Trying to pick between restaurants can be a hassle, and with so many excellent restaurants to choose from in the Vinalhaven area, it can be hard to pick a favorite.
That’s why we’ve gone ahead and picked out our top places to eat in Vinalhaven, so you can spend less time debating over dinner plans and more time enjoying your meal.
Map of Vinalhaven Restaurants
This helpful map has all the restaurants mentioned in this article, so you can easily find your way around Vinalhaven come dinner time:
The Salty Dog
Offering hot and cold specialty drinks, design-your-own breakfast sandwiches, delightful baked goods, and prompt, cheerful service, Salty Dogs has had a long trek of it, opening their little nook of happiness in the midst of a pandemic.
But with a strong local following and the support of seasonal residents as well, this already well-loved spot seems to be in it for the long haul.
Great for scooping up a quick homemade snack and a delicious hot beverage, Salty Dogs is centrally located, just around the corner from the ferry launch.
Location: 28 Main Street
Website: The Salty Dogs Café
Skål
A hipster’s dream, this speakeasy/music venue/tapas bar (now, there’s a mouthful) is tucked just off Main Street (with a semi-hidden entrance…you know, speakeasy-style), and while seasonal, the owners offer several pop-up events offseason for the year-round residents to enjoy.
With delightful small plates, craft cocktails (some available by the liter—WHAAAAT?!), beer, and wine on offer, this cozy niche is loaded with intimate, comfortable charm, and it isn’t hard to see how it has become so popular in such a short time.
Go for the food, the camaraderie, the music, the libations—or all of the above.
Chances are, you’ll agree with anyone who’s been already that Skål fills a need most folks didn’t realize they had.
Location: 6 Bodwell Lane – Carver’s Pond, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Skål
Sea’s Bakery
A wholesale/retail coffee and bake shop, this dine-in house of delights is a mouthwatering dream come true…unless, of course, you’re counting calories.
Open year-round, Sea’s fresh-from-the-oven menu changes daily, and could include any number of breakfast or dessert items, including but not nearly limited to pumpkin or molasses donuts, fresh blueberry or raspberry scones and muffins, coffee cake, cookies, brownies…holy sweet tooth, Batman—I’m dying, here!
Check their Facebook page for daily offerings—and be sure to get there early, because once those Raised Glazed Donuts (or whatever it is you’re craving) are gone, they’re gone for the day!
Location: 35 Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Sea’s Bakery
Greet’s Eats
Yup—you read that location right.
This seasonal, open-when-weather-permits favorite isn’t an actual restaurant at all; it’s a popular, much-loved food truck. Burgers, dogs, sandwiches, and their signature lobster rolls—all packaged neatly to go.
So, whether you’ve just arrived on the ferry, or are hustling to catch one back to Rockland, these friendly folks will help keep those hangries at bay. Open from 11-2 daily in season, Greet’s Eats’ slogan says it all: Fresh, Local, Fast!
Location: Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Greet’s Eats
Dot and Millie’s
This small, seasonal bistro is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner or small plate. Dot and Millie’s creative, thoughtful menu can be described with the same adjectives I’d use for the aesthetic of their cozy restaurant: Simple and refreshing.
For example, order the Tomato & Burrata starter plate followed by the Lobster Pappardelle (made with Vinalhaven lobster, of course) entrée, along with an Immaculata’s Preference (house-made sangria); savor the perfectly balanced local flavors as you take in the zen perfectness of Dot and Millie’s dining space, and you’ll see what I mean.
Location: 49 E Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Dot and Millie’s
Homeport Family Restaurant
The name says it all: A casual, family-style restaurant offering an extensive, down-home comfort food menu that really does have something for everyone in your household, including breakfast and weeknight specials (think Fried Haddock Saturdays, Lasagna Sundays, Baked Ham Mondays, Cheeseburger Tuesdays…get the picture?).
Choose from omelets, baked goods, sandwiches and subs, burgers, salads, fried dinners, and even a specialty sundae menu (if you have any room left)—if you leave hungry, it won’t be for a lack of choices.
Location: 62 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Homeport Family Restaurant
The Sand Bar
Serving lunch, dinner, and cocktails (happy hour Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4-6!), this friendly little hotspot is a local favorite.
With a “Cheers-like” atmosphere (as described by one customer) and a fairly-priced, pub-style menu, The Sand Bar is open year-round (hard to come by on Vinalhaven), and can always be counted on for a hearty meal and the libation of choice from their full bar.
And if you happen to be on-island during the off-season (October-May), The Sand Bar has “Flip-a-Coin Thursdays,” where you get the chance to get your lunch for ½ price if the coin toss comes up in your favor.
There is also Team Trivia Fridays, and you can catch sports on tv at the lively bar.
Location: 63 Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: The Sand Bar
Pizza Pit
Another year-round dining option on the island, The Pizza Pit offers limited dine-in seating with a spectacular harbor view and friendly, fast service…but if you can’t get a seat, don’t fret—because the food tastes just as good at home.
And while their pizza is spectacular (regular, thin, and gluten-free crusts available), their menu also features plenty of non-pizza favorites, like penne pasta dishes, submarine sandwiches, pub-style wings, chicken tenders, and bruschetta—all fresh-made to order.
Location: 30 E Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Pizza Pit
Surfside
A seasonal, diner-style eatery, Surfside features outdoor seating for their small-but-fresh breakfast menu, which includes classics like Eggs Benedict, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and omelets.
With beautiful views of Carver’s Harbor, it’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the sunrise (they open at 4 a.m.) with a cup of coffee and your morning meal of choice.
Watch the lobster boats heading out for a long day’s work, listen to the gulls squabble over nothing, and just take in Vinalhaven’s singular brand of peacefulness.
Location: 35 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Surfside
Carver’s Market
While not a restaurant per se, Carver’s steps up in a big way in the winter, when many of Vinalhaven’s dining options are temporarily off the table (sorry—had to).
In addition to being a full-service grocery store, Carver’s also offers a bakery, deli, made-to-order sandwiches, and meals to go, along with a wide selection of beer and wine (and they are an Agency liquor store, to boot).
Since 1987, this family-owned-and-run establishment has kept residents and visitors alike well stocked, fed, and watered—all with a smile.
Location: 36 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Carver’s Market
Downstreet Market
A seasonal internet café and bake shop, Downstreet is a gem of a find. Fresh baked goods, pizza specials, hot drinks, wine…what more could you want out of life?
Oh, wait—how about a harbor view, a clean, urban-chic vibe, and friendly service? Sign me up.
Stop in for a fresh-brewed coffee, tea, or latte (iced or hot) and choose from their revolving daily offerings of muffins, breads, and other baked deliciousness.
If you’re there at lunchtime, you might be lucky enough for their amazing flatbread pizza to be available—it’s not a given, so keep your fingers crossed.
Location: 30 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Downstreet Market
Vinalhaven Candy Company
Here is one more “not quite a restaurant” listing—but I, for one, could certainly make a meal out of the options available at the Vinalhaven Candy Company.
This seasonal sweet shop features handmade candy and fudge (bring on the penuche), Gifford’s ice cream (hard and soft-serve), cold fountain drinks and Slushies, and many more sweet-tooth-satisfying treats.
Located just around the corner from the ferry station, be sure to make time to stop at the Vinalhaven Candy Company either just before you board (an ice cream cone or candy for the ride) or just after you arrive (homemade fudge is an always-welcome hostess gift—or a decadent after-dinner dessert, all for you).
Location: 35 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Website: Vinalhaven Candy Company
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