3 Best Restaurants in The Mid-Coast Region, Maine

Perched on the bridge that spans the river between Damariscotta and Newcastle, this sweet little restaurant is passionate about growing or locally sourcing as many ingredients as possible. They're always fresh and top-quality, and shine in simply yet deftly prepared fish, chicken, and steak dishes. Damariscotta River oysters are always on the menu, and there's an exceptional burger, made from local beef and topped with local cheese. The wood-fired grill just inside the front door features in many of the preparations. 

You just might want to eat dessert first when you spy the display case of cheesecakes, mousses, and profiteroles. But there are lots of savory temptations, too, including a large selection of sushi, tacos (lobster, shrimp, octopus, or haddock), and land and sea dinner entrées. There's no outdoor dining, but the outer dining room has windows overlooking the harbor.

The restaurant at the atmospheric Craignair Inn—along a narrow lane in Spruce Head, about 8 miles northeast of Tenants Harbor—serves dinner four (winter) or five (peak season) nights a week. Enjoy your fresh, well-prepared seafood or meat dishes in the main dining room, in a gallery with a fireplace, or on an outdoor deck overlooking the water. The very popular Sunday brunch features classic pancakes and egg dishes, as well as more creative options such as a wild mushroom strudel or a house-cured salmon tostada.