Inspiring Must-Do Maine Dining Experiences
Living in Maine is inspired by the changing of the seasons, each representing their own unique mix of feeling and action. Whether its the enchanting coastal experiences of summertime in Maine, the changing of the leaves with fall’s foliage, heading to the mountains to ski during the winter, or the awakening of spring with the dawn of mud season - each brings its own unique meaning and each inspires us to keep moving forward.
We love our local farms and creators who beautifully showcase the very best of bringing the heart of what living in Maine means to life. Here are a few of our very favorite #onlyinMaine seasonal dining experiences. While reservations are tough to secure, we highly recommend adding these to your Maine Bucket List!
Tops’l Farm (@topslfarm) - Waldoboro, Maine
The seasonal events at Tops’l Farm led by Chef Ken celebrate local and seasonal food and drink with a prix fixe menu that is sure to inspire. The barn setting in Maine’s mid-coast connects you to nature and the seasonal inspiration at hand.
We attended the 2022 Sugar Shack Spring Seasonal Event and were inspired by a maple focused menu to celebrate both maple and mud seasons in Maine.
Sign up for their e-newsletter for links to sign up for upcoming events, including Seasonal Events. Open Year-Round for dining/summer only for lodging.
The Well at Jordan’s Farm (@thewellatjordansfarm) - Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Centered around the theme that everyone deserves to eat well, this on-farm restaurant truly brings the term farm to table to the next level with farm-as-table. With both gazebo and chef’s table seating options, the multi-course menus highlight the very best of the summer season.
We enjoyed an early summer dinner at the Chef’s Table in June 2021.
Check out their website for reservations during the Summer months.
Aragosta at Goose Cove (@aragosta.maine) - Deer Isle, Maine
This dreamy downeast escape is right on the coast offering superb ocean views and beach access. The dinner menu is inspired by the beautiful coastline and shores of Maine and reflects the seasonal flavors of summer in Maine. Fun Fact - Aragosta means “lobster” in Italian.
We enjoyed a weekend stay on property + breakfast and dinner experiences at this dreamy destination Down East in August 2021.
Reservations, both for lodging and dining, for the summer season open each winter (Jan/Feb) - keep an eye on their Instagram!
The Lost Kitchen (@thelostkitchen) - Freedom, Maine
This famed Freedom, Maine experience is oh so memorable. Erin and her team know how to make culinary magic and create a once in a lifetime experience. Read more about our visit to The Lost Kitchen here.
My mom’s postcard was chosen in September 2020 and we enjoyed a beautiful al fresco evening amongst the firepits and twinkle lights.
Reservations are available…by POSTCARD ONLY! Check out their website for mailing instructions.
Earth at Hidden Pond (@earthathiddenpond) - Kennebunk, Maine
Hidden Pond is part of the ever fabulous Kennebunk Resort Collection (KRC) in southern Maine. We love this wood fired inspired seasonal tasting menu.
We have dined here multiple times but our favorite is the private Artist Shed experience, perfect for a group! Call well in advance to book.
Primo (@primorestaurant) - Rockland, Maine
This farm to table gem in mid-coast Maine celebrates farm grown and raised ingredients. The “0 km” philosophy of Chef Kelly speaks to the idea that food is locally grown and sourced.
The donuts for dessert are a menu classic and a must try!
Fun fact - Primo has 2 other locations (Maine is the original), including Orlando and Tucson. We’ve dined at the Orlando location and Tucson is next on our list!
Cabbage Island Clambakes (@cabbage.island.clambakes) - Boat from Boothbay Harbor, Maine
This is a must do dining experience in Maine! Grab a boat from Boothbay Harbor and experience a twin lobster dinner complete with all the sides on Cabbage Island.
The fish chowder to start and blueberry cake for dessert are the perfect adds to this meal.
Reservations are required and fill up fast. The experience is only open seasonally (June - Sept.), so keep an eye out on their website for ticket sales beginning in ~April each year.
Turner Farm (@_turnerfarm_) - Summer Barn Dinner in North Haven (lobster boat from Rockland)
Travel by lobster boat from Rockland, Maine to the beautiful island of North Haven for a dreamy summer evening to remember
The summer farm to table family style dinner is served inside the beautiful farm at communal tables with flowing wine and vegetable forward courses
Reservations are required and fill up fast for both the dinner and boat ride to/from the island
White Barn Inn Lobster Bake (@whitebarnauberge) - Kennebunk
The magical White Barn Inn is located steps from the heart of Kennebunkport with service and timeless style and charm that cannot be matched
Every June-September, the White Barn Inn hosts a monthly poolside lobster bake on property complete with wood fired lobster, corn on the cob, mussels, potato, salad, etc.
The evening starts inside the barn with a sparkling wine toast before heading outside to view the cooking pit and find poolside seats at communal tables
Note - We love the White Barn Inn for dining year round inside the barn for their memorable tasting menu!
Winter Igloo Dinner at Cliff House Maine (@nubbsmaine / @cliffhousemaine) - Cape Neddick
The stunning ocean views cannot be beat at the iconic Cliff House Maine
From January - April, the on-site restaurant, Nubb’s Lobster Shack, offers igloo dinner experiences serving up classic lobster pound fare with breathtaking views of Maine’s rocky coastline
The lobster totchos are a must order menu item, as is the chowder, lobster roll, and lobster grilled cheese! Stay for dessert and order the blueberry pie. Igloos are heated and seat up to 6
Tasting Menu at Slate Restaurant/Blair Hill Inn (@blairhillinn / @slate.restaurant) - Moosehead Lake (Greenville, Maine)
The accommodations at the Blair Hill Inn are luxurious with beautiful views of the lake, and their grounds are expensive with so much to explore.
The on-site Slate Restaurant offers a tasting menu with wine pairing that is not to be missed. The sunset views from the porch across the lake are incredible.
Stays at the Inn include breakfast each morning which is such a treat as well.
Graze Dinner Series with The Black Tie Company (@pinelandfarms and @theblacktiecompany) - Pineland Farms (New Glouster, Maine)
Monthly dinner series in the summer and fall months at Pineland Farms in the outdoor event tent
4-course dinner, paired with a different drink collaboration each month
Event begins with cocktail hour, and includes live music
The Alna Store (@thealnastoremaine) - Alna, Maine
Market and restaurant at a corner country store turned award-winning restaurant.
Make reservations in advance for brunch and dinner on the weekends.
