8 Best Restaurants in The Southern Coast, Maine

This Kittery Foreside café is named for the woman who worked the register at nearby Bob's Clam Hut for two decades, but you’ll find no shellfish here—just excellent pastries and breads, made on-site daily. Don't miss the top-notch old-fashioned crullers, and duck into the vault in back—filled with vintage records—while you're at it.

Have an open mind and an adventurous palate when you walk inside this tiny shop as you won't find plain vanilla or chocolate on the menu. Rococo's has a rotating rooster of internationally inspired flavors that range from olive oil, rosemary, caramel, and pepitas to goat cheese, blackberry, and Chambord.

You could hardly find a more satisfying, heartier breakfast than at this smart and busy joint just shy of the entrance to Perkins Cove where a lighthearted mix of retro advertising signs adorn the walls of the bright, open, and bustling dining room. The corned-beef hash is made with tender pulled brisket with spices and just a bit of diced potatoes and onions—try it topped with hollandaise in the Irish Benedict. For a really decadent start to your day, opt for French toast made with lemon pound cake and served with blueberries. The delicious coffee is roasted in small batches and shipped from San Diego.

This eager-to-please coffee shop is centrally located and a good stop for hot or iced coffee accompanied by a scone or bagel. For something more substantial, choose from a selection of breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Pets are welcome on the patio in warm weather.

These superior doughnuts have been made by members of the same family since 1945 and at the same location since 1955. Congdon's has about 40 different varieties, some seasonal, though the plain variety really gives you an idea of just how good these doughnuts are: it's the biggest seller, along with the honey dipped and black raspberry jelly. You're welcome to sit inside for breakfast, but waits can be long in summer. There are also drive-through and takeout windows.

European-style coffee drinks, tea, pastries, smoothies, and other seasonal snacks are on the menu at this small café built over a tidal river in the midst of Dock Square. The coffee is sourced from Portland-based and nationally recognized Coffee By Design, one of the state's best.

You could easily while away an entire day at this cozy spot. Enjoying Elements' own Biddeford-roasted coffee is a great way to start the day, to fuel an afternoon of reading, or to perk up in the early evening, especially on nights when there's a poetry reading or live local music performance.

Yes, it seems crazy to highlight a hot-dog stand, but this is no ordinary place—who would guess that a hot dog could make it into Saveur and Gourmet magazines? There is something grand about this shabby, red-shingle shack, where the classic dog has mayo and a special sauce—consisting of, among other things, onions and molasses (you can buy a bottle to take home, and you'll want to).