Footbridge Lobster (Perkin’s Cove) – Here in this little shack the daily lobster catch is cooked, cleaned, and served to you from the lobsterman owner. Order from the window and have a seat on the benches or take it to go. This is the freshest lobster roll in Perkins Cove. www.footbridge-lobster.com
Oarweed (Perkin’s Cove) – Head down the Marginal Way to Perkins Cove for a casual lunch or dinner and relax inside or out with outstanding ocean views. We go for the lobster rolls, steamed Maine lobster, clams, and chowder. With four giant tanks filled with cold ocean water straight from the Atlantic, they are truly a classic lobster pound. www.oarweed.com.
Brix and Brine (Town) – Relaxed and fun, we love this spot in town for a drink and meal at the bar or on the patio. There is no indoor seating so weather permits but it’s the perfect little spot with a sliver of an ocean view. Outstanding lobster roll, and really impressive menu with excellent seafood and sandwiches . www.brixbrine.com
Out of town but notable:
Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland) – A revival of the great American oyster bar and a James Beard winner. Don’t miss the brown butter lobster roll on a bao bun. www.eventideoysterco.com
High Roller (Portland) – Old school vibe serving innovative Lobster rolls, fries and corndogs not to be beat. www.highrollerlobster.com
Becky’s Diner (Portland) – Old school, on the docks and a favorite among locals, and you can trust this lobster roll. www.beckysdiner.com
Bandito’s Mexican Grill – A fiesta atmosphere awaits you at this casual Mexican eatery. Great drinks and pretty good traditional Mexican cuisine are the headline of this festive indoor/outdoor eatery that brings a taste of Mexico to Maine. Sometimes a margherita and some nachos are just the ticket. www.banditosmexicangrill.com
Barnacle Billy’s – In business over 60 years, Billy’s is an Icon. We go there for a rum punch and a lobster roll with a beautiful view of Perkins Cove, a truly Downeast experience. www.barnbilly.com.
Brickyard Pizza – Nothing fancy but we love the proper NY pizza and local beer selection. Casual bar room with TV’s and although we mostly exclusively take out, you can also eat in and more importantly have it delivered! They have plenty of parking too if you want to pick up or don’t feel like walking. www.brickyardhollow.com
Brix and Brine – Al Fresco Dining in the heart of Ogunquit. A relaxed setting with an extensive raw bar and menu of fresh seafood, salads and New England favorites. This is a great place to grab a bite after a day at the beach. We love a drink and apps at the bar with a little slice of ocean view. www.brixbrine.com
Coastal Wine Bar – A delightful wine tasting room with outdoor patio seating just steps from The Trellis House. Visit their fun little gem of a tasting room & retail shop for a charming wine tasting experience. Nice patio seating but we tend to gravitate inside where it feels a little more social. Perfect lazy afternoon sipping spot and a great stop on the way to Perkins Cove for dinner. www.coastalwine-ogunquit.com
Cornerstone – We go here for a casual, outdoor, people watching experience. Gourmet stone oven pizza & hand-crafted local beer. They make their own dough and house-made sausage, and visitors love their Maine Lobster pizza. Enjoy their beautiful patio in the heart of Ogunquit. www.cornerstoneogunquit.com
Crew – This is a wonderful and lively, newly renovated sing-along, and perhaps dance-along restaurant/bar in the center of town. Friendly staff, local live music, TVs for the games, diverse cocktails, and solid food. Great location and people watching. www.crewogt.com
Crooked Pine – Located just a short walk to town this beautiful Victorian landmark has indoor and outdoor dining and is relaxed and elegant but not fussy. Love it for a date night and people watching. New England charm, a thoughtful menu with coastal influences and an all-around top pick. www.crookedpineogt.com
Jackie’s Too – Keeping it casual, located at the end of Marginal Way in Perkin’s Cove and known for its sweeping ocean views, this spot is an amazing ocean front eatery serving up classic seafood, burgers, and pasta. This is where we want to have a beer and eat fried seafood outside on a sunny day. Kid friendly menu keeps some away when a sophisticated dinner is desired, but we still go often for fantastic lunch and drinks at the bar. www.jackiestoo.com
