Unearth The Voyage
Maine’s coastline is famous for more than just its lighthouses and rocky shores. Some of the best dining experiences happen right where the water meets the land, with fresh seafood, salty air, and views that make every meal memorable. Whether you’re craving lobster straight from the trap or just want to watch boats drift by while you eat, these waterfront spots capture everything special about coastal Maine.
DiMillo’s On the Water – Portland
Imagine eating dinner on an actual floating restaurant. DiMillo’s sits on a former car ferry at Long Wharf, giving you 360-degree views of Casco Bay’s busy harbor.
Boats glide past your window while you crack into lobster or dig into haddock chowder. The seafood comes straight from local waters, so everything tastes as fresh as the ocean breeze.
Families love the casual vibe and kids get a kick out of dining on a real ship. It’s been a Portland icon for decades, and once you see the sunset from the deck, you’ll understand why locals and tourists keep coming back year after year.
The Waterfront – Camden
Camden Harbor is postcard-perfect, and The Waterfront puts you right in the middle of it all. Located at 48 Bayview Street, this long-standing spot has been serving locals and visitors for years with a menu that celebrates the day’s catch.
Big windows frame views of sailboats bobbing in the harbor while you enjoy pan-seared haddock or clam strips. The atmosphere is cozy without being stuffy, making it ideal for families or couples looking for a relaxed meal.
Order the lobster roll if you want a true taste of Maine done right. The friendly staff and maritime charm make this place feel like a coastal tradition you’ll want to revisit.
Saltwater Grille – South Portland
Right on the docks in South Portland, Saltwater Grille offers a front-row seat to working harbor life. Fishing boats come and go while you savor dishes like pan-seared scallops that practically melt on your tongue.
The menu balances upscale flavors with a laid-back approach, so you can dress casual and still enjoy high-quality seafood. Big glass windows let natural light flood the dining room, and the outdoor seating is unbeatable on warm evenings.
Locals recommend the seafood pasta and anything featuring day-boat fish. It’s the kind of place where you linger over dessert just to watch the sun dip below the water, turning the harbor golden.
The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant – Kennebunkport
Nautical charm is practically baked into every corner of The Boathouse. With a wrap-around deck that hovers over the Kennebunk River, you can watch boats drift past while munching on steamed clams or grilled swordfish.
The setting feels like something out of a classic New England painting, with weathered wood, rope accents, and views that stretch across the water. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, and the kids’ menu keeps younger diners happy.
Try the lobster mac and cheese if you want comfort food with a coastal twist. Whether you sit inside or out, the vibe is easygoing and the food consistently delivers on flavor and freshness.
Warren’s Lobster House – Kittery
Since 1940, Warren’s Lobster House has been serving up fresh seafood on the Piscataqua River. That’s over 80 years of perfecting lobster rolls, fried clams, and chowder that tastes like home.
The deck seating puts you right over the water, where you can watch boats pass while cracking into a whole steamed lobster. Everything about this place screams maritime tradition, from the nautical decor to the friendly service that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
Portions are generous and prices are fair, making it a favorite for families and seafood lovers who appreciate classic New England flavors without any fuss.
Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Harpswell
Family-run and full of heart, Dolphin Marina & Restaurant sits right on Casco Bay with views that stretch for miles. This is a working waterfront, so you might spot lobstermen hauling traps while you dig into your meal.
The menu reflects the region’s heritage, with seafood that’s caught locally and prepared simply to let the flavors shine. Fried haddock, lobster stew, and clam cakes are all crowd favorites.
The calm harbor setting makes it perfect for a peaceful lunch or dinner where you can truly unwind. Locals love this spot for its authenticity and the way it captures what Maine’s coast is really about—good food, honest work, and beautiful water.
Tugboat Inn – Boothbay Harbor
Built around the structure of an actual historic tugboat, this restaurant is as unique as it gets. The Tugboat Inn sits right on the Mid Coast with marina views that showcase Boothbay Harbor’s bustling waterfront.
Fresh seafood is the star here, from buttery lobster tails to crispy fish and chips. The nautical theme isn’t just for show—this place has genuine maritime history in its bones.
Outdoor seating lets you soak up the sights and sounds of the harbor, with sailboats and fishing vessels creating a constantly changing backdrop. It’s quirky, charming, and delivers on both atmosphere and flavor, making it a must-visit when you’re exploring the Boothbay area.
Aragosta – Deer Isle
For a more refined waterfront experience, Aragosta brings fine dining to Deer Isle with menus built around island-sourced ingredients. Ocean vistas stretch out before you as you savor dishes that showcase local fish, foraged greens, and artisanal touches.
