road, Route 28,-Cotuit), is Zagat-rated and an excellent choice for fine dining. This 200-year old mansion, with several candle-lit dining rooms, is a handsome setting for a truly memorable New American cuisine. Patrons can choose, seven nights a week, from three dining selections: the a la carte or three-course early dinner or light bar menu. The early menu is available Sunday through Friday between 5:00 and 5:45PM. The bar, with pianist, is also open for cocktails and after-dinner drinks. Dress casual attire, in good taste, is requested. 

So, although Falmouth is the Cape town with the longest coastline, there’s more than seafood to its diverse and bountiful cuisine. Cape Cod has no true ‘native’ cuisine; rather, its regional cooking is a melange of native ingredients and three centuries of foreign influences. Visitors and residents can easily find ‘meat and potatoes,’ as easily as unforgettable and haute cuisine dining within Falmouth’s eight villages—and many establishments are at the very forefront of the new American culinary revolution.

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