10 Best Coastal Seafood Spots In Maine To Try In 2026
Maine has earned its reputation as the seafood capital of America, and for good reason—the Atlantic waters surrounding this rugged coastline deliver some of the freshest catches you’ll ever taste.
Whether you’re craving butter-drenched lobster rolls, briny oysters, or crispy fried clams, the Pine Tree State serves up culinary treasures that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From family-owned shacks perched on rocky shores to bustling waterfront restaurants with million-dollar views, these coastal gems offer unforgettable dining experiences.
Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Maine’s most spectacular seafood destinations that deserve a spot on your 2026 travel itinerary!
1. Eventide Oyster Co.
Portland’s culinary scene exploded when Eventide opened its doors, transforming the humble bivalve into an art form that even oyster skeptics can’t resist.
This hip eatery has mastered the perfect balance between sophistication and approachability, serving up impeccably fresh oysters alongside inventive New England classics.
Their famous brown butter lobster roll has achieved legendary status—imagine succulent lobster meat bathed in nutty, golden butter nestled in a steamed bun that practically melts in your mouth.
The rotating oyster selection showcases the best from Maine and beyond, each one shucked to order with expert precision.
Creative small plates like sea urchin toast and crispy oyster sliders demonstrate the kitchen’s playful yet respectful approach to seafood.
Located at 86 Middle St in Portland’s vibrant Old Port district, Eventide proves that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously on the same plate.
2. The Lobster Shack At Two Lights
Perched dramatically on the rugged rocks of Cape Elizabeth, this legendary spot has been serving seafood with a side of spectacular ocean views since 1920.
The salty sea breeze mingles with the aroma of steaming lobster as waves crash against the shore just steps from your picnic table—it’s the quintessential Maine experience you’ve been dreaming about.
Their twin lobster dinner delivers two whole crustaceans boiled to perfection, served with drawn butter and all the fixings that make summer taste like heaven.
Clam chowder here is thick, creamy, and packed with tender clams that’ll warm you from the inside out on breezy coastal days.
The casual outdoor seating arrangement means you might share your meal with curious seagulls, but that’s all part of the authentic charm.
Find this treasure at 225 Two Lights Rd, where generations of families have created delicious memories.
3. Clam Shack
Since 1968, this unassuming riverside gem has been frying up golden perfection that makes people plan entire vacations around a single meal.
The line snaking out the door might test your patience, but one bite of their legendary fried clams will convince you that good things really do come to those who wait.
Belly clams here are plump, sweet, and encased in a delicate crispy coating that achieves that elusive crunch-to-tender ratio every seafood lover craves.
Their lobster roll takes the simple approach—chilled meat lightly dressed with mayo on a grilled bun—proving sometimes less really is more.
Location matters, and perching at a picnic table beside the Kennebunk River while demolishing a basket of onion rings creates memories that last way longer than the food coma.
Visit them at 2 Western Ave and discover why this tiny shack punches way above its weight class in flavor.
4. Five Islands Lobster Co.
Tucked away in the sleepy fishing village of Georgetown, this authentic lobster pound operates right on a working wharf where boats unload their daily catches.
There’s something magical about watching lobstermen haul traps while you crack into your own steaming crustacean—it doesn’t get much fresher or more genuine than this experience.
The menu keeps things beautifully straightforward: lobster by the pound, steamers, corn on the cob, and coleslaw that lets the star ingredients shine without unnecessary fuss.
Seating consists of picnic tables scattered along the waterfront, offering panoramic views of island-dotted Sheepscot Bay that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
Their twin lobster special provides ridiculous value considering you’re essentially eating seafood that was swimming hours earlier.
Navigate to 1447 Five Islands Rd for an adventure that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path.
5. Young’s Lobster Pound
Belfast’s best-kept secret sits right on the harbor, where you can literally pick your dinner from massive seawater tanks before it hits the steamer.
This no-frills establishment has perfected the art of letting premium seafood speak for itself without pretentious garnishes or inflated prices getting in the way.
Bring your own sides, beverages, and table settings if you want the full BYOB experience, or grab their simple offerings and focus on what matters—ridiculously fresh lobster at prices that won’t require a second mortgage.
The covered outdoor seating area provides shelter from unpredictable Maine weather while maintaining that authentic waterfront vibe.
Watching working boats navigate the harbor while butter drips down your chin creates an experience fancy restaurants simply cannot replicate.