Jonathan’s Ogunquit – We like Johnathan’s before a show at Ogunquit Playhouse, just a block from the theater. You will find casual-fine dining, a contemporary lounge atmosphere, and farm to table for over four decades from Jonathan’s farm. Jonathan’s sources local food products wherever possible and focuses on serving fresh, New England products. We always enjoy our pre-theater meal here. www.jonathansogunquit.com
La Pizzeria – We generally don’t eat at the restaurant but only because they deliver. Very good pizza, pasta, salads, and subs. We find ourselves ordering from here regularly when we don’t want to deal with traffic or crowds. Good all-around food and efficient delivery right to the Inn. www.ogunquitpizza.com
Maine Catch – A seafood/lobster house in a rustic setting. Just steps from Trellis House it also has an outdoor patio. We like to sit in the bar, however. They serve innovative baked stuffed lobsters, seafood classics, local oysters, and lots of choices for the non-seafood lover. We think they make a great fish sandwich. www.themainecatchme.com
MC Perkin’s Cove – The most romantic and lovely dining room in Ogunquit. A gorgeous rooftop deck with stunning views, professional service, an innovative continental menu and a lovely walk to the cove via Marginal Way at sunset. What more could we want in our local favorite? Introduce yourself to Javier and Dana the owners/managers and tell them Laurence and Glen sent you and trust us, it’s a fine evening to be had. www.mcperkinscove.com
Nikanos -Modern and comfy restaurant serving Greek-Mediterranean dishes. Family and pet friendly! Full bar offers unique craft cocktails, along with an extensive upscale collection of unusual Greek wines and spirits. Lovely on-site owners who care about their guests. www.nikanos.com
Northern Union – Northern Union is a beautiful tapas and wine focused restaurant and bar with an urban chic vibe just a few blocks away from The Trellis House. An impressive selection of over 100 wines from all over the world, unique craft cocktails and local craft beer are paired with creative seasonally-inspired small plates. We love to have drinks at the cozy firepit before dinner.
Old Village Inn – Located in the center of town, we like to hang out in the bar at this traditional English country pub for an old-fashioned and a burger or homey entrée like lamb or schnitzel. The dining room is cozy, and we will happily dine here on a rainy night or chilly fall evening. www.oldvillageinn.com
Roberto’s – One of our favorites! We love that Roberto’s is just across the street but what we love even more is the gorgeous bar, the fabulous dining room and alfresco dining in their meticulous “fairy” gardens. Foodwise, the authentic Italian menu is extensive and we love to share the freshest linguine and clams and the melt in your mouth chicken rollatini…and sometimes even a small cheese pie on the side. You can’t go wrong as the chef and the owner attend to every detail. www.robertos.com
That Place in Ogunquit – Inventive and updated local joint for steak and seafood classics in a lively and charming spot. We think the food is outstanding and it’s just a stroll down Shore Road. Drinks are made by top notch bartenders who love our guests and provide great service. We especially love eating in the bar and watching the sights. www.thatplaceinogunquit.com
The Front Porch – A fun, local landmark with American fare and entertainment. This festive and lively icon is everyone’s happy place. They have three choices for dining…downstairs dining room or bar/lounge or the popular sing-along piano bar upstairs which is not to be missed. www.thefrontporch.com
These picks are outside of Ogunquit and worth the drive.
Alisson’s Restaurant – In the heart of Kennebunkport we love Allison’s. A popular gathering place for locals with a casual atmosphere, a terrific bar and a huge selection of craft beer. Their clam Chowder and “A Fish Called Wanda” Haddock sandwich are not to be missed. Add a side of deviled egg salad and put a smile of delicious comfort food on your face. www.alissons.com
Angelina’s – Bringing Italy to Ogunquit this chef owned and operated restaurant always has a buzz. With an emphasis on homemade pasta and fresh seafood it’s a very lively vibe with indoor and patio seating available. Valet parking required. www.angelinasogunquit.com.
