Karlsson Photo / Shutterstock
Restaurants in The Kennebunks
Those looking for a quick lobster have a couple of options in the Kennebunkport area, although the prices tend to be a bit more expensive than at other casual lobster spots farther north along the coast. Nunan’s Lobster Hut (tel. 207/967-4362), Route 9 north of Kennebunkport at Cape Porpoise, is a classic lobster shack, often crowded with diners and full of atmosphere, which helps make up for disappointments such as potato chips (rather than a baked potato) served with the lobster dinner. No reservations are taken, nor are credit cards accepted; it’s open daily for dinner, starting at 5pm.
On the other end of the spectrum, Earth at Hidden Pond offers three- and four-course tasting menus in a reservations-only, sylvan-swank dining room (a preserved apple tree dangling from the ceiling serves as a chandelier).
Bandaloop (tel. 207/967-4994) in nearby Arundel offers globally-inspired vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free meals including fried sunchokes baskets, tofu skewers, and fricassees of local wild mushrooms. They also sell refrigerated pickles and condiments ranging from a cashew vinegrette to cilantro pesto and sugar-cured jalapenos.
Kennebunk Beach is a fine spot for a picnic, with long sands and good waves. There are no shops on the beach, so before you go, pick up supplies at H.B. Provisions (tel. 207/967-5762), in a grand old country store building near the Western Avenue bridge linking the two Kennebunks: it’s very well stocked with local microbrews, baked goods, and groceries. Plus there’s a deli fixing sandwiches and lobster rolls (those go fast).
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
7 Results
- American/Seafood
Hurricane
The Kennebunks’ fine-dining old guard, Hurricane hasn’t missed a step in some three decades. Lunch might start with a cup of lobster chowder, small plates of carpaccio or mussels, a lobster Cobb salad, or oysters Rockefeller; the main course could be a Cubano sandwich or a “Maine…$$Around Town - Gourmet Diner
Musette
For decades, this white-clapboard seaside building was known as the Wayfarer, and for most of that time, it was a low-frills fishermen’s diner. It’s changed hands and concepts a few times more recently, but not until former White Barn Inn executive chef Jonathan Cartwright took it…$$Cape Porpoise - Regional
Pier 77 Restaurant
Pier 77 has long been that rare combination of a tourist destination and a locals’ favorite in Cape Porpoise. Lunches skew toward slightly upscale comfort food such as barbecue, spaghetti and meatballs, cheddar burgers, and fried clams. At dinner it’s again about traditional…$$Cape Porpoise - Sushi
Rosella KPT
The second location of chef Jeffrey Miller’s acclaimed nontraditional sushi bar (the first, in NYC, earned a Michelin Plate nod in 2021, along with other accolades). Like its predecessor, the Kennebunks outpost focuses its menu on sustainably harvested and underutilized fishes, so…$$ - Seafood
The Clam Shack
A Kennebunks institution, found right on the bridge separating the Lower Village from Dock Square, The Clam Shack’s biggest claim to fame may be its lobster roll. Served on a round yeast roll (a break from the traditional split-top hot dog bun), the Clam Shack roll comes with butter,…$Around Town - Argentinian
The Lost Fire
At The Lost Fire, chef Germán Lucarelli brings a lifelong passion for authentic Patagonian barbecue to coastal Maine. This warm, Argentine-inspired steakhouse specializes in wood-fired meats, seafood, and rustic sides, with an emphasis on smoky flavors, high-quality ingredients, and…$$$Kennebunkport - Regional/New American
White Barn Restaurant
The centerpiece of the White Barn Inn, this classy dining room—carved out of, yes, a barn—attracts gourmands from far and wide. The space is half the fun, with its soaring interior and an eclectic collection of country antiques displayed in a hayloft; window displays are changed with…$$$Around Town
