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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Maine

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Maine? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Fore Street restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4074)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Portland

About the restaurant

Located in Portland's Old Port District, Fore Street opened in June, 1996. The interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth with a wood-burning oven, grill and turnspit; visible from most tables. We believe that good food travels the shortest possible distance between the farm and the table. Our menu changes every day and is founded upon the very best raw materials from a community of Maine farmers, fisherman, foragers and cheese makers. Most of the Maine foods are organically grown or harvested wild, each brought to us at the peak of its season. In 2002 and again in 2007, Fore Street was named by Gourmet Magazine as one of the Top Fifty Restaurants in the United States. In 2004, Chef-Partner Sam Hayward was named Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation.

Top review

R

Rory

Dined today

The foie gras as always was amazing. The butternut squash was as well. The food never disappoints here.

A photo of Ocean restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2201)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Discover Ocean's exquisite dining experience with our prix fixe menus, offering three courses for $105 or four courses for $125. Enhance your culinary journey with our wine pairing, priced at $68 for four courses and $60 for three. Start your evening with drinks on the terrace or at the bar, enjoying breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views from every dining table. Our seasonal menu showcases the finest Maine seafood and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Join us at Ocean for an unforgettable meal that highlights the best of coastal Maine cuisine.

Top review

G

George

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food well prepared. Both main courses were very good. Interesting cocktail choices for the winter months.

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A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Seared Swordfish of a restaurant

Seared Swordfish

Lamb Dinner featuring North Star Farm

A photo of Islesford Dock Restaurant restaurant

Islesford Dock Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (306)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bar Harbor

About the restaurant

The Islesford Dock Restaurant & Gallery is just that - a restaurant and gallery on a dock on Islesford, Little Cranberry Island, Maine. We have a large greenhouse right out back that produces a good amount of our produce, source our lobsters from the fisherman's co-op just next door, and use Gulf of Maine seafood almost exclusively. The menu is rounded out with naturally raised meats and chicken and the service is casual but professional, warm and inviting. Make sure you get out to Islesford Dock while you're here in the area by taking the Beal & Bunker mail boat that makes multiple trips back and forth every day or take one of the several other tour boats out.

We are closed Mondays throughout the Summer. Starting in September we will be open for dinner service only, and we are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Season ends October 1st.

Top review

K

Karen

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Great last night of the season! Fabulous band and staff!

A photo of The Tarratine restaurant

4.9

4.9 (601)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bangor

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Tarratine. We focus on providing an elegant yet approachable experience for our community. Created with skill and passion, the menu features an exciting array of seafood, streak, brunch foods, and signature items from our Executive Chef and his culinary team. This is within our historic gentlemen's social club, built-in 1907. Our spacious venue allows for individual experiences in various spaces, including our rooftop terrace. The Tarratine provides a variety of spirits, cocktails, local brews on tap, and an approachable wine list.

Parties of 12 - 18 guests will be offered a reduced restaurant menu.
Parties with 19+ guests, please call us at 207-992-4090, and someone will love to talk to you about your special night.
We allow you to bring in a cake from state-licensed bakeries; a $5 per person cutting fee will be added to the final bill.

Due to the historic nature of the building, our upper levels are not handicap accessible.

Top review

N

Norman

Dined on Dec 26, 2024

The meal was fantastic. Service excellent. Will definitely be my choice for an elegant meal. Over the top!!

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A photo of Earth at Hidden Pond restaurant

Earth at Hidden Pond

4.8

4.8 (3389)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Indulge in an unforgettable dining adventure at Earth, one of Maine's top restaurants. Nestled among balsam and birch trees, Earth embodies community, connecting exceptional cuisine with dedicated farmers and foragers.

Our farm-to-table menu celebrates locally-sourced ingredients, including meats, seafood, and vegetables from our organic gardens. Crafted by Chef Justin Owen, each dish boasts distinct, handcrafted flavors.

For intimate gatherings, reserve the Potting Shed for up to six guests or the Painting Shed for up to 12 (food & beverage minimum required, call to reserve).

Note: Table reservation durations: 2 hours for parties of two, 2.5 hours for parties of four or more. Walk-ins currently unavailable. Check for new openings regularly.

Top review

M

Meagan

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent experience 10/10 will be back again! Thank you Earth team for making a wonderful memories for my birthday dinner. Drinks were incredible, and the two members of our party with gluten allergies were treated like queens. Earth team went above and beyond! Then the food, oh man. Every person got a different combination of dishes and every dish was phenomenal. You could go back 100 times and never get the same thing twice but you should always get the donuts.