Beach Fire Bar & Grille – Fun place for drinks and solid barbecue. Reasonable prices and a nice outdoor seating area with a large fire pit. www.beachfiremaine.com
Billy’s Chowder House – Classic, casual chowder and seafood spot overlooking an estuary and wildlife preserve in Wells. We go here for lunch or a casual dinner. The clam chowder and fried seafood are some of the best in the area. www.billyschowderhouse.com
Clay Hill Farm – Just two miles west, this gorgeous restaurant sits on ten private acres surrounded by nature trails, rolling lawns, garden paths and over 100 birdhouses. Clay Hill Farm offers locally-sourced Maine specialties in a classic setting. www.clayhillfarm.com
Earth at Hidden Pond – If you want a high-end dining adventure amid striking natural décor this is the place not to be missed. Unfortunately, we find driving their and getting reservations to be hazardous but we love to celebrate here a couple times a year. www.earthathiddenpond.com
Fisherman’s Catch – Beach crowd, sorta family oriented, this restaurant has been serving fresh Maine seafood, off the beaten path, for more than 40 years. Rustic and beachy this little dive is perfect for a casual Maine seafood meal. www.fishermanscatchwells.com
Fox’s Lobster House – Serving fresh Maine lobster, seafood, homemade Maine blueberry pie, and ice cream to the thousands of tourists who come to visit the famous Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine each day. Lobsters are boiled the “old fashioned way” in their lobster pound, which dates back to 1936. As they say “One Nibble on the Nubble and You’re Hooked!” www.foxslobster.com
Front Yard – (not to be confused with The Front Porch!) Mediterranean located in town. Wonderful, expansive property with lots of outside seating, casual with cool drinks and a cool vibe. Professional service and fun with impressive menu and lots of parking just a tiny bit too far to walk to dinner but it is possible. www.frontyardrestaurant.com
Garden Street Bowl – 10 luxury bowling lanes and game room. Eclectic restaurant featuring creative gastropub cuisine. Taphouse with craft beer, wine, cider, kombucha. www.gardenstreetbowl.com
Greenery Cafe – A short drive down Main Street you’ll find this gem of a café. Delicious salads, sandwiches and baked goods are offered at one of our favorite bakeries for lunch or beach takeaway. www.facebook.com/thegreenerycafeogt
Hurricane – Fresh seafood and continental cuisine, this is our idea of a great night out with friends, on the water in a beautiful little town (Kennebunkport). We split a 2.5 pound baked-stuffed lobster and a few martinis and always agree we couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more. www.hurricanerestaurant.com
Lost Fire Grill and Bar – Authentic Argentinian steakhouse cuisine in Kennebunkport. Passion, commitment to using only the best, high quality ingredients and the chef’s love of cooking are reflected in the cuisine of this departure from Maine’s traditional seafood eatery. It’s an experience and a gorgeous property. www.thelostfire.com
Robert’s Maine Grill and Raw Bar – Taking a trip to the Kittery outlets? Stop by Robert’s for an oh-so-delightful meal. Whether seated at the bar or in the dining room, the vibe is upbeat and the menu has something for everyone. The buffalo cauliflower and lobster cobb salad are showstoppers! www.robertsmainegrill.com
Steakhouse – This is a very casual steak house with not-to-be-missed homemade sides. They don’t take reservations and the wait is long but it’s a must try for a local “a cheap and cheerful” steak dinner. We always order a steak with a salad and side of baked beans, applesauce and house potatoes. www.the-steakhouse.com
Union Bluff – Our favorite pub. Great service and they can really cook. Drinks 11:30am with last call at 11:30pm. Seafood, burgers, sandwiches and local favorites overlooking Short Sands Beach in York. Just inside the Union Bluff hotel. Seating in the Pub is first come, first served. www.unionbluff.com
Walker’s Restaurant – Not to be missed and absolutely one of our favorites. Farm to table, chic, lively, open fire roasted fish and game. Stunning food and environment. www.walkersmaine.com
