Secondo, Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
991 Ocean Dr
Cape May, NJ
609-600-2115
Website
Secondo Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Italian with Mediterranean influences
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Well executed menu, artfully presented in ample portions.
Service: Friendly, attentive, though service on busy summer weekends can be slow.
Ambiance/Decor: Attractive trendy decor with an urban vibe and waterfront views
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - loud (Near the Bar area)
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well prepared Italian food in an attractive, trendy setting with lively bar service
Not Recommended For: Budget minded diners who enjoy traditional Italian red sauce dishes in a casual BYOB family setting
Recommended dishes: When available, The Oxtail Lasagna made with pearl onion, cracked pepper, marinara, and creamy ricotta; The Whole Fish (cooked bone-in and served de-boned) specials, char-grilled with Greek lemon sauce; and The Black Ink Gemelli with sautéed squid, shallots, tomato, red onion, squid ink garlic wine.
Liquor: Full Bar Service with a good selection of wines and specialty cocktails
Secondo, the sister restaurant to Panico Bistro in West Cape May, is located just minutes from downtown Cape May along scenic Ocean Drive, near the bridge to Wildwood Crest.
A favorite among those seeking a fresh alternative to Cape May’s traditional dining scene, Secondo delivers a stylish, laid-back experience with an urban vibe and waterfront views.
The interior is modern and inviting, with textured gray beamed ceilings, crisp white trim, and large windows that offer glimpses of the marina. A spacious bar area with high ceilings and plush lounge seating creates a lively atmosphere—though it can get quite noisy during peak hours. The main dining room features sleek, bright furnishings, mosaic tile accents, and white-linen tables. There's also an oyster raw bar, manned by a skilled shucker.
In the warmer months, guests can enjoy outdoor dining on the covered patio, which overlooks the harbor. The patio’s standout feature is a long, rectangular fire pit that adds ambiance and warmth to the waterfront setting.
The menu leans Mediterranean, with a focus on Italian and Greek-inspired seafood dishes. Expect a variety of creatively prepared entrées and daily specials, along with a bar menu that includes their signature brick oven pizzas.
Branzino fans will appreciate their standout whole branzino—expertly cooked on the bone to lock in flavor and moisture, then deboned before serving.
Ample on-site parking is available for guests.
Secondo operates seasonally, with expanded hours during the summer when they’re open for dinner seven nights a week.
Reservations are recommended.
Updated: April 2025
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