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Exploring the vibrant food scene in Kennebunkport is a journey through local flavors and international cuisines, marked by a commitment to freshness and quality:

• Dock Square Coffee House: A cornerstone of Kennebunkport's café culture, known for its premium coffee and espresso made from Coffee by Design's award-winning beans. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of pastries from local bakeries, fresh-squeezed juices, and smoothies, making it a perfect start to any day in Kennebunkport ¹.

• Local Seafood Delights: The essence of Kennebunkport's spring cuisine is its fresh, locally-sourced seafood. Favorites include the classic Lobster Roll and Maine-style Fried Clams, capturing the true taste of Maine's coastal bounty ².

Kennebunkport Inn - The Burleigh

Nestled within the charming Kennebunkport Inn, The Burleigh stands out as a culinary gem, offering an array of delectable dishes that cater to diverse palates ⁶. Here’s a quick glance at what makes The Burleigh a must-visit:

• Signature Dishes:

  • Lobster Mac & Cheese
  • Pan-Seared Scallops
  • Burleigh Burger ⁶

• Ambiance and Service: Patrons frequently applaud The Burleigh for its fresh seafood, attentive service, and the cozy, inviting atmosphere that defines the dining experience ⁶.

• Operational Hours and Specials:

  • Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4 PM to 8 PM for dinner
  • Happy Hour: 4 PM to 6 PM, with the bar open till 9 PM
  • Notable Specials: Wine Down Wednesday, Thursday Burger and a Beer for $15, and the unique Murder Mystery Dinner experience ⁷.

The Burleigh not only caters to traditional dining preferences with its American, Seafood, and Pub cuisines but also accommodates special dietary needs with a Gluten-free menu. The restaurant's commitment to providing a welcoming space is further highlighted by the inclusion of a Gender Neutral Restroom. For those seeking an exclusive dining experience, The Burleigh offers private dining areas and is known for its Winter Dining Specials and the Botanical Bar, enhancing the gastronomic journey ⁷⁸.

Farm-to-Table Dining at Earth at Hidden Pond

At Earth at Hidden Pond, the essence of farm-to-table dining is brought to life through a unique blend of local sourcing and on-site organic cultivation. Here's what sets this Kennebunkport gem apart:

• Local and Onsite Sourcing:

  • Ingredients are sourced from local meats and shellfish to ensure freshness and support local producers ¹⁰.
  • Two onsite organic gardens provide hyperlocal produce, contributing to the restaurant's commitment to "farm to fork" freshness ¹⁰.

• Innovative Menu Highlights:

  • Handcrafted pastas, charcuterie, and wood oven dishes showcase the culinary team's creativity and skill ¹⁰.
  • The wine program features selections from Argentina, Chile, and Lebanon, complemented by unique cocktails made with freshly blended fruits and garden herbs ¹⁰.

• Ambiance and Awards:

  • The restaurant's design incorporates natural elements, including walls made of trees from the land and a restored apple tree chandelier, creating a connection with nature ¹⁰.
  • Earth at Hidden Pond has been recognized with accolades such as the 2023 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, underscoring its excellence in both cuisine and experience ¹⁰.

By embracing a community-oriented and sustainable approach, Earth at Hidden Pond offers not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that celebrates the best of Kennebunkport's local flavors and seasonal ingredients ¹³.

Ocean at the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort

Ocean at the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort offers an exquisite dining experience that stands out in Kennebunkport, Maine. Here's what you need to know:

• Dining Options & Pricing:

  • Three-course prix-fixe menu: $105++ per person
  • Four-course menu: $125++ per person
  • Five-course menu: $150++ per person
  • Wine pairings available at an additional cost ¹⁶.

• Operational Hours & Entertainment:

  • Dinner: Thursday - Saturday, 5 PM - 9 PM
  • Saturday Lunch: 12 PM - 2 PM
  • Light fare & drinks on The Veranda: 3 PM - 8 PM
  • Live piano music by Clifford Cameron: Thursday-Saturday, 6 PM - 8 PM ¹⁶.

• Menu & Special Features:

  • Features fresh Maine-caught seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Offers special holiday dining experiences.
  • Reservations recommended via phone (800-514-0968) or email ([email protected]) ¹⁶¹⁷.

Ocean Restaurant not only captivates with its culinary offerings but also with its scenic location and attention to detail, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kennebunkport's vibrant dining scene.

