The Lookout, Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
Ferry Park
1200 Lincoln Boulevard
North Cape May, NJ
609-551-4209
Website
The Lookout : Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Average, a notch behind other top high end, fine dining Cape May restaurants
Service: Friendly, welcoming, and attentive.
Ambiance/Decor: Upscale, modern, yet casual, with awesome sunset views.
Overall Rating: 2 stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Very Loud, Poor Acoustics
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy an impressive Cape May sunset dining destination with modern, upscale ambiance, and full bar service.
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.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Sunset Strip, a dry aged NY strip steak with hand cut garlic- pecorino fries and creamed spinach; The Salmon Wellington with creamed spinach and asparagus: and the Scallops with bacon lardons, cauliflower, Romanesco, and squash puree.
Liquor: Full bar service - Excellent imaginative cocktail menu
Restaurant Review
Opened in the summer of 2022, The lookout restaurant on the Cape May ferry terminal's second floor boasts one of the best dining sunset views on the Jersey Shore.
The Lookout is owned and operated by Exit Zero Hospitality LLC, the same group that operates the Exit Zero Refilling Station in West Cape May. The company is led by Jack Wright, a native Scotsman who emigrated to America 20+ years ago. Jack Wright also runs the kitchen.
Entering the octagonal restaurant on the second floor, you will immediately be awed by the panoramic view of the dining room overlooking the canal and Delaware Bay, with awesome sunsets, whale-watching boats, ferries, and other crafts.
The Lookout's 80 seat octagon dining room includes a spectacular mahogany, amber-lit bar, hardwood flooring, large floor to ceiling widows, and a huge chandelier hanging down over the wood exposed tables. The main drawback of the dining room is the poor acoustics, making conversations difficult.
Outside, the Lookout's outdoor patio includes 40 seats with fire pits and soft cushioned navy wicker furniture. It's a perfect romantic spot to sip on a cocktail as the sun begins to set. After the sun sets, watching the ferries glide in without a sound, completely lit up against the black sky, is memorable.
The wait staff is well trained, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu.
The Lookout is open with seasonal hours.
(Updated: May 2023)
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