With its abundance of fresh seafood and five-star local restaurants, it can be difficult to decide where to entertain your tastebuds in Coastal Maine. You can’t go wrong with any of our small town flavors, but here are four of our favorite Kennebunkport, Maine restaurants including our favorite dishes at each.
Discover the Best Must Visit Maine Restaurants
50 Local
Sneak away to 50 Local during your next trip to Kennebunkport. The trendy Downtown Kennebunk, farm-to-table restaurant offers all the flavor of Coastal Maine with half the crowd. Plan a date surrounded by its intimate setting and impress your tastebuds with the seasonal, local menu which changes daily. Be sure to make a reservation during the busy summer and fall seasons.
Local tip: Step up your culinary game with one of 50 Local’s cocktail and cooking classes. You’ll want to plan ahead, however, as these classes fill up fast.
Fish & Chips
50 Local takes it up a notch with the classic, English favorite. The expertly fried local haddock is gingerly tossed in panko and paired with housemade tartar, hand-cut french fries, and homemade pickles to boot.
Lobster Scampi
Perfectly cooked chunks of flakey lobster, house-made tagliatelle, white wine and spinach. It doesn’t get much fresher than this.
Chez Rosa Bistro
This french bistro located in an renovated 1850s barn is known for serving up classic french cuisine influenced by coastal Maine’s fresh seafood. The Chez Rosa Bistro menu features french classics like steak frites, beef bourguignon and more! The drink selection includes a variety of French wines, Maine beers and original cocktails.
Pollock Wellington
Fresh pollock wrapped with kale and a crème fraîche lemon mousse within a square of golden puff pastry. Served alongside farro, spring peas, almonds and a luscious lemon-caper veloute.
Steak Frites
This french classic is prepared with grilled strip loin, crispy house-made frites and served with a aïoli and piperade sauce.
The Clam Shack
This iconic spot is located on the bridge above the Kennebunkport River. This casual, walk-up counter restaurant is a great place to stop for local fried oysters or a lobster roll to munch on as you stroll through downtown Kennebunkport.
Lobster Roll
The Clam Shack’s lobster roll has been called one of the best by several publications including Travel Channel, Forbes, The New York Times and more! This lobster roll is served on a round bun, toasted and buttered, with an impressive amount of lobster tail and claw meat.
Fried Clams
Clams harvested from local waters are lightly-breaded and fried for a sweet and crunchy taste.
Old Vines Wine Bar
Kennebunkport’s coolest wine bar is also known for its unique craft cocktails, and also serves up some of the tastiest dishes in town. Old Vines expertly combines natural and new-age with its airy oak beams and modern place settings. Uncork a bottle, indulge in a few small plates, and stay awhile at this trendy spot, popular with tourists and locals alike.
If you’re visiting with a group, inquire about Old Vines’ craft cocktail classes—you’ll take away some great skills, relish some savory food and drink, and be super impressed by the presentation by Old Vines’ personable and very skilled bar staff.
Chicken Meatballs
The well-portioned, lean ground chicken meatballs are baked to crispy perfection, smothered in housemade marinara sauce, and topped with freshly shredded basil. If you’re visiting with a party, you’ll want more than one order of these—even the kindest souls won’t want to share these.
Chioggia Beet Salad
This artfully designed dish brings together coriander farro, radish, feta, pickled red onion and arugula all drizzled with a light tahini lemon vinaigrette.
Refresh at The Inn at English Meadows
After feasting at "Must Visit Maine Restaurants", come back to the naturally quiet Sunrise room. The room played the role of the master bedroom when the English family occupied the home in the late 19th century. The room includes a queen-size bed, original pine floors, and a stunning view through the five window turret. Add a tranquilizing spa package to your stay and embrace a Maine River Stone massage. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Inn at English Meadows. Book today!