12 Great Restaurants in Kennebunkport (You’ll Love!)

By Emily Masterson
Updated
12 Great Restaurants in Kennebunkport, ME Image by Quark Studio from Pexels

Kennebunkport, Maine

If you’re a lover of rich flavors and tastes, then a culinary trip to the restaurants in Kennebunkport , Maine, is what you need to explore. 

From the freshest lobster rolls to innovative farm-to-table experiences, this restaurant’s dishes will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. 

So get your forks, and let’s explore 12 great restaurants in Kennebunkport that will surely make your trip unforgettable. 

Here is the list of Great Restaurants in Kennebunkport

Whether you love seafood, enjoy fine dining, or just want a casual meal with a view, Kennebunkport caters to all tastes.

1. Earth at Hidden Pond

Experience a romantic night at Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Experience a romantic night at Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

Earth at Hidden Pond is the first choice for someone searching for an elegant restaurant in Kennebunkport.

It is not just another restaurant but rather a farm-to-table treasure where you can taste the freshness of ingredients grown on-site. 

Their wood-fired pizzas are the stuff of legends. They have crispy crusts that are nice to bite into, cheese that melts like butter upon application, and toppings straight from the garden.

The menu demonstrates the chefs’ inventiveness, based on local flavors and seasonal ingredients, and commitment to using only fresh, high-quality products. 

So, if you’re a foodie who wants an unforgettable culinary experience, then Earth at Hidden Pond should be your destination.

Address: 354 Goose Rocks Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

2. Alisson’s Restaurant

Baked Seafood Stuffed Haddock at Alisson's Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Baked Seafood Stuffed Haddock at Alisson’s Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

Alisson’s Restaurant is famous for its classic American fare and elegant ambiance. It is a great place for a date and also friendly to any kind of traveler visiting the area. 

Alisson’s has been owned and run by a local family for more than half a century, making it more of a social center rather than just another restaurant in Kennebunkport. 

Their menu features dishes made from locally sourced organic ingredients, such as soups of New England clam chowder, Maine lobster bisque, and mouthwatering steak or burgers.

The other important thing is that they offer signature cocktails as well as draft beer brewed within their vicinity, so make sure you accompany your meal with one. 

Alisson’s Restaurant is one of the must-visit restaurants in Kennebunkport and an important bucket list item.

Address: 11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

3. The Lost Fire

Eat at The Lost Fire in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Eat at The Lost Fire in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

With a lively bar scene, The Lost Fire is a cozy spot that one must visit when exploring the Kennebunkport restaurant scene. 

The soul of The Lost Fire, Chef Germán Lucarelli, is a culinary global traveler who values freshness and quality. 

Artistic cocktails are what come naturally to him; his love for this truism is evident in the scallops’. 

Eating at The Lost Fire is more than eating itself, for one gets to travel through Lucarelli’s imagination as far as culinary experiences go, bringing Kennebunkport on board through diverse cuisines. 

For those looking out for vibrant food culture in town, whether locals or visiting tourists, do not miss out on The Lost Fire because it’ll be an unforgettable dining experience full of flavor and wanting more.

Address: 62 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

4. The Boathouse Restaurant

Mount Watering seafood at The Boathouse Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Mount Watering seafood at The Boathouse Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

The Boathouse Restaurant in Kennebunkport is a seafood lover’s paradise and one of the best restaurants in Kennebunkport with breathtaking waterfront views. 

Consider eating the catch of the day while gazing at the Kennebunk River’s picturesque beauty. Also, what about their lobster roll? It is more than just a meal; it represents the state’s cuisine in a rather famous manner.

Recently renovated, this space has a bright, nautically-themed character that can make one feel as though they are on the coast of Maine. 

At the full lobster bar, you can take any empty seat; at either of the two bars, grab creative cocktails or just relax on the deck by the water, appreciating beautiful scenery. 

More than just a restaurant, The Boathouse is an attraction where food meets fantastic sights.

Address: 21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

5. Chez Rosa

Duck L’orange at Chez Rosa in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Duck L’orange at Chez Rosa in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

Chez Rosa is one of the charming restaurants in Kennebunkport that serves French-inspired food with a twist from Maine, making it a special and pleasant place. 

Their mussel dish, which is highly recommended, displays the finest seafood available in town, cooked and presented with French finesse. 

Chez Rosa, owned by an adoring couple, is immensely passionate about what it does, hence its warm and receptive nature towards any kind of traveler. 

With locally sourced ingredients and a mix of French and Maine culinary customs, Chez Rosa will leave you with a dining experience that you will never forget if you grace their doorstep. 

You should find your way to Chez Rosa whether you live here or are just passing through, as it provides something very different for everybody.

Address:  Cross St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

6. Arundel Wharf

Eat at Arundel Wharf in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Eat at Arundel Wharf in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

When looking for a laid-back dinner with fresh seafood and local craft beer then Arundel Wharf is the place to be in Kennebunkport. 

You can lay back on their famous patio, sit down in a comfortable Adirondack chair, and have a cold one while watching the boats float around on the Kennebunk River.

For more than five decades, Arundel Wharf has been loved for being one of the best coastal Maine restaurants in Kennebunkport.

Their menu includes the freshest local seafood, from classic lobster rolls to innovative dishes such as halibut and sauteed mussels.

Therefore, if you want to enjoy an easygoing and authentic meal in Kennebunkport, go to Arundel Harbor, where locals have preferred it since time immemorial.

Address: 43 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

7. Hurricane Restaurant

Bluefin Tuna with Togarashi Dusted Fries at Hurricane Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Bluefin Tuna with Togarashi Dusted Fries at Hurricane Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

Hurricane is an old-time favorite restaurant in Kennebunkport. Its generous portions and friendly service make it welcoming to any kind of traveler. 

