The Rockland and Camden area of Midcoast Maine has an amazing number of really good to great restaurants all which serve some type of seafood and include cuisines such as Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, Mexican, Southwest, French Bistro, American and of course lobster, lobster, and lobster! Most of our restaurants are relatively small, chef-owned and operated and pride themselves on serving fresh, local and seasonal foods. Many food and travel writers have spoken about the Rockland area as being the 2nd largest in the state of Maine after Portland and perhaps the most densest when you look at population to restaurant ratios!

Sample menus are available in the menu book at the inn or you can check them out on line from the links below.  Of course your innkeepers will gladly help you find the right restaurant for your budget, taste and the perfect ambience from an AAA Four-Diamond award winning establishment to a lobster shack on the water!  With over twenty restaurants in Rockland's downtown alone and many more in the surrounding area we can’t mention them all but some of our local favorites include:

Primo Restaurant       2 South Main Street (Rt. 73), Rockland 
Primo is considered one of the best restaurants in Maine for people that truly enjoy an epicurean dining experience in a relaxed and definitely Maine atmosphere. Melissa Kelly, co-owner and chef, is a James Beard Best Chef of the Northeast award winner and for 2011 has been nominated for Outstanding Chef in the US by the James Beard Foundation. The restaurant grows most of their own herbs and greens; raises their own heirloom pigs and chickens; and was listed by Bon Appetite as the 2008 Top Eco-Friendly Restaurant in the United States. The menu changes nightly depending on what is fresh and includes seafood, fish, pasta and their specialty Pork Saltimbocca. Open for dinner service only May through January – schedule varies by season. In 2010, they opened the "Tavern" section of the restaurant where small plates are served (and the full regular menu is available) and no reservations are required. Advanced Reservations Required for a table in the dining room. Primo is closed for the winter season from January 9th through April and reopens early in May, 2012. 207-596-0770

In Good Company - Wine Bar     415 Main Street, Rockland
Chef-owner Melody Wolferitz, a CIA graduate,  and staff have created a charming, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a great selection of wines and also small plates of salads, appetizers, cheese boards and entrees. Wonderful place to go when you just want to nosh with wine, food and friends... Open Year Round, Schedule varies by season. Dinner service begins at 4:30pm until close. No reservations taken.207-593-9110

Café Miranda      15 Oak Street, Rockland
"We Don't Serve the Food of Cowards" is the motto of this eclectic small bistro. The double-sided menu is filled with appetizers and entrees that range from Italian, Thai, Mexican, Armenian, and the all American burger, dogs and pizza all cooked in the wood fired brick oven! We recommend "grazing" on assorted appetizers so you don't limit your choice to one item. Don’t miss the “Elvis” bathroom! Open year round, seven days a week for dinner. Advanced Reservations required. 207-594-2034

Amalfi On the Water     12 Water Street, Rockland
This restaurant offers spectacular harbor views, indoor dining, deck dining and a raw bar. Their specialties include a mix of Mediterranean cuisine, seafood and steaks. Specialties include lobster, seafood paella, fish stew and a strip steak you can cut with a butter knife. Chef owned and operated. Open for lunch and dinner year round – schedule varies by season. Now featuring local micro-brewed beers and a raw bar. Advanced Reservations suggested. 207-596-0012

Rustica Cucina Italiana      315 Main Street, Rockland
This casual Italian restaurant touts itself as "Rockland's Premiere Downtown Italian Restaurant". Its menu offers pizza, panini, pasta, fabulous mussels, sandwiches and lip smacking desserts. It is a very comfortable atmosphere and serves good food at a very reasonable price. Open year round for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday (winter) and Monday through Saturday (summer). No reservations. 207-594-0015

Suzuki’s Sushi Bar     419 Main Street, Rockland
Chef owner Keiko Suzuki serves sushi and other Japanese specialties with the perfect balance of presentation and taste. "Simple elegance" is how she self-describes her food. She was recently named by Maine Magazine as one of Maine’s top chefs. If you love sushi then don’t miss Suzuki’s! Open year round for dinner service only Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations suggested 207-596-7447

Archer's Restaurant      58 Ocean Street, Rockland     
A new edition to Rockland's waterfront, Archer's opened Spring 2011. It's predominate seafood menu includes fresh lobster. They also serve both fried seafood favorites and baked or broiled alternatives. Lynn Archer, the owner, also owns the Brass Compass Restaurant so the "King of Club" sandwich is also served at Archers. Unbelievable views, great sunsets and very casual atmosphere. No Reservations Needed. Schedule will vary throughout the year.   207-594-2435 (new number 6/10/11)

Brass Compass Restaurant    305 Main Street, Rockland  
Casual restaurant open for breakfast and lunch.  Well known for it's "King of Club" lobster club sandwiched matched in a Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network. Great local feel, generous servings.  No reservations needed.  207-596-5960 

Park Street Grille      279 Main Street, Rockland 
A fun and casual place to dine.  Their motto is “where the Southwest meets the Northeast”. They serve burgers, salads, chicken, ribs, steaks, Southwest specialties and wonderful margaritas!  Generally open year round for lunch and dinner (winter not open for lunch some days). No reservations needed.  207-594-4944

Waterworks     7 Lindsey Street, Rockland 
A casual pub that will always have the game on! They serve chili, chowders, salads, seafood, burgers and sandwiches. In the summer enjoy dining on the deck. Open Year Round, seven days for lunch and dinner.  207-596-2753

The Pearl Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar      275 Main Street (Public Landing), Rockland  
Beware the slogan is “the fresher you are, the funner we get!”   They serve lunch, dinner and cocktails on the water seven days a week in season (late May – early October).  They specialize in casual seafood with an upscale twist, lobster (kept right under the dock!) and raw bar. 207-594-9889

Sunfire Grille               488B Main Street, Rockland  
The cuisine is classic Mexican fare, Sonora style, and includes quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, nachos, and burritos. General Hours are Tuesday & Wednesday, 11-3pm and Thursday through Saturday, 11-8pm.  207-594-6196

Brick’s Restaurant     266 Main Street, Rockland 
Small family owned and operated restaurant.  Primarily brick oven pizzas (a favorite amongst our guests) but also serve hand-cut steak and fish. Offer $5 lunches most days. In the summer, enjoy the outside deck. Open Year Round, