Secondo, Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
991 Ocean Dr
Cape May, NJ
609-600-2115
Website
Secondo is popular with diners who enjoy well prepared Italian food in an attractive, trendy setting, with full bar service
Secondo Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian with Mediterranean influences
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Well executed menu, artfully presented in ample portions.
Service: Friendly, attentive, though service on busy summer weekends can be slow.
Ambiance/Decor: Attractive trendy decor with an urban vibe and waterfront views
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - loud
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well prepared Italian food in an attractive, trendy setting with lively bar service
Not Recommended For: Budget minded diners who enjoy traditional Italian red sauce dishes in a casual BYOB family setting
Recommended dishes: When available, The Oxtail Lasagna made with pearl onion, cracked pepper, marinara, and creamy ricotta; The Whole Fish (cooked bone-in and served de-boned) specials, char-grilled with Greek lemon sauce; and The Black Ink Gemelli with sautéed squid, shallots, tomato, red onion, squid ink garlic wine.
Liquor: Full Bar Service with a good selection of wines and specialty cocktails
Restaurant Review
Secondo is just minutes from central Cape May along Ocean Drive near the bridge to Wildwood Crest, Secondo is the sister restaurant to Panico Bistro in West Cape May.
This is a popular spot with patrons who seek an alternative to the many Cape May dining spots. Secondo offers a trendy dining experience with an urban, casual atmosphere, and a waterfront view.
It's located at the site of the former Blue Claw restaurant and has since been beautifully renovated with a trendy, modern look. The interior is done up with grey textured beamed ceilings and trimmed white walls. There is a large bar area with nearby couch seating, and a spacious dining area with bright, sleek furnishings, mosaic tile, and large windows, some having views of the marina. Tables are set with white linen. There is also oyster raw bar area overseen by a talented shucker. The bar area with high ceilings is energetic, though during peak times can get to be very loud.
During the warmer months there is outdoor dining on the covered patio with waterfront views overlooking the harbor. The attractive patio features a long, rectangular fire pit between the dining area and the harbor.
The menu has many of the items from its sister restaurant Panico Bistro, though Secondo differs with additional Mediterranean influenced seafood and a selection of many higher end, daily specials. The menu offers a good selection of casual items including their classic brick oven pizzas to full entrees artfully prepared and served in large portions.
For branzino lovers, they serve a well-executed branzino, cooked bone in (preserving the moisture and taste) and deboned before serving.
On-site parking is available.
Secondo is open with seasonal hours. During the summer months they are open for dinner seven days/week.
Reservations are recommended.
Updated: May 2023
How Do We Review (analyze) Restaurants?
New Jersey Leisure Guide strives to provide analytic restaurant reviews.
The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.
