Nestled in the charming town of Cape May, the Washington Inn & Wine Bar is a culinary gem that promises an exceptional dining experience. Patrons rave about the attentive, knowledgeable staff, highlighting the stellar service from waiters like Gabriella and Miles, who consistently elevate the dining experience with thoughtful recommendations and a warm demeanor.
The menu impresses with dishes like the perfectly cooked rack of lamb and colossal crab cakes, which are both beautifully presented. The mushroom soup and seafood bisque have also garnered praise for their rich flavors. Many reviewers express their delight not only at the food but also at the upscale yet welcoming atmosphere.
It's evident that the culinary team, led by a skilled chef, delivers dishes that are not only delicious but also memorable. Diners rave about decadent desserts like Bananas Foster and homemade ice cream, cementing the Washington Inn as an unforgettable culinary destination. As one satisfied guest put it, it's not just a meal—it's a delightful experience that beckons you to return.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Food
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Atmosphere
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Valet parking
Photos
Reviews For Washington Inn & Wine Bar
wtfiholly
Jun 24,2025
We made reservations to celebrate an 89th birthday and a 38th wedding anniversary, we got there early. We sat at the bar and Justin was our bar tender and he was knowledgeable and very nice. My mother in law and I had a great wine suggested by Justin. My husband had a great beer suggested by Justin that he thoroughly enjoyed! We then were seated and our server was named Gabriella and she was amazing! Gabriella suggested both my entree and desert and knocked it outta the park! Gabriella also went over the menu with my mother in law to help her with the gluten free options, which was fantastic! Even suggesting things that could be removed. My husband was easy. Gabriella took my husbands order for dessert and when she returned she stopped at the table gave me mine, my mother in law hers, looked at my husband and said “ I will bring you another one without the ice cream”, and it was done. Gabriella went above and beyond for me, we made a mess of the table cloth sharing yummies and I asked Gabriella for a napkin to cover our mess since I was so embarrassed over the mess and she did so so sweetly and laughed with us, she also took our picture. Between Justin and Gabriella this was one of the most amazing times we’ve had! Oh and the food was just......there are no words to describe how great (beyond great) the food was! Their chef is amazing! Thank you for time of our lives Justin, Gabriella, the chef and all the great people who waited on us! Did I mention the food was outstanding?!!!
Geoff Beers
Jun 6,2025
My wife and I had a delicious dinner here last night. The food was incredible, well presented, and the pace was perfect. I had the rack of lamb which was perfectly done. My wife had the crab cakes which were huge! For dessert was Bananas Foster and homemade ice cream. One of the better meals I have had in quite some time. Can’t wait to visit again.
Timothy Vattima
May 16,2025
My wife and I had an exquisite dinner at The Washington Inn. Ask for Miles the waiter, he's fantastic. My wife had the seafood bisque, stuff flounder and crab. I had the buratta, then swordfish and calamari entree. Then the desserts we ordered were fabulous. Very nice, upscale atmosphere in Cape May, with excellent, and absolutely delicious dining.
Mia Panzini
May 15,2025
The mushroom soup was amazing. My friend got the short rib that she always loves and I got the filet. The filet was good, I wouldn’t say it was outstanding. I switched out the potato that came with the steak entree for mashed potatoes and they were also amazing. Our server Irnya was really nice and accommodating. We requested to sit on the porch which was really pretty with nice lighting.
Joselin Pineda
May 12,2025
Wow—what an unforgettable experience! Everything about this place was absolutely amazing—from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. The food was outstanding, and the service was truly next-level. Our server, Irene, was impeccable—her warm personality and spot-on recommendations made our dinner extra special. Every dish she suggested was a hit! This dinner was hands-down the highlight of our first trip to Cape May. We’re already counting the days until we can come back!
Nicholas Hopkins
May 6,2025
Had a wonderful meal for our anniversary at the Washington Inn a few nights ago. Fabulous wine list, and the service and food were top rate. One of our favorite restaurants in Cape May when we visit!
Chris Talarico
Apr 2,2025
The Washington Inn came highly recommended to myself and my wife. After having dinner there I can say that the reputation is well deserved! The food was excellent, the wine list was extensive, and the service was courteous and professional. Great place to have an elegant meal and a fair price, especially for date night. My wife and I come down to Cape May every year and of all the restaurants we have eaten for an elegant meal, this ranks the best. We also appreciated that they had a good number of mocktails since my wife is expecting. She raved about her passion fruit lemonade. We will absolutely be going back the next chance we get!
Lily Paschoal
Mar 21,2025
This spot is perfect for a romantic date night, my husband & I celebrated our 2 year anniversary here. It has that dreamy summertime ambiance with candlelit tables, cozy atmosphere, & peaceful enough to actually hear each other talk. The service was outstanding, & the food? Absolutely incredible, every bite was perfection! They even surprised us with a complimentary anniversary dessert. Such a thoughtful touch! (Check my TikTok for more videos on this location @thecuratedlily)
Reviews For Washington Inn & Wine Bar