Maine, with its rugged coastline and emerald waters, has long been a dream destination for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty and fresh seafood. Nothing compares to the experience of enjoying a wonderful meal while gazing at the vast ocean. If you’re planning a trip to Maine and looking for the best restaurants with ocean views, you’ve come to the right place!
Below is a list of the top 10 Maine restaurants with beautiful ocean views, where you can enjoy exceptional cuisine and admire the stunning coastline, promising unforgettable memories this summer of 2024.
1. McLoons Lobster Shack, Spruce Head Island
McLoons Lobster Shack is a hidden gem located on Spruce Head Island, renowned for its fresh lobster and stunning views of Port Clyde Harbor. This rustic eatery offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere where you can savor classic Maine seafood dishes like steamed lobster, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
What sets McLoons apart is its prime location right on the coast. From the porch or outdoor tables, you can gaze out at the vast ocean, watch colorful fishing boats glide on the waves, and breathe in the fresh sea air. Sunset at McLoons is an unmissable experience, as the sky turns a brilliant orange, reflecting on the water, creating a romantic and memorable natural scene.
McLoons Lobster Shack, a famous seafood restaurant with beautiful ocean views in Maine
2. Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick
Cliff House Maine is not only a luxurious resort but also a top-notch dining destination with breathtaking ocean views. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Neddick, Tiller restaurant at Cliff House offers a refined dining experience with a menu focused on local seafood and fresh seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant’s space is elegantly designed and modern, with large windows allowing diners to fully appreciate the majestic beauty of the Maine coast. Whether you’re enjoying lunch under the gentle sunlight or savoring a romantic dinner by candlelight, Cliff House Maine provides an unforgettable experience, combining exquisite cuisine with stunning natural scenery. After your meal, you can stroll along the resort’s coastal trail to fully enjoy the fresh air and vast ocean views.
Tiller Restaurant at Cliff House Maine with unique architecture and impressive ocean views
3. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is a Maine culinary icon, famous for its traditional steamed lobster and fantastic location near the Two Lights State Park lighthouse. This simple eatery attracts tourists and locals alike with its fresh seafood flavors and lively, bustling atmosphere.
The highlight of The Lobster Shack is its spacious outdoor dining area, facing the ocean and the iconic lighthouse. You can enjoy hot steamed lobster while watching the waves crash on the shore and white sailboats glide on the water. This is the perfect place to experience authentic Maine cuisine in a beautiful and poetic seaside setting.
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, an ideal place to enjoy steamed lobster and ocean views
4. Eventide Oyster Co., Portland
Eventide Oyster Co. is a renowned oyster bar in Portland, known for its fresh oysters, steamed buns, and other creative seafood dishes. Although not directly on the coast, Eventide still offers an airy space and views of Portland’s bustling harbor.
With its minimalist, modern design, Eventide creates a friendly and open atmosphere where you can enjoy the freshest oysters in the region and sip white wine while watching the vibrant life of the port city. Eventide’s lobster roll steamed bun is a must-try dish, combining traditional Maine flavors with modern culinary style.
Eventide Oyster Co., a famous oyster bar in Portland with a modern and airy space
5. Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster is a popular family-owned restaurant in South Freeport, known for its fresh lobster, fried seafood, and charming harbor views. This eatery offers a casual, comfortable space where you can enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster’s location right on Harraseeket River wharf offers stunning views of the river and Casco Bay. You can sit at an outdoor table, watch fishing boats return after a day’s work, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of coastal Maine. Harraseeket’s steamed lobster and crispy fried clams are among the most popular dishes, always satisfying diners.
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, a family restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and beautiful dock views
6. Bob’s Clam Hut, Kittery
Bob’s Clam Hut is an iconic roadside eatery in Kittery, famous for its crispy fried clams and traditional Maine flavors. This simple restaurant has been serving diners for over 60 years, still maintaining its special fried clam recipe, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Although not directly oceanfront, Bob’s Clam Hut is just a few minutes’ drive from the coast and offers a spacious outdoor dining area where you can enjoy the fresh air and slow pace of coastal living. Bob’s clams are made from the freshest clams, battered and deep-fried to a golden crisp, served with french fries and tartar sauce, creating an irresistible flavor.
Bob’s Clam Hut, a famous roadside restaurant with crispy fried clams in Kittery
7. Ogunquit Lobster Pound, Ogunquit
Ogunquit Lobster Pound is a famous lobster restaurant in Ogunquit, known for its giant live lobster tank and diverse seafood menu. This large restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining spaces, with some areas offering views of the ocean and Perkins Cove harbor.
Ogunquit Lobster Pound offers a traditional Maine dining experience where you can hand-pick your favorite lobster from the tank and have it cooked to your liking. In addition to lobster, the restaurant also serves many other seafood dishes such as baked cod, pan-seared scallops, and seafood chowder. The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and friendly, suitable for family and friend gatherings.
Ogunquit Lobster Pound, a famous lobster restaurant with a live lobster tank and beautiful ocean views
8. Saltwater Grille, South Portland
Saltwater Grille is a luxurious restaurant in South Portland, known for its upscale seafood menu, extensive wine list, and panoramic views of the Portland skyline and harbor. This elegant restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience, perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.
With its prime location on Commercial Street, Saltwater Grille has sweeping views of the bustling Portland harbor and the sparkling city skyline at night. The restaurant’s space is designed to be luxurious and cozy, with large windows and a spacious outdoor patio area. Saltwater Grille’s menu focuses on the freshest seafood, prepared in a modern style, harmoniously combining traditional and innovative flavors.
Saltwater Grille in South Portland with panoramic views of Portland harbor and skyline
9. Rachel’s Kitchen, Peaks Island
Rachel’s Kitchen is a cozy eatery located on Peaks Island, just a short ferry ride from Portland. This restaurant is famous for its delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, especially sandwiches and soups, along with outdoor seating overlooking the harbor and Casco Bay.
Rachel’s Kitchen offers a friendly, casual atmosphere, perfect for a light meal or a relaxing lunch after exploring Peaks Island. You can sit at an outdoor table, watch ferries come and go from the harbor, and enjoy the fresh air of the beautiful island. Rachel’s Kitchen’s lobster roll and clam chowder are among the most popular dishes, always pleasing visitors.
Rachel’s Kitchen, a cozy eatery on Peaks Island with views of the harbor and Casco Bay
10. Thistle Pig, Boothbay Harbor
Thistle Pig is a cozy pub in Boothbay Harbor, known for its diverse menu, from fresh seafood to local meats and vegetables. This pub has indoor and outdoor spaces, with some tables offering views of the harbor and romantic seaside scenery.
Thistle Pig offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, perfect for a cozy dinner or meeting friends. The pub’s menu changes seasonally, always using the freshest ingredients from local suppliers. You can enjoy steamed lobster, baked cod, or other Maine specialties while admiring the peaceful and picturesque harbor views.
Thistle Pig restaurant in Boothbay Harbor with harbor and seaside views
Exploring Maine’s cuisine is not just about enjoying delicious food, but also experiencing the unique culture and natural beauty of this region. We hope this list of the top 10 Maine restaurants with beautiful ocean views will help you have more wonderful choices for your culinary and travel journey this summer of 2024. Wishing you delicious meals and memorable experiences in Maine!