13 Unique & Local Camden Maine Restaurants to Satiate Your Taste Buds
Camden Maine is a foodie’s paradise! For a small town of under 6,000 residents, Camden Maine restaurants pack a real punch.
Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the town has an abundance of seafood, and you can’t find it fresher anywhere else. No matter what kind of cuisine you enjoy, though, you’re likely to find it in Camden restaurants.
Even though some restaurants are seasonal, many others stay open all year. Here are just a few of our favorite Camden restaurants!
New Camden Restaurant in MidCoast Maine
Wolfpeach
Wolfpeach is a new chophouse located in downtown Camden in the building formerly housing the Scottish pub, The Drouthy Bear. Of all the restaurants in Camden Maine, this one is the most unique.
The menu changes weekly, sometimes even more often, depending on what local ingredients are available. It’s all about the freshest local seafood, produce, and meat.
“An absolutely beautiful experience. Truly the best spot to visit in Camden, for food or atmosphere. The chefs and team have crafted a beautiful menu that succeeds in being intimate, thoughtful, local, and delicious. The ideas are clear and the execution is top-notch. The highest quality food you will find in town or nearby for sure, as well as a supremely interesting and fun bar space. If I lived nearby I’d be here for every excuse I could find, for drinks or food or anything. Please go and enjoy!” — Silas R.
In addition to being farm-to-table, the restaurant is a no-tipping establishment. If you want fresh seafood, fabulous drinks (including local cider), and a warm and welcome atmosphere, you’ve found your new favorite Camden Maine restaurant.
International Dining Restaurants in Camden Maine
Long Grain
Asian cuisine isn’t typically what you expect in MidCoast Maine, but Long Grain has changed that perception. This intimate downtown restaurant seats 40 and has people rethinking what local food is all about.
“What an absolute joy to finally enjoy a meal at Long Grain on our first stay in Camden! [We] were absolutely blown away by the papaya salad and handmade wide noodle pads. The dishes were perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying. The happy crew, both in the back of the house and front, are consummate professionals without any of the pretension one often experiences in bigger markets. Thank you!” — John R.
Chef owners Ravin “Bas” Nakjaroen and his wife Paula Palakawong brought their Thai culture to the Camden Maine restaurants scene and combined it with the tastes of Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan.
Flavor is what they specialize in. Using locally sourced produce, meat, and fish, they create flavorful soups, noodles, and other authentic Asian fusion dishes.
40 Paper
Traditional Italian fare with Mediterranean twists is served at 40 Paper. While the food is traditional, the atmosphere is contemporary. A huge bar and an intimate dining room make this a great place for date night. Come in for drinks and stay for dinner.
“Oh my word the food was sooo good. I got the lamb shank and literally couldn’t get enough of it. It melted in your mouth it was so tender. The atmosphere is very cozy and the staff was very kind and personable. Highly highly recommend going here.” — Renee D.
Located downtown in the historic Knox Woolen Building, the restaurant combines handmade pasta with ingredients provided by local farmers, fishermen, and foragers. The menu changes frequently depending on what’s available.
40 Paper is open for dinner only, and almost any meal can be created gluten-free or vegetarian.
Fine Dining Camden Maine Restaurants
Natalie’s Restaurant
Overlooking Camden Harbor, Natalie’s is located in the Camden Harbor Inn. This award-winning restaurant highlights the bounty found in Mid-Coast Maine.
Local farms and fishermen provide the ingredients that find their way onto your plate. With a Parisian bistro vibe, the restaurant is formal, and while jackets aren’t required, they are expected.
“Fantastic! A superb dining experience I haven’t had for a long time. All of the courses are delicious. I particularly love the fresh scallops and the lobster bisque. Both have a hint of smokiness to add depth. The cocktail “remember the Maine” achieves its aim: it is to be remembered and missed! Even the final touch of the espresso is top-notch. It comes with fresh lemon zest – love that little detail! The decor is romantic. The service is excellent.” — G.C.
You eat with your eyes first, and you’ll find the meals as beautiful as they are delicious at Natalie’s. You can dine à la carte, or opt for the four-course menu with or without wine pairing.
Also, the five-course Maine lobster tasting menu is everything a lobster lover could want. The lounge offers more casual dining with small plates to complement your cocktails.
