We dined here as a party of 4 with a wide variety of palates and preferences. The ambiance was quiet and clean, white tablecloths and natural lighting. We all enjoyed the food here. It seemed like most dishes had a subtle Asian twist on an American classic dish. We really enjoyed the pu pu platter and each main course had a good amount of protein and vegetables :) the plating was beautiful and the food was delicious. This establishment is BYOB but does not allow hard liquor. We brought our own wine and cider. Our waitress was friendly and brought us an ice bucket for our cider. read more

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We made a reservation at The Black Duck after getting a recommendation to dine here when we were in town. The dining room was pleasantly appointed with dining tables dressed in crisp white table cloths. We were greeted promptly by our server Laura and given choices for water, Sparkling, Still or Cape May's finest tap water. The new owner Ashley, stopped by to say hello and introduced herself. Laura took care of our BYOB wine and provided details on the evenings specials. The appetizer specials were conch fritters and a fig & watermelon salad. We ordered and throughly enjoyed both. For our entrees we ordered off of the menu and chose the Pan Roasted Salmon with Lobster summer vegetable risotto, red wine & spiced shallots and the Sauteed Halibut, In a spiced corn meal crust, beef steak tomatoes, lobster cole slaw & sweet corn nage. Both entrees were absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection with generous portions. For dessert, chocolate cake and bananas foster rounded out the meal. Thank you again to Ashley, Laura and the team at The Black Duck for a delicious meal and fantastic service. Look forward to our next visit. read more

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The Black Duck has lost its luster. The new owners don't seem to understand the difference between running a gastropub and a fine dining establishment. We dined at the Duck for decades because we could always count on a consistently excellent menu, professional table service, a prix fixe menu, and the best lobster bisque on the cape. While our meals were good enough they lacked finesse. And we were seated in an impossibly uncomfortable space wedged between two doors -- one leading to the kitchen and the other into the main dining room. We wish the new owners well as they seek to attract a new clientele. We won't be returning to the Duck any time soon. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - Trapped between doors... - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

We landed here quite by accident, and boy are we happy we did. Our meal and the service was nothing short of fantastic. They seated us without a wait (a rare occurrence in Cape May). We started with the poo poo platter because we could not decide among all the delicious appetizer choices. Every thing on the platter was DELICIOUS! Then we had the Stilton salad and halibut and risotto entree, which was cooked to perfection. Lastly, we had room for some delicious cappuccino and dessert. I had the creme brûlée (outstanding) and my daughter had the chocolate torte. Can't say enough about this place. The service was outstanding snd the food was simply delicious. Can't wait to return! read more

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The food was absolutely excellent. Went here with my husband on vacation and we got the Angry Calamari and Ahi Poke as appetizers. The angry calamari had a great balance of flavor and a subtle spicy heat that was delicious. The Ahi poke was wonderfully balanced and light, with a great mix of textures sure to the crispy wontons. For entrees, we got the salmon and the Yakiniku. The salmon was cooked perfectly and had a great flavor, though the noodles were unnecessary. The Yakiniku, which was a ribeye steak cooked medium rare was probably the best steak I've eaten. It had the perfect char from the grill and a delightful flavor (maybe miso?) Definitely recommend, as it's a perfect dinner and depending on when you go, you can catch the sunset at sunset Beach right afterwards. read more

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Delicious food and great service, perfect for my partners birthday dinner! I love the way the create fusion dishes and dessert is to die for. I do wish that they had cocktails but it's neat that they let you bring in your own wine read more

We enjoyed our dinner here. BYOB. The decor was very simple. Nice flavors w Asian influence. We really liked the duck breast. No printed dessert menu but waitress was very knowledgeable about options. Small parking lot but easily managed a spot early evening. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - Duck - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

