Kennebunkport and Kennebunk Restaurants, Dining Reviews and Guide:
Every visitor asks, where should I go out to eat in Kennebunkport? What are the best restaurants in The Port? We locals struggle to answer, simply because there are so many great dining spots, pubs, cafes and fine dining in The Kennebunks, from Dock Square to waterfront on the River and in Lower Village. We recommend you print this as your pocket guide “Where to dine in Kennebunkport”!
Nonantum Resort is open to the public and is considered one of the finest places to get lobster in Kennebunkport Maine in season. Latitudes for outdoor dining on the river by the pool is fun and friendly – often with live music. Inside Heckman’s Pub is cozy. Enjoy creative comfort foods and fresh Maine seafood with locally-sourced ingredients. Nonantum’s menu highlights local produce and proteins from New England farms, including freshly caught salmon, lobster, scallops and so much more. The resort grows 100% organic gardens with herbs and vegetables to help create an exquisite taste and presentation. The farm to table ingredients ensures a fresh meal while enjoying the waterfront views and often live entertainment. For reservations 207-967-4050.
Old Vines Wine Bar is an inviting cellar style wine café on Port Road in Kennebunk. A wooden bar, and plenty of top shelf vintages by the glass await, along with a limited tapas menu. The bartenders at Old Vines are the best, and there’s frequently live music too. An outdoor patio with fire tables and big tent are pleasant on summer evenings with wine in hand. 173 Port Rd, Lower Village Kennebunk, 207-967-2310
Arundel Wharf Restaurant is the local watering hole on summer evenings, the deck fills with Kennebunk’ers, drinks in hand watching the boats come and go on the River. Open for lunch and dinner May to October for seafood, beef and sandwiches. On the River, 43 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport.
Ocean at Cape Arundel Inn overlooks Walker’s Point, so you can enjoy a gourmet dinner with a view of the Bush Compound. The dining room and the wrap around porch in this classic seaside Inn are extraordinary. Ocean’s Chef creates a sophisticated menu featuring local seafood and offerings. Go to Ocean before dark so you can enjoy the ocean view – before it fades to darkness. Cape Arundel Inn is at 208 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, 207-967-2125
Mabel’s Lobster Claw serves Maine seafood on Ocean Ave, try the decadent Lobster Savannah, or the fresh fish. President Bush & Barbara loved to dine here. Sitting outside at Mabel’s on a cool summer evening watching the passersby on Ocean Ave is your entertainment. Mabel’s is at 124 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, 207-967-2562
Stripers is the MOST scenic spot for a sunset cocktail. Overlooking the River and out to sea from The Breakwater Inn, the setting is spectacular whether at the bar by the big fish tank, on the deck or in an Adirondack chair on the oceanview lawn. For lunch and dinner, an elegant dining room with floor to ceiling windows offers a sophisticate scene. Striper’s menu ranges from appetizers to plated entrees. Stripers at the Breakwater Inn & Spa – 127 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, 207-967-5333
Batson River Brewing and Distilling and Tasting Room – This unique chic Tasting Room in Kennebunk allows you to sample any Batson River Brewing and Distilling product. Just ask! Craft beers are available in flights or pints and signature cocktail menu change with the seasons. Relax in their cozy interior space, don’t miss the upstairs living room, or on the deck or by a firepit patio overlooking town. 12 Western Ave, Kennebunk, 207-967-8821
The Clam Shack is famous for fried clams and lobster rolls. Located by the Dock Square Bridge on the Kennebunk side, you often see a line of folks clamoring for clams. Clam Shack’s food is take out, as you can tell by the seagulls waiting in watch. Clam Shack has become famous among foodies and fried food lovers alike, open mid-April to October for lunch and dinner take out. Clam Shack is at 2 Western Ave, Lower Village Kennebunk.
Pilot House, The P House to locals, is where the fisherman and fun people go. A simple but satisfying and affordable menu and a big bar are homey here. The Pilot House has live local bands, like Lower Village People and Pat Foley, that play on the patio with a view of the boat yard. The Pilot House is where the Whale Watch tours depart from, just before the Lanigan Bridge leading to Dock Square, 4 Western Ave, Lower Village Kennebunk.
Spirit of Massachusetts is Kennebunkport’s floating restaurant on a schooner in summer season. Enjoy drinks at the bar and great small plates overlooking the river Spring to Fall. Behind the Pilot House in Lower Village Kennebunk.
Ryans Irish Pub is a cozy convivial atmosphere where you can get a Guinness and Irish fare, or sit at the outdoor patio with a pint. Joe is Irish and his Corner House is plucked from the Emerald Isle. Ryan’s is at 17 Western Ave, Lower Village Kennebunk.
Pedros is Kennebunks only Mexican restaurant. A south of the border atmosphere and a true Mexican menu are offered, as well as salsa music certain summer weekend nights. Pedros is fun, fiesta and margaritas are always fresh. Pedros is at 181 Port Rd., Lower Village Kennebunk.
Via Sophia by the Sea is an Italian inspired seafood based “osteria” in Lower Village. 27 Western Ave, Kennebunk.
Wandby Landing is a wonderful Italian style pasta and grill restaurant located “on the marsh”, formerly On The Marsh. Beautiful bar as well. 46 Western Ave Kennebunk
White Barn Inn is elegant Chef dining in Maine, a special occasion setting. The service, menu, wine list and candlelight barn create an unforgettable evening. You won’t forget the bill either with Chef price fixe menu at $135+ per diner. The White Barn is extravagant. White Barn is in Kennebunk, not Kennebunkport, on 37 Beach Ave.
