7 Best Restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine: From Seafood to Fine Dining
Bar Harbor, Maine is a charming coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich maritime history. Visitors flock to this picturesque destination to enjoy outdoor activities, explore Acadia National Park, and savor the local cuisine. The town’s culinary scene offers a delightful mix of fresh seafood, traditional New England fare, and innovative dishes.
Bar Harbor’s top restaurants showcase the region’s finest ingredients, with many emphasizing locally-sourced seafood and produce. These eateries range from casual lobster shacks to upscale dining establishments, each providing a unique taste of Maine’s culinary traditions. Whether guests are seeking a quick bite or a memorable dining experience, Bar Harbor’s restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
1) Side Street Cafe
Side Street Cafe is a popular dining spot in Bar Harbor, Maine. It offers a welcoming atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes to satisfy different tastes.
Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating options. The cafe’s dog-friendly patio is a big hit with pet owners. They allow one well-behaved dog per table, making it a great spot for animal lovers.
The cafe provides multiple ways to enjoy their food. Customers can dine in person, order takeout, or get delivery. This flexibility caters to different preferences and needs.
Side Street Cafe prides itself on good food and friendly service. It’s a great choice for those looking for a casual dining experience in Bar Harbor.
Rating: 4.4 (4000 reviews)
Location: 49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 801-2591
Website: Visit Website
2) The Reading Room Restaurant
The Reading Room Restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in history. Located at the Bar Harbor Inn, it carries on the legacy of the Mount Desert Reading Room established in 1887.
Guests can enjoy breathtaking ocean views while savoring locally inspired dishes. Chef Zach Dallesandro and his team focus on using fresh ingredients from Mount Desert Island and New England.
The restaurant provides multiple dining options throughout the day. Visitors can start their morning with a scenic breakfast, have lunch overlooking the pier, or indulge in a fine dining experience with nightly entertainment.
The Reading Room Restaurant combines rich historical charm with modern culinary excellence. Its unique setting and commitment to quality make it a standout choice for those seeking a memorable meal in Bar Harbor.
Rating: 4.4 (464 reviews)
Location: 1 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 288-3351
Website: Visit Website
3) Galyn’s
Galyn’s is a popular restaurant in Bar Harbor known for its fresh seafood and local ingredients. The menu features Maine specialties like lobster, oysters, scallops, and fish dishes.
For those who prefer land-based options, Galyn’s offers steak, chops, and chicken. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are also available, making the restaurant suitable for diners with various preferences.
The restaurant takes pride in its drinks selection. Guests can choose from an extensive wine list, handcrafted cocktails, and local beers to complement their meals.
Galyn’s strives to provide a dining experience that combines well-prepared food with a welcoming atmosphere. Its location on Main Street makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring Bar Harbor.
Rating: 4.4 (1700 reviews)
Location: 17 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 288-9706
Website: Visit Website
4) Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant brings a taste of Ireland to Bar Harbor. The pub offers a unique dining experience with its Irish-American cuisine and waterfront setting.
Guests can enjoy hearty meals in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features modern twists on traditional Irish dishes, satisfying both locals and tourists alike.
The pub’s lively environment captures the essence of Irish culture. Visitors can expect good food, friendly service, and often live music to enhance their dining experience.
Paddy’s is part of the West Street Hotel, making it a convenient stop for hotel guests and other Bar Harbor visitors. Its prime location and authentic ambiance make it a popular choice among the town’s eateries.
Rating: 4.3 (1400 reviews)
Location: 50 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 801-3786
Website: Visit Website
5) Stewman’s Downtown Lobster Pound
Stewman’s Downtown Lobster Pound is a popular seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine. It offers diners a chance to enjoy fresh lobster and other seafood dishes right by the ocean.
The restaurant has two locations in Bar Harbor. One is downtown, while the other is at the Bar Harbor Regency hotel. Both spots give guests great views of the water while they eat.
Stewman’s is known for its lobster. They serve it many ways, including steamed whole lobsters and lobster rolls. The menu also has other seafood options and dishes for people who don’t like fish.
Visitors often praise the tasty food and the nice views at Stewman’s. It’s a good choice for anyone wanting to try Maine lobster in a friendly setting by the sea.
Rating: 4.1 (2600 reviews)
Location: 35 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 288-9723
Website: Visit Website
6) Geddy’s
Geddy’s is a Bar Harbor institution, serving up fresh seafood and local flavors for 50 years. This popular eatery offers an ocean-to-table experience, with sustainably sourced seafood caught in the waters right in front of the restaurant.
The menu features a wide variety of options, including their famous lobster bake and what many consider the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor. Guests can even pick their own Maine lobster from the live tank. For those seeking alternatives, Geddy’s also offers wood-fired pizza, burgers, and steaks.
With its colorful history and walls adorned with vintage photos and memorabilia, Geddy’s provides a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy waterfront views while dining, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Acadia National Park.