Black Duck fans of the past, beware. This is not your Black Duck! We had been (past tense) fans of the Black Duck since 2019, after a truly fabulous meal there with friends during restaurant week that year, and multiple return visits in following years. The food, ambiance, and service were (past tense again) all top notch. My husband and I were ecstatic the restaurant was open last evening and that we were able to get a last-minute reservation during September high season. The almost empty parking lot at 6 p.m. should have been our first clue that the Duck had lost some feathers (and stars). But we had come to expect excellence at the Black Duck and had no reason to assume this night would vary from that. That was a bad assumption. Despite the fact that the main rooms of the restaurant were nearly empty, we were seated against a wall in the corridor to the bathrooms and kitchen opposite the front door at a table the size of a glorified tv tray. A giant plant against that wall was crammed so close to my chair that its branches were in my hair, until the server saw me trying to dodge it and moved it to the side a bit. In order to keep the footprint of the table small so people could pass by to the kitchen and bathrooms, the chairs we sat on were not the same type of chairs at other "regular" tables. They had zero back support and were incredibly uncomfortable. Forty-five minutes into the experience, I had to stand up and stretch my back--and I don't have a bad back. There was also some sort of storage closet in this area, directly in front of where my chair was facing and within 5 feet of my husband's chair, and a man in an old Jimmy Buffett t-shirt accessed it and rustled around for a bit during our dinner, with no apology or acknowledgement. This was definitely not the refined atmosphere we had come to expect at the Duck! Had the restaurant suddenly been flooded with other diners with reservations that preceded ours, perhaps I could have rationalized our placement at a truly terrible table. But that never happened. The restaurant remained well below capacity our entire time there--and it was not a short time, because on top of the uncomfortable table, the service was slow, bordering on inattentive. Aside from the miserable experience of waiting for service on thrift store chairs at a table basically in the foyer of the bathroom, our food was mediocre, something we would never say about past dinners at the Black Duck. And then, when my husband got the bill, the server hovered while he filled in the tip! We left shaking our heads (and bracing our backs). What had happened to this special restaurant? Google had the answer. The restaurant was sold a little more than a week ago. Oh, and the guy in the stretched-out Jimmy Buffett t-shirt rooting in the closet during our dining experience? It turns out he is one of the new owners! It could be the new owners are going for a different vibe and experience than that of the past. To the new owners, I hope you find your groove, and that groove includes the gracious hospitality and excellence that graced 1 Sunset Drive for a long time. read more

Overall *** We have been coming to Cape May for 20 years and we joked that now our kids are older and off doing their own thing we can begin to see the adult side of Cape May. On Saturday of 4th of July weekend it was difficult to get a reservation for 6 but we were able to get in here and I was generally excited to try something new. Ultimately I didn't find The Black Duck anything all that special to truly desire returning to. (7/3/21) Setting *** Located in the West end, about a mile from town, the Black Duck may be just outside of walking distance for some which is unfortunate because there is very little parking available as their lot can only hold about 8 cars. Their is a side street across from the restaurant which you may have better luck with. Inside the restaurant is stark white everywhere which isn't necessarily a bad thing it's just not particularly interesting either. There are many smallish dining rooms divided up within this former home which does provide some comfortable seating options although I suggest avoiding the main dining room since it is the only source of egress and is fairly busy. Speaking of comfort, I found the chairs cheap, small, uncomfortable and looked forward to dinners end so I could get off of them. Service **** All the staff was professional, competent and friendly without anything standout. Our table of 6 had our meals delivered 2 at a time with some delay between. The online menu does not accurately reflect the current menu. Food *** To be fair most at my table were impressed I just personally found the food relatively basic, boring and lacking depth of flavors. The Pu-Pu platter is all their starters (2 each) in one and they say it serves 2 people but it could easily handle 4 if you are the sharing type. I didn't think any of starters, Spring Roll, Egg Roll, Shrimp Toast were very good although the Ribs were and wished we just got them as a starter. "Angry" Calamari was a starter special and was quite good with its mildly spicy Asian influences on it. My Filet Mignon, ordered Medium, was a nearly perfect Medium Rare as expected. Topped with mushrooms and served with Mashed Potatoes it was tender and good but tasted just like the expected flavors and lacked seasoning and richness. With no Salt and Pepper on the table there wasn't much I could do about it either. Fortunately my Wife ordered a side of Charred Broccoli which I thought was the best item I tasted and was so heavily seasoned that I used it to make my forkfuls more interesting. I tried a tablemates Lamb Chop and found that may have been a better choice, my wife described her Salmon as just ok. Value *** Maybe slightly above average, most of the entrees are $35 to $45 but I don't think the Pu Pu platter was worth $40. Of course being a BYOB so that always makes the bill better. read more

