Dine By The Sea At 17 Maine Restaurants Full Of New England Charm
There’s something unforgettable about dining where the ocean is just steps away.
In Maine, seaside restaurants bring together the flavors of New England and the kind of coastal charm that lingers long after the last bite.
Fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and views that stretch across the water create an experience that feels both timeless and unique.
These 17 spots invite you to settle in, enjoy the salt air, and taste why Maine’s shoreline is one of the most delicious places to eat in the country.
1. The Clam Shack: Kennebunkport’s Legendary Lobster Roll Spot
Perched right on the bridge where Kennebunk and Kennebunkport meet, The Clam Shack has been serving no-frills seafood perfection since 1968.
Their award-winning lobster rolls come on freshly baked round buns rather than traditional hot dog rolls.
What makes them special? The lobster is cooked in ocean water and pulled fresh daily. Choose between mayonnaise, warm butter, or both—there’s no wrong answer when the meat is this sweet.
2. DiMillo’s On the Water: Floating Restaurant With Portland Harbor Views
Ever dined on an actual boat? DiMillo’s isn’t just any restaurant—it’s a converted car ferry permanently docked in Portland Harbor!
Family-owned since 1965, this floating landmark serves classic seafood with Italian influences. Grab a window seat to watch working fishing boats glide by while sampling their famous lobster stew.
The gentle rocking and harbor lights create an atmosphere no landlocked restaurant could possibly match.
3. Boone’s Fish House: Portland’s Historic Waterfront Gem
Claiming to be the birthplace of the baked stuffed lobster, Boone’s has been a Portland institution since 1898. The multi-level deck hanging over the water offers spectacular views of Casco Bay and the working waterfront.
Order their signature dish – you’ll get a massive lobster split and stuffed with seafood filling. The outdoor fire pits make this spot magical even on chilly evenings when fog rolls across the harbor.
4. Bagaduce Lunch: Roadside Seafood Shack With Blue Ribbon Credentials
Don’t let the humble appearance fool you – this family-run roadside stand in Penobscot has a James Beard Foundation American Classic Award!
Open since 1946, Bagaduce Lunch sits where the Bagaduce River meets the bay. Their fried haddock sandwiches are legendary among locals.
Grab your food and head to one of the picnic tables overlooking the reversing falls, where the tidal river creates mini-rapids that change direction with the tides.
5. Tinder Hearth: Bakery-Turned-Pizza Paradise By The Sea
Hidden down a country road in Brooksville sits this magical bakery-by-day, pizza-restaurant-by-night gem. Wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients and sourdough crust have folks driving from hours away just for dinner.
The garden seating area offers glimpses of the bay through the trees. Reservations are essential – they only serve dinner a few nights weekly.
6. Havana: Cuban-Maine Fusion With Bar Harbor Flair
Latin flavors meet Maine ingredients at this unexpected culinary hotspot in Bar Harbor. Havana’s garden patio feels like a tropical escape, yet the ocean is just steps away.
Their paella loaded with local seafood showcases the best of both worlds. The restaurant grows many ingredients in their own garden, and their wine cellar is legendary among oenophiles. Mojitos made with Maine blueberries? Yes, please!
7. Fox’s Lobster House: Dining In The Shadow Of Nubble Lighthouse
You can’t beat the location – Fox’s sits practically in the shadow of York’s iconic Nubble Lighthouse. Operating since 1966, this family-owned spot serves classic Maine fare with million-dollar views.
Their lobster stew recipe hasn’t changed in decades, rich with cream and butter. The sprawling outdoor deck gets packed in summer, but even in fog, the atmosphere is pure Maine magic.
8. Mainely Meat BBQ: Smokehouse With Acadia Mountain Views
Barbecue might not be the first food you associate with Maine, but this Bar Harbor gem will change your mind.
Located at Atlantic Brewing Company, Mainely Meat combines smoked goodness with stunning mountain and sea views.
The outdoor picnic area becomes magical at sunset when Cadillac Mountain glows pink. Their seafood options include smoked haddock chowder that bridges Maine tradition with BBQ innovation.
9. West Street Café: Bar Harbor’s Family-Run Seafood Institution
Sitting at the corner of West Street and the harbor since 1941, this Bar Harbor landmark has fed generations of visitors headed to Acadia National Park.
