The Ebbitt Room Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Cape May, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Ebbitt Room: Restaurant Summary
Fare: New American
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality: A well-executed, creative menu prepared with fresh farm-to-table ingredients from their local farm and other coastal New Jersey sources.
Service: Friendly, knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive.
Ambiance: Located in a restored 1879 Victorian Bed & Breakfast --- the setting is upscale, romantic stylish
Overall Rating: 3 Stars --- one of the top restaurants in Cape May
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate. High during peak times
Dress: Upscale casual
Recommended For: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, upscale gatherings
Not Recommended For: Large families with toddlers or casual drop-ins
Recommended dishes: When available; The Braised Lamb Shank with Whipped Feta, Za'atar, Pomegranate Tabbouleh; The George's Bank Swordfish with Potatoes, Long Hots, Cherry Mostarda, Garlic Aioli; and The Dry Age Duck Breas with Sweet Potato Puree, Tuscan Kale, Huckleberry Jus
Liquor: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.
The Ebbitt Room offers an elegant, farm-to-table dining experience rooted in local heritage, seasonal ingredients, and refined ambiance—ideal for romantic evenings and special occasions.
🌟 History & Vision
Nestled inside the historic Virginia Hotel, The Ebbitt Room is a cornerstone of Cape May’s fine dining scene. Owned by Cape Resorts, the restaurant reflects a vision of elevated hospitality and culinary excellence. Its philosophy centers on farm-to-table and farm-to-glass dining, sourcing ingredients directly from their own Beach Plum Farm, just a few miles away
🍽️ Cuisine & Signature Dishes
The Ebbitt Room specializes in contemporary American cuisine with a seasonal twist. The menu showcases:
- Locally sourced, organic ingredients from Beach Plum Farm
- Elegant plating and refined preparation techniques
- Signature dishes like pan-seared scallops, heritage pork chops, and seasonal vegetable risottos
Guests can choose from an à la carte menu or indulge in a nightly prix fixe experience, which highlights the freshest seasonal offerings.
👨🍳 The Chef
At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jason Hanin, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Chef Hanin crafts a meticulously curated menu rooted in seasonal, organic ingredients. The restaurant's partnership with nearby 62-acre Beach Plum Farm ensures a hyperlocal supply of vegetables, poultry, and heritage-breed pork, while coastal New Jersey provides pristine seafood.
🪑 Ambiance & Décor
The Ebbitt Room exudes casual elegance with:
- A cozy living room-style lounge and enclosed porch dining
- Warm lighting, classic wood accents, and refined coastal charm
- Live piano music and craft cocktails at the bar
- Quiet, intimate atmosphere ideal for couples and solo diners
- Outdoor seating available seasonally
🤝 Service
Service is consistently described as:
- Welcoming and professional
- Knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings
- Attentive without being intrusive
🍷 Other Features & Policies
- Bar service includes small plates and creative cocktails
- Dress code: Smart casual to elegant attire recommended
- Child-friendly: Not ideal for young children; better suited for adults and older teens
- Recommended for: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, upscale gatherings
- Not recommended for: Large families with toddlers or casual drop-ins
- Parking: Valet and street parking available
- Holiday hours: Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day, with special menus offered
🔧 Areas for Improvement
High Noise near the bar during peak hours
💎 What Sets Them Apart
- True farm-to-table ethos with ingredients grown on their own farm
- Historic setting in Cape May’s charming district
- Sophisticated yet approachable ambiance
- Seasonal prix fixe menus that evolve with the harvest
For those seeking a refined, locally inspired culinary experience in Cape May, The Ebbitt Room stands out as a destination where coastal charm meets culinary artistry.
Updated October 2025
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