The Washington Inn & Wine Bar, 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.
Washington Inn & Wine Bar: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Traditional American
Price: Expensive
Noise Level: Low- High, depending on the dining room
Dress: Upscale Casual
Food Quality: Outstanding - serves a well-executed menu using high quality ingredients, creatively prepared and presented.
Service: "Old world" professional, attentive, and a little pretentious.
Ambiance/Decor: Elegant - New Orleans Garden District home styling, though a little dated.
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy old world charm, fine dining amenities with excellent food, in an elegant setting.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer simpler food, lower prices, and less pretentiousness.
Recommended dishes: When available, Whole Roasted Branzino with fingerling potatoes, caramelized fennel, roasted plum tomato, tapenade, grilled lemon; The Lamb Cavatelli with braised lamb shoulder, broccoli rabe, Manchego cheese; and The Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Brown butter carrot puree, garlic parmesan polenta, pan-seared brussels sprouts and carrots, brussels sprout slaw.
Alcohol: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene has many older couples
The Washington Inn & Wine Bar — a historic gem in Cape May — has earned its reputation as one of the area’s premier fine dining destinations. Originally built in 1840 as a plantation home, this landmark restaurant exudes timeless charm and elegance.
Ideal for celebrating special occasions or hosting a refined power dinner, The Washington Inn offers an old-world dining experience with a well-executed traditional menu, an extensive wine list, and the nostalgic ambiance of soft 1950s and '60s background music.
Step inside and you’ll be transported to the Garden District of New Orleans, with mural-adorned walls, a glass-enclosed porch, and a tented patio room finished in classic white lattice — all contributing to its distinctive charm.
For a romantic and intimate evening, avoid the upper dining room, which can be noisier and lacks the cozy atmosphere of the rest of the Inn. Instead, try to reserve a table in the wine cellar or by the fireside — both offer a more inviting and serene setting.
The restaurant features five unique dining areas and a wine cellar that boasts over 10,000 bottles from around the world. Since being acquired by the Craig family in 1978, the Washington Inn has flourished under the leadership of Michael Craig and has become a standout in the Cape May Historic District.
Executive Chef Vincent Celeste consistently delivers well-prepared, high-quality dishes that keep guests coming back. Celeste’s approach emphasizes seasonal menus tailored to complement the Washington Inn’s emphasis on rare and sustainable wines.
Service here is attentive and polished, with a touch of old-world formality that adds to the overall experience.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons. The Washington Inn & Wine Bar is open year-round, with hours that vary seasonally.
(Updated: April 2025)
Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
