Peter Shields Restaurant,
Cape May, NJ: A Dining Review
The Peter Shields Inn: A Cape May fine dining restaurant located
in a charming Georgian revival home
Peter Shields Restaurant
1301 Beach Dr.
Cape May, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Peter Shields Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American
Price: Expensive - Very Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed, Uses fresh ingredients from local sources
Service: Professional, friendly, and attentive.
Ambiance/Decor: Set in a charming Georgian revival home. Charming, romantic "Old World", dining areas include a large fireplace, and dining on the enclosed sun porch
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Low - Excellent for quiet conversation
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well prepared contemporary American food with elegant ambiance and old-world charm.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy a traditional menu in a family casual dining setting
Recommended dishes: When available, The Berkshire Porkchop Milanese with South Philly Antipasto Salad, Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella, Soppressata, Aged Parmesan: The Lobster "Thermidor," with Sherry, Cognac, Parmesan, Potato Gnocchi, Sauce Americaine; and The Prime New York Strip Steak with King Crab Bearnaise, Aligot Potatoes
Liquor: Full bar service
The Peter Shields Inn offers an elegant fine dining experience within a beautifully restored Georgian Revival estate, steps from the oceanfront in Cape May.
Blending historic charm with contemporary sophistication, the inn attracts guests seeking a romantic ambiance marked by candlelit tables, polished service, and a touch of old-world refinement.
Helmed by Executive Chef Keith Mitchell, the kitchen delivers a seasonal New American menu that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients with artful presentation.
A graduate of Philadelphia’s esteemed Restaurant School, Chef Mitchell refined his craft in Atlantic City’s culinary scene, most recently serving as Executive Chef at Caesars Atlantic City before joining the inn in September 2023.
Diners may choose from several distinctive spaces: The main dining room features a grand fireplace ideal for cooler evenings, while the airy sun porch bathes guests in natural light.
For intimacy, the whimsical Zebra Room—adorned with bold stripes—is a coveted off-season hideaway.
In warmer months, the oceanfront front porch provides serene views, though the enclosed side porch is best reserved for larger groups due to its bustling atmosphere.
Attire leans upscale casual, with jackets suggested for gentlemen during cooler months. Service strikes a balance between polished professionalism and warm hospitality, enhancing the inn’s romantic, adult-focused vibe (children are not recommended).
Open year-round with seasonal hours, the inn welcomes guests for holiday celebrations, including Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day.
Reservations are highly encouraged.
(Updated: February 2025)
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