The wrap-around windows provide harbor views from nearly every table. Their Maine blueberry pancakes make breakfast as memorable as dinner.
The lobster mac and cheese combines comfort food with luxury. Family-owned for three generations, servers know regulars by name and treat first-timers like old friends.
10. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights: Oceanside Dining on Rugged Rocks
Perched dramatically on the rocky coastline of Cape Elizabeth, The Lobster Shack offers what might be Maine’s most spectacular dining view.
Waves crash just feet from your picnic table as two historic lighthouses stand sentinel nearby. Their lobster rolls come Maine-style – chilled with mayo.
When fog rolls in (and it will), the foghorn’s mournful call creates an atmosphere straight from a Maine postcard.
11. Jonathan’s: Farm-to-Table Pioneer in Ogunquit
Long before farm-to-table became trendy, Jonathan’s was building relationships with local farmers and fishermen.
This Ogunquit institution, housed in a beautiful post-and-beam building, combines rustic charm with refined cuisine. The multi-level dining room features local art and harbor views.
Their seafood comes from boats you can see from the restaurant. Jonathan’s also doubles as a concert venue, hosting intimate performances by folk legends and up-and-coming artists.
12. Footbridge Lobster: Tiny Shack With Mighty Flavors
You could easily miss this tiny takeout window in Perkins Cove if not for the line of people waiting patiently. Footbridge Lobster sits at the end of Ogunquit’s famous wooden footbridge, serving seafood so fresh it was swimming hours earlier.
Their lobster roll is simplicity perfected – sweet meat, light mayo, buttered roll. Grab your food and find a spot along the harbor wall to watch fishing boats come and go.
13. Oarweed Restaurant: Historic Cove Dining With Harbor Buzz
Named after the seaweed that clings to Perkins Cove’s rocks, Oarweed occupies one of the oldest buildings in this former fishing village.
The multi-level deck extends right over the water, putting you in the middle of harbor activity. Watch the manual drawbridge operator let sailboats through while enjoying their famous clam chowder.
The restaurant’s weathered wood interior feels like the captain’s quarters of an old sailing ship. Their blueberry martinis have developed a cult following among summer visitors.
14. Luke’s Lobster: Sustainable Seafood With Harbor Views
Founded by a Maine native who wanted to bring authentic lobster shack experience to cities, Luke’s returned to its roots with locations in Portland and Tenant’s Harbor.
The Tenant’s Harbor spot sits on a working wharf where you can watch your dinner being unloaded from boats. Their commitment to sustainability extends to compostable packaging.
The lobster rolls come with a hint of secret seasoning that enhances rather than masks the sweet meat. Their chilled wild blueberry lemonade perfectly complements the rich seafood.
15. McLoons Lobster Shack: Island Vibes On A Working Lobster Wharf
Tucked away on Spruce Head Island, McLoons combines the authenticity of a working lobster wharf with unexpectedly refined food.
The red shack sits directly on the water, with lobstermen unloading catches just feet from dining tables. Their lobster rolls feature meat picked that morning.
The warm lobster stew makes a perfect starter on foggy days. Don’t miss their homemade whoopie pies – Maine’s official state treat comes in classic chocolate and seasonal flavors like blueberry.
16. Royal River Grill House: Elegant Dining Along Yarmouth’s Waterfront
Overlooking the boats of Yarmouth’s marina, Royal River Grill House offers a more upscale dining experience without sacrificing waterfront charm.
The wraparound deck puts you right over the water, where harbor seals occasionally pop up to say hello. Their seafood paella showcases Maine’s bounty in Spanish style.
The restaurant sources ingredients from farms within 20 miles whenever possible. Time your visit for sunset when the marina’s masts create a stunning silhouette against the colorful sky.
17. Barren’s Distillery and Restaurant: Farm-to-Glass Spirits With Ocean Views
Camden’s newest waterfront gem combines Maine’s craft spirits movement with spectacular Penobscot Bay dining.
Housed in a renovated boathouse, Barren’s makes gin and whiskey from locally grown grains while serving creative seafood dishes.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame postcard-worthy views of Camden’s harbor and mountains. Their tasting flights pair spirits with local oysters from different Maine bays.
