24 Best Restaurants in The Mid-Coast Region, Maine

Set within the gracious Federal hotel, 555 North is the rebirth of chef-owner Steve Corry's popular Portland restaurant, which closed in 2019 after an 18-year run. Diners will find the same exceptionally creative, seasonal approach to food as well as a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere. The menu always offers distinctive and sometimes whimsical preparations of local seafoods, meats, and vegetables as well as memorable desserts.

Stop in at this cute little house next to the boardwalk and order an ice-cream cone to enjoy at a nearby picnic table or as you stroll along the waterfront. You'll probably want to make it a two-scooper, so you can try at least two of the many flavors, all made right here in Boothbay Harbor. Favorites include coffee Heath bar, blueberry cheesecake, pistachio, rum raisin, and cinnamon gingersnap. You can go all in with a hot fudge sundae or a banana split, too.

Although everything served at this seafood shack and market beside Fish Beach is delicious and simply prepared, the crab roll—a large, split-top roll buttered and griddled and stuffed with fresh, sweet, mayo-tossed crabmeat—may just be the best on the Maine coast. Order at the window, carry your tray to a picnic table inches from the water, and lap up the view of lobster boats in the harbor. You can also have your order packed to go. 

Sit at a table to enjoy a bagel, croissant, Belgian waffles, or quiche at breakfast or a cold or toasted sandwich or flatbread at lunch. At any time of the day, sink into a comfy chair or sofa to indulge in a great cup of regular coffee, an "artistic" latte (try the Heath Bar version), or one of 15 specialty hot chocolates, including almond joy and peppermint.

Whether you sit at a booth in the dining room or at the counter of this eatery, established in 1927, chances are, you'll soon be chatting with your neighbors. The multipage menu has all the breakfast standards (including fresh doughnuts every morning) and comfort-food lunch and dinner classics—from chowders, fish cakes, and lobster or crab rolls to chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and New England--style boiled dinners to wild Maine blueberry, custard, or apple pie. There's a gift shop on the other side of the parking lot, as well as rental cabins and a motel just up the hill.

The namesake of this shack first got the idea to set up shop when her father posed the simple question: “Where can you buy a quick lobster roll in Boothbay Harbor?” Unable to answer, Shannon’s Unshelled was born, and the shack is now beloved for its grilled, buttered buns stuffed with whole lobsters and served with a side of garlicky, sea-salted, drawn butter.

Located in the heart of downtown, this café with its own on-site bakery draws visitors and locals alike for delicious coffee paired with made-that-day goods served with a smile. The cinnamon roll with maple bacon is a savory Maine take on a classic sweet treat. The coffee drinks are yummy—how about an almond joyous latte with amaretto, coconut, and chocolate? For a quick savory meal, grab one of the hand pies, with fillings that change daily. There's a reason why folks refer to this place as "Bath's living room": everyone is welcomed warmly.

Just up the hill from the harbor, this goodie-filled shop is the ideal place to pick up picnic supplies. Large, made-to-order sandwiches (the chicken salad with apples and cranberries is divine) come on a choice of freshly baked breads, including sourdough, anadama, and three-Italian cheese. What's more, every sandwich is accompanied by a pickle—and a chocolate! The shop stocks a great selection of cheeses and wines, and there are plenty of baked treats for dessert, too. A daily menu of prepared entrées and soups would also be perfect for supper at your cottage.

Pull your car up under the green awning and turn on your vehicle’s lights to catch the attention of the servers at this retro drive-in restaurant. The eatery's BLT made with Canadian bacon is a longtime favorite that pairs well with onion rings and a frappe (try the blueberry), but baskets of fried clams and shrimp are also winners, and there are several burger options. Your order will be brought to your car or, if you prefer, to a nearby picnic table. It’s as fun as it sounds!

This local gathering spot sells a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks, plus an appealing selection of light meals. Breakfast choices include a curried rice bowl, nachos, and avocado toast; at lunch, there are wraps and better-than-average salads. 

These days, you can buy this sinfully delicious gelato in food stores throughout New England and have it shipped to your door, but it all began in 2007 in this storefront in Brunswick. Stop in and pay homage to the history with a dish of ripe mango sorbetto, dark chocolate noir, or mascarpone pistachio caramel.

