Waterfront Dining
As the state with the most coastline (after California) and a strong fishing tradition, Maine is ready to serve seafood -- and other cuisines, of course -- at waterfront and oceanfront restaurants overlooking dramatic bays, harbors, and jetties.
5 listings
Scarborough, ME
Featured listing: Higgins Beach Inn
34 Ocean Avenue 207-883-6684Inn’s popular restaurant serves up casual cuisine, with the ocean as a backdrop
Eggs Benedict in the morning and lobster scampi in the evening? Yes, you can do that at Shade, the re-envisioned on-site restaurant at the Higgins Beach Inn. You’ll soon see why the restaurant is a favorite not only with inn guests but with locals in the Scarborough, ME area. The atmosphere on the three-season porch is refined yet casual as you relax in the cool breezes off the ocean. Dinner might mean starting off with Atlantic fish chowder or a salad or perhaps Maine crab and corn fritters. Then, try the lobster roll or a grilled flank steak or a great burger. Order wine by the glass or bottle, one of several local brews or a specialty cocktail.
Cape Neddick, ME
Cliff House
591 Shore Road 207-361-1000At this restaurant, you’ll feel you are suspended over the Atlantic – because you are
At the Cliff House’s signature restaurant, The Tiller, diners revel in the location, suspended over the ocean, overlooking panoramic views of Cape Neddick and the Atlantic. The restaurant honors Maine’s coastal heritage by partnering with local fishermen, as well as farmers, distillers and purveyors to combine the area’s rich traditions with culinary innovation. The fish is line-caught, the steaks locally raised, the presentation elegant and inviting. There’s a great local beer list, international wine selections and handcrafted cocktails. You’ll want to sip one or two when you watch the fabulous sunset. Summer diners also enjoy majestic water views and a quintessential Maine experience at Nubb’s Lobster Shack, where lobster rolls rule. And, small plates, seasonal cocktails and a raw bar set the perfect seaside scene at The Terrace.
Cliff House has been voted one of the Top 20 Resorts in New England in the 2025 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Fisherman's Wharf Inn
22 Commercial Street 207-633-5090Coastal cuisine served in dining rooms with eye-popping views: That’s the Fisherman’s Wharf experience
A succulent lobster dinner on the outside deck looking out over the harbor. A sizzling grilled-to-order steak and a glass of wine in the dining room with panoramic water views. A hearty sandwich and glass of local beer in a cozy pub. That’s the award-winning dining experience at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn’s restaurant. With its fabulous water views, it’s no surprise that the menus lean toward reinvented coastal cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. You might want to start with crab cakes or steamers, then move to baked haddock, fisherman’s pie or, of course, lobster taken from trap to table. But there’s also a large selection of salad, pasta dishes, burgers, chicken and steaks. The kids’ menu has all their favorites, from chicken fingers to veggies and ranch dressing.
Visit our sister properties - Tugboat Inn - Boothbay Harbor Inn
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Tugboat Inn
80 Commercial Street 207-633-4434Restaurant built around tugboat superstructure will steer you to great seafood, steaks
Built around the original superstructure of the historic tugboat Maine, Tugboat Restaurant is a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors in Boothbay Harbor. Enjoy fresh Maine seafood, steaks, New England favorites, craft cocktails, local beers, and fine wines while taking in panoramic views of the working harbor.
Choose from three waterfront dining spaces, including the historic Main Dining Room, Marina Lounge & Patio Deck, and Roof Top Deck. The Marina Lounge offers lunch, dinner, cocktails, and a pub menu, along with live music from local entertainers on select evenings. For a different view of the harbor, head up to the Roof Top Deck for pub fare, craft cocktails, and a bird's-eye view of Boothbay Harbor.
Before you leave, take a moment to climb up and visit the original wheelhouse of the historic tugboat Maine, which remains part of the restaurant today.
Visit our sister properties – Boothbay Harbor Collection
Bar Harbor, ME
Bluenose Inn
90 Eden Street 207-288-2665Great breakfasts, stellar service and amazing views of the bay: a recipe for memorable dining
See why Yankee Magazine called the Looking Glass Restaurant at the Bluenose Inn the "Best Restaurant with a View." Overlooking Frenchman Bay, the restaurant offers a relaxed setting for breakfast, with both an indoor dining area and seasonal outdoor deck. The menu features a selection of Maine favorites, including Maine blueberry pancakes, French toast, egg sandwiches, omelets, freshly baked scones, and muffins. For a true taste of Maine, try the blueberry pancakes or indulge in a lobster-inspired breakfast specialty.
Pair your meal with fresh coffee or juice, or make it a little more leisurely with a breakfast cocktail. In the evening, continue your time at the Bluenose Great Room and piano lounge, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while listening to live piano music.