Rating: 4.4 (3700 reviews)
Location: 19 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 288-5077
Website: Visit Website
7) Havana
Havana brings a taste of Latin-inspired American fine dining to Bar Harbor. The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that changes frequently, sometimes even daily. This keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting for patrons.
The chefs at Havana prepare seafood, vegetarian, and meat dishes with skill and creativity. They focus on flavoring their food thoughtfully, respecting the ingredients while adding unique touches.
Havana boasts an extensive wine list, earning it the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. This recognition is shared by only one other restaurant in Maine. The knowledgeable staff can help diners choose the perfect wine to complement their meal.
Located in downtown Bar Harbor, Havana provides a great atmosphere for a special night out. Its position on Main Street makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the area.
Rating: 4.6 (1100 reviews)
Location: 318 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Contact: (207) 288-2822
Website: Visit Website
Discovering Bar Harbor’s Culinary Landscape
Bar Harbor’s food scene blends rich history with fresh local ingredients. The town’s cuisine reflects its coastal location and cultural heritage, offering visitors a taste of authentic Maine flavors.
A Brief History of Bar Harbor Cuisine
Bar Harbor’s culinary roots trace back to the Native American Wabanaki people. They used local seafood, wild game, and foraged plants in their cooking.
In the late 1800s, Bar Harbor became a popular summer resort for wealthy families. This brought new culinary influences to the area. Fancy hotels and restaurants opened, serving elaborate dishes to cater to elite tastes.
The Great Fire of 1947 changed Bar Harbor’s landscape. Many historic buildings were destroyed. This event reshaped the town’s culinary scene, leading to a focus on more casual, locally-inspired dining.
Today, Bar Harbor’s restaurants blend traditional Maine cooking with modern culinary trends. Seafood remains a staple, with lobster taking center stage on many menus.
Local Ingredients and Specialties
Bar Harbor’s cuisine showcases the bounty of Maine’s land and sea. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with lobster, clams, and fish featured prominently.
Blueberries are a local specialty. Many restaurants incorporate them into both sweet and savory dishes. Wild blueberry pie is a must-try dessert for visitors.
Maple syrup, harvested from Maine’s forests, adds sweetness to many local recipes. It’s used in everything from breakfast dishes to cocktails.
Restaurants in Bar Harbor often source ingredients from nearby farms. This farm-to-table approach ensures fresh, seasonal produce on menus year-round.
Craft beer and locally-made spirits have gained popularity in recent years. Many eateries offer pairings of local drinks with their dishes.
Fine Dining Experience
Bar Harbor offers elegant dining options with exquisite cuisine and refined atmospheres. These restaurants blend local flavors with upscale culinary techniques to create memorable meals.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
Fine dining establishments in Bar Harbor provide serene settings for special occasions. Many feature stunning bay views from scenic decks or large windows. Soft lighting and tasteful decor create an intimate ambiance.
Some restaurants occupy historic buildings, adding charm to the dining experience. Guests can expect attentive service and white tablecloth settings. Background music is often subtle, allowing for easy conversation.
Dress codes may apply, with smart casual attire being common. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Signature Dishes
Bar Harbor’s fine dining venues showcase Maine’s culinary treasures. Fresh lobster often takes center stage, prepared in creative ways. Chefs may offer lobster stew, grilled lobster tails, or lobster risotto.
Other seafood specialties include:
- Pan-seared scallops
- Locally-caught fish with seasonal vegetables
- Oysters on the half shell
For meat lovers, options like grilled filet mignon or duck breast are common. Vegetarian dishes often feature local produce and artisanal cheeses.
Desserts might incorporate Maine’s famous wild blueberries or maple syrup. Wine lists typically offer carefully curated selections to complement the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bar Harbor offers a variety of dining options, from seafood spots to pubs. Visitors can find restaurants with ocean views and local favorites serving fresh catches.
What are the top-rated restaurants in downtown Bar Harbor?
The Reading Room Restaurant is a highly rated dining spot in downtown Bar Harbor. Galyn’s is another popular choice for its seafood and steaks.
Where are the best places to eat in Bar Harbor with a waterfront view?
Stewman’s Downtown Lobster Pound offers great waterfront dining. The Reading Room Restaurant also provides scenic views of Frenchman Bay.
Can you recommend some local favorite dining spots in Bar Harbor, Maine?
Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is a local favorite for its pub fare and atmosphere. Geddy’s is known for its casual dining and lively family-friendly environment.
What kind of cuisine is Bar Harbor, Maine, known for?
Bar Harbor is famous for its fresh seafood, especially lobster. Many restaurants serve locally caught fish, clams, and other ocean delicacies.
What dining options are there for premium seafood in Bar Harbor?
Galyn’s offers premium seafood dishes in an upscale setting. The Reading Room Restaurant also serves high-quality seafood with elegant presentation.
Are there any notable dining establishments in Bar Harbor with scenic views?
The Reading Room Restaurant provides panoramic views of Frenchman Bay. Stewman’s Downtown Lobster Pound offers diners a picturesque waterfront setting.