The Tides Restaurant

The Tides Restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine, offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh, local seafood and a variety of other tantalizing dishes. Here's what diners can expect:

• Menu Highlights:

  • Fresh Seafood: Lobster Roll, Crab Cakes, Fish Tacos ¹⁸
  • Non-Seafood Delights: Steaks, Burgers, Salads ¹⁸
  • Pricing: Main dishes range from $15 to $35 ¹⁸

• Customer Experience:

  • Positive Reviews: High praise for ambiance, service, and food quality ¹⁸
  • Ratings: An impressive overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 500+ reviews ¹⁸
  • Constructive Feedback: Some mention of long wait times and occasional food inconsistencies ¹⁸

• Additional Information:

  • Special Features: Bar/lounge, outdoor dining, happy hour, and private party facilities ¹⁹
  • Executive Chef: Joe Schafer, known for his fine dining expertise ¹⁹
  • Accessibility: Casual dress code with parking details specified for convenience ¹⁹

The Tides Restaurant not only stands out for its culinary offerings but also for creating a memorable dining atmosphere, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists in Kennebunkport ¹⁹²¹.

Rosella Sushi

Nestled in the heart of Kennebunkport at The Grand Hotel, Rosella Sushi Kennebunkport offers an intimate dining experience that harmonizes sustainability with culinary excellence. With Chef Matt Kramer at the helm, Rosella emphasizes interconnectedness through its menu, focusing on sustainably sourced sushi and sashimi ²²²⁵²⁷.

Contact and Operational Details:

• Location: The Grand Hotel, 1 Chase Hill Road, Kennebunk Maine 04043 ²³
• Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 5:00pm - 9:00pm ²³
• Reservations: Recommended, via Email: [email protected] or Phone: (207) 967-6540 ²³²⁴

Menu Highlights and Special Features:

• Sushi Favorites: Maine Roll ($16), Spicy Tuna Roll ($12), Rainbow Roll ($18) ²⁶
• Sashimi Selections: Tuna ($14 for 6 pieces), Salmon ($14 for 6 pieces), Yellowtail ($14 for 6 pieces) ²⁶
• Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegan options available ²⁵
• Additional Offerings: Mixology classes and Broadway Dinners ²⁴

Rosella Sushi Kennebunkport's commitment to sustainability is evident through its sourcing of ingredients from inland farms with recirculating aquaculture systems and low-density offshore farms, as well as highlighting locally caught fish and shellfish. This approach not only supports local producers but also ensures the avoidance of unsustainable bycatch and fishing methods that harm the environment ²⁷.

The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant

The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant stands as a beacon of Maine's culinary landscape, nestled in the picturesque town of Kennebunkport. Here's what makes it a must-visit:

• Maine Classics with a Twist:

  • Steamed Maine Mussels and Big Fish Sandwich showcase local flavors with an innovative twist ¹.
  • Chef John Shaw, a New England Culinary Institute graduate, brings a diverse culinary background, infusing New England flavors with Asian influences ²⁹.

• Unique Dining Experiences:

  • Happy Hour delights from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekdays, featuring creative craft cocktails ²⁹.
  • Weekly specials like Taco Tuesday and Wine Wednesday offer guests a taste of variety and value ²⁹.

• Seasonal Specials & Reservations:

  • The Coastal Lighthouse Village, open from December to March, provides an intimate dining experience in private lighthouse nooks ²⁹.
  • Special occasions like Easter Sunday and Mother's Day are celebrated with unique menus and seaside charm ³¹.

Whether it's the allure of fresh Maine seafood or the charm of dining by the Kennebunk River, The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant encapsulates the spirit of Kennebunkport's vibrant dining scene ²⁹³⁰.

Italian food at Via Sophia by the Sea

At Via Sophia by the Sea, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a reimagined osteria experience, where modern Italian cuisine meets the fresh bounty of Maine. This Kennebunk gem stands out for its:

• Unique Dining Highlights:

  • Signature Events: The 'Drag Brunch' provides an eclectic mix of entertainment and dining ³².
  • Special Sections: The 'Rabbit Hole' offers a distinctive ambiance for guests seeking an intimate dining experience ³².

• Menu Favorites:

  • Dinner Delights: Arancini, Baked Burrata, Grilled Calamari, Lobster Agnolotti, and Fettuccine Bolognese ³³.
  • Brunch Specials: Caprese Benedict and Avocado Toast, showcasing a blend of Italian flair and brunch classics ³³.

• Chef and Special Offers:

  • The chef crafts dishes that highlight the synergy between Italian culinary traditions and Maine's seafood ³⁴.
  • A notable promotion includes 50% off Pasta Wednesdays, inviting guests to explore the menu's depth ³⁴.

Via Sophia by the Sea enriches Kennebunk's dining scene with its dedication to scratch-made pastas, seafood dishes, and a vibrant weekend brunch, making it a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts ¹²².

Where to eat in Kennebunkport Maine?

When deciding where to eat in Kennebunkport, Maine, the variety and quality of dining experiences are unparalleled. 

This selection not only showcases the best of Kennebunkport’s local flavors but also highlights the town's commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and memorable dining experiences.