Kennebunkport and Kennebunk Restaurants, Dining Reviews and Guide:
Every visitor asks, where should I go out to eat in to 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”!
Alisson’s Restaurant at 11 Dock Square in Kennebunkport is just fun, lively pub in the heart of Dock Square, it’s like Cheers in Boston, and often gets just a busy. Alisson’s offers a long bar, TVs, lots of pub tables and seating both upstairs and down with a view of Dock Square. Burgers, beer, chowder and lobster rolls prevail here but frequent specials also make the menu interesting enough, Kids are welcome since Alisson’s is very casual, and affordable. Theme nights, trivia and karaoke are a few of the fun offerings throughout the week. Kennebunkport, 207-967-4841
The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant in the heart of Kennebunkport on Ocean Ave is the place for lunch and dinner, and happy hour Monday-Friday. With a chic coastal interior and huge riverfront deck, the scene and the cuisine and the cocktails are inspiring. The Boathouse Lobster Bar features fresh seafood, Maine oysters and clams, lobster, and shrimp. 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.
Kennebunkport Inn – The Burleigh features a menu of fresh Maine seafood and classic American fare, with signature dishes like blue cheese Maine mussels, garlic shrimp, and chicken biscuits. Diverse wine list, creative cocktails, live entertainment and vibrant social spaces. Happy Hour is available daily, outdoor dining on the patio and sun deck in summer. 1 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, 207-967-2621
95 Ocean is the Nonantum Resort is open to the public and is considered one of the finest places to get lobster in Kennebunkport Maine. Enjoy creative comfort foods and fresh Maine seafood with locally-sourced ingredients at The Nonantum Resort. The 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 live entertainment. For reservations please call: 207-967-4050.
Arundel Wharf Restaurant is the local watering hole on summer evenings, the deck fills with Kennebunkers, 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. Chef Pierre has European training and his menu is sophisticated but features 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 is old-school homemade Maine food that hasn’t changed since the 1950’s. The pine paneled walls are covered with memorabilia, photos of the Bush’s who still dine here frequently. Fresh baked or fried seafood comes out piping hot and fast from the small kitchen. The Lobster Savannah is to die for and best to split since it’s a 2 pound lobster stuffed with shrimp, scallops and delicious buttery stuffing. Sitting outside at Mabel’s on a cool summer evening watching the passersby on Ocean Ave is your entertainment. Not fancy but great food. 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 expansive oceanview lawn. For lunch and dinner, an elegant dining room with floor to ceiling windows offers a sophisticate scene. Striper’s menu is upscale from appetizers to plated entrees. Stripers offers wonderful Maine clambakes certain evenings in season, Chef Gary bakes lobster, steamed clams, fresh corn on the cob and potatoes on an open firepit with seaweed by the river. It’s a classic Maine lobster bake, lobster bib and buckets for your shells, in the fresh sea air air, with an amazing water view. Stripers Waterside Restaurant at the Breakwater Inn and Spa – 127 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, 207-967-5333
Batson River Brewing and Distilling and Tasting Room – At the Tasting Room in Kennebunk, you’ll be able to sample any Batson River Brewing and Distilling product. Just ask! Craft beers are available in flights of four or pints and signature cocktail menu change with the seasons. Craft beers and spirits capture the joy of sweet New England summers, salty ocean breezes, and the relaxed pace of life in one the most beautiful destinations on Earth. 12 Western Ave, Kennebunk, 207-967-8821
Roma Pizza at 5 Union Street, Union Square, Kennebunkport, the same fresh famous thin-crust Italian pizza pie from Old Orchard Beach now in K’port. 207-272-7273
Papous Pita at 24 ocean Ave is a Greek restaurant serving gyros, dolmades, greek salads, rice bowls and baclava, eat in or take out.
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. Enjoy drinks at the bar with a great view of the river. Behind the Pilot House in Lower Village Kennebunk.
Ryans Irish Pub is a tight convivial atmosphere where you can get a Guinness with fish and chips, or sit at the outdoor patio with a pint. Joe is Irish and his Corner House is plucked from away. Ryans is at 17 Western Ave, Lower Village Kennebunk.
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. An outdoor patio with firetables are pleasant on a summer evening with wine in hand. 173 Port Rd., Lower Village Kennebunk – 967-2310
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.
Pearl and Spat Oyster Bar is inspired by NYC’s famous Chef Rebecca Charles. Spat Oyster Cellar is a cozy raw bar downstairs. Peral is at 27 Western Avenue, Kennebunk, 207-967-2211
The White Barn Inn is Maine’s only 5–star dining, 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 Carwright’s price fixe menu at $110 per diner. The White Barn is extravagant. White Barn is in Kennebunk, not Kennebunkport, on 37 Beach Ave.
On The Marsh Bistro is owned and orchestrated by a theatrical gal. The atmosphere and m
enu are whimsical. Theme nights and special occasions can be magical at On The Marsh. A Pianist and the Bar are lovely on a fall or winter evening, since On The Marsh stays open most of the year. 46 Western Ave, Lower Village Kennebunk.
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.
Cape Porpoise Dining Guide
Pier 77 and The Ramp Bar out at Cape Porpoise are same owners, with offer great views of the Harbor and lobster boats, and sunsets. Pier 77 is upstairs and more formal, while the Ramp down below is more of a sports bar for burgers and a beer. Both restaurants are at 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 breakfast, lunch and dinner, creative comfort food and byob (buy your beverages next door at Bradbury’s Market). 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 Patagonia Grill & Bar, Argentinian Steakhouse. 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 Kennebunkport Restaurants and Reviews l Lower Village Kennebunk, Kennebunk and West Kennebunk Restaurants l Cape Porpoise and Goose Rocks Restaurants
