These 7 Restaurants On Maine’s Mount Desert Island Are Worth Planning An Entire Trip Around
One restaurant on this island named itself, simply, Dinner. I love that kind of confidence, and it tells you a lot about how seriously food gets taken here.
The island sits off the coast of Maine and is home to much of Acadia National Park. Hikers burn off breakfast on granite trails, then go hunting for lobster by lunch.
Some spots serve Latin-inspired dinners. Others serve Turkish eggs on the quieter side of the island. The range surprised me. One stop puts lobster into enchiladas. Another makes waffles from sourdough rye. A third gives you a harbor view with your blueberry pie.
That mix is why I think these kitchens deserve more than a quick stop between hikes. They could shape the whole trip.
Which meal would you build your vacation around first?
1. Galyn’s
Lobster enchiladas in a Victorian-era boarding house? Somebody clearly had fun writing this menu.
Galyn’s sits on Main Street in Bar Harbor, a short stroll from the harbor.
The building itself is part of the charm. It’s a multiroom space with that old-fashioned feel, so dinner can seem like visiting a classic New England home.
Now, about that food. The kitchen focuses on traditional Downeast seafood, but it doesn’t stop at the expected.
You’ll find clam chowder, a whole Maine lobster, and a lobster roll served with coleslaw and potato chips.
Feeling lazy? There’s literally a Lazy Lobster on the menu.
It’s a smart pick if you’d rather skip cracking shells and get straight to eating.
Then there are the lobster enchiladas. They’re a playful twist that shows the kitchen likes trying new ideas with local favorites.
Save room for dessert, because the Maine Blueberry Apple Crisp is a highlight. It comes with vanilla ice cream, which seems like the only correct way to eat it.
Planning matters here. Dinner reservations are recommended, and you’ll often find a wait during busy evenings.
Parking can be tricky too, since it’s mostly paid street spots. Walking from your hotel might save you some circling around downtown.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, with a kids’ menu and high chairs for younger diners. Harbor views add a nice backdrop to your meal.
Address: 17 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
2. Havana
A president once ordered the seafood paella here, back in 2010. That’s quite a review without saying a single word.
Havana opened in Bar Harbor in 1997. It blends Latin and American cooking with fresh Maine ingredients, and the result feels both classy and colorful.
The menu changes with the seasons, so your plate may look different depending on when you visit. Still, a few dishes stand out as worth chasing.
Lobster Moqueca brings a Brazilian-style stew idea to Maine lobster. The seafood paella comes loaded with mussels, and it’s built for sharing.
Craving something from the land instead? Rack of lamb is on the menu too.
Gambas, a lobster cake, and fresh oysters with dipping sauces round out the choices.
Vegans and vegetarians get real attention here. There’s a full vegan menu, plus a house bread basket for two that’s vegan.
Dinner is the main event. Havana opens at 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday and closes Monday and Tuesday.
Reservations are recommended, and that’s good advice for a place this popular. Book ahead, especially if you’re aiming for a weekend night.
There’s outdoor seating, and dogs are allowed outside. A private dining room also works for bigger celebrations.
The mood leans romantic and upscale, so it’s a strong choice for date night in Maine. You might want to dress up a little, just because it feels right.
Address: 318 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
3. Stewman’s Lobster Pound
Boats, a wharf, and a lobster on your plate. Honestly, the setting at this harborfront spot does half the selling.
Stewman’s Lobster Pound sits right on West Street in Bar Harbor. You can watch harbor activity while you eat, which makes even a simple lunch feel like an event.
The classic move is the full lobster dinner. Picture a whole lobster with corn on the cob and potatoes, plus mussels if you want them.
Not into cracking claws? You’ve got options.
Lobster rolls, crab cakes, fried scallops, and a shrimp basket are all on the menu.
The Frenchman’s Bay Haddock Sandwich is a fun local nod. Pair it with the rustic clam chowder or Maine lobster bisque for a cozy combo.
Starters include a coastal seafood dip and a warm spinach and artichoke dip. Both are handy for sharing while you wait.
Finish with Wild Maine Blueberry Pie. In this state, skipping blueberry pie feels a bit like skipping the ocean.
Families should feel at home. There’s a kids’ menu and high chairs, and service tends to move quickly.
The restaurant opens daily at 11:30 AM. Parking is paid, either in a lot or on the street.
Address: 35 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
4. Dinner
Naming your restaurant Dinner takes guts. It also makes planning your evening very easy.
You’ll find it on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor, a few blocks from the busier waterfront. It’s a small American eatery with a relaxed but stylish feel.
