With various areas collectively fomenting revival and gentle gentrification, Kittery’s culinary landscape is quickly becoming a fresh and vibrant alternative to the over-burgeoning restaurant roster across the river in Portsmouth, NH…and if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path a bit (read: Route 1), there are even more options.
Map Of Kittery Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Robert’s Maine Grill
Whenever I want to meet a friend from Massachusetts somewhere for lunch, this is my go-to. Robert’s is right on Spruce Creek, and the restaurant’s bright, seaside aesthetic is both soothing and comfortable.
They have a generous, well-balanced menu (I have never ordered anything but the Crab Avocado Melt or the Haddock Reuben…not for lack of chances, but because I love them both so much), and the service is fast and friendly. If you go during high season, though, be sure to make a reservation for dinner—it’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Location: 326 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Robert’s Maine Grill
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria
This is a fantastic choice when you’re hankering for some good old-fashioned carbo-loading…because the pizza at When Pigs Fly is amazing. And be prepared to go whole-hog (sorry, couldn’t help myself) because chances are you won’t be able to stop at just one slice of this Neapolitan-style magic…and, really, why would you? Wood-fired, made with all-natural ingredients—including made-fresh-daily mozzarella—this pizza is in a class all of its own.
There is a screened-in eating area, deck, and beer/wine bar to choose from for seating, and their menu includes salad, sandwiches, small plates, and dessert, as well as a kids’ menu. Be sure to check out their company store next door to take home some fresh-baked bread, homemade preserves, or infused olive oil.
Location: 460 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: When Pigs Fly Pizzeria
Ore Nell’s Barbecue
For a true central-Texas BBQ experience, run—don’t walk—to Ore Nell’s. Whether you are jonesing for a brisket sandwich, beef short ribs, Frito pie, or banana pudding, Texas native chef Will Myska’s Lone Star culinary prowess will have you raving…and craving.
While scanning their menu, however, I have to admit I was scratching my head at the statement “Texas Napkin Upon Request*” until I read the asterisked explanation: “Central Texas barbecue is traditionally served with white bread…to sop up the barbecue sauce.” Well, yee-haw, then! Bring on that Texas Napkin, y’all!
Location: 2 Badgers Island W, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Ore Nell’s Barbecue
Warren’s Lobster House
Quality, quantity, and price—you really CAN get all three at this local fixture, solidly stationed over the edge of the Piscataqua River since 1940. Having started out as a humble, 6-seat lobster shack, this sprawling compound now seats 350, and in addition to the restaurant, includes a bakery, lobster pound, gift shop, lounge, and candy store.
And while the menu at Warren’s is certainly noteworthy—it is enormous—I’d be remiss if I didn’t first mention their famous “Seacoast’s Finest Salad Bar,” because it is a meal unto itself. As if the dozens of salad components weren’t enough, Warren’s adds several delicious soup and bread options…including my favorite, their homemade pumpkin bread.
Location: 11 Water St, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Warren’s Lobster House
Loco Coco’s Tacos
Craving authentic Mexican flavor but just can’t bring yourself to ring the Taco Bell? Then vamos your bad self to this excelente establishment just off Route 1.
Serving their signature enormous burritos in their cozy cantina, dining room, and screened patio, the folks at Loco Coco’s know how to do Mexican right. Happy customer reviews rave about the portion sizes, friendly staff, and authentic flavors found at this hidden gem (it’s a personal victory to not gorge myself before even ordering my meal on their homemade tortilla chips and salsa).
Location: 36 Walker St, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Loco Coco’s Tacos
Black Birch
Just a few blocks east from Loco Coco’s is a neighborhood called Wallingford Square, which is fast becoming abundant with new restaurants and bistros. Black Birch, however, has been around for over a decade, now, and has a faithful following of their ever-changing menu of small plates, shares, and entrees (I most recently became a fanatic of their Deviled Eggs 3 Ways plate).
But at just about 1,200 square feet, space is at a premium—so be sure to make a reservation. I love when we are lucky enough to be seated in the bay window booth—the perfect opportunity to people-watch as I savor every amazing bite, sipping whichever creatively crafted cocktail catches my eye.
Location: 2 Government St, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Black Birch
The Wallingford Dram
This delightful, diminutive pub has a distinctive European feel to it—and while the real draw is their spectacular wine and craft cocktail offerings, the menu at the Dram is just as impressive. And if the dishes seem to be more than just a little bit Thai-influenced, it’s because all of the food comes from their sister property next door, Anju Noodle Bar. So, if you’re torn between which establishment to choose for dinner, it comes down to which vibe you’re in the mood for (there’s even a secret door at the back of Anju to enter the Dram).
Location: 7 Wallingford Square #101, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: The Wallingford Dram
Anneke Jans
Another veteran of the W-Square scene, Anneke Jans is a casual, cozy bistro featuring a snug lounge, comfortable dining room, and cute patio for seating options. Their flavorful, creative menu is self-described as “New American,” with offerings that are literally causing me to salivate as I write this (I’m planning my meal for next time: their Smoked Gouda Fondue starter is calling my name, followed by the Steak Frites with Gorgonzola Sauce entrée, and of course, a Flourless Chocolate Torte for dessert).
Location: 60 Wallingford Square, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Anneke Jans
Blue Mermaid
A bit further north of Wallingford Square, the Blue Mermaid is a solid choice for an elevated pub-style menu (craving their Guava-Braised Short-Rib Poutine right about now) with an updated, modern aesthetic. Offering sit-down dining (indoor and outdoor, in season) as well as take-out and delivery, this casual, fun-loving spot has trivia on Monday nights as well as a hearty brunch menu available on Sundays from 10-2.
Location: 10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery, ME 03904
Website: Blue Mermaid
Bistro 1828
Pepperrell Cove, an up-and-coming dining hotspot in a historic area, is host to this open-kitchen-style gastropub. Also featuring the third-floor Ski Club, the menu for both levels contain a robust offering of cocktails, wines, craft beers, plates to share, and entrees. This multi-functional complex also has several seasonal establishments: Provisions, a general store and coffee shop; Frisbee’s Wharf, a lobster shack/bar and grill; and the Mrs. & Me Ice Cream window at Provisions. One-stop, waterfront dining at its best!
Location: 88 Pepperrell Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905
Website: Bistro 1828
And, as I am apt to do, here are a couple more places I just had to mention, for specific reasons. For a really casual, come-as-you-are, BYOB, seafood/lobster shack experience with a view, look no further than Chauncey Creek. Or, when your growling stomach threatens to give you a serious case of the hangries but you still have outlet shopping to do, stop into Bob’s Clam Hut for a quick clam roll and lemonade—you’ll be back to your retail therapy in no time. And, if you’re a real landlubber surrounded by seafood, try the Henry VIII Carvery on Route 1 for what many folks say is the best roast beef sandwich they’ve ever had.
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