Their massive portions and relaxed atmosphere make Young’s at 2 Fairview St perfect for families, groups, or solo seafood enthusiasts seeking genuine coastal culture.
6. Red’s Eats
This tiny red shack has achieved cult status among lobster roll fanatics, sparking heated debates about whether the legendary wait times justify the hype.
Spoiler alert: they absolutely do, because Red’s piles an entire pound of fresh lobster meat into each roll without skimping on a single succulent morsel.
The meat arrives perfectly chilled with mayo served on the side, allowing purists and sauce-lovers alike to customize their experience to personal perfection.
Traffic literally slows down on Route 1 as drivers crane their necks to glimpse the infamous queue, making Red’s a genuine roadside attraction.
Hot dogs, fried seafood, and other offerings round out the menu, but let’s be honest—you’re here for that overflowing lobster roll that defies physics.
Summer lines at 41 Water St in Wiscasset can stretch for hours, so bring patience, sunscreen, and an empty stomach ready for legendary proportions.
7. McLoons Lobster Shack
Family-owned since forever, McLoons operates from a cheerful yellow building extending over the water where lobster boats deliver catches straight to their dock.
The McLoon family has been lobstering these waters for generations, bringing an authenticity to this operation that corporate chains could never manufacture or fake.
Their lobster roll strikes that perfect middle ground—generous portions of sweet meat lightly dressed, served on a buttered toasted bun that achieves ideal crispness.
Steamers arrive in heaping portions with both drawn butter and broth for double-dipping pleasure that’ll have you licking your fingers shamelessly.
Seating on the dock means you’re literally dining above the water, watching seals pop up occasionally as if checking on your meal satisfaction.
The relaxed pace and genuine hospitality at 315 Island Rd in South Thomaston remind visitors why Maine’s small seafood shacks outshine fancy establishments every single time.
8. Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf
New Harbor’s crown jewel sits right on a working lobster wharf where the day’s catch transitions from trap to plate faster than you can say “pass the butter.”
Shaw’s has mastered the casual waterfront dining experience, offering covered and open-air seating that showcases stunning harbor views dotted with colorful fishing boats.
Their shore dinner delivers the full Maine experience: lobster, steamers, corn, and coleslaw in portions generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
The lobster stew here deserves special mention—creamy, rich, and loaded with tender meat that makes you understand why Mainers guard their recipes like state secrets.
Sunset dining transforms the already spectacular setting into something approaching magical as golden light dances across the water.
Kids love watching working lobstermen while adults appreciate the full bar and extensive seafood menu at 129 State Route 32, making Shaw’s ideal for multi-generational adventures.
9. The Quoddy Bay Lobster
Way up in Eastport—the easternmost city in the United States—this hidden treasure rewards adventurous eaters willing to chase exceptional seafood to the edge of the map.
The dramatic tides of Passamaquoddy Bay create nutrient-rich waters that produce some of Maine’s sweetest, most flavorful lobsters you’ll ever taste.
Quoddy Bay keeps things refreshingly simple: outstanding seafood prepared without fuss, served in a casual atmosphere where locals and tourists mingle like old friends.
Their lobster rolls overflow with meat, while the fish and chips feature impossibly fresh haddock in a light, crispy batter that doesn’t overshadow the delicate fish.
The location at 7 Sea St provides front-row seats to one of the highest tidal ranges on Earth—a natural phenomenon worth witnessing between bites.
Eastport’s remote location means fewer crowds and more authentic experiences, making Quoddy Bay feel like a delicious secret you’ll want to keep all to yourself.
10. Beal’s Lobster Pier
Nestled on Mount Desert Island near Acadia National Park, Beal’s combines spectacular scenery with seafood so fresh it practically swims onto your plate.
This family operation has been feeding hungry hikers, sailors, and tourists since 1985, perfecting the art of casual waterfront dining with million-dollar views.
Their lobster dinners come with all the traditional fixings, served on picnic tables where you can watch boats navigate the harbor while cracking into your meal.
The crab rolls here deserve more recognition—sweet, delicate meat piled high without excessive mayo drowning the natural flavors.
Location matters tremendously, and finishing a day of Acadia exploration with sunset dinner at Beal’s creates the kind of perfect moment travel magazines try to capture.
Find them at 182 Clark Point Rd in Southwest Harbor, where the combination of outstanding food and breathtaking surroundings makes every visit feel like a special occasion worth celebrating.