9 Maine Oceanfront Steakhouses Where Surfside Scenes Meet Serious Sear Marks
Last summer, I stood on a rocky Maine beach with the wind in my hair, salt spray on my face, and a craving I couldn’t shake—one for a steak as bold as the Atlantic.
I thought I’d have to pick between ocean views and a perfectly seared ribeye, but Maine had other plans. Here, chefs know how to marry the drama of the waves with the comfort of a sizzling plate.
Each bite tastes like the coast itself: wild, hearty, and unforgettable. These oceanfront steakhouses prove you can savor surf and turf without ever leaving the shoreline.
1. Ocean Restaurant at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort — Kennebunkport
Perched where the Kennebunk River kisses the Atlantic, this place turned me into a believer that elegance and ocean spray belong together. The views stretch endlessly across Walker’s Point, and honestly, I almost forgot to order because I was too busy watching seals pop up between waves.
Their steaks arrive with char marks so perfect they look painted on, each cut sourced carefully and cooked with the kind of attention that makes you slow down and savor. The menu balances land and sea brilliantly, but the beef steals the spotlight every time.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dining room, turning dinner into dinner theater starring the Maine coast itself.
2. The Tiller at Cliff House — Cape Neddick
Standing 100 feet above the crashing surf, The Tiller delivers drama before you even glance at the menu. I remember my first visit vividly because a wave crashed so spectacularly against the rocks below that everyone in the restaurant gasped mid-bite.
The culinary team treats beef like precious cargo, dry-aging cuts in-house and finishing them over roaring flames that add smoky depth.
Each steak comes out glistening and gorgeous, rested just right so the juices redistribute perfectly. The contemporary space feels both sophisticated and welcoming, with massive windows that blur the line between indoors and the wild Atlantic outside, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously refined and adventurous.
3. Shearwater at Stage Neck Inn — York Harbor
York Harbor unfolds like a postcard outside Shearwater’s windows, and I’ve spent more time than I care to admit just watching sailboats drift past while waiting for my order. The setting feels timelessly New England, where tradition meets taste in the most satisfying ways.
Steaks here carry serious weight, both literally and figuratively, with thick cuts that arrive seared beautifully and seasoned simply to let the quality shine through. The kitchen respects the protein, never overdoing it, always nailing the temperature you request.
Between bites, you can watch the harbor transform as sunset paints everything golden, making even a Monday night feel like a celebration worth remembering for years.
4. Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea — Cape Elizabeth
Crescent Beach spreads out before you at Sea Glass, where the philosophy centers on sustainability without sacrificing flavor one bit. I love how they source locally raised beef, giving you that connection to Maine’s farming community while you gaze at the Atlantic’s endless blue.
Every steak reflects their farm-to-fork commitment, grilled with precision and paired with seasonal vegetables that taste like they were picked hours ago.
The atmosphere stays relaxed yet polished, perfect for families or romantic dinners where flip-flops and dress shoes coexist comfortably. Watching waves roll onto the sand while cutting into a perfectly medium-rare steak creates one of those moments where everything just feels right with the world.
5. DiMillo’s On the Water — Portland
Floating directly on Portland Harbor, DiMillo’s literally rocks with the tide, giving you that gentle boat motion while you dine. I once brought visiting friends here who couldn’t believe we were eating on an actual yacht, surrounded by working boats and lobster traps clanking in the breeze.
The steaks pack serious flavor, grilled to order with that satisfying crust that locks in all the juiciness inside. Their portions lean generous, and the casual maritime vibe means you can come hungry and leave happy without any fuss.
Watching commercial fishing vessels chug past your table while you enjoy perfectly cooked beef creates a uniquely Portland experience that captures the city’s working waterfront soul beautifully.
6. Reading Room Restaurant at Bar Harbor Inn — Bar Harbor
Frenchman Bay stretches before the Reading Room like nature’s grandest canvas, with Acadia’s mountains rising dramatically across the water. My most memorable meal here happened during a thunderstorm when lightning lit up the bay while I savored every tender, flavorful bite.
The kitchen handles beef with confidence and skill, offering cuts that rival any landlocked steakhouse while adding that coastal Maine elegance.
Each plate arrives beautifully composed, showing respect for both presentation and substance. The refined atmosphere never feels stuffy, just special enough to mark occasions while remaining welcoming to hungry travelers who’ve spent the day hiking Cadillac Mountain and need serious sustenance with stunning scenery included.
7. Tugboat Inn Restaurant — Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor buzzes with activity right outside these windows, where fishing boats and pleasure craft share the water in constant motion. I appreciate how Tugboat Inn keeps things delightfully unpretentious, focusing on good food and better views without any unnecessary frills getting in the way.
Their steaks deliver honest, satisfying flavor with proper char and juicy interiors that prove you don’t need fancy presentations to create memorable meals.
The portions satisfy hearty appetites, especially after a day exploring the harbor’s shops and galleries. Sitting harborside with a well-cooked steak while boats drift past creates that quintessential Maine coastal dining experience where simplicity and quality combine into something genuinely special and wonderfully relaxing.
8. La Bella Vita at Samoset Resort — Rockport
Penobscot Bay unfolds magnificently from La Bella Vita’s perch at Samoset Resort, where Italian influences meet Maine’s finest beef in unexpected harmony. I never thought Italian seasonings and perfectly grilled steak could work so beautifully together until my first visit here changed my perspective entirely.
The kitchen brings Mediterranean flair to classic steakhouse standards, creating flavor combinations that surprise and delight with every forkful.
Each cut gets treated with Italian-inspired herbs and techniques that enhance rather than overshadow the meat’s natural richness. The sweeping ocean views add grandeur to every meal, making dinner feel like a special event whether you’re celebrating something specific or just Tuesday night.
9. M.C. Perkins Cove — Ogunquit
Perkins Cove’s postcard-perfect scenery wraps around M.C. Perkins Cove, where the artistic spirit of Ogunquit infuses every aspect of the dining experience. I’ve watched artists set up easels outside these windows, trying to capture the same beauty you enjoy between courses of phenomenally prepared food.
Steaks arrive with creative preparations that honor tradition while embracing innovation, cooked flawlessly and plated like edible art.
The menu reflects culinary ambition, balancing bold flavors with refined techniques that showcase the chef’s skill. Sitting above this iconic cove with a perfectly executed steak while fishing boats bob gently below creates memories that stick with you long after the meal ends, calling you back season after season.