clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

17 Maine Restaurants With Stunning Views

Eat with your eyes first at these scenic dining spots.

View as Map

When the weather gods finally smile on Maine, it's high time to head to restaurants that maximize diners' views of this fair state's natural splendor. Naturally, many such scenic eateries overlook the water, and a deck that offers outdoor dining is an added bonus. Just be sure to protect your plate from swooping seagulls as you enjoy the splendor of these 17 spots where you can feast your eyes.

Note: map points are ordered south to north.

Read More

The Boathouse

Copy Link

Located within the Boathouse Hotel, a Kennebunkport Resort Collection property, this restaurant has a front row seat on the water. Choose from seats on the deck overlooking the Kennebunk River or indoors, where floor-to-ceiling windows give you prime views of the downtown area as well.

The Well at Jordan's Farm

Copy Link

From his diminutive kitchen on Jordan's Farm, chef Jason Williams turns out meals using what's fresh from the farm that day. BYOB and enjoy these simple meals on a picnic table in the farm field or call ahead to reserve a gazebo for a group.

The Barn At Flanagan's Farm

Copy Link

These on-the-farm dinners benefit the Maine Farmland Trust and feature Maine's best chefs, like those of Back Bay Grill, Central Provisions, Hugo's, and Nosh. Diners enjoy their fare seated at a large communal table in the barn or overlooking the farm fields.

Saltwater Grille

Copy Link

Wind your way through through a quiet South Portland neighborhood to the waterfront, where you'll be rewarded with strong cocktails and a great view of the Portland city skyline from this marina restaurant.

Portland Lobster Company

Copy Link

Admire Portland's working waterfront from this dockside restaurant while you enjoy a draft beer, an overflowing basket of fried food, and frequent live music on the deck.

Diamond's Edge Restaurant and Marina

Copy Link

Take the Casco Bay Ferry from Portland out to Great Diamond Island and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a peaceful meal from the seafood-heavy menu while you soak in a bit of the island vibe.

Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

Copy Link

Even the drive down Harpswell Neck to Dolphin Marina is scenic. Once you arrive, enjoy the expansive views of Potts Harbor from the marina restaurant's dining room along with the blueberry muffins that replace the traditional bread basket.

Fisherman's Wharf Inn

Copy Link

This traditional harborside restaurant offers plenty of deck seating from which to enjoy views of Boothbay Harbor. An Eater reader notes that you can't get any closer to the scenery, as the dining room is "literally over the water."

Sprague's Lobster

Copy Link

Of course many coastal lobster shacks offer fantastic views of the waters from which their day's catch was plucked. But Sprague's Lobster is a no-frills stand overlooking the Sheepscot River, offering all the perks of neighboring Red's Eats, but without the wait.

Turner Farm

Copy Link

On the island of North Haven, a short ferry ride from Rockland, Nebo Lodge serves weekly barn dinners at Turner Farm, using the farm's produce and meats. Diners enjoy cocktails in the farm field, ensuring that any lingering troubles are left behind on the mainland.

The Waterfront Restaurant

Copy Link

This spot has something for everyone on the menu, but it's the harbor that truly shines here. A reader noted correctly, “I think many would agree that The WF deck certainly provides one of the best views in the state!”

The Jordan Pond House Restaurant

Copy Link

The popovers at Jordan Pond House are legendary. The fact that they can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful vistas of Acadia National Park makes them taste that much better.

Dennett's Wharf

Copy Link

One of only a few restaurants in Castine, Dennett's is where the locals gather to swap stories and catch up. Enjoy a brew on the deck and a great view of the harbor's many sailboats, including Maine Maritime Academy's sail training ship.

Kawanhee Inn

Copy Link

This seasonal restaurant provides an enclosed porch from which to enjoy nightly specials overlooking Webb Lake. A reader enthuses, "The lake, mountain and setting sun views from the dining room porch at sunset cannot be beat! A great eat and great views."

Maine Huts & Trails

Copy Link

This series of eco-friendly huts offers many ways for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the mountains of Western Maine. Hike, bike, paddle, ski or snowshoe into the huts before enjoying a multi-course meal. Many of the huts have on-site gardens, and the chefs use locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Blair Hill Inn

Copy Link

The dining room of Blair Hill Inn offers a 5-course meal every Thursday through Saturday night, using produce from its garden. The dining room overlooks Moosehead Lake and the porch offers a fantastic spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

River Drivers Restaurant

Copy Link

Stop in for a $10 fish fry on Fridays and gaze upon the majesty of Mt. Katahdin across Millinocket Lake. A tipster revealed, "I recently returned from a wedding there, most comments were along the lines of, ‘I could never get tired of this view,’ or, ‘yeah I had to drive 3 hours (from Portland) but you aren't going to find anything like this any closer.’ Also, the food is excellent.”

