For 40 years, diners lucky enough to find their way to a table at the Ocean House in Dennisport have enjoyed an unparalleled view exceeded only by the masterpiece found on their plates. Owner Janet Hart-Barbato and her daughter/co-owner Kari Anne Hart, are celebrating a milestone anniversary this year as they have overseen a dining experience consistently recognized as one of the best in southern New England.

At the helm in the kitchen, Executive Chef Tom Woods brings his love for fresh, locally inspired, innovative dishes to every plate that exits in his domain. Chef Woods credits his colorful and vibrant youthful summers, spent with extended family in Jamestown, Rhode Island, for his commitment and appreciation for what is available and abundant from the rich, local bounty. “It was important to my grandmother to have her family together, and that meant days of clamming and fishing, where we would gather together for dinner and grill our fresh catch, enjoy local vegetables handed over the fence from the neighbors, and pies that tasted of summer,” Woods recalls.

Educated at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island, Chef Woods spent 20 years in Boston, most notably at Blue Dragon, alongside celebrity chef Ming Tsai. Prior to taking over the culinary responsibilities at Ocean House, Woods was at Osterville’s venerable Oyster Harbors Club.