The atmosphere is upscale but not stuffy, with a focus on letting the quality of the food speak for itself. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Each plate feels like a work of art, and the chefs take pride in highlighting what makes Maine’s waters and farms so special. If you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, Aragosta delivers an unforgettable coastal dining experience.
Joseph’s by the Sea – Old Orchard Beach
Family-owned since the 1960s, Joseph’s by the Sea channels old-school coastal tradition with every meal. The waterfront dining room offers sweeping ocean views that make you feel like you’re sitting right on the beach.
Comfort-style seafood is the specialty here—think baked stuffed lobster, seafood casseroles, and creamy chowders that warm you from the inside out. The decor is classic New England, with nautical touches and a welcoming vibe.
Generations of families have made this a vacation tradition, and once you taste the food and see the view, you’ll want to start your own. It’s the kind of place where memories are made over shared platters and sunset dinners.
High Tide Restaurant & Bar – Brewer
Overlooking the Penobscot River, High Tide mixes modern dishes with inland-waterfront ambiance that’s a bit different from the typical coastal scene. The menu goes beyond traditional seafood, offering steaks, creative appetizers, and craft cocktails alongside fresh fish.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame riverside views, and the sleek interior feels contemporary without losing that Maine warmth. It’s ideal for date night or a group dinner where everyone has different tastes.
The bar scene is lively, and the outdoor patio is perfect for summer evenings when you want to enjoy a drink with a view. High Tide proves that waterfront dining doesn’t always mean ocean—rivers have their own special charm.
Nautilus Seafood & Grill – Belfast
Located on the Mid Coast, Nautilus Seafood & Grill blends scenic waterfront seating with seafood that doesn’t take itself too seriously—yet consistently hits high marks. The vibe is stylish but approachable, with a menu that balances classic preparations and creative twists.
Try the grilled salmon with seasonal vegetables or the lobster tacos that give a fun spin on Maine’s most famous catch. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and the staff knows their stuff without being pretentious.
Belfast’s harbor provides a peaceful backdrop, and the outdoor tables are prime real estate on sunny days. It’s a spot where you can enjoy quality food in a relaxed setting that feels both polished and welcoming.
Hobbs Harborside Restaurant – Wells
With harbor views year-round, Hobbs Harborside offers lobster, scallops, and surf-and-turf in a setting that’s elevated but approachable. The dining room is bright and airy, with big windows that let you watch the tide change while you eat.
The menu features Maine classics done with care—think baked stuffed shrimp, twin lobster tails, and prime rib for non-seafood fans. Everything is plated beautifully, but the portions are generous enough to satisfy a hearty appetite.
Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere strikes a nice balance between special occasion and everyday treat. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving excellent seafood with a view, Hobbs delivers consistently.
The Tiller – Cape Neddick (Cliff House)
For a dramatic seaside dining experience, The Tiller at the Cliff House takes your breath away before you even taste the food. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Atlantic views, with waves crashing against the rocks below.
The menu focuses on line-caught fish and seasonal ingredients, prepared with techniques that let natural flavors shine. Each dish feels thoughtful, from the amuse-bouche to the final dessert course.
This is destination dining at its finest, where the view and the food compete for your attention—and both win. Dress code is smart casual, and reservations are essential. It’s perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or any time you want to make a meal truly memorable.
The York River Landing – York Harbor
Along the York River, this calm-water spot offers a serene deck where you can watch the gentle current while enjoying shellfish and dishes rooted in local sourcing. The setting is peaceful, away from the busier ocean beaches but still fully coastal.
The menu highlights fresh oysters, steamed mussels, and daily fish specials that change based on what’s available. Everything feels farm-to-table, or in this case, boat-to-table.
The outdoor seating is the place to be on warm days, with umbrellas providing shade and the river providing a soothing soundtrack. It’s a hidden gem that locals treasure, offering quality food and tranquil views without the crowds you’ll find at more touristy spots.
Dockside Restaurant on York Harbor – York
Casual yet charming, Dockside Restaurant gives you waterfront cuisine in a personable setting that’s perfect for a laid-back, flavor-forward seaside meal. The staff treats you like family, and the menu covers all the Maine classics you’re craving.
Lobster bisque, fried clams, and broiled scallops are all done well, with portions that leave you satisfied but not stuffed. The dining room overlooks the harbor, and the windows stay open on nice days to let in the breeze.
It’s not fancy, but that’s exactly the point—Dockside is about good food, good company, and the simple pleasure of eating by the water. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure, and you’ll leave happy.
