Famed for its coastline, Maine offers not just breathtaking natural beauty but a culinary cornucopia brimming with diverse, delicious seafood. Savvy foodies relish the sublime seafood hailing directly from the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. From classic lobster shacks to high-end dining, here is an exploration of the best seafood restaurants in Maine.
Eventide Oyster Co
Located in the Old Port district of Portland, Eventide Oyster Co serves a variety of fresh and flavor-packed oysters that can be savored with playful accompaniments like kimchi ice or a mignonette with Tabasco jelly. Besides oysters, their robust menu includes lobster dishes served in a Chinese-style steamed bun, and Crab Roll featuring creamy, succulent crab meat. The lobster stew, enriched with green curry and mussels, is an absolute must-try. Eventide’s take on New England seafood adeptly melds classic materials with modern elements that results in a unique masterpiece appealing immensely to millennials and Gen Z diners.
Bob’s Clam Hut
No trip to Maine is complete without a visit to the iconic Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery. Serving up some of the region’s best clams since the 1950s, this classic clam hut started as a walk-up food stand. Their signature item is ‘The Lillian’, named after an original employee, which features fried clams lightly dusted with flour, hence absorbing less oil and allowing the clam flavor to shine. Or go ‘Bob’s Way’, with the clams dipped in egg wash before frying for a thicker crust. With their artisanal approach in presenting classic seafood, Bob’s Clam Hut has become a timeless favorite for both locals and tourists.
Central Provisions
Another Portland fixture, Central Provisions crafts petite, appetizing seafood plates like no other. The restaurant offers a delectable selection of fish dishes, including the local favorite “Crispy Fish Sandwich”, featuring Maine’s fresh squid. The seafood charcuterie board of octopus, salmon, and pate is an explosion of textures and flavors that can be paired perfectly with their extensive list of worldwide wines. Added to that, the rustic charm of the exposed brick wall and wooden tables in the basement setting enhances the overall dining experience.
The Clam Shack
Standing at the bridge in Kennebunkport, The Clam Shack is another quintessential Maine experience. They offer a winning lobster roll that has made quite a name for itself nationally. What sets them apart is their technique of using both tail and claw meat, steamed to perfection, lightly dressed with mayo, or drizzled with drawn butter. Served on a round bun, instead of the typical hot dog roll, this lobster roll brings forth the freshness and sweetness of the Maine Lobster.
Street & Co
Located down a cobblestone alley in Old Port, Street & Co is a premier seafood destination. The eatery utilizes Mediterranean cooking techniques, preparing dishes over a wood-burning stove or grill. Standouts include Linguine with White Clam Sauce, Lobster Diavolo, and the local favorite, Grilled Sea Scallops. With its romantic, rustic ambiance and a menu that pays tribute to seafood’s simplicity and natural flavor, Street & Co provides a fine dining seafood experience that stands out for all the right reasons.
Five Islands Lobster Co
Considered one of the most scenic seafood shacks in Maine, Five Islands Lobster Co, located on Georgetown Island, affords stunning views of Sheepscot Bay. Beyond the breathtaking setting, it’s their seafood that keeps people coming back. They serve up an incredible “Shore Dinner” which includes a lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, new potatoes, and a cup of clam chowder. No dish outshines the real star though – the simple, perfectly cooked, fresh Maine lobster.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
In the quiet, picturesque village of Bernard, Thurston’s Lobster Pound has been a favorite since 1971. It’s the type of place where you pick your dinner from one of the crowded tanks, and they boil it in seawater seconds later. The lobster rolls are a delicious mix of both claw and tail meat in mayo, with a faint taste of celery. Don’t forget to try their steamed mussels, locally harvested and served with a side of butter.
McLoon’s Lobster Shack
Nestled on remote Spruce Head Island, McLoon’s Lobster Shack is family-owned and operated. Boasting unobstructed panoramic views of Wheeler Bay, the ambiance couldn’t be better for a seafood feast. Known for their traditional lobster roll, served chilled with mayo or warm with butter on a toasted bun, McLoon’s has been touted as the standard-bearer for Maine’s most iconic dish.
In Maine, seafood is more than just food – it’s a culinary journey through the state’s culture and heritage. These restaurants with their exceptional seafood offerings and enchanting ambiances constitute the heart of Maine’s culinary landscape. They incredibly tie the dining experience to the state’s seafood industry, resulting in dishes that are transformative, both in flavor and experience.