Billing itself as a classic Italian-American bakery, this little place across the street from the Maine State Prison Showroom turns out all sorts of sweet treats. The selection changes daily, but there's a good chance you'll find cupcakes, cookies, scones, sweet buns, tiramisu, Italian cream cake, savory foccacia buns, croissants, and pizzicati cookies. There's coffee, too, made from Maine-roasted beans. Get there soon after they open at 9 am, as the goodies usually sell out.

The coffee is freshly roasted and richly flavorful, the baked goods are straight from the oven, and the atmosphere is chill. Have a muffin or croissant, select from several toasties with imaginative fillings, or try the delicious avocado toast on homemade wheat bread. Wash it down with a really good iced latte. If you're in a hurry, select from the grab-and-go burrito menu.

Of the half dozen breweries in Freeport, the Maine Beer Company is a standout. Its beer is well crafted, as are its salads, charcuterie, and wood-fired pizzas, and you can dine indoors or out. It's a popular place, so reservations are recommended, though not required. Every year, the owners donate a percentage of profits to charitable organizations.

Cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, breads, and more from Maine's premier food producers and artisans go into the selection of small plates on the menu, which also features craft beers, wines, ciders, spirits, and Maine-made sodas. Open every afternoon from spring through fall, the center not only showcases the bounty of Maine, it also offers classes, workshops, and meet-the-producer events throughout the season.

In a large, historic, handsomely renovated brick building, Newcastle Publick House serves delicious comfort food in a pleasant dining room and welcoming bar. Specialties include fresh oysters prepared several ways, a selection of burgers, and one of the best French onion soups around. There is often live music.

Chosen as Maine's best tasting room by readers of Down East magazine in 2021, Odd Alewives is set in a beautifully restored old barn that's a cozily rustic place to grab a bite and brew, whether you're a beer aficionado or not. The beers—some of which feature herbs and flowers grown on the farm—range from saisons and farmhouse ales to a dark black ale; food offerings, which vary from week to week, include pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, tacos, and meats cooked on an Argentinian wood-fired grill.

Settle into the couch or sit at a table for breakfast and try the Eggs Bigelow (two eggs in a hole, bacon, cheddar, and locally baked sourdough) or grab a sandwich, wrap, or sub for lunch. The biggest challenge is deciding among the many breads and filling choices on the extensive menu. You can't go wrong with homemade meatloaf on sourdough wheat or an Avenging Samurai (smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, sprouts, and horseradish mayo). Don't miss the selection of "penny candy" and quirky, nostalgic toys and joke items.

Pop into this tiny café just beyond the Port Clyde General Store for a pick-me-up. Choose from excellent espresso drinks, brewed coffee and tea, and pastries. Sit inside or outside overlooking the harbor.

On the wharf a few steps from the boat landing, The Barnacle serves espresso and a selection of coffees from Monhegan Coffee Roasters along with baked goods such as scones and brownies, and ice cream. For lunch, choose from prepared sandwiches, chowders, and salads, which you can eat at a picnic table or take with you. If you're having dinner at the Island Inn, you can pick up wine or beer to accompany your meal here.

From the red stools lined up at the soda fountain to the pressed-tin ceiling, this cute little place oozes nostalgia. Order a banana split, a shake, or just a cone, and enjoy your trip down memory lane.

What started as a candy shop over 30 years ago has grown into a Wiscasset staple featuring baked goods, coffee, wine, craft beer, cheese, and more. All of the "treats"—scones, cookies, croissants, muffins, cakes, sweet buns, babka, coffee cake—are baked right here every day. You can also order sandwiches or wraps and pick up prepared meals to go. There's a good selection of fine condiments for sale, too.

This outlet of a Kittery-based bakery sells unusual artisanal breads such as Sicilian green olive with hot cherry peppers or red pepper hummus with sesame seeds and garlic, as well as classic sourdough, whole-wheat, pumpernickel, rye, or oat-and-honey loaves. You can also grab a giant cookie or muffin-size cake to munch on while wandering between the outlet stores.