One night a few weeks ago Rich and I were invited to vacate our Cape Cod Inn for the evening and try a new restaurant with some innkeeper friends of ours. Every year we try to sample two or three new Cape Cod restaurants so that we can offer an honest opinion when our guests ask for dining recommendations. La Cucina Sul Mare had been on my wish list for a while, so when friends suggested a night out, we spirited them towards this tiny storefront on Main Street in Falmouth.

While they do not take reservations, I called in advance and was assured that on a Tuesday night in February the four of us we sure to get a table. And what a table. When we arrived we were escorted to a table for four tucked into the bay window that overlooked the main thoroughfare. Our server was incredible, available without being pushy, and both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the menu. We each ordered a glass of wine from an extensive wine list to enjoy as we perused the menu.

Once the specials had been described and our orders placed, the server returned with a basket of warm, crusty bread accompanied by a rich olive oil for dipping. Though not crowded the evening that we were there, I imagine that due to its Main Street location and small size, a wait for a table may be necessary during the height of summer.

Dining at La Cucina Sul Mare is what I imagine dining in Italy must be like. The setting is warm and intimate, the service unhurried, and the atmosphere cozy and comforting. I ordered the osso buco, my all-time favorite, and was treated to the most divine dish of tender meat in a rich braise of root vegetables with a side of creamy risotto. It was heavenly, and more than enough to bring home for the next day’s lunch. They specialize in northern Italian and Mediterranean cuisines offering fresh pasta, pollo, vitello, carne, and pesce dishes including classic lasagna al forno, braised lamb shanks, lobster fra diavolo over liguine, zuppa de pesce, rigotoni a la vodka, chicken Parmesan and veal piccata.

We will be highly recommending La Cucina Sul Mare to our guests. Prices are reasonable and the food is exquisite. The restaurant is open year-round for lunch (11:30am-2:00pm) and dinner (5:00-10:00pm) and reservations not accepted.

La Cucina Sul Mare
237 Main Street
Falmouth, MA 02540
(508) 548-5600