Mike’s All Day Breakfast is like it sounds. People line up from morning till past noon for pancakes, eggs, Maine maple syrup specialties. Not fancy but the best meal of the day in many people’s book. 55 Western Ave, Lower Village Kennebunk.
Mekhong Thai in Kennebunk’s Lower Village has dine in and take out Asian and Thai plus vegan offerings. Kennebunkport’s best pad Thai. 35 Western Ave, tucked behind River Tree Arts, Lower Village Kennebunk.
Alisson’s Restaurant at 11 Dock Square in Kennebunkport is pub style dining in the heart of Dock Square. Usually very busy. Alisson’s offers a long bar, TVs, pub tables and seating both upstairs and down with a view of Dock Square. Burgers, beer, chowder prevail here. Kids are welcome since Alisson’s is very casual.
The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant in the heart of Kennebunkport on Ocean Ave is the place for lunch and dinner, and often happy hour Monday-Friday. With a chic coastal interior and huge riverfront deck, the scene, the cuisine and the cocktails are inspiring. Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, 207-967-8223
Hurricane Restaurant in Kennebunkport right on the main street is a classic. The warm mahogany bar is inviting and opens to a larger river view restaurant. Between the pub menu and the more formal dinner menu, there is something for everyone. We recommend the Lobster Cobb Salad, buck a shuck night and Hurricane’s Public suppers on Tuesdays off season. 29 Dock Square, Kennebunkport.
Cape Porpoise Dining Guide
Casa Seventy Seven and Ultramar out Pier Road in Cape Porpoise are Chef German’s latest innovative culinary spot, served up with great views of the Harbor and lobster boats, and sunsets. Comfort food with a twist is German’s inspiration here, and folks love his food from nearby sister restaurant Lost Fire. 77 Pier Road, Cape Porpoise.
Cape Pier Chowder House is a classic lobster shack on the pier with outdoor seating and take a number style ordering. The Chowder House is at 79 Pier Road, Cape Porpoise.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut in Cape Porpoise village is a lobster shanty, hasn’t changed in years and people are pleased at the simple seafood offerings in this rustic setting. Nunan’s is at 9 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport, ME.
Musette in Cape Porpoise village provides brunch, lunch and dinner, creative comfort food. Musette is at 2 Pier Road, on your way out to Cape Porpoise Pier.
Earth is modern meets Maine farm lands. This unusual indoor outdoor dining venue is campy but chic with log decorated walls and a soaring bar. Earth’s food is fresh, and creatively concocted in an open kitchen. Earth is part of Hidden Pond – an upscale camping spa resort, part of Kennebunkport Resort Collection, located in the woods at 354 Goose Rocks Road, Hidden Pond, near Goose Rocks 967-9050
Tides Beach Club overlooks Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. The old inn has been reinvented with a chic Miami comes to Maine décor, a swank glass bar and open dining room. The menu is fresh and fun focused on seafood and native offerings. A drink on the wrap around porch before dinner at Tides, and a walk on Goose Rocks beach after makes for a super summer evening. The Tides is at 254 Kings Highway, Goose Rocks Beach, 207-967-3757
The Lost Fire is Kennebunkport’s Patagonia Grill & Bar, serving amazing Argentinian Steak, grilled entrees, and roast chicken, and more. 62 Mills Road, Route 9, Cape Porpoise, 207-204-0123
Downtown Kennebunk Dining Guide
Sebago Brewing is one of Maine’s largest breweries, and their chain brewpub in Kennebunk maintains the tradition of great beer and affordable comfort food in a casual atmosphere. Sebago is in the Hannaford shopping plaza on Route 1 in Kennebunk.
Bentley’s is a Maine biker bar, with live bands most weekend nights, karaoke midweek and a barbeque menu at great prices. Bentley’s can get wild come late night, so there’s Bentley’s campground for bikers that shouldn’t drive their hogs home. Bentley’s Bar is on Route 1 in Arundel, just north of Kennebunk.
50 Local on Main Street in Kennebunk serves local farm raised produce and meats in a cool setting. 50 Local offers great specials certain midweek nights. 50 Main Street, Kennebunk.
Duffy’s Tavern in downtown Kennebunk is a friendly pub. Duffy’s menu is nothing fancy, affordable pizza, burgers and home-cooked meatloaf are a few of the favorites. Duffy’s wrap around bar and views of the Mousam River plus TV screens keep you entertained. 4 Main St, Kennebunk.
The Kennebunk Inn offers dining at Academe, CIA couple chef-owners serve lunch and dinner, everything from sandwiches and salads to more complex entrees. The Kennebunk Inn pub and dining room is at 45 Main Street, Kennebunk.
Kennebunk’s Route 1 is also home to McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and Dairy Queen, plus Mei Lei Wah and China Jade for Chinese take out.
West Kennebunk
Village Tavern in West Kennebunk provides a homey atmosphere on the west side of Kennebunk, Chef owner Rich Lemoine, formerly of Cape Arundel Inn, serves creative delicious food at affordable prices for dinner. A big bar and a friendly staff welcome diners, co-owner and hostess Tina is a pleasure. Village Tavern is at 110 Alfred Road, West Kennebunk.
About Dining in Kennebunkport l Off Season Dining Specials l Restaurants and Reviews l Lower Village, Kennebunk and West Kennebunk Restaurants l Cape Porpoise and Goose Rocks Restaurants