Maine, a state nestled in the charming New England region of the United States, has long been celebrated as a seafood paradise. Boasting a long coastline and the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Maine is home to an abundance of fresh, top-quality seafood. From world-renowned Maine lobster and succulent oysters to sweet scallops and rich Atlantic cod, Maine’s seafood cuisine offers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. If you are a seafood enthusiast planning a gastronomic adventure in Maine, don’t miss this list of the best seafood restaurants. We’ll guide you to the most exceptional spots where you can fully savor the freshest and most exquisite flavors of Maine’s ocean bounty.
Eventide Oyster Co. – A Haven for Fresh Oysters
Eventide Oyster Co. is more than just a restaurant; it’s an icon of contemporary Maine seafood cuisine. Renowned for its meticulously selected fresh oysters from local farms, Eventide offers a supreme oyster experience unlike any other. Oysters here are served in various ways, from traditional raw oysters with lemon and mignonette sauce to grilled oysters with garlic butter and herbs.
Fresh oysters at Eventide Oyster Co.
But Eventide doesn’t stop at oysters. The restaurant’s menu also features a variety of creative seafood dishes, such as steamed lobster buns, flavorful spicy garlic clams, and creamy clam chowder. The restaurant’s ambiance is cozy and friendly, with an open oyster bar where you can watch the oyster preparation process and chat with oyster experts.
- Address: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
- Contact: +1 207-774-8538
- Website: https://www.eventideoysterco.com/
J’s Oyster – Traditional Seaside Flavors
If you want to experience traditional Maine seafood flavors in a historic and charming setting, J’s Oyster is a must-visit. Located in a historic 19th-century wharf warehouse on the Portland waterfront, J’s Oyster offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with exposed brick walls, classic pendant lights, and a long wooden bar.
Cozy atmosphere at J's Oyster
J’s Oyster’s menu focuses on classic Maine seafood dishes, prepared with time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients. You can enjoy signature Maine clam chowder, steamed or grilled lobster, crispy fried cod, or enticing pan-seared scallops with garlic butter. In particular, J’s Oyster is famous for its “Baked Stuffed Lobster” – a Maine staple of lobster baked and stuffed with crab and shrimp, a must-try dish.
- Address: 5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101, USA
- Contact: +1 207-773-4828
- Website: https://www.jsoyster.com/
McLoons Lobster Shack – Waterfront Lobster Experience
For an authentic Maine lobster experience, nothing beats enjoying it at a seaside “lobster shack.” McLoons Lobster Shack, located on the beautiful Spruce Head Island, offers a spacious outdoor setting with panoramic views of Tenants Harbor.
McLoons Lobster Shack with beautiful ocean views
At McLoons, you can choose live lobsters from the tank and have them prepared to your liking – steamed, grilled, or boiled. The lobster here is known for its freshness, firm texture, and sweetness. Besides lobster, McLoons also serves other seafood dishes such as steamed clams, mussels, lobster rolls, and seafood soup. With its simple, nature-immersed setting, McLoons Lobster Shack is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious seafood meal in the fresh Maine sea air.
- Address: 31 Island Ln, Spruce Head, ME 04859, USA
- Contact: +1 207-593-1377
- Website: https://www.mcloonslobster.com/
Street & Co. – Mediterranean Seafood Cuisine
If you’re seeking a twist on Maine seafood, head to Street & Co. This restaurant offers a unique fusion of fresh Maine seafood and warm Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant’s rustic-chic ambiance, with wooden floors, brick walls, and soft golden lighting, creates a cozy and romantic feel.
Street & Co.’s menu focuses on Mediterranean-style seafood dishes, such as whole grilled fish with vegetables and olives, sautéed calamari with garlic and chili, pan-seared scallops with passion fruit sauce, or rich seafood pasta. Seafood ingredients are carefully selected from local suppliers, ensuring the highest freshness and quality. Street & Co. is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Maine seafood with a novel and sophisticated flair.
- Address: 33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
- Contact: +1 207-775-0887
- Website: http://www.streetandcompany.net/
The Clam Shack – Crispy Fried Clams Delight
The Clam Shack, located in charming Kennebunkport, is a must-visit for fried clam lovers. This small eatery is famous for its crispy fried clams, made from the freshest clams in the Maine region. The clams are lightly battered, fried to a golden crisp, retaining their natural sweetness and tender interior.
Besides fried clams, The Clam Shack also serves lobster rolls, fried shrimp, fried scallops, and other seafood items. The eatery has a simple, rustic setting, mainly offering takeout or quick on-site dining. The Clam Shack is the perfect spot to savor the best fried clams in Maine and experience the vibrant atmosphere of a local seaside eatery.
- Address: 22 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
- Contact: +1 207-967-3321
- Website: https://www.theclamshack.net/
Red’s Eats – Legendary Lobster Rolls
Red’s Eats, a small roadside stand in Wiscasset, has become a Maine culinary icon, especially famous for its lobster rolls. Despite being a small stand, Red’s Eats always attracts long lines of tourists and locals waiting to taste the restaurant’s legendary lobster rolls.
Lobster rolls at Red’s Eats are made with buttery toasted buns, filled with fresh, sweet lobster meat, and just a touch of mayonnaise to enhance the flavor. A highlight of Red’s Eats is the generous amount of lobster meat in each roll, ensuring you’ll feel satisfied and full. Despite the wait, the experience of enjoying a lobster roll at Red’s Eats is sure to be unforgettable.
- Address: 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578, USA
- Contact: No official contact information
- Website: No official website, but many reviews and information on travel and food sites.
Conclusion
Maine is not only an attractive tourist destination with beautiful natural landscapes but also a seafood culinary paradise with countless excellent restaurant choices. From upscale oyster bars and traditional seafood restaurants to seaside lobster shacks and small roadside eateries, Maine can cater to every taste and budget. Hopefully, this list of the best seafood restaurants in Maine will provide you with helpful suggestions for your seafood culinary journey. Come to Maine and fully enjoy the fresh and unique flavors of its seafood!