12 BEST Boothbay & Boothbay Harbor Restaurants
If you’re planning a Mid Coast Maine getaway, experience delectable dining at these Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor restaurants!
If you’re visiting Mid Coast Maine, you’re sure to hear about Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor. Known for being charming fishing communities with beautiful, scenic waterfronts, the two towns are very popular with tourists.
These scenic towns offer many recreational outdoor activities, a friendly community, and historic architecture. And when visiting, you have to plan to dine at one of the many highly rated Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor restaurants.
From lobster shacks to taverns to ice cream shops, there’s no shortage of dining options to satisfy any craving. During your Mid Coast Maine vacation, check out one of these unique spots.
Experience Seasonal Dishes at the Carriage House Restaurant
388 Ocean Point Rd, East Boothbay, ME 04544
The Carriage House Restaurant has a seasonal menu that keeps things fresh and exciting. Guests enjoy the flavors of each season with fresh salads to start — like a farmhouse Cobb salad or roasted beet and burrata.
Appetizers can range from chowders to wings. And, entrees include cedar planked salmon, seared scallops, lobster scampi, and many other seafood options. Typically, a few vegan or vegetarian options are included on each seasonal menu, so inquire if you have dietary restrictions.
Take In the View While Dining at the Ocean Point Kitchen
191 Shore Rd, East Boothbay, ME 04544
Exceptional dining with stunning ocean-view sunsets makes the Ocean Point Kitchen a not-to-be-missed experience. It serves top-quality meats and fresh local seafood, including farm-fresh salads and entrees. You’ll also find brunch and brunch cocktails on the menu.
Nosh on Fresh Maine Seafood at Shannon’s Unshelled
7 Common Dr, Boothbay, ME 04538
Shannon’s Unshelled’s slogan is “Fresh From Trap to Table,” and guests have backed up that claim with rave reviews of the local lobster shack. Shannon’s menu includes chowders, lobster bisque, lobster rolls, and shrimp, clam, and haddock baskets. For non-seafood eaters, there are hot dogs and chicken tenders.
Each basket is served with French fries and Maine blueberry coleslaw or seaweed salad. The Maine blueberry coleslaw is a unique side that you won’t find anywhere else! If you still have some room, try a Maine Wicked Whoopie Pie for dessert.
Sip on a Maine Craft Brew at Boothbay Craft Brewery, Tavern & RV Resort
301 Adams Pond Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537
The Boothbay Craft Brewery, Tavern & RV Resort has a trendy atmosphere with a mouthwatering menu and refreshing craft brews to choose from. Start with a draft beer — like the ‘633’ Boothbay pale ale or the Southporter (vanilla porter).
There is an assortment of ales, stouts, IPAs, and lagers to choose from, and the brew menu changes seasonally. Wine, bourbon, scotch, and whiskey are also available to order.
Next, enjoy a farm-to-table meal of wood-fired pizza, a smash burger, or barbecue dishes. While waiting for your meal, shoot a game of billiards and listen to some live music by local artists.
Take the Kids for a Sweet Treat at the Ice Cream Hut
11 Hardwick Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537
It’s no secret that ice cream is the perfect summer treat. In Boothbay, the Ice Cream Hut is the place to go for a scoop or a sundae.
Located at a nostalgic mini-golf course, the shop has an assortment of ice cream offerings that range from sundaes to shakes. Prices are very reasonable, and they have over 20 flavors to choose from with a variety of toppings to make any ice cream concoction you can think of.
Stop by a Local Fish Shack at Bet’s Fish Fry
Rte 27, Boothbay, ME 04537
Bet’s Fish Fry only serves three items — Fish in a Dish, a fish sandwich, and hand-cut fries. Fish in a Dish is a basket of fried haddock, and the fish sandwich is fried haddock on a roll. There are two sauces to choose from, including tartar or lemon dill.
That’s it! Having only three items on the menu means that Bet’s Fish Fry can specialize in delicious fried haddock and move through the line of hungry diners quickly.
The seafood shack gets fish delivered fresh daily. When it sells out, it closes for the day, so it is best to get there early. Bring your own beverages and any sides that you may want to accompany your fried fish.
Share Some Apps at the Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant
12 By-Way, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
When you think of tapas, you may not think about seafood. The Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant will have you sharing apps in no time, though!