Loading comments...

The Boathouse

Located within the Boathouse Hotel, a Kennebunkport Resort Collection property, this restaurant has a front row seat on the water. Choose from seats on the deck overlooking the Kennebunk River or indoors, where floor-to-ceiling windows give you prime views of the downtown area as well.

The Well at Jordan's Farm

From his diminutive kitchen on Jordan's Farm, chef Jason Williams turns out meals using what's fresh from the farm that day. BYOB and enjoy these simple meals on a picnic table in the farm field or call ahead to reserve a gazebo for a group.

The Barn At Flanagan's Farm

These on-the-farm dinners benefit the Maine Farmland Trust and feature Maine's best chefs, like those of Back Bay Grill, Central Provisions, Hugo's, and Nosh. Diners enjoy their fare seated at a large communal table in the barn or overlooking the farm fields.

Saltwater Grille

Wind your way through through a quiet South Portland neighborhood to the waterfront, where you'll be rewarded with strong cocktails and a great view of the Portland city skyline from this marina restaurant.

Portland Lobster Company

Admire Portland's working waterfront from this dockside restaurant while you enjoy a draft beer, an overflowing basket of fried food, and frequent live music on the deck.

Diamond's Edge Restaurant and Marina

Take the Casco Bay Ferry from Portland out to Great Diamond Island and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a peaceful meal from the seafood-heavy menu while you soak in a bit of the island vibe.

Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

Even the drive down Harpswell Neck to Dolphin Marina is scenic. Once you arrive, enjoy the expansive views of Potts Harbor from the marina restaurant's dining room along with the blueberry muffins that replace the traditional bread basket.

Fisherman's Wharf Inn

This traditional harborside restaurant offers plenty of deck seating from which to enjoy views of Boothbay Harbor. An Eater reader notes that you can't get any closer to the scenery, as the dining room is "literally over the water."

Sprague's Lobster

Of course many coastal lobster shacks offer fantastic views of the waters from which their day's catch was plucked. But Sprague's Lobster is a no-frills stand overlooking the Sheepscot River, offering all the perks of neighboring Red's Eats, but without the wait.

Turner Farm

On the island of North Haven, a short ferry ride from Rockland, Nebo Lodge serves weekly barn dinners at Turner Farm, using the farm's produce and meats. Diners enjoy cocktails in the farm field, ensuring that any lingering troubles are left behind on the mainland.

The Waterfront Restaurant

This spot has something for everyone on the menu, but it's the harbor that truly shines here. A reader noted correctly, “I think many would agree that The WF deck certainly provides one of the best views in the state!”

The Jordan Pond House Restaurant

The popovers at Jordan Pond House are legendary. The fact that they can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful vistas of Acadia National Park makes them taste that much better.

Dennett's Wharf

One of only a few restaurants in Castine, Dennett's is where the locals gather to swap stories and catch up. Enjoy a brew on the deck and a great view of the harbor's many sailboats, including Maine Maritime Academy's sail training ship.

Kawanhee Inn

This seasonal restaurant provides an enclosed porch from which to enjoy nightly specials overlooking Webb Lake. A reader enthuses, "The lake, mountain and setting sun views from the dining room porch at sunset cannot be beat! A great eat and great views."

Maine Huts & Trails

This series of eco-friendly huts offers many ways for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the mountains of Western Maine. Hike, bike, paddle, ski or snowshoe into the huts before enjoying a multi-course meal. Many of the huts have on-site gardens, and the chefs use locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Blair Hill Inn

The dining room of Blair Hill Inn offers a 5-course meal every Thursday through Saturday night, using produce from its garden. The dining room overlooks Moosehead Lake and the porch offers a fantastic spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

River Drivers Restaurant

Stop in for a $10 fish fry on Fridays and gaze upon the majesty of Mt. Katahdin across Millinocket Lake. A tipster revealed, "I recently returned from a wedding there, most comments were along the lines of, ‘I could never get tired of this view,’ or, ‘yeah I had to drive 3 hours (from Portland) but you aren't going to find anything like this any closer.’ Also, the food is excellent.”