Located on a busy straightaway of Route 3 between Bar Harbor and Otter Creek, The Burning Tree is an easy restaurant to blow right past; that would be a mistake. This low-key and surprisingly elegant place serves some of the best and freshest seafood dinners on the island, with New American twists. Some of the produce and herbs comes from the restaurant’s own gardens, while the rest of the ingredients are bought locally whenever possible. Everything’s prepared with imagination and skill—expect unusual preparations like a New Orleans–style lobster, lobster fritters (great idea), sage and almond flounder, and Swiss chard leaves stuffed with scallop mousse, plus old standards like grilled salmon and halibut (served with inventive and tasty sauces). Don’t miss the house cocktails, which use local fruits and berries when possible.