Grana BYOB, Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Grana BYOB: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Modern American
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed, creative seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients.
Service: Professional, friendly, welcoming, and attentive.
Ambiance/Decor: Modern, simplistic with dim Lighting, and walls done up with soft grey & white tones
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a well-executed, creative modern American menu
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy a traditional menu in a family casual dining setting; or diners looking for "Old World" fine dining amenities with a bar service.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Pan Roasted King Salmon with Potato Gnocchi, Cippolini Onions, Spinach, Wild Mushrooms, Truffle Aioli; The 18 oz Grilled Chateaubriand For Two with Potato Puree, Grilled Shishitos, Wild Mushrooms, Balsamic Onions, Baby Carrots; and The "The Grana Steak" Herbed Potato Puree, Spring Asparagus, Roasted Carrots, Chimichurri with a choice of 8 oz Australian Wagyu Sirloin, 10 oz Teres Major, or 18 oz Dry Age Strip.
Liquor: BYOB
Grana BYOB is widely regarded as one of the premier gourmet dining experiences in Cape May, offering a thoughtfully crafted "Modern American" menu that combines creativity with culinary precision.
Housed in a charming building over a century old—formerly home to the beloved Godmother's Italian restaurant—Grana sits just across from picturesque Wilbraham Park, blending history with contemporary elegance.
The restaurant is owned and helmed by Executive Chef Carl Messick, whose impressive culinary background includes formal training at the New England Culinary Institute. Over the years, he has sharpened his craft at renowned establishments such as The Blackfish in Stone Harbor, The Ebbitt Room in Cape May, and the White Heron Grill. Most notably, before founding Grana, Chef Messick led the kitchen at the highly acclaimed Peter Shields Inn, a cornerstone of Cape May’s fine dining scene.
Chef Messick is deeply committed to sustainability, sourcing the freshest local ingredients and intentionally omitting any fish species threatened by overfishing. His seasonally inspired menu reflects this ethos, with a diverse selection of expertly prepared dishes ranging from steak and poultry to seafood, pasta, and more.
Guests can choose from à la carte offerings or indulge in a curated Chef’s Tasting Prix Fixe Four-Course Menu. Options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners are also available, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.
The interior design is understated and elegant—21 tables are nestled beneath low ceilings, surrounded by soft grey and white hues, white tablecloths, and dim lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere. While the space is cozy and tables are closely arranged, the ambiance remains refined and comfortable.
Parking can be a bit tight, with street parking available and additional spots found beyond Wilbraham Park, across Perry Street.
Please note: Grana is geared toward adults and not recommended for young children—there is no kids' menu, nor are highchairs or booster seats provided.
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
Hours vary seasonally. During peak summer months, Grana BYOB is open seven nights a week for dinner, with Sunday Brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM.
(Updated: April 2025)
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