And while many of these restaurants are indeed located in the heart of Dock Square—Kennebunkport’s hub of tourism glory—several are further away, on the Kennebunk River or oceanfront…and two are nowhere near the water.
Map Of Kennebunkport Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Hurricane
If you enter Kennebunkport from Kennebunk’s Western Avenue, the first establishment on this list you’ll encounter, on your left, will be the Hurricane—and while seasonal, this restaurant is worth waiting through those dark winter months for. With their award-winning wine list, extensive seafood-centric menu, and in-house pastry chef, Hurricane leaves no box unticked for all who step through their doors. Take in the iconic riverside views and revel in this full-on, upscale dining odyssey—and be sure to try the Sunday Brunch, which is an experience in itself.
Location: 29 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Hurricane
Alisson’s
Next up in your Kennebunkport culinary adventure is Alisson’s, a few doors away from Hurricane—although the two couldn’t be any different. Open year-round and a favorite for locals and tourists alike, this four-generation-family-owned spot features a sports-pub-style vibe and large, equally pub-style menu (when I’m feeling particularly diet-be-damned, their Fried Calamari Salad cures my fried-food craving lickety-split). Alisson’s offers dine-in and take-out, and also has a kid’s menu.
Location: 11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Alisson’s
Chez Rosa
This adorable French bistro is nearly hidden—tucked up and one block away from Alisson’s and the hubbub of Dock Square—but once you’ve gone, you’ll see why Chez Rosa has become so popular despite its sneaky location (word of mouth is a powerful tool!). Their self-described French comfort food menu features a bounty of offerings using locally-sourced ingredients—and even if you don’t speak a lick of French, you’ll have no troubles selecting something impossibly delicious from their just-the-right-number of menu items (Cheese Fondue for 2, anyone? YES, PLEASE!), and your server will be happy to help you with the perfect pairing from their expansive wine selection.
Location: 2 Cross St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Chez Rosa
The Boathouse Restaurant
Diagonally across the street from Chez Rosa and literally on the river (the outdoor deck is on pilings), The Boathouse Restaurant is one of my favorite Kennebunkport spots. With a modern, chic aesthetic, a separate bar area, and several dining areas (including outdoor, heated “ski gondolas” on the deck in winter), The Boathouse has one of those dining atmospheres that makes you want to order another after-dinner drink just to bask in its vibe for just a bit longer. Their thoughtful menu has a variety of mouth-watering options (although I always end up getting either the Tuna Poke Bowl or Togarashi-Spiced Salmon), including a raw bar, and the ever-evolving craft cocktail offerings never disappoint.
Location: 21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: The Boathouse Restaurant
Arundel Wharf
Arundel Wharf, one of the more casual dining options, is located a block or two north of the Boathouse, right on the river. And while there are plenty of indoor seats, the Wharf’s huge outdoor deck and bar are where it’s at, especially when the sun is shining. Even if they served no food at all, I’d still love this spot; relaxing at a table, watching the boats pull up to the deck-side wharf as I sip a glass of Zinfandel (red, never white) is my idea of paradise. But they do serve food—lunch and dinner, as a matter of fact, as well as a grazing menu—and I never pass up the chance to order their Crab-Stuffed Avocado small plate when we visit this local favorite during the infamously short Maine summer season.
Location: 43 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Arundel Wharf
95 Ocean
Travel about a ½ mile further north along the river from Arundel Wharf and you’ll arrive at the Nonantum Resort, home of 95 Ocean Restaurant. While closed in the winter months, this establishment prides itself in filling its creative comfort food menu with items made with locally-sourced ingredients—including fresh produce grown in their own on-site gardens and seafood fresh off the boat. Not only can you choose to be seated in their spacious, light-filled dining areas indoors, there are also outdoor private cabanas available, by reservation—or you can choose to visit Latitudes, their rooftop bar and café.
Location: 95 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: 95 Ocean
Striper’s Waterside Restaurant
Less than a quarter-mile further along past the Nonantum, you’ll come to the Breakwater Inn and Spa—and Striper’s Waterside Restaurant. Overlooking the mouth of the Kennebunk River, every seat at Striper’s has a water view, which only makes this great dining experience all the more delightful. Their carefully curated dinner menu, while not extensive, has a little something for every palate (I love their Snack Board for a starter, and if I still have room, on to the Smash Burger); if you have the lucky opportunity to join them for brunch, be sure to order a Smoky Bloody Maria.
Location: 133 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Striper’s Waterside Restaurant
Ocean Restaurant
Less than a mile north along Ocean Avenue, and within sight of the sprawling Bush Compound, is Ocean Restaurant at the Cape Arundel Inn and Resort. If you’ve arrived early for your reservation (which you’ll most certainly need to get a table at this hugely popular spot), and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to grab a seat on the front porch with one of their exquisite craft cocktails (the Java Fashioned is divine on a chilly evening) and watch the waves crash on the rocks, mere yards away across the road. Ocean’s dining offerings are presented via tasting menus—three-course culinary extravaganzas that must be tasted to be believed. Named as one of Open Table’s “Top 100 Scenic Restaurants in America,” you’d be hard put to find a restaurant like this anywhere else—one that boasts a menu as impressive as its views.
Location: 208 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Ocean Restaurant
The Lost Fire
Once you’ve gone Patagonian, you’ll never go back. The Lost Fire is Germàn Lucarelli’s latest venture in his long, storied restaurateur past…and it’s a blazing success (pun intended). His signature, smoky style of Patagonian barbecue has taken the Maine coast by storm; I’ve had the Skirt Steak and the Filet, and can say without reservation it was some of the best beef I’ve ever had (and be sure to order the house-made French Fries with Garlic and Parsley as one of your sides…YUM). Lost is not on the water, but between the spectacular menu and the rustic, cozy interior with its dining niches and nooks, there is more than enough to keep all five of your senses occupied.
Location: 62 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: The Lost Fire
Earth at Hidden Pond
This is by far my favorite restaurant—and not just in Kennebunkport. My. FAVORITE. Earth has no water views (2 miles inland, and 7 miles away from Dock Square), and is tucked away in the woods like a glamorous hunting cabin. All you have to do is walk through the doors and you’ll agree with me: This is someplace special. It’s like being ensconced in an impossibly posh, magical treehouse—surrounded by wood, warmth, and wondrous aromas—and everything softly lit from the crackling fire and the twinkle-light-festooned apple tree, hanging upside down from the ceiling as a breathtaking natural chandelier. Each of their three- or four-course menu items is a work of culinary art—and you’ll be hard put to decide on just one delightful craft cocktail, wine, or beer from their well-stocked, gorgeous bar. The grounds are just as beautiful as the restaurant itself—so be sure to leave time to take a peek at the outdoor heated pool and surrounding patios and fire pits.
Location: 354 Goose Rocks Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Website: Earth at Hidden Pond
And, as a bonus, here are a few of my favorite spots for specific appetite needs in Kennebunkport. Rococo Ice Cream in Dock Square isn’t your typical vanilla-chocolate-strawberry type of ice cream parlor (Goat Cheese Blackberry Chambord or Chai Cardamom are my top choices)—be sure to walk in with an open mind. Next door is Satellite Donuts, whose miniature confections bring out the kid in anyone. On the other side of Rococo is Fiafia, a great spot for an acai bowl, smoothie, or hot drink. And for that true Maine lobster roll experience—whether you’re a butter or mayo fan—go to Mabel’s, diagonally across the road from the Breakwater Inn.
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