Hartstone Inn & Hideaway
Located in the Hartstone Inn & Hideaway, this fine dining restaurant in Camden Maine is open for dinner to both guests of the Camden Maine inn and the public Wednesday through Sunday. Dinner is offered as a three-course chef’s menu of New England favorites with an international twist created from the freshest local produce, meat, and fish.
“My friend and I had dinner here and it was the best food we have ever had. We decided to indulge with the 5-course meal they offer and we were impressed with every single course. The gnocchi was the best I have ever had as well as the Mellon sorbet, and the pecan tart. Phenomenal food and service. Five-star rating!” — Anna V.
An exceptional fine wine list is available to complement your meal, which is served on fine china. The menu is guided by seasonal ingredients and may include lobster, lamb, or salmon. Should you want to learn to cook one of the meals, you can enroll in a cooking class with the chef.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Camden Maine
Fresh and Co.
If you have an adventurous palate, Fresh and Co will provide the thrill you’re looking for. With a global approach to cuisine, the menu changes daily with the freshest ingredients available. The restaurant’s approach to food is casual and exciting.
“Amazing experience! Great dinner, outstanding friendly service, and the food was so good! I highly recommend the house dip and the lobster ravioli…. such unique flavors and really wonderful! The chocolate dessert was put off this world… so decadent!” — Kim W.
The wine menu is sourced from obscure vineyards to challenge you to try something new and unique. The house dips and fresh house-baked bread change daily. The atmosphere is as simple as the food is complex. Come with an open mind, and try something new, like Brazilian stew or deviled eggs with caviar.
Fresh & Co. is open seasonally and closed during the winter months.
Camden Maine Bistro & Cafe Dining Restaurants
Franny’s Bistro
Located in a pretty cottage on Chestnut St, the exterior of Franny’s Bistro is a welcoming sight with hanging flower baskets and twinkling lights on the patio. Inside, some diners share church pews, which gives it a warm, cozy feeling.
“Had a wonderful meal and small town community experience on Friday. We couldn’t get a reservation but arrived early and were greeted by the owner Jen (aka Franny) who seated us at the bar where the bartender Mike provided us with excellent and friendly service. Some locals who frequent Franny’s often highly recommended the halibut and BBQ rib entrees which we ordered. Both were excellent dishes with interesting flavors and generous portions as were the side order roasted roots. We highly recommend this restaurant for its excellent service, atmosphere and food.” — Amy M.
The menu includes Southern favorites, such as shrimp and grits, along with Italian seafood specialties and French classics. You can enjoy a glass of wine, cocktail, or craft beer with your meal too.
Franny’s Bistro is open for dinner only, Wednesday through Saturday.
Seafood Camden Restaurants With a View
Peter Ott’s
Located on Camden Harbor, Peter Ott’s is one of the Camden Maine restaurants where you can have lobster in as many ways as you could possibly want. If you love Maine lobster, like most people, this is the place to enjoy the lobster corn chowder, lobster quesadilla, lobster BLT, lobster roll, lobster fettuccine Alfredo, and steamed Maine lobster.
“Excellent service. We enjoyed the crab cakes which were delicious as our main dish. Lobster chowder and clam chowder as appetizers – delicious!” — Georgia P.
But don’t worry if you would prefer something other than lobster. There’s plenty of good American fare to be had. Plus, you can dine inside or outside, and the overall feel is casual.
Peter Ott’s is open seasonally and closed during the winter months.
Waterfront Restaurant
As the name implies, Waterfront is located on Camden Harbor and offers wonderful views of Penobscot Bay. Outdoor dining is available when the weather permits, or gather around the cozy fireplace in the cold weather.
“Perfect ending to a day of hiking in Maine, the food was beyond delicious, the dining room setting with the fireplace glowing was right out of a winter wonderland scene. Awesome staff, we will be back!” – Josh V.
The atmosphere at Waterfront is warmly casual. And, the menu features American classics with a focus on local seafood and produce.
You can get lobster here, but if you prefer whole belly clams, crab (including crab cakes!), scallops, shrimp, haddock, calamari, or mussels, you’ll find it alongside salads, soups, sandwiches, and lunch-size mains. Dinner offers lots of options too, including pork, beef, salmon, and chicken.
Open all year, Waterfront is closed on Tuesdays.
Casual Dining in Camden Maine Restaurants
Boynton-McKay Food Co.
For all-day breakfast, Boynton-McKay is the place to go in Camden. Food Network Magazine named it the best breakfast in Maine!
