Kennebunkport is a beautiful coastal town in southern Maine that is full of quintessential New England charm.

In the Summer, the town is filled with tourists in search of the perfect lobster roll. Winter provides fun activities as well including the yearly Prelude festival that occurs in early December with lights, festivities and even a parade. You can stroll Kennebunk’s Lower Village and Kennebunkport’s dock square located along the Kennebunk River. Did you know that the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport line is across this river! Don’t forget to take a drive/stroll along Ocean Ave.!

Fun fact- we were married in 2016 at The Colony Hotel right on Ocean Ave, so you can say KPT is near and dear to our hearts!

This post will give you the basics on where to eat, drink and shop in Kennebunkport. As with most places in Maine, reservations are strongly encouraged especially in the summer. As you are planning your trip to Maine, use this post to explore all the great culinary options in Kennebunkport! Sharing our favorites here:

Restaurants:

The Boathouse

• Good for: Cocktails, water views, Valet Parking

• The boathouse sits on the on water and offers a great deck for dining. They have delicious cocktails and serve upscale seafood and American dishes.

Allison’s

• Good for: Children, hearty meal, traditional lobster diner

• Allison’s is right in dock square and has 2- levels of dining. Allison’s has more of a tavern feel serving seafood, pub food and drinks.

Chez Rosa

• Good for: Fine dining

• Chez Rosa has the coziest atmosphere and typically has nightly specials for the menu. They are available for dinner only and specialize in French style cooking. We loved….

Hurricanes

• Good for: casual

• Hurricanes is also right in dock square and has been a longtime staple for the town. They offer wintertime specials for locals and is a great spot for a casual bite to eat in the summer.

Mabel’s Lobster Claw

• Good for: lobster, To-go window, traditional lobster dinner

• If you want to get a lobster dinner in Kennebunkport, we recommend Mabels! This spot has a to-go window if you want to grab a lobster roll to enjoy by the water.

  
  

Earth at Hidden Pond

• Good for: fine dining, special occasion, cocktail

• Earth at Hidden pond is located in Kennebunkport away from dock square. The natural surroundings and natural décor make for a memorable evening. The menu features a lot of locally sourced ingredients pulled together for high-end New American cuisine. This spot is also a great spot to enjoy a cocktail out by their pond and firepits.

Old Vines Wine Bar

• Good for: Wine, live music, small plates

• Old Vines Wine Bar is our go-to spot when we are in Kennebunkport. They have an extensive wine and cocktail list and delicious small plates to match. They have an inviting patio out front as well as seating inside.

Pedros

• Good for: cheap eats, child friendly

• Pedros is a great spot in Kennebunk! They have some of the best margaritas around a serve delicious scratch-made Mexican fare.

White Barn Inn

• Good for: Fine dining, special occasion, tasting menu

• White Barn Inn provides an elevated dining experience with immaculate service. You dine in double height room with a large picture window and wide-plank pine flooring. We experienced the Prix Fixe menu that featured local ingredients including a delicious lobster…….. Remember- no shorts permitted in the dining room.

Batson River Brewing & Distilling

• Good for: cocktails, meeting with friends

• Batson River (in stately black building situated on a hill) has a cocktail menu featuring their own distilled spirits. They also have a full menu to compliment the beverages. Ample outdoor areas are great to relax in the summer and they offer firepits and fish shacks for a memorable winter experience.

Federal Jack’s

• Good for: live music, craft beer, family friendly

• Federal Jack’s (part of the Shipyard family) offers their own brewed beer (brewmaster Alan Pugsley) and great food. Established in 1992, Federal Jack’s is on the water where 19th century shipyards built schooners. This is a great spot to enjoy with the whole family with a large menu and walk-up only.

Via Sophia by the Sea

• Good for: brunch, cocktail

• Via Sophia by the Sea offers a beautiful dining room, back deck and a pleasing menu that includes arancini, bakes burrata, grilled calamari, lobster agnolotti and fettucine Bolognese.

Morning In Paris Café

• Good for: café, coffee, pastry

• If you need a pick-me up or want a cup of coffee, morning in Paris Café has you covered with a great front patio to watch the passerby.

  
  

  Other options: Tides Beach club, Wanby Landing, Cape Porpoise Lobster Co, Lone Fire

Shopping:

·        Day Trip Society

·        Sea Love Candles

·        Shops at Morningwalk Lane

·        Seabags