The Cape Cod culinary scene is heating up as summer approaches, with exciting new developments across the region. From a waterfront market in Provincetown to special dining events in Wellfleet and reopenings of beloved establishments in Falmouth, food enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this season. These highlights showcase the diverse food culture that makes Cape Cod a destination for locals and visitors alike.
🦞 Days on the Pier: Provincetown’s New Waterfront Pop-Up
Days on the Pier, a new seasonal pop-up market, has made its debut on MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown, offering beachgoers and travelers a convenient spot to grab necessities and delicious eats. Opening daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., this waterfront market is already becoming a popular destination for those looking to satisfy their hunger while exploring Provincetown’s iconic harbor area. The market’s strategic location at 16 MacMillan Wharf places it perfectly to serve both arriving and departing visitors.
👨🍳 A Local Legacy Returns
Behind this new venture is Mylan Janoplis, a Provincetown native with deep roots in the local restaurant scene. As the current owner of Days Market & Deli in North Truro, Janoplis brings three generations of family restaurant experience to this new location. His family previously owned and operated The Mayflower and The Portuguese Bakery in Provincetown, establishing a legacy of quality food service in the area. Though Janoplis spent time in California, his connection to Cape Cod brought him back in 2019 when he launched his North Truro establishment.
🧺 More Than Lobster Rolls
The pop-up’s menu features the market’s famous lobster rolls, which Janoplis originally created in 2008 for The Red Shack. Visitors can choose from four cold lobster roll varieties, including the original classic, The Californian with avocado and bacon, The Mexican featuring fresh salsa, and The Moroccan with light curry mayo and pineapple. While these delicacies sell for $27.95 at the Truro location, Janoplis hints they may be priced slightly higher at the wharf location to include sides like coleslaw, creating more complete grab-and-go meals for beach or boat excursions.
While Days on the Pier is currently planned as a one-season pop-up (the building, owned by Barry and Margo Clifford, remains for sale), Janoplis remains open to the possibility of returning for a second year if circumstances allow. In addition to the signature lobster rolls, the market offers beach essentials such as sunscreen and towels, along with Three Fins Coffee and other convenient food items, making it a one-stop shop for both locals and tourists enjoying Provincetown’s waterfront area.
🍽️ 16th Annual Wellfleet Restaurant Week: May 28 – June 3
The 16th annual Wellfleet Restaurant Week is set to tempt appetites from May 28 to June 3, offering food enthusiasts a perfect opportunity to sample local cuisine before the peak summer rush. Organized by the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce, this weeklong celebration features special menus and promotions from nearly two dozen restaurants throughout this charming Cape Cod town. The timing of the event provides an ideal chance for locals and early-season visitors to experience Wellfleet’s dining scene without the crowds that typically arrive later in the summer.
Participating establishments are showcasing an impressive array of offerings at special prices. Diners can enjoy a $15.50 spinach and feta frittata with homefries and toast at Blue Willow Fine Foods + Bakery, an $18 early bird special until 6 p.m. at C Shore Kitchen + Bar, or a $26 paella at the Pearl Restaurant + Bar situated on picturesque Wellfleet Harbor. These limited-time offerings highlight the cuisine available in this seafood-centric community, from fresh local catches to international flavors, all prepared with Cape Cod flair.
🖼️ Beyond the Plate
Beyond restaurants, Wellfleet Restaurant Week has expanded to include nearly two dozen local shops and galleries joining the celebration, creating a comprehensive community event. Visitors can browse unique establishments like Shinglefish, featuring quirky sea creatures painted on old shingles, or hunt for vintage treasures at AIM Thrift Store, which has been operating since 1966. This integration of dining, shopping, and art viewing creates a complete experience for those exploring Wellfleet during this special week, showcasing the town’s distinctive character beyond just its renowned oysters and seafood.
Dana’s Kitchen in Falmouth has reopened for the 2025 season, bringing back its beloved homestyle cooking that earned the establishment national recognition on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” This truly mom-and-pop operation, run by Dana and Art Tillman, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like dining at a friend’s house than at a restaurant. Their dedication to house-made food and personal touches—they once served meals on Dana’s grandmother’s china—exemplifies the authentic, family-run establishments that give Cape Cod its culinary character.