At this casual diner, you walk up to the open kitchen, read the blackboard, and order. Then, you can serve yourself a cup of coffee, and take an available seat, which may end up being the hardest part.
“Small space but amazing food! They serve breakfast all day and their lunch options are delicious! The staff is super friendly and it’s right off the main street so you are close to everything, walking distance to the bay!” — Ashley I.
The historic building that houses Boynton-McKay is a Camden landmark — It was the local drug store soda fountain for more than 100 years. The menu includes classic bennies and some surprisingly creative fare, such as tikka marsala tacos and slow-cooked pork.
Marriners Restaurant
Although it isn’t a diner, Marriners Restaurant has that feel. It’s one of the favorite Camden Maine restaurants for breakfast and lunch among locals and visitors. The restaurant is known for its blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup and large omelets with great fillings like crab. You won’t leave hungry!
“I always get the three-egg omelet with ham and cheese and a blueberry muffin. It’s always delish. Food is always hot and comes out fast. It’s what an American diner should be. Has an amazing view of the harbor.” — Anne H.
Lobster rolls are a lunch favorite and come with a choice of sides. Known for its friendly service, you’ll become a friend the moment you walk in. If the weather is fine, you can enjoy the view from the deck in the back.
The Jack
This pub is located in the former Knox Woolen Building in downtown Camden. The Jack offers casual dining with lots of appetizers, sliders, and tacos. A full bar is available with craft beers and mixed drinks as well.
“We went into The Jack before dinner to get a drink and play some games. We ended up staying for a few hours and played bocce and Cornhole. The service was great, the bartender, Gwen, checked by regularly to refill our drinks, even when we were playing games. After dinner, we went again, and the owner, Caleb, welcomed us back. The drinks were fantastic, lots of options for beer and mixed drinks. Love it! Highly recommend to anyone that comes into town!” — Edward M.
The outside terrace provides views of a waterfall. In warm weather, you can play cornhole or bocce while enjoying your food, drinks, and the view. Or, stop by on a Thursday for trivia night.
Camden Restaurants for Coffee & Sweet Treats
Owl and Turtle Bookshop Cafe
When you feel like a good cup of coffee or tea, a locally baked pastry, and a good book, The Owl & Turtle offers something really special in downtown Camden. Whether you prefer a cup of black coffee, a specialty coffee, or a cup of tea, you’ll find it here, and the selection of treats is fresh and delicious!
“This place is just cozy and refreshing. We received very kind and prompt service at the coffee counter. Despite coffee not being the only focus of this place, they do it right, offering quality coffee, and traditional drinks, not just the syrupy lattes and gas station brew coffee. We got an El Salvadoran pour-over, and a cappuccino, both prepared with great care. After you get your drink, you have the pleasure of browsing a moderate, but rich collection of books available for perusal and purchase. The “staff favorites” section even includes handwritten reviews on small cards inside the covers of the books. The upstairs area features children’s books and beanbags and kid-sized chairs for kids to enjoy while reading. This was probably our favorite spot in Camden, but get there early because the small space can feel a little crowded once the late morning visitors filter in. Definitely a “don’t-miss” spot in Camden!” — Jesse W.
The books are the big attraction with a carefully curated collection of the latest in fiction, children’s books, magazines, and cookbooks. If you enjoy supporting independent bookstores, this is the perfect place to do just that and relax with a drink and snack.
River Ducks Ice Cream
This ice cream stand in downtown Camden is hard to miss — It’s bright green and pink! Only outdoor seating is available, but you get to indulge in river views along with your cone, milkshake, or sundae.
“This place is so cute. Tucked away off the Main Street. The ice cream was delicious and there’s a little walk you can take nearby. They have soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, and more with a huge variety of toppings.” — Jordynn B.
River Ducks Ice Cream is family-owned and a family favorite for frosty treats. You can enjoy a cone of soft serve or traditional hard ice cream. The hard serve comes in 20 flavors, including Maine Wild Blueberry and Camden Cappuccino Crunch.
River Ducks is open seasonally.
Savor More Than Camden Maine Restaurants
Enjoying Camden Maine restaurants is just one of the things to do in this charming seaside town. You can spend a day or a week relaxing and soaking in all the charm and ambiance that Mid-Coast Maine has to offer. Be prepared to fall in love with the delicious food and friendly people.
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