When you want Mexican food, you go to Mexico. When you want Italian food, you go to Italy. And, when you want good food on the most gorgeous coast in America you head straight for Vacationland. While we’ve got lots of great towns for food, sometimes eating along the craggy coast of Maine is just what the soul (and belly!) need. Next time you’re looking for a great meal and great vibes, head to the best Maine coast restaurants.

1. Young's Lobster Pound, Belfast
Haplo1 / TripAdvisor
2 Fairview St, Belfast, ME 04915, USA
Young's Lobster Pound / Facebook
Make the trip to this well-loved lobster pound by getting two 1 + 1/4 hard shell lobsters, clams, mussels, corn on the cob, shrimp, oysters, butter, cocktail sauce & lemon. Eat your heart out, then stare out at the water while you wonder how long you have to wait before ordering another one from Young's Lobster Pound in Belfast, Maine. It's one of the best restaurants on the Maine coast!
2. Dolphin Marina & Restaurant, Harpswell
515 Basin Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079, USA
Dolphin Marina & Restaurant / Facebook
Road-Maven / TripAdvisor
About 40 minutes north of Portland is Dolphin Marina in the town of Harpswell, Maine. The Pott's Harbor location is perfectly serene with seating offering panoramic views, but nothing matches their stuffed lobster. The fresh seafood is caught straight out of the Maine waters. There's lot of other seafood on their menu, so be sure to arrive hungry!
3. Crown Jewel, Great Diamond Island
Crown Jewel / Facebook
255 Diamond Ave, Portland, ME 04109, USA
Crown Jewel / Facebook
In July the general store on Great Diamond Island was transformed into the refreshingly cool restaurant, Crown Jewel. The brainchild of the Flanagans Table series in Buxton has created a Caribbean-feel spot in the center of Casco Bay and it's the perfect place for a light seafood meal and perfect views. Get there via the Casco Bay Lines ferry! The restaurant is less than a five minute walk from the ferry dock.
4. Chebeague Island Inn, Chebeague Island
management / TripAdvisor
61 S Rd, Chebeague Island, ME 04017, USA
kplzheaven / TripAdvisor
This is another coastal Maine restaurant that can only be reached by boat! This one, located off the coast of Yarmouth, about 1.5 hours by ferry from Portland. You can choose to dine inside on cooler nights, but on warmer ones the outside porch is beautiful. Savor fresh off the boat lobster and produce grown from the Inn's own Second Wind Farm. Dining at the Chebeague Island Inn is a true delight for the senses!
5. Milly's Skillet Seaside Kitchen, Peaks Island
Milly's Skillet Seaside Kitchen / Facebook
56 Island Ave, Portland, ME 04108, USA
Milly's Skillet Seaside Kitchen / Facebook
The perfect Maine seafood shack can be found just a short ferry ride from Portland, on beautiful Peaks Island. Accessible via 10-minute Casco Bay Ferry ride, this little shack in small in stature, but big on taste. And sitting in front looking out over the bay can't be beat! It's considered one of the best restaurants in coastal Maine for good reason. Take the ferry and find Milly's Skillet Seaside Kitchen at Jones Landing.

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6. The Kawanhee Inn & Restaurant, Weld
DavidL40950 / TripAdvisor
12 Anne's Way, Weld, ME 04285, USA
Kawanhee Inn / Facebook
Nestled amidst the pines along the shores of Webb Lake in Western Maine, the setting here might not be entirely coastal, but this water's edge certainly seems to count in our minds. The Kawanhee Inn & Restaurant offers home cooked meals, with ingredients grown in their garden. Plan an overnight stay at this historic inn to enjoy the food more than once!
7. Thurston's Lobster Pound, Bernard
Thurston's Lobster Pound / Facebook
9 Thurston Rd, Bernard, ME 04612, USA
Susan K / TripAdvisor
Thurston's Lobster Pound takes up a sliver of land overlooking on Bass Harbor. And, it's been here for ages. In fact, the restaurant began as a wholesale provider in 1946 and has been in operation by family for over five generations! Today you can walk in, look up at the menu and be digging into the freshest food in just minutes!
8. Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, Damariscotta
Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina / Facebook
47 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543
Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina / Facebook
Schooner Landing in Damariscotta isn't just for those who love Maine seafood. Those in search of casual pub fare will find that here as well. But, none of that will matter when you see the view! Paired with live music, great drinks, fresh-off-the-boat lobster and good company, Schooner Landing is the perfect place to watch the sunset over a perfect Maine meal.
9. Dimillo's on the Water, Portland
Gyrfalcn / TripAdvisor
25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Iwashere21 / TripAdvisor
A Maine tradition since 1965, DiMillo's on the Water has been serving the best views and classic dishes in Portland for what feels like centuries! They've been in their current location on the waters of Portland Harbor since 1982. From appetizers to full meals, the menu is as large as the views are beautiful.
10. The Ramp Bar & Grill, Kennebunkport
nancygilmartin / TripAdvisor
Pier 77 Restaurant, 77 Pier Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
WheelingTraveler / TripAdvisor
A favorite of locals, this quirky little spot in Kenebunkport features nautical goodness all over the outside walls. The inside offers sports memorabilia and lots of festive vibes. It is simply one of those memorable coastal Maine restaurants. And the food? The food! Order the lobster roll and plan to spend the day at the iconic Ramp Bar & Grill in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Does all this talk of coastal dining have you missing inland Maine? If so, check out this wonderful pub in Norway, Maine. It’s a bit off-the-beaten-path without being totally disconnected from the rest of the state. It’s a keeper!

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More to Explore

maine coast restaurants

Christina Arrascaeta | June 27, 2022

Are there any beachfront restaurants in Maine?

With over 200 miles of coastline in the state of Maine, you can rest assured that there are plenty of fabulous beachfront restaurants to choose from. From small mom-and-pop eateries to extravagant venues, Maine is home to some of the best beachfront restaurants. For a relaxed vibe along the oceanfront, head to Whale’s Tooth Pub in Lincoln, Maine. There, you’ll find some of the best water views and equally wonderful hospitality. If you are looking for a classic spot that Mainers go-to for a great beachfront lobster meal, then Dolphin Marina and Restaurant in Harpswell, Maine is another great choice.

Which restaurants have the best patios in Maine?

Whether you are looking to enjoy nature more near the ocean or forest, dining at one of Maine’s best patio restaurants is the perfect way to indulge! Popular water views can be had at Fisherman’s Wharf in Lubec, where diners can enjoy watching the tides and seals. Another great option is The Well at Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, where seating options include picnic tables, screened porch, or gazebos.

Where can I dine at the most beautiful restaurant in Maine?

Maine’s rolled hills, green mountains, and coastal towns offer many choices for beautiful dining experiences in the state. For the most beautiful restaurant in Maine, try Natalie’s Restaurant at Camden Harbor Inn. Its world-class menu offers fine dining in an exquisite setting with views of the harbor. The restaurant is located in a Victorian Inn and was overseen by Dutch interior designer Mascha Brunia to resemble a Parisian bistro.

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