Louisa's Cafe, Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
Louisa's Cafe
104 Jackson Street
Cape May, NJ
Fare: American Food Quality: Well executed menu. Uses fresh ingredients, The fish is wild caught and the produce is from NJ farms. Ambiance/Decor: Not stylish -- a little on the funky side. The dining area is cramped, and the tables are close together. Overall Rating: 2 Stars Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class Recommended For: For budget conscious diners who enjoy healthy well prepared food without the pretentious fine dining amenities. Tucked just off the Washington Street Pedestrian Mall, Louisa's Cafe is a cozy, 20-seat gem that serves thoughtfully prepared, wholesome food in a delightfully quirky setting. Under the ownership by Will Riccio—a longtime staffer under original founders Louisa Hull and Doug Dietsch—the cafe has stayed true to its roots. Alongside his sister Honna, Will has kept the spirit of Louisa’s alive: crafting simple, delicious dishes using fresh, locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. The siblings share kitchen duties, with Will handling the savory mains and Honna creating low-sugar desserts that are anything but ordinary. There’s no need for advertising—word-of-mouth has made Louisa’s a beloved local institution. And they’re as busy as ever. The decor leans charmingly offbeat: mismatched dishes, plain paper napkins, and a tight space that trades polish for personality. Forget printed menus—everything is scrawled on a blackboard or shared by the warm, attentive staff. The ever-changing menu highlights local and regional fare, featuring wild-caught fish from the Atlantic and Delaware Bay, and produce from Beach Plum Farm and nearby New Jersey farms. You won’t find red meat or sugary confections here—just fresh, flavorful, feel-good food. Parking can be tricky on summer evenings, so guests are encouraged to use the public lot a block away. The restaurant is cash only and operates on a seasonal schedule, closing during the winter months. Updated September 2024 Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
Louisa's Cafe Restaurant Highlights
Price: Moderate
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Alcohol: BYOB
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a venue with a menu of red meats and fine dining amenities; and for families looking for a casual dining experience with lots of comfort food.
Recommended Dishes: When available, Seafood dishes especially the Crab Cakes, Flounder, and Bluefish with special sauces.
