130JUL23_CoverR1NoUPC

Locally Sourced, Universally Enjoyed

Cape Cod Life  /  July 2023 /

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner

Locally Sourced, Universally Enjoyed

130JUL23_CoverR1NoUPC

Cape Cod Life  /  July 2023 /

Writer: Julie Craven Wagner


Photos provided by the Wilsons

The team behind Woods Hole’s Water Street Kitchen opens an adventurous noodle shop in downtown Falmouth.

Lots of people have dreams of opening a restaurant, however, probably few can cite the notes they had made years before, that when suddenly re-discovered, revealed a presciently succinct description of an establishment for a new restaurant someday in the future. But that actually happened to Molly Wilson before she and co-owner John Wilson opened their second restaurant: Tiger Ramen in Falmouth. 

Business partners John Wilson and Molly Wilson are the team behind Water Street Kitchen in the heart of Woods Hole, their first restaurant, which they opened in 2016. Despite being perched above the iconic drawbridge on Water Street in Woods Hole, the acclaimed eatery flies below the radar, which is not to say it doesn’t benefit from a robust popularity. A table at the 80 seat cozy outpost is one of the most difficult reservations to come by on the Cape,however they always welcome guests to walk in without one. With an interior that seems to have sprung from Herman Melville’s imagination, the restaurant offers an experience that is difficult to qualify with common culinary vernacular. 

First the décor: Dark walls, wooden beams, wide plank floors, and colorful glass fishing floats all contribute to a cozy, nautical feel—a collection of tables, chairs, lamps and paintings that could have been gathered at a Hemingway estate sale. Arguably the most coveted, and largest table is tucked into a semi-circle banquette that is embraced by an oversized window looking out onto Water Street, the drawbridge and Eel Pond beyond. Dimly flickering lamps hang on the walls giving your entire party the feeling of being on the quarterdeck of an ancient vessel. “I...

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Julie Craven Wagner

Julie Craven Wagner began her experience with Cape Cod Life in 2010 when she joined the sales team after 10 years of working with local businesses on the Cape and Islands with WMVY. In addition to sales, she is the Associate Publisher/Editor of Cape Cod LIFE, Cape Cod HOME, and Cape Cod ART. Growing up on the Outer Cape has given her a unique perspective of life on Cape Cod, from tip to bridge, and that is reflected in her appreciation and presentation of stories found within the pages of our publications. Julie lives in North Falmouth with her husband, Eric, and their yellow lab, Enzo. When she finds free time, she enjoys her Cape Cod life sailing on Buzzards Bay, spending time on the beach in Wellfleet, or exploring Martha’s Vineyard.