We've dined at the Artful Table three times this year, and we're torn between recommending this hidden jewel of a restaurant and just keeping it a secret. It's more than just a restaurant. Located on Route 6A at the Kingsway development in Yarmouthport, it is one of the few truly fine dining experiences on Cape Cod.
The Artful Table has survived a couple of owners since it opened at this location 3 years ago. Then, the founders of the Artful Hand in Truro, opened a trendier version of the original in the clubhouse of the Kingsway Golf Club. This year the Table is run by chef Bob Hickey and his wife, very hands on, and it shows.
Originally envisioned as the dining option of the member community of mostly retired couples, the Table today relies on the general public to dine there too. It has however, not been successful in attracting many outsiders to venture in. Their loss, our gain.
FoodOn our most recent visit we tried the seafood again. The salmon was grilled to perfection. Its natural flavor was seared in and cooked through. The diced cucumber accompanying it was a curious choice but went well with the Asian rice. All together, this good food is good for you too. Any dietician or cardiologist would approve.
We also tried the baked scallops. A favorite of locals for a hundred years, they got this dish right with just the right amount of butter and cracker topping to please even the most skeptical scallop lover. The green beans that came with, were fresh and crisp, and the rice again worked well.
The clam chowder with native clams was succulent as an appetizer. On other occasions we sampled the coconut battered fried shrimp, awesome, and Chinese potstickers, wicked good.
Also on previous visits we ordered the roasted chicken, baked scrod, sirloin steak, and pasta. All were prepared well, served hot and in good portions.
Dessert this time was a real treat, homemade grapenut custard, and handmade tiramissou. Both were extraordinary, like eating ambrosia with a spoon, in giant helpings.
Wine & CocktailsThe Table has a very interesting selection of "martini" concoctions. But no gin here. The wine list is varied and appealing, making it easy to select a bottle. Many good Californians to choose from. Skip the Europeans. Wine, by the glass is expensive, but by the bottle, fairly priced.
ServiceOn each occasion we dined without a reservation. The main dining room, set precisely for dinner with white tablecloths, full service of china, silverware and glassware, can be a bit intimidating to the casual diner. Not to worry, this is still Cape Cod.
The white shirted, full length black apron-clad waiters (waitresses) cut an imposing figure, but underneath their austere appearance are the sweetest young servers on the Cape. Their youth is disguised well by their training, and their exuberance makes up for any inexperience. Their desire to please the diner was truly refreshing. The service was, to say the least, outstanding.
AtmosphereA combination of bar and restaurant allows one to dine casually in the former, or formally in the latter. But on most evenings the clientele are older foursomes or lately, grandparents, parents and grandkids. Nice to see multigenerational tables in public.
The building is out of architectural digest while the dining room, overlooking the golf course, is aesthetically pleasing. Relatively small, it has an intimate feel, especially at sunset. The restaurant is immaculate, as are the surrounding clubhouse grounds.
Once again we ventured out for a fine dining experience on Cape Cod and this newest version of The Artful Table did not disappoint. The food was excellent, the service impeccable, the atmosphere delightful, and the location serene. As close as you will get to perfection on Cape Cod. We give The Artful Table *** (out of 3) the highest rating, to go with $$$ (out of 3) as it was a bit expensive. But you too will get carried away somewhere between the cocktails and dessert.