This unique dining experience offers small dishes for sharing — like Jamaican-style mussels, lobster corn cakes, shrimp and grits, tuna carpaccio, and burrata and peach. Order several tapas to share, and experience all of the flavors that Boathouse cooks up.
For those who prefer a full-size entree, there are sandwiches too — like the haddock sandwich or bistro lobster melt. Burgers, soups, salads, risotto, steaks, and full-size lobster dishes are also available. The menu changes seasonally based on the freshest catch and produce available.
Taste Traditional Italian at the Ports of Italy
47 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
For authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting in downtown Boothbay, Ports of Italy rests just across the street from the waterfront. Here, every dish is made with ingredients from local growers and distributors so that guests get the best meats, vegetables, and seafood available.
We recommend trying the restaurant’s specialties — antipasto and porchetta (roasted suckling pig). And of course, Ports of Italy makes its own bread, focaccia, pasta, ravioli, and desserts fresh daily. You can order from an extensive list of wines with wonderful meal pairings too.
Dine on the Wharf at the Boothbay Lobster Wharf
97 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
The Boothbay Lobster Wharf is the perfect spot for a meal with a view. It doesn’t get any closer to the water than dining at the working wharf and watching the lobstermen haul in the catch of the day.
Serving fried seafood dishes — calamari, scallops, and haddock — the Boothbay Lobster Wharf is perfect for seafood lovers. For those who prefer other options, chicken sandwiches, steak and cheese, hot dogs, BLTs, and quesadillas are on the menu as well.
The Boothbay Lobster Wharf is open rain or shine and has a happy hour, live bands, and fun events.
Take a Cruise & Dine on an Island With Cabbage Island Clambakes
22 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
For a unique dining experience like no other, book a trip with Cabbage Island Clambakes. Departing from Pier 6, you’ll be treated to a narrated cruise along the coastline of Maine. Once you reach Cabbage Island, you’ll have the option to dine indoors or outdoors.
A clambake awaits your arrival and includes fish chowder, lobsters, clams, corn on the cob, potatoes, and Maine blueberry cake. The clambakes are steamed between layers of seaweed over an open fire.
While visiting the island, guests can play an assortment of lawn games, enjoy a scenic walk, or relax in comfortable chairs.
Order an Espresso & Hearty Breakfast at Mama D’s Cafe
50 Union St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Coffee lovers will rejoice at Mama D’s Cafe! It offers self-service coffee and tea and a full espresso bar. Favorites like espresso, Americano, mocha, cappuccino, lattes, and of course, hot coffee are all available to order.
After deciding on your favorite coffee, enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast. Whether you’re looking for something quick — like a muffin, scone, or cinnamon bun — or prefer something heartier — like a breakfast sandwich — there’s something for everyone at Mama D’s.
The menu includes omelets, Maine blueberry cake, pecan coffee cake, Belgian waffles, and eggs and toast. There’s even a light brunch menu with chili, BLTs, grilled cheese, quiche, and PB&J, as well as a bar menu with beer and wine.
Enjoy a Romantic Evening Out at the Thistle Inn Restaurant
55 Oak St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
If you’re looking for an impressive date night spot or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, make a reservation at the Thistle Inn Restaurant. It has been serving guests since 1960, but its story dates back even further.
In the mid-1800s, the building was a sea captain’s home. Over the years, it has been preserved and is now a lovely bed and breakfast.
In the restaurant, you can enjoy an appetizer of housemade crabcakes followed by a classic bowl of New England clam chowder. Then, indulge in a fresh salad or jump into one of the delicious main entrees — like seared scallops, half duck, lazy lobster, or filet mignon.
A pub menu is available for smaller portions and fare — like burgers, chicken tenders, and fish and chips.
Dine Your Way Through Boothbay & Boothbay Harbor Restaurants
While there are many dining spots in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, these are some of our favorites. These spots offer dishes that you won’t find anywhere else — like Maine blueberry coleslaw — and experiences that are truly unique — like a cruise to a clambake on an island!
Visitors could spend days dining in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor restaurants from breakfast through dinner. Enjoy the scenic views, working wharves, and of course, mouthwatering food on your next visit to Mid Coast Maine.
