Where to Find a Fish Sandwich on Cape Cod That's Far Superior to Filet-O-Fish

This article first appeared in the August 5, 2023 issue of Dinogo’s Travel newsletter, where Dinogo’s editors and writers share their insights on the world's most delectable destinations. Subscribe today.

Though I've only been visiting Cape Cod for a few years, I quickly discovered the Mytouries, ice cream shops, and markets I wanted to revisit as often as possible. During a recent trip, I made sure to do just that.

At the top of my must-visit list is the Beachcomber in Wellfleet. Nestled at Cahoon Hollow Beach in a historic lifesaving station from the late 1800s, it offers a vibrant restaurant and bar experience. While the crowds can be overwhelming, the outstanding food and remarkably quick service make the wait worthwhile: there’s nothing quite like enjoying a platter of chilled oysters at the outdoor bar, followed by rich steamers dipped in melted butter and a couple of crispy fried clam rolls.

Similar to the Beachcomber, Arnold’s in Eastham is just as bustling yet highly efficient, boasting ample outdoor seating. My go-to order is the fishwich, served piping hot and generously sized, with fish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I always add a slice of American cheese, slather it with tartar sauce, and attempt to finish it before the bun starts to fall apart. I always pair it with two servings of coleslaw — Arnold’s slaw features dried cranberries and apples, which might be divisive, but I absolutely love it and couldn’t care less.

As an avid ice cream enthusiast, Cape Cod feels like my personal paradise—there’s at least one great ice cream shop in nearly every mile. Among them, I’ll always line up for Sundae School, with locations in Harwich Port and Dennisport. They offer one of the top two grasshopper pie ice cream flavors I’ve ever had (the other being from Mitchell’s in San Francisco). The cookie-to-cream ratio is spot on, creating a delightful blend of crushed Oreos mixed with mint ice cream, both bold and refreshing.

I inevitably find myself in Provincetown around lunchtime, which leads me straight to Pop + Dutch on Commercial Street. This sandwich shop understands that crafting a sandwich is both an art and a skill, and as a pescatarian, I love the variety and balance of their vegetarian options. One standout is the Oh You Fancy, Huh, featuring smashed avocado and chile flakes on multigrain bread. The shop also serves as a small grocery, offering salads and baked goods, as well as essentials like lube, dog treats, sunscreen, and vintage cookbooks—making it a perfect one-stop destination for anything you might need during a day in Ptown.