The star is the signature lobster risotto. Rice and lobster together sounds simple, yet it’s a dish that rewards a careful kitchen.
Beyond that, the menu keeps things interesting with gourmet rotating specials. That means two visits might give you two different meals.
Drunken Shrimp is another highlight on the menu. It’s a fun pick to start the night or share with a friend.
Desserts are a strong point too. So pace yourself, even if the risotto tempts you to clean the plate.
Timing matters with this one. Dinner opens Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 PM and closes Sunday and Monday.
Reservations are recommended. With limited nights and a smaller space, booking ahead is the safest bet.
Takeout is available if you’d rather eat back at your rental after a long hike. That’s a handy trick after a day climbing Acadia’s trails.
Parking is paid street parking, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Coffee is on hand too, if you need a little boost after a big day outdoors.
For a special evening in Maine, this spot keeps it focused. One meal, done well, right in its name.
Address: 135 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
5. Sassafrass Cafe
Sourdough rye waffles might be the most interesting breakfast idea on the island. They’re tangy, hearty, and a little unexpected.
Sassafrass Cafe sits along Route 102, away from the downtown Bar Harbor bustle. The vibe is casual and relaxed, with artisanal coffee leading the way.
The menu leans creative and locally sourced. A congee bowl, a comforting rice porridge, can be gluten-free and made vegan.
The Spanish tortilla is another standout. It’s a gluten-free, vegetarian egg and potato dish that’s filling without feeling heavy.
Plant-based eaters will love this place. There’s a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu, which isn’t always easy to find.
Tea fans aren’t left out either. The cafe offers a strong tea selection along with its coffee.
Hours are a bit unusual, so check before you go. It’s open Wednesday through Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM.
That means it’s closed Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. Plan your brunch around Sunday if waffles are the goal.
No reservations here, so just show up. The good news is there’s a free parking lot with plenty of room.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs ready. Dogs are allowed, and there’s outdoor seating too.
A fireplace and occasional live music add extra charm. It’s a lovely change of pace on Maine’s busiest island.
Address: 1317 ME-102, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
6. Side Street Cafe
Mac and cheese gets its own spotlight at this Bar Harbor favorite. And yes, there’s a lobster version.
Side Street Cafe opened in 2009 on Rodick Street. It turned a small house into a family-owned neighborhood restaurant that’s grown over the years.
Comfort food is the name of the game. Lobster mac and cheese, seafood mac, and a vegetarian Mac and Cheese Kiera all show up on the menu.
Lobster fans have plenty more to explore. Lobster rolls, a lobster melt, and lobster stew are all here, along with crab cakes and crab dip.
Got a shellfish allergy in the group? This could be your safe bet.
The menu offers burgers, a fajita quesadilla, and plenty of non-seafood comfort dishes.
Cadillac Fries, named with a wink to Acadia’s famous mountain, are vegan. Bangin Shrimp is another popular starter.
Don’t miss the Old Soaker Root Beer. It’s a fun local soda pick for kids and grown-ups alike.
Families will feel at ease here. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and fast service.
Dogs can join you on the outdoor seating. Free wi-fi and live music add to the easygoing mood.
Hours shift with the seasons, so check before heading over. Currently, it opens Thursday through Saturday, starting at noon.
Address: 49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
7. Clark Point Cafe
Turkish eggs on the quiet side of Acadia? That’s the kind of surprise that makes a road trip worth it.
Clark Point Cafe sits in Southwest Harbor, far from the Bar Harbor crowds. It’s a small, casual spot built around breakfast and a full espresso bar.
The Turkish eggs are a must-try. They’re vegetarian and a little different from your usual diner plate.
Feta fried eggs bring a salty, savory twist. A Mediterranean-style breakfast also shows up as a fan favorite.
Got a sweet tooth? Banana Dutch baby pancakes are on the menu.
French toast comes with blueberry compote or bananas brulee, depending on your mood.
Keeping it simple works too. Two eggs your way and a breakfast sandwich cover the classic cravings.
Fresh pastries add another reason to stop. Grab one with a coffee before heading out to explore.
Timing is everything here. The cafe opens Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 AM to noon, and closes Monday through Wednesday.
No reservations, so arrive early if you can. Parking is free, both in a lot and on the street.
Kids are welcome, and high chairs are ready. Dogs can relax with you at the outdoor seating.
Free wi-fi makes it easy to plan your day over coffee. It’s a peaceful way to start a morning in Maine.
Address: 4 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679