Like fine wine, oysters reflect the character of the place they grow. Few things taste more like Cape Cod than its fresh shellfish. Oyster lovers worldwide have been slurping these briny bivalves for generations. The Cape’s shallow bays and cold waters have produced top-notch harvests for centuries. Mention “Cape Cod oysters,” and most people think of Wellfleet—served in restaurants around the globe. But with new boutique farms popping up, Wellfleet’s bounty isn’t the only game in town. Here’s a look at the top oyster harvesters on Cape Cod.
Top 3 Oysters on Cape Cod
Cotuit Oysters, Cotuit
Although the Cotuit Oyster Company dates back to 1857, it was in this century that this relaunched oyster farm began harvesting its fantastic oysters. Fresh water streams, marshes, and estuaries combine with the water from Nantucket Sound to purify the oysters, leaving them deliciously plump with a clean, sweet, briny flavor.
Where to Buy: The best way to buy Cotuit Oysters is straight from the farm. They are licensed to sell direct to the public and welcome retail customers to their facility. However, please be sure to call or email your order in advance so it is ready when you get there. They can also send oysters by FedEx if you are out of town and looking for a taste of Cotuit.
Location: The Cotuit Oyster Company – 26 Little River Road in Cotuit. 508-428-6747
Wellfleet Oysters, Wellfleet
Grown on the briny mudflats and shallow, swift-moving waters of Wellfleet Harbor, these internationally known oysters get their plump, sweet, briny flavor from a mixture of salt and fresh, cold water funneled into the harbor. Unlike Cotuit oysters, there are numerous farms in Wellfleet. The New York Times writes, “There are about 80 grants — plots rented from the town government — in Wellfleet, most about three acres each. (The ocean floor belongs to no person, but the government will grant you the right to farm shellfish on a small parcel of it.) That means that all the famous Wellfleet oysters — whether sold in Provincetown or Paris — come from those oystermen.”
Where to Buy: You can find Wellfleet oysters at most supermarkets on Cape Cod. But, when getting them as fresh as possible is a priority, you can buy them directly from a local harvester such as the Puffer family, who have been growing and harvesting award-winning oysters since the 1970s. You can email or call them at (800) 5 RAWBAR. Mac’s Seafood in Wellfleet is another great option. If you’re having a party and want to serve oysters, they sell a bag of 100 “select” oysters for $150. Their selects are just harvested oysters that are “especially round, plump, and deep-cupped.”
Location: Mac’s Seafood – The Wellfleet Town Pier on 265 Commercial Street. 508-349-0404
Barnstable Oysters, Barnstable
Boston Magazine writes, “With its abundant creeks, algae, and space for fresh- and saltwater interaction, Barnstable Harbor “is just magical for oysters,” says Island Creek’s Dana Hale. Of the dedicated growers there producing buttery bivalves with big cups, standout varieties include Moon Shoals, Spring Creeks, and Beach Point.” Beach Point Oyster Farmers grow and harvest their oysters in a remote location on the eastern tip of Sandy Neck, where Barnstable Harbor meets Cape Cod Bay. The Oyster Guide writes, “Put Barnstable Harbor on your bivalve map. Back in 2008, I tasted Scorton Creek Oysters from Barnstable Harbor and gave them two thumbs up. Today, there are two other Barnstable Harbor oysters in general circulation [Beach Point and Moon Shoals], and they are two of the best I’ve sampled in years.”
Where to Buy: If you’re on the Cape and want to sample Barnstable’s delectable terroir, The Black Cat is located on Ocean Street across from Hyannis Harbor. You can also get them from Cape Fish and Lobster Market in Hyannis or online through Island Creek Oysters and E-Fish.
Cape Cod Living, One Oyster at a Time
Be as lucky as one of these oysters and spend your days in the waters of Cape Cod! Contact one of our local agents to talk about finding the perfect home near any of these gorgeous oyster meccas by calling 508.648.6861. And take a look at our exclusive listings in Cotuit, Wellfleet, and Barnstable.