Tisha’s Fine Dining

On a beautiful fall mid-week evening, my dining pal AnneMarie and I were bound for Tisha’s Fine Dining on Washington Street Mall. It’s been a while since my last visit and review, and since we’re currently revisiting “Cape May Classics,” Tisha’s was most definitely on that list. We were delighted to be dining at, possibly, one of the coziest spots in Cape May. We had reservations for 6pm and were seated immediately by their friendly hostess.

I have enjoyed dining at Tisha’s for decades. It is, without a doubt, a revered institution on the Cape May restaurant scene. Letitia (Tisha) Negro, the restaurant’s founder, began her culinary journey in 1988 in Wildwood and by the early 90s, opened Tisha’s Fine Dining on the beachfront near Convention Hall. That was a great spot, and at the time one of the only oceanfront eateries. Come 1995, her son Paul and his wife Jennifer took on the Tisha’s future, eventually relocating to Washington Street Mall in the building formerly Stumpo’s. They already had a devoted following of locals and visitors, but the new location offered more exposure and thus more patrons. While the beachfront was certainly lovely, the Mall location is decidedly a nice convenient spot. 

There are three dining rooms at Tisha’s: the main dining room on the mall side of the restaurant, seating up the little ramp to the back dining room, or if you like dining al fresco, opt for the pet-friendly outside covered terrace. We chose the main dining room and were seated at a four-top, with a view of the whole place. I like to get a perfect vantage point for observation of how the restaurant functions as a unit. There were plenty of well-trained waiters, bussers, and runners, so it was clear that the service would match the staffing!

Our waiter Dajan from Macedonia (a destination that’s on my fantasy bucket list) was friendly and knowledgeable—welcoming us, opening our wine, and reciting that evening’s specials—all at the same time! I can’t hear with my sunglasses on, so there’s my level of multitasking ability.

Time to order, after much deliberation. In order, I chose the Lobster Bisque, Burrata Salad, and Seafood Risotto, all regular menu items. AnneMarie ordered the Grilled Polenta as her appetizer and the entrée special, Scallops Sambuca.

The Lobster Bisque was lovely. Creamy with plenty of chunky chunks of sweet lobster meat. For lobster eaters, the meat, depending upon from whence it comes, is surprisingly sweet. Usually, bisques incorporate the stringier claw meat, but not Tisha’s. Highly recommended if you’re a lobster person. 

For my appetizer, the Burrata Salad is served with a seasonal preparation. This means the full “ball” of burrata (rich mozzarella filled with even richer ricotta) with heirloom red and yellow grape tomatoes on a bed of arugula, cubes of roasted red beets, and a beautiful drizzle of balsamic reduction, is a perfect appetizer. Other salads and appetizers are available on the menu too—Carpaccio, Fired Calamari, and the always-spectacular Mushroom (or scallop) Risotto.

For my entrée, I’d been anticipating the Shrimp Risotto. The risotto was delicate, and the wonderful flavor of the shrimp, while also delicate, was highly flavorful. As I mentioned in the past, Tisha’s portions have always been incredibly generous, and I guarantee you’ll have plenty of take-home.

For AnneMarie’s entrée, she chose the Scallops Sambuca. I’ve experienced this in the past, and if you’re a fan of Sambuca, do try this. If you’re not, you might become one. The flavor is so mild and the sauce so creamy, served with a nice portion of local scallops with baby spinach over fettuccine.

On to dessert. If you know me (and many of you don’t), you know that my love of Key Lime Pie is legendary. I was always completely satisfied with Tisha’s version, but I have to admit on this visit, I strayed. I chose the Profiteroles with Dark Chocolate sauce. There were two, filled with vanilla ice cream, slathered in beautifully smooth chocolate sauce. The portion was huge, which was true of all the menu items we ordered, so this was happily shared with AnneMarie. 

Tisha’s is a BYOB establishment and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. You will be delighted to find Chef Paul’s “crowd favorites” on both menus. The lunch menus feature a bit of a lighter fare, offering more small plates, salads, interesting sandwiches, wraps, and burgers.

Reservations are very much encouraged, especially for dinner. The Open Table reservation portal is easy and seamless, so do use that when making your dinner reservations. If you happen to be venturing off-island, I highly recommend dining at their sister restaurants, the newly opened Local Tavern and 5 West Pub, both on Bayshore Road in Villas and North Cape May, respectively.

Try Tisha’s if you haven’t and I am sure you will return again and again—bon appétit!