Enjoy the lively setting. The staff is pretty helpful and knowledgeable about their menu. There is a different atmosphere for everyone, with an extensive menu and a well-picked wine list.

However, Hurricane’s reputation extends beyond providing fine cuisine and customer care. This culinary institution has been pleasing both residents and tourists since 1984. 

Their ingredients are always fresh and locally sourced, and this philosophy underlines every dish, from their famous prime rib to pan-seared crab cakes.

Taste the hospitality and kindness, along with the gourmet marvels of Hurricane Restaurant- it is a staple.

Address:  29 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

8. Mabel’s Lobster Claw

Lobster Milanese made with 6 jumbo shrimp at Mabel's Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Lobster Milanese made with 6 jumbo shrimp at Mabel’s Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

Mabel’s Lobster Claw is a good seafood joint that has been popular with locals from the 50s onwards. 

This is the place where you can get some of the most delicious and fresh seafood meals in town. 

But Mabel’s is not all about lobster rolls. They serve many different kinds of seafood dishes, ranging from traditional ones like fried clams to steamed lobsters, in the simple, honest style that Maine is known for. 

Grab a beer outside one of its porches, sit down eat some of the finest foods offered by this restaurant in Kennebunkport. 

Address:  124 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

9. Cape Pier Chowder House

Lobster Stew at Cape Pier Chowder House in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Lobster Stew at Cape Pier Chowder House in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

Cape Pier Chowder House is known for its menu filled with New England’s classic favorites. 

Among the best-tasting clam chowders around is one made from local clams and broth. It is thick and creamy, and it can warm you up no matter how cold Maine gets. 

Nevertheless, this lovely chowder restaurant in Kennebunkport, situated right on Cape Porpoise Pier, offers more than just tasty home cooking.

However, whatever you wish to enjoy in terms of lobster rolls, fried clams, fish and chips, or clam cakes, they have it all on their menu. 

Cape Pier Chowder House is a delightful spot where fresh seafood plus amicable service merge to form an unforgettable dining experience.

Address:  79 Pier Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

10. Nunan’s Lobster Hut

Outdoor & Indoor dining at Nunan's Lobster Hut in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Facebook
Outdoor & Indoor dining at Nunan’s Lobster Hut in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Facebook

Another good restaurant in Kennebunkport for lobster rolls is Nunan’s Lobster Hut. This laid-back place is perfect for any visitor. 

Everyone will appreciate the calm ambiance and the opportunity to share fresh, local-caught lobsters. Since 1953, Nunan’s Lobster Hut has been a Kennebunkport institution serving traditional Maine lobster dinners. 

Their simplistic approach focuses only on the main attraction, i.e., freshly caught locally cooked lobsters to excellence. 

It has a homely atmosphere that gives one a family feeling from the moment they enter. 

So, if you want a genuine taste of Maine relaxed meal with family or close friends, then Nunan’s Lobster Hut should be your choice.

Address:  9 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Google Maps: Get Direction

11. The Pilot House

Dine at The Pilot House in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Dine at The Pilot House in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

The Pilot House is a quaint restaurant in Kennebunkport that caters to the culinary needs of all types of people. 

All its dishes, including scrumptious seafood courses and juicy steaks, are designed with an eye for detail. For instance, they serve fish tacos, boat yard blt, and coconut shrimp.

The beautiful restaurant is cozy and inviting. Its fireplace and refined décor make it an outstanding choice for dining. 

The environment will surely keep you stuck whether you decide to eat in the main dining hall, the lively pub area, or even on its adorable patio during summer. 

Thus, if you want exceptional dishes in a friendly atmosphere with a bit of classiness from Kennebunkport, then visiting The Pilot House is inevitable.

Address:  State Rte 9, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Google Maps: Get Direction

12. The Clam Shack

Lobster roll at The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram
Lobster roll at The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, ME Image from Instagram

For more than 50 years, The Clam Shack has been an iconic restaurant in Kennebunkport. It is known for its takeaway seafood, making it a must-see landmark for both locals and tourists.

From expertly fried fish to traditional boiled lobster dinners and coveted lobster rolls, Food & Wine Magazine has praised The Clam Shack. 

You can take your order away while enjoying a picnic at the beach or sit at their beautiful patio area, which overlooks the river. 

No matter how you choose to visit The Clam Shack, it’s bound to be one of the highlights of your Kennebunkport trip.

Address: 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Google Maps: Get Direction

I really hope this guide helps you in choosing one of the best restaurants in Kennebunkport for a perfect lunch or dinner. Discover all the 12 great food places that will satisfy your taste buds. If you like what you see and read, be sure to hit the like button and remember to save and share this read with others. Cheers!

Restaurants in Kennebunkport ME Map

FAQs

What are some well-kept secret restaurants in Kennebunkport?

In Kennebunkport, there are numerous well-kept secret restaurants, like Bandaloop, which is famous for its organic and locally produced meals.

Are there any unique Kennebunkport food experiences?

Certainly, you can have a unique dining experience at Ocean, where you will get to taste French-inspired dishes while enjoying spectacular oceanic sights, or you can go on a lobster boat tour to discover the wonders of fresh Maine lobster directly from the sea.

Give some local ingredients that are common in Kennebunkport’s cuisine.

Local ingredients such as fresh seafood (particularly lobster and clams) are the basic components of Kennebunkport’s cooking.

About the author
Emily Masterson
Hi, I'm Emily! I'm here to help you savor the best flavors Maine has to offer, support local businesses, explore hidden gems, and embrace slow travel. Don't worry, I'll share all the insider tips and tricks to make your Maine adventure wicked awesome - for free!