Southern Maine Restaurants
1. Congdon’s After Dark – 1100 Post Road, Wells
Congdon’s After Dark is the only food truck park in New England. It offers a unique dinner option for summer residents and guests with up to 10 food trucks serving from 4 – 8 PM with at least one truck staying open until 9 or 10 PM. There are fun and diverse food options, live music, a Maine-centric Beer Garden, kid’s entertainment, and pets are welcome too.
2. MC Perkins Cove, 111 Perkins Cove Road, Ogunquit
This waterfront restaurant run by two James Beard award-winning chefs makes it possible to enjoy a gourmet meal as close to the ocean as possible. Its dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an unfettered view of the Atlantic Ocean. While you enjoy the ocean, you get to eat classic bistro dishes — or order from the full raw bar.
3. The Front Porch 9 Shore Road, Ogunquit
Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Ogunquit, and an institution for more than 35 years, The Front Porch offers a diverse menu that is served in all three unique areas of the restaurant: the dining room, bar lounge, and the popular sing-along piano bar. It really is a world-famous entertainment destination – you never know who will join you in that sing along. Legends!
4. Arundel Wharf – 43 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport
This is the perfect spot if you’re looking to have a delicious meal with a beautiful view. It sits right over the water with a massive outdoor seating area, not to mention the menu is super affordable for those a budget.
5. The White Barn Inn – 37 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk
A AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star restaurant, that showcases incredible ingredients sourced through specially cultivated relationships with the farmers, fishermen and foragers of coastal Maine for beautifully presented, always inspired dishes that encapsulate the very essence of its spectacular setting. A truly memorable experience.
6. The Wayfarer – 2 Pier Road, Kennebunkport
Halfway between Biddeford Pool and Kennebunkport. This tiny restaurant serves exquisite dishes and best of all, it’s BYOB.
7. Magnus On the Water – 12 Water Street, Biddeford
Biddeford is giving Portland a run for its money as the next up-and-coming foodie town. The city of Biddeford has just been named by Food and Wine as one of America’s next great food cities. And this restaurant is a good reason. this Biddeford cocktail bar and restaurant recently opened to approving crowds. Chef Ben Jackson, formerly of Award-winng Drifters Wife serves up a menu of small plates, while former Elda bartender Brian Catapang crafts inventive cocktails.
8. Palace Diner – 18 Franklin Street, Biddeford
Bon Apetite Magazine calls Palace “the Single. Best. Diner. On. The. Planet,” commenting “The flapjacks are towering, the burger is smashed and crunchy, and the tuna salad sandwich is quickly becoming a Maine icon.” This James Beard nominated diner is open for breakfast and lunch only. May be a wait for a seat, but worth it.
9. Run of The Mill Public House & Brewery – 100 Main Street, Saco
This pub is housed in the big mill in Saco’s town center. They’ve got great sandwiches, soups, salads, and poutine. It’s the perfect place to stop for a bite on Saturday’s after spending the morning at the mill’s farmer’s market. The back deck overlooking the river is the perfect spot to catch an afternoon breeze.
10. Pine Point Grill – 240 Pine Point Road, Scarborough
Great neighborhood place. Upscale menu with a casual atmosphere.
11, DiMillo’s On the Water – 25 Long Wharf, Portland
A floating Portland landmark. Dine in a huge former car ferry with a varied menu focusing on seafood. Spectacular harbor views from every seat. Free parking!
12. J’s Oyster Bar – 5 Portland Pier, Portland
Divey and Very Unassuming. Casual eatery & bar hidden on a pier is known for its steamed clams & other coastal classics. Anthony Bourdain loved this place.
13. Luke’s Lobster – 60 Portland Pier, Portland
Located directly on the working waterfront, off the Portland Pier, in the heart of the Old Port, and situated right beside their lobster buying station. It offers 360’ views of Portland Harbor. Lobster rolls, whole lobster and fantastic spot for a Maine craft beer with a breeze
14. Fore Street – 288 Fore Street, Portland
This one is on everyone’s top ten list. A multi-award-winning Portland institution since 1996, Fore Street, a high-ceilinged, brick-walled, wood beam–clad warehouse space overlooking the historic Old Port, is known for its large open kitchen and live fire cooking. Fore Street’s two-page menu changes daily, highlighting local and sustainably farmed, foraged, and raised meat, seafood, and vegetables. This is the perfect place to go on a date with someone you really like; enjoy a meal with fellow serious eaters; celebrate a special occasion. A truly memorable experience.
15. Gather – 189 Main Street, Yarmouth
Inventive American eats & wood-fired pizza offered in a stylish, homey space with shared tables.
16. Royal River Grill – 106 Lafayette Street, Yarmouth
Upscale yet casual spot for wood-grilled seafood & steaks, with sweeping marina & water views.