I haven't been out too much during the pandemic, but now return to one of my favorite spots. And it did not disappoint, it is really a gem in the Cape may area. Food is fantastic, service is excellent and it's definitely a cut above the rest. Nice setting, and BYOB! Friends, from New York really enjoyed it and were raving about the entrées. Really A+ dining experience. read more

I hadn't been to The Black Duck in over a decade, but it was a great experience. My girlfriend and I split 3 appetizers. Blue Crab Spring Rolls - fresh ingredients and a great dipping sauce. Duck Confit & Goat Cheese Egg Roll - excellent flavor with fresh mangos as an accent. Angry Calamari Special - lightly dusted calamari with sweet and spicy sauce over mixed vegetables. Delicious. And split a salad and the duck as our main. Duck was incredible atop a bed of flavorful jalapeño grits. BYOB is always a plus! Would recommend! read more

This was a wonderful find! First the staff is sooo friendly helpful. Very conscientious about keeping everyone safe with covid. The owner is the chef and what a chef he is!!! The food is fantastic! And under the circumstances the ambiance is wonderful. Outdoor dining was so nice with the benefits of love music from Exit Zero! Lol highly suggest a visit! read more

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Overall a solid cozy option, albeit on the expensive side, for American cuisine with a slight Asian inspired flare! Ordered the crab cakes ($35) and halibut ($38) which were both delicious. This is also one of the few places in Cape May I noticed that set up adequate social distancing measures and with a nice outdoor dining ambiance. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - Crab cakes ($35) - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

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First time back since new owners took over. Larry and staff made for a great 35th wedding anniversary experience! The food was excellent , the duck breast and halibut entrees were delicious. We will definitely be back soon! Thanks again. read more

We had the soft shell crab special and the duck and both were amazing. Also had two great salads and the chocolate tort was wonderful. We will be returning. read more

We arrived to the restaurant a bit late for our reservation due to traffic and didn't have a chance to change into more appropriate dinner attire and the staff couldn't be more welcoming and accommodating! They were very friendly and worked with us to select a table to our liking. The dining room is quite intimate (depending on where you sit). Our kids had no issues choosing a dish from their menu and we thoroughly enjoyed each. In particular the BBQ ribs, blue crab spring rolls, Half roast duck was amazing, and kids enjoy the hanger steak. Stay for dessert - it's worth it! read more

A first time visit. Food was a very good. A party of four and we each enjoyed our meal. Will definitely go ago.

Very disappointing. We made reservations two weeks ago so that we could have nice meals out while on vacation. They called us today and cancelled us with no explanation whatsoever. It's rude to do that! What a bummer. And all the restaurants are filled already for tonight, so we are SOL. read more

The service was top notch, the food was exactly as ordered and amazing, and the overall experience was incredible. Nice setting with quiet music, linens, but not overdone or stuffy. The surf and turf was excellent and the shrimp toast appetizer was a pleasant surprise of flavors and textures. This was my third trip over the last 4 years and well worth every penny! read more

Food was pretty good. Service was okay. We weren't placed at great table. It's kind of expensive so I doubt we would have gone if it weren't for restaurant week. read more

