Ebbitt Room At The Virginia Hotel, Cape May, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Ebbitt Room Cape May, NJ. A restaurant review


Ebbitt Room Restaurant
25 Jackson St.
Cape May, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

Ebbitt Room: Restaurant Summary

Fare: New American

Price: Very Expensive

Food Quality: A well-executed, creative menu prepared with fresh farm-to-table ingredients from their local farm and other coastal New Jersey sources.

Service: Friendly, knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive.

Ambiance: Located in a restored 1879 Victorian Bed & Breakfast --- the setting is upscale, romantic stylish

Overall Rating: 3 Stars --- one of the top restaurants in Cape May

Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate. High during peak times

Dress: Upscale casual

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a well-executed menu prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, in an upscale, romantic setting.

Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer simpler food, lower prices, and a more family casual setting.

Recommended dishes: When available; The Braised Lamb Shank with Whipped Feta, Za'atar, Pomegranate Tabbouleh; The George's Bank Swordfish with Potatoes, Long Hots, Cherry Mostarda, Garlic Aioli; and The Dry Age Duck Breas with Sweet Potato Puree, Tuscan Kale, Huckleberry Jus

Liquor: Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.

Nestled within the historic Virginia Hotel, a Victorian gem dating to 1879, The Ebbitt Room stands as a premier destination for fine dining and romance in Cape May.

This acclaimed restaurant invites guests into an elegantly restored space adorned with soft earth-toned bamboo wallpaper, rich hardwood floors, and the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. Candlelit tables draped in crisp white linens set the stage for intimate evenings, enhanced by live piano melodies on weekends.

At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jason Hanin, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who refined his craft at Atlantic City’s Chelsea Prime Steakhouse before honing his skills in Los Angeles and Houston. Returning to his New Jersey roots, Chef Hanin crafts a meticulously curated menu rooted in seasonal, organic ingredients.

The restaurant’s partnership with nearby 62-acre Beach Plum Farm ensures a hyperlocal supply of vegetables, poultry, and heritage-breed pork, while coastal New Jersey provides pristine seafood. Standout dishes include citrus-cured ceviches and expertly brined pork chops, showcasing Hanin’s commitment to bold, fresh flavors.

Beyond the plate, The Ebbitt Room boasts a sophisticated bar and fireplace lounge, ideal for savoring artisanal cocktails or post-dinner drinks. In warmer months, the ambiance shifts to breezy al fresco dining on the porch or garden patio. For gatherings, the private Richmond Room offers a refined setting for events, blending historic charm with modern elegance.

Practical Details:

Dress Code: Smart casual (collared shirts for men; equivalent attire for women).

Hours: Open nightly, including major holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Reservations: Highly recommended—though be prepared for potential waits (30–60 minutes) on busy weekends due to overbooking. Valet parking is available during peak summer months.

Complete the experience by booking a stay at the Virginia Hotel: Wake up to a serene breakfast on the porch, where the morning light complements the hotel’s timeless allure.

Updated: February 2025

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