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A photo of DUCK of a restaurant

A photo of DOUGHNUTS of a restaurant

A photo of VENISON of a restaurant

A photo of David's Restaurant restaurant

David's Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3824)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Portland

About the restaurant

A long established local favorite at the center of the historic arts district featuring eclectic decor,
and an energetic atmosphere. David's offers broadly appealing menus that highlight familiar dishes with a
creative twist. Open for lunch and dinner, showcasing delectable options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. David’s is known for delicious meals, and warm and friendly service. It’s no wonder that Chef David was voted Portland's best chef in 2021 and chef of the year in 2012.

Top review

R

Richard

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

Entrees and desserts for our party of 5 were all great

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A photo of Mushroom ravioli V of a restaurant

Mushroom ravioli V

A photo of Lobster Roll of a restaurant

A photo of Open Face Lobster Ravioli of a restaurant

Open Face Lobster Ravioli

A photo of The Tiller Restaurant at Cliff House restaurant

The Tiller Restaurant at Cliff House

4.7

4.7 (1100)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ogunquit

About the restaurant

*Please note: We do not accept parties larger than 8 in our main dining room (10 in our private dining room).

Rediscover Maine dining. Native ingredients honor Maine’s indelible heritage. By partnering with local fisherman, farmers, distillers, and ranchers, The Tiller Restaurant combines the region’s distinctive culture and tradition with culinary innovation and sustainable practices for authentic and nuanced dining experiences.

Upscale contemporary design meets with charming rustic elements, combined with a bright and inviting dining destination surrounded by ocean views suspended over the cliffs. Seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are prepared with farm-fresh local produce, line-caught fish, hand cut meats, and homemade recipes passed down from generation to generation.

During the month of August, the restaurant will have limited availability for non-resort guests.

Top review

S

SusanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food and an amazing view of the ocean. Unfortunately, our server Lisa, was not very friendly and we felt very rushed by her even though the restaurant was just half full.

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A photo of LOBSTER ROLL of a restaurant

A photo of TILLER LOBSTER FRIED RICE of a restaurant

TILLER LOBSTER FRIED RICE

A photo of Anneke Jans restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2101)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Kittery

About the restaurant

Anneke Jans is a lovely neighborhood bistro in the heart of downtown Kittery, Maine.

Seasonal menu subject to change.

Gift Cards online or on our Facebook Shop.

Top review

R

Ron

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Everything was wonderful, we had a romantic dinner, can't wait to go back again.

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A photo of Scottish Salmon of a restaurant

Scottish Salmon

A photo of Reading Room Restaurant at The Bar Harbor Inn restaurant

Reading Room Restaurant at The Bar Harbor Inn

4.6

4.6 (2000)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bar Harbor

About the restaurant

The Reading Room offers guests of the Bar Harbor Inn, visitors to Bar Harbor, and our dearly loved regulars a distinguished fine dining experience overlooking Frenchman Bay.

Serving breakfast and dinner daily, the Reading Room is a one of a kind dining experience. Delectable local Maine cuisine and attentive service are surpassed only by the magnificent panoramic ocean views.

Start your evening with locally farmed oysters while deciding between our signature Beef Short Ribs or Filet and Lobster Tail fresh from the boats on the Harbor. Linger over a slice of Maine Blueberry Pie while you enjoy a crafted cocktail and soft piano music.

Smart casual attire is preferred, but not required. We do not accept parties exceeding 6 people. Please note that we are not able to guarantee tables by the window.

We look forward to seeing you!

Top review

M

Marie

Dined on Nov 8, 2024

Excellent service and delicious offerings wonderful desserts

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A photo of Maine Blueberry Pie of a restaurant

Maine Blueberry Pie

A photo of Seared Sea Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Sea Scallops

A photo of Whipped Blueberry Cheesecake of a restaurant

Whipped Blueberry Cheesecake

A photo of Hurricane Restaurant - Kennebunkport restaurant

Hurricane Restaurant - Kennebunkport

4.7

4.7 (1649)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Sitting over the Kennebunk River in the Kennebunkport neighborhood of Dock Square. Hurricane Restaurant offers the freshest local seafood,locally grown produce and the finest of prime meats available in the market daily. Our Chef and Pastry Chef write our menus each day based on what is the freshest and finest product. Our wine list offers over 130 plus selections by the bottle with almost 60 available by the glass and has won Wine Spectator awards for over 20 years in a row. Our service is casual with our priorities being complete guest satisfaction. Please join us soon to enjoy our wonderful food and beverages and well as our spectacular water views.

Top review

J

John

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Wonderful! Made reservations at peak time during Christmas Prelude, arrived somewhat earlier and shown right to a fabulous table overlooking the river. Lively atmosphere without being overly noisy, great service and food. Recommended!

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