Known by many as “the gateway to Acadia National Park,” travelers should be aware that Ellsworth is more than just a drive-by town.
A destination in its own right and featuring a classic small-town, Main Street vibe, Ellsworth offers a treasure trove of things to do and experience without ever having to leave city limits: Nature trails, museums, live entertainment venues, lodging…and restaurants.
For a town of its size and locale, Ellsworth offers a surprising array of globally-influenced dining options, vibrant with international flair and flavor—as well as plenty of eateries with more familiar fare choices.
Map of Ellsworth Restaurants
This map of our top 12 Ellsworth restaurants is perfect for planning your next night on the town.
Manny’s Greek Grill
Located in the Mill Mall shopping plaza, Manny’s Greek Grill features a bright, cheerful dining space and a menu full of authentic flavors.
The pita bread is house-made, as are all of the meat fillings and sauces; you can’t go wrong with anything you choose at Manny’s.
But let me suggest starting with the Saganaki appetizer (fried goat cheese topped with lemon or honey and served with warm pita bread), and then moving on to the Loukaniko (Greek sausage) plate, served with house-made tzatziki sauce, fresh-cut fries, and Greek salad.
Oh, and be sure to order the homemade baklava for dessert!
Location: 248 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Manny’s Greek Grill
Helen’s Restaurant of Ellsworth
Helen’s of Ellsworth has been in business since 1994, which is impressive enough as it is—but the original Helen’s in Machias has been around since 1950.
So, in a nutshell, the folks at Helen’s have been doing something right—namely, their delicious homemade comfort food and award-winning pies. The menu is impressively large and features everything from appetizers, salads, and soups to entrees, sandwiches, burgers, wraps…and, of course, the pies.
Actually, it is suggested that you begin with dessert—diets be damned.
Location: 55 Downeast Hwy, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Helen’s Restaurant of Ellsworth
Serendib
Family-owned and -operated, Serendib’s menu is a delightful mixture of Sri Lankan and Indian fare.
The cheerful, bistro-style dining room looks out onto State Street, and the food is plentiful, affordable, and undeniably authentic.
Enjoy appetizers like Samosas or Sour Fish Curry, and entrees that include Korma, Tikki Masala, Vindaloo, and Tandoori…and be sure to leave room for dessert, because Mom’s Love Cake is a must-try: Semolina cake with cashews, rose water, and candied Sri Lankan pumpkin, served with chai cream.
Location: 2 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Serendib
Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery
With five other in-state locations, Governor’s is a Maine institution.
Since 1959, Governor’s has been “serving good, wholesome food and yummy desserts at prices your family can afford.”
No matter what you’re craving, chances are they have it on their expansive menu; the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert offerings are overwhelming.
Looking for comfort food? They’ve got plenty. Seafood? Governor’s has a boatload (ha!). Burgers, salads, or sandwiches? Yup. Breakfast for dinner? Check. Dessert? Of course.
And all of the above are served in large portions with small price tags.
Location: 253 High St #1715, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery
Taste Jamaica
Jamaican fare in Ellsworth, Maine? Who knew? This cozy little eatery features dine-in or take-out service for a menu full of bright, kicky Caribbean flavors for carnivores and vegetarians alike.
These prepared-from-scratch culinary wonders are feasts for the senses—and you can even enjoy a Jamaican Red Stripe beer with your repast. Give the Jamaican Jerk Pork a try—or get really adventurous and order the Curried Goat (I’m not kidding).
There are also sandwiches and sides available—and be sure to ask what the dessert special of the day is.
Location: 190 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Taste Jamaica
Provender Kitchen & Bar
This much-accoladed eatery has been featured in DownEast Magazine as well as on News Center Maine—and for good reason.
The menu changes frequently, as all of the ingredients are locally sourced—which means their availability hinges on the time of year.
Everything from the appetizer to dessert is beautifully plated, and your taste buds will agree when I say that the combinations of flavors are even better than the visual presentation.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Provender Kitchen & Bar when the Lamb Bolognese is on offer, don’t miss the chance to try this flavor sensation.
Location: 112 Main St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Provender Kitchen & Bar
Thai Sana
Offering bountiful plates of fresh, flavorful Thai favorites—including a host of vegetarian options—Thai Sana is “Ellsworth’s favorite authentic Thai restaurant.”
The reviews tell the story: Everyone is raving about the amazing food and fast, friendly service.
Featuring a menu abundant with appetizers, soups, salads, fried rice, noodle dishes, curries, entrees, and even a “Vegetarian Corner” section, you’ll undoubtedly have a hard time choosing.
The best option is to order a bunch of dishes with friends and family—and share. For something new and different, try the Soft-Shell Crab Green Curry…and finish up with dessert: Mango with sticky rice and coconut milk.
Location: 321 High St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Thai Sana
Union River Lobster Pot
The folks at Union River Lobster Pot—serving up seafood since 1996—promise “local cuisine, people, wildlife, and culture” when you visit their establishment—and you won’t be disappointed.
Fresh fare right off the boat onto your plate as you sit surrounded by locals, taking in the sights and sounds of the Union River flowing by.
The menu here seems to just keep going, with page after page of seafood-centric appetizers, salads, and entrees.
But if you’re not a fan of fishy fare, have no fear; there are a few landlubber options available.
Me? I say bring on the fins and claws—and I’ll start with a honkin’ order of Lobster Poutine, please.
Location: 8 South St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Union River Lobster Pot
Shinbashi
With an elegant, upscale dining room and beautifully-plated, Asian fare to match, the deliciousness of the food trump all of the above.
Whether you order sushi, sashimi, a Bento box, a combination platter, a noodle dish, or any other item on the extensive menu, you’ll see why folks keep coming back.
Authentic flavors, meticulous presentation, friendly service, and affordable prices make Shinbashi a popular place.
And if you’re a sushi fan—like me—they even have Sushi Party Platters for up to seven people.
Location: 139 High St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Shinbashi
Sylvia’s Café
All about keeping it simple and affordable, the fare at Sylvia’s is just that. Nothin’ fancy here, folks—just delicious, huge portions of homemade comfort food for breakfast and lunch.
The menu is the same—basic and abundant—with all the classic fare you’d look for in a diner worth its snuff.
Breakfast combo meals, omelets, pancakes, French toast, sandwiches, salads, and burgers—all available for dine-in, take-out, and curbside pickup. Oh, and be sure to ask about the “Hibernator Challenge.”
Location: 248 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Sylvia’s Café
86 This
With an industrial-chic vibe and a quirky menu that made me giggle, this self-proclaimed “classy, punk rock burrito shop” is a lively establishment that has garnered awards and accolades since opening in 2011.
You see, it’s not only the names of the dishes that are unique—it’s all about the medley of flavors these culinary wizards come up with in every bite.
Every single soup, salad, burrito, nacho platter, and wrap—each like its own little galaxy of goodness.
I’m a fan of the Build-Your-Own Nachos; start with a pile of yellow corn tortilla chips topped with cheddar jack, pico de gallo, and house chipotle cream…and then go nuts with as many items off of the list of 15 topping options as you want to pay for.
Location: 125 Main St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: 86 This
Airline Brewing Company
Rather than follow the new microbrewery/taproom trend, Airline Brewing Company wants to offer a more traditional tavern-style experience to customers, complete with classic pub food and décor.
Sure, you’ll still be able to get a flight of amazing craft beers here—but you’ll also be able to order from a full menu rather than grabbing a soggy paper plate of whatever from a food truck outside.
And yes—even the “pub grub” reflects the English tavern vibe, right down to the Steak and Ale Pie or the Traditional Cornish Pasty. Tuck in!
Location: 173 Main St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Website:: Airline Brewing Company
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