Last night was our first experience at The Black Duck. We will definitely be back. Nice that it's a BYO, as it defrays from the cost of these pricey entrees. I had the crab cakes, my husband had the shrimp and grits special. My meal was definitely better. The number of shrimp was lacking. It was definitely a small portion meal. The flavors were not as complex as we've had at other restaurants. The blue crab spring rolls were very good, as well as the salad that accompanied them. The orange salad was ok. Never happy when salt and pepper is not on the table. Feel it's the chef's way of saying I've created this wonderful dish that needs nothing extra. I personally like my s&p!! Next time I will ask for it. Also, note to the folks who may be fortunate enough to be seated in the front room, please note: the blinds are NOT to be touched for a better view of the spectacular sunset! read more

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Second time at The Black Duck. Second strike. Food is all right...we had Edamame Dumplings (mediocre mix of ingredients), Black Duck Spring Roll (a fried, tasteless "something"), The Hanger Steak (it was quite good), The Ahi Tuna (also quite good), and an Espresso that it is really difficult to call that way. The major issue, again, is the service: cold, uninterested, rushed and just not pleasant. My girlfriend and I agreed on giving The Black Duck another try in the future but certainly tonight it was not worth a third chance. This dinner cemented the fact that we would never recommend it to any friend, especially in Cape May where there is no lack of great places with quality service. read more

Could you enjoy fine dining on picnic tables and long benches? I am sure you can, but I personally don't feel justified with the price I will be paying! I understand it's very challenging for restaurants nowadays due to what's going on but paying an entry between $36-$45, I am not sure it's worth it. I have been there many times but this time I will go to someplace else instead. Black Duck you can do better with those tables C'mon! read more

What a great meal, Made reservations fo my dads birthday, arrived with plenty of time to stop across the street and pick up a bottle of wine. The service was prompt and friendly, She went over the specials and opened our bottle. Of our 5 guest 3 got the crab cakes and were very pleased with the quantity and presentation. My dad who has very strict dietary restrictions ordered the salmon. (He liked it very much) . I got the shrimp and grits. Another winner! We will definitely be back. Thank you for a wonderful time! read more

This restaurant is very over priced and underwhelming. Portion sizes are small, and the food lacked flavor. Only reason I'm giving two stars is because our waitress was super friendly and helpful read more

Went there with good friends last night. Food was great (ahi tuna especially) and the staff was very friendly. Prior experience and reading some reviews caused me to have pause about the quality of service, but those concerns were completely allayed. I would go back with no hesitation. read more

Have been going to the black duck for years, however this year it was lacking. The menu is the same every year, and the salad and steak were good enough. But my desert was drizzled with Hersey's chocolate sauce. May have to skip next year. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

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You've got to go! Great seafood with an Asian flair! Our waitress patty was excellent and so knowledgeable of the menu and more than helpful. I had the surf and turf special with tempora lobster and it was the beat meal I've had in a long time. The apps (edemame dumplings and shrimp toast) were amazing. It's pricey but worth it and also BYOB. You usually require a reservation as well. You're missing out if you don't go! read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

I wish I could say it was better... as a long time customer I was disappointed in the way the hostess treated us upon arrival Our reservations were for 8:30 and we didn't sit until 9pm. Her attitude and overall disposition was unfriendly when we checked back in at 8:45 and asked how much longer. I understand we had a larger party. 7 people... but you should still be gracious and welcoming. The manager came out before seating us and thanked us for our patience. Once seated, our waitress was wonderful and personable. The pu pu platter was delicious! The lobster bisque was a little bit salty. Our entrees were also good! Unfortunately, I won't be rushing back. I think there are many other places to try and I won't be treated like this! read more

Nice setting in an old Victorian house. Promptly seated for our reservation time. Place was somewhat noisy but tolerable. The air-conditioning however was cranked to the max and I normally do not get cold, but I was cold. Food was excellent. I ordered the duck and the wife ordered filet. My only issue was when I asked to have the side for mine switched to potatoes I was told 'no' without even asking. I said to please ask and when she returned I was told it was fine. When you are in the hospitality industry 'no' should not be in your lexicon. All things aside I would return here as the food was fantastic. read more

Friendly, prompt service, nice atmosphere and amazing food! Dined last night with a party of four and everything was delicious from beginning to end. We started with the Ribs, Crab and Duck Spring Rolls and Edamame Dumplings. We shared the Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Fig and Pesto - for entrees we had the Beef Stir Fry Special, Halibut, Lamb and Salmon. All were fantastic! Dessert was delicious as well. Highly recommend! read more

Well last night of a great week in Cape May where we had some amazing meals and great experiences at some wonderful new restaurants and wineries. We were saving a special recommended restaurant for the last night, we decided the Black Duck it is. We were so looking forward to it. Sorry we did. We were all disappointed in the entire evening. The food was okay not bad but not amazing like you would want or expect from a nice restaurant. The biggest problem and major turn off were the people who worked there ! First the maître d' or manager or whoever he was who seated us was dressed very sloppy in blue jeans that looked like he wore them for a week not very friendly, nice or welcoming to say the least. All the waitresses looked like something out of MTV video ..dark hair slicked back, dark shirts and beige pants or skirts all with black masks so they all look the same basically. And you could not see their faces. No personality at all you almost felt like your were in a diner. Do not think we will be back until the staff learn how to have some class and make dinning a experience like it should be. Can't even remember our servers name she mummed it and did it not make you feel comfortable the whole night was a hot mess on what could have been a beautiful night in a pretty restaurant. read more

Pleasant and satisfying experience. It's a small restaurant in West Cape May. Not a uniformed service but professional. We were both pleasantly surprised with the ambience and polite service. Plenty of parking and the food was delicious. We had the roasted breast of duck. We asked for rare and it was delicious. Only one negative. I had the yellow fin tuna meatballs as an appetizer. The meatballs were tough and not tasty. My wife had the stilton salad. It was delicious. Everything else was amazing. I will definitely visit this restaurant again and recommend it to all. BTW, it is BYOB. read more

Went here with my husband and the food was outstanding. We had the calamari for an appetizer and it was delicious, just the perfect amount of breading. I of course had the duck and it was cooked to perfection. The staff was wonderful. Highly recommend The Black Duck for a date night. read more

We sat in a room with one other table. The "cook" came out to the one table - delivered appetizers on the house and was completely rude to us. Not once were we asked how our dinner was.Disappointing. Food was mediocre at best. I would suggest the Washington Inn, Panico's or the Ebbitt Room. All lovely experiences! read more

I would like to give this restaurant a better rating, but our dinner was average, nothing great. The zucchini blossoms were very small and greasy and husbands short ribs were very dry. However, my red snapper was very good. The wait staff is excellent. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

Chef I truly salute you!!! Thank you for such an incredible culinary experience. I came into town today thinking I would dine on the typical run of the mill fare of a beach town ( sorry never been to cape may before) and I stumbled upon the black duck on Yelp. Immediately I needed to go. I had high hopes for such a brave menu which is a complete blend of cuisines. Some call it fusion, but here is the pinnacle of amalgamation. Asian meets Mediterranean with a new American beauty. Let's break this down... A Pu-Pu platter which of often a smorgasbord of cheaply made Chinese appetizers , but here I saw an elevation of this simple concept that floored me. Duck confit spring rolls! Silky confit wrapped in a crispy shell with a multitude of dipping sauces is just one example of pure genius. Entree arrive and my wife had the crab cakes... Huge pieces of fresh sweet crab with bits of celery, she stated that it was one of the best crab cakes she has ever had. I had the lamb special which was a true show stopper . Rack of lamb, homemade lamb sausage with a tomato chutney/jam, on top of gnocchi stuffed w asparagus, all finished with I believe a wine Demi-glaze. Not a single morsel was left. Last but not least, the desserts! I have written too much already, but I will attest as a non sweet lover, these do not disappoint in flavor or presentation. A few reviews mention the prices, considering the quality, presentation, and creativity of this food i find this place a bargain!!!! My only disappointment is I don't live closer. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - Lamb heaven - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

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I can't believe there's only ONE review for The Black Duck. I've eaten here a few times, mostly when it was Peaches, but at least twice since it has changed names. The food here was wonderful! I mean, it should have been seeing as it costs nearly as much as an overnight stay in Cape May. I had the lobster bisque- amazing, salmon- phenomenal, and these mashed potatoes that I decided to eat as slowly as I could as to savor every bit! The only reason why I docked a star was for the afore mentioned through-the-roof prices, which seemed reasonable for the quality until I found The Pier House next to the La Mer that serves the same brilliantly prepared eats at a cost that is MUCH easier on the wallet. But let's get real, we don't go on vacation because we are looking to save money anyway do we? As far as ambiance goes, The Black Duck is small and cozy. It has a sort of "eating in your own dining room feel". It is incredibly clean and has an awesome fish tank that captured my attention right away. read more

Very respectable food, and great value if you choose to go for the Early Bird Special. Food is nicely presented and freshly prepared, although the early bird menu has not changed in ages and could use a little update. It is a prix fixe menu with a choice of one of two salads or a soup, an entrée (from about 8 choices) and mousse for dessert. Salads are little twist on the usual favorites, with a very nice, big piece of Stilton cheese provided with that salad choice. Diver scallops are tender, Flat Iron Steak was enjoyed by one member of the party, salmon, while not particularly imaginative, was organically raised and flavorful. The Asian shrimp dish was a nice blend of a variety of flavors. The mousse is not particularly good. BYOB and parking on site. After dinner, proceed down the road to see the beautiful flag lowering ceremony at Sunset Beach. read more

The Black Duck on Sunset - Grilled Flat Iron Sirloin - New American Near Me - West Cape May, New Jersey

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I'm hoping that the Black Duck will be my go to place for a great high end dinner in Cape May. After two visits I'm not quite sure yet. On my fist visit the restaurant, an inviting home with a relaxing white and wood interior, I was blown away in every respect. The wait staff was prompt without being overbearing and the food was remarkable. We had the pu pu platter to start which gave us a taste of each of the starters. The selections ranged from good to great. For my entree I had the half roast duck over a cheese risotto - every bite was amazing. For dessert my wife has the creme brule with fruit - based on the way she is still talking about it, it may have changed her life. Now to the next visit. Obviously our expectations are high. The place was packed and people were waiting outside. Even with reservations we waited 20 minutes to sit - no problem by me, I'm at the beach and I left my watch at the office. This time we are a party of four, again we select the pu pu platter and we are not disappointed, it is everything it was the first time. Our waitress seemed a bit our of her depth with the changes to the menu and the specials but she was nice enough. The water guy was on point but they did take awhile to take our dishes. Then the wait started - everyone in the restaurant seemed to be getting their dinners. We didn't pay much attention at first as we had brought some great wine along and we were comfortably digesting the platter but after awhile frustration sank in. Just as we commented to the waitress that we had been waiting awhile they brought out our food. My entree, the schezuan beef, was overcooked to be sure. The hanger steak was overcooked as well. My wife's scallops were good but a bit undercooked. Also, when we were finished we realized that there was no one else in the restaurant - literally everyone had eaten, had dessert and paid before we had finished our entree. I believe that something went wrong in the kitchen with our dinners. Maybe due to the overbooking or just a mistake. It was unfortunate. While dinner wasn't terrible it was certainly not what we were expecting based on the price and our previous experience. I am giving them 4 stars for now in the hope that this last experience was a fluke. I will go back and if the experience is better I will forget all about the last time. If it is the same as last time I'll reduce my rating and continue my quest for a delicious alternative! I call that a win - win. read more