Performing a juggling act of being both a coastal Maine community as well as a hub of retail and dining offerings strung along US Route 1, Scarborough’s culinary scene is vast and varied; you can expect to find everything from lobster-in-the-rough (al fresco with plastic bibs) to upscale, epicurean masterpieces (with linen napkins and candlelight).
Here are some of our favorites:
Map Of Scarbourough Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Amore on the Marsh
Somewhere in the middle-to-upper end of that culinary range is Amore on the Marsh—and don’t be fooled by their nondescript exterior. Once inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the warm, comfortable surroundings and friendly faces.
The expansive menu is Italian comfort food done right; chances are if you have a favorite dish that your Nonna used to make, you’ll find it here.
The portions are legendary, and while everything is fabulous, be sure to give their pizza a try (I highly recommend the Fra Diavolo).
Location: 521 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Amore on the Marsh
The Bait Shed
Sliding back down the fancy-scale to near-zero, we arrive at The Bait Shed. Contrary to their name, however, this very casual spot is a dine-in and take-out local favorite—not a raw fish and nightcrawler vendor—complete with their own pier (where you can eat outdoors when the weather accommodates).
And while their menu is certainly seafood-centric, there are other options. Their traditional seafood plates include potato salad, corn on the cob, a roll, lemon, and butter—and if you’re really jonesing for lobster, take on the “Monstah”—a 2.5-pound-minimum hardshell monster crustacean.
Location: 84 Jones Creek Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: The Bait Shed
Sebago Brewing Company
Despite having three other in-state locations, Sebago is a Maine institution that never feels like a chain restaurant. With their popular ales, IPAs, and other specialty brews, Sebago has firmly established itself as a true brewpub—folks go for both their highly popular beer and the delicious food.
The menu is a real crowd pleaser (my favorite is the Runabout Reuben), with burgers, bowls, sandwiches, and dinners on offer. The atmosphere is always lively, the servers are always friendly, and there’s always a new beer to try.
Location: 201 Southborough Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Sebago Brewing Company
Pine Point Grill
This casually upscale restaurant is open year-round (except for a short winter break in January), and focuses on always offering a “regionally focused menu,” with delightful items like their Garlicky Mussels, Crab Gnudi, and Stuffed Wild-Caught Haddock.
Pine Point also has amazing specialty pizzas—the thought of the Gorgonzola, Fig, and Pancetta pie is making me drool right now—and you can also build your own.
Location: 240 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Pine Point Grill
O’Reilly’s Cure Restaurant and Bar
With the glowing wood tables and bar top, chic lighting, and club-like fireplace and leather couch seating section, O’Reilly’s is far from what you’d expect from a place with such an Irish tavern-ish name.
Huge plate glass windows allow passersby on Route 1 to catch glimpses of the warmly-lit, welcoming interior; I’m willing to bet many immediately Google the menu—which features an impressive variety of options.
And sure, you can get the usual—a burger, steak, or pasta—but they manage to make these traditional recipes their own, with creative twists and tweaks that will surely bring you back again (their Short Rib Tacos are nothing short of life-changing).
Location: 264 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: O’Reilly’s Cure Restaurant and Bar
The Chart Room
The Chart Room is the seasonal, upscale restaurant at the Black Point Inn, an oceanfront hotel surrounded on three sides by the restless Atlantic. The Chart Room is not pretentious, however, and the dress code is casual—but reservations are highly recommended; seating is limited.
The menu is inspired and carefully curated with as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible (the Maine Crab Cakes will melt in your mouth), and their craft cocktails are true works of art.
Location: 510 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: The Chart Room
Dunstan Tap and Table
A bright, airy dining space, creative pub fare, local beer, and fantastic craft cocktails—a recipe for success. At Dunstan’s, locals and tourists alike mingle at the curved bar and the outside fire pit and patio, where food and fun are served up in equal portions.
The menu is loaded with options—appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, entrees, salads, soups—and for a true taste of decadence, order their Flourless Chocolate Torte for dessert.
Dunstan’s also has an impressive full bar—and if you enjoy a creative cocktail with a kick, go for The Margaretta (jalapeno-infused tequila, pineapple, lemon, lime, simple syrup). Ay caramba!
Location: 6 Stewart Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Dunstan Tap and Table
Stern Seafood
For an authentic, casual Maine seafood dining experience that won’t empty your wallet, Stern’s is the place for you. Watch your food arrive via lobster boat or being lugged in by local clam diggers—seafood doesn’t get much fresher than this.
Offering dine-in and take-out service as well as a full bar, Stern’s menu features plenty of ocean-born favorites like steamers, lobster rolls, deep fried platters, and baked seafood…but they also have a few non-seafood options, as well.
And they even get creative with a few rice bowls (how about lobster with sweet corn, tomato, red pepper, and mango dressing?), a welcome but unexpected sight.
Location: 96 King St, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Stern Seafood
The Garage BBQ
A seasonal favorite since back in the days when it was converted from a repair garage to a restaurant (and before it was a garage, it was a livery stable!), this historic building has certainly been put through its paces (sorry…had to).
Surely the best place to get barbecue in town, The Garage has kept much of the original automotive repair aesthetic, complete with open-front garage doors and hipster antique signage.
Their menu is short and sweet, and when you order your entrée, whichever meat you chose will arrive “naked” (with your choice of sauce on the side), along with cornbread, mac and cheese, and pickles. Keep the napkins handy!
Location: 3 E Grand Ave, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: The Garage BBQ
Shade
This is another establishment located within a local hotel; Shade is one of the seasonal dining options at the Higgins Beach Inn.
Self-touted as “refined yet casual,” Shade features indoor dining as well as seating on their three-season porch. The menu offers elevated tavern fare, as well as cocktails, wine, and beer—might I suggest their Crispy Fish Tacos and a Basil Lemonade (vodka, lemon, and basil), enjoyed on the porch with a sea breeze blowing through your hair? Sheer bliss.
Location: 34 Ocean Ave, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Shade
Nonesuch River Brewing
This refreshing new establishment feels different from the get-go; the two-story, soaring raftered dining space, huge porches, and a beautiful backlit bar make you want to whip out your phone to get some shots for Instagram—but chances are you’ll be too busy enjoying your meal.
Their beers are crafted on-site, and their menu utilizes local, seasonal ingredients as much as humanly possible.
Location: 201 Gorham Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: Nonesuch River Brewing
El Rayo Taqueria
With their retro, aquamarine-and-orange sign by the side of Route 1 giving a nod to the explosion of color that awaits hungry travelers inside, El Rayo Taqueria’s flavorful menu is as full of vibrancy as its décor…a feast for all the senses.
It’s one taste sensation after another—Golden Jet Pineapple (pineapple on a stick, dusted with chili powder, salt, and lime), Fried Avocado Tacos, BBQ Pork Burritos…far too many to list here, trust me—but you’ll have to take a look for yourself to grasp the deliciousness and variety on offer here.
Location: 245 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: El Rayo Taqueria
Last but not at all least, here are several other worthy establishments, each noted for their mention-worthy offering. For a big, option-filled pizza menu, there’s the Portland Pie Company; if you favor more of a strip mall pizza joint vibe with a more specialized menu, then head to Romeo’s Pizza.
The Blast from the Past Too Diner provides a fifties-style diner experience, complete with juke box and breakfast all day.
And for dessert—how about a chocolate moose? Nope—didn’t spell it wrong: Stop in at the Len Libby Candy Shop, where you can get your picture taken with Lenny, a 1,700 lb life-sized chocolate moose (only in Maine, folks).
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