Ocean-Friendly Restaurants

The Ocean-Friendly Restaurant program is run by the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. The Ocean-Friendly award recognizes restaurants that are committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic by committing to the specific criteria listed at the bottom of this blog. 

The following restaurants on Cape Island are recognized as Ocean-Friendly establishments. Congratulations to them for committing to these criteria and supporting this important mission!

Exit Zero Filling Station

One of Cape May’s newest restaurants, the Exit Zero Filling Station is a fun and funky dining option with an eclectic menu and creative cocktails to go along with their commitment to helping keep the oceans clean.

Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Good Earth Organic Eatery

This all-organic restaurant in West Cape May is family owned and operated, serving up homemade and healthy food created with seasonal fruits and vegetables and locally-caught fresh fish. 

There are specific criteria that any restaurant must meet in order to receive the “Ocean-Friendly” distinction:

  1. Only reusable foodware is used for onsite dining.*
  2. Paper straws are provided only upon request.** 
  3. No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam). 
  4. No plastic bags are used for takeout or to-go orders. 
  5. Single-use utensils, straws, condiments, and other accessory items are provided only upon request.
  6. Beverages are not sold in plastic bottles.
  7. Proper recycling practices are followed.

* Foodware includes dinnerware, drinkware, silverware, and ramekins/containers.
** Exceptions may be made for alternatives made from other naturally occurring materials and reusables.

Then, they must also choose a minimum of three of these criteria:

  1. A discount is offered for customers with a reusable item (e.g. cup, container, bag).
  2. Vegetarian and vegan food options are offered on a regular basis.
  3. All seafood is ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch, or no seafood is served.*
  4. Water conservation and pollution mitigation efforts are implemented.
  5. Energy efficiency efforts are in place.
  6. Concessions and pre-packaged food items are not sold in plastic packaging.
  7. Composting efforts are in place for food waste.
  8. Neither single-use plastic nor bio-based plastic containers are used for takeout or to-go orders, reusable containers are preferred.

* Locally sourced, sustainable seafood is preferred and should be prioritized when Seafood Watch recommendations do not apply. 

If you’re a restaurant interested in participating in the Ocean-Friendly program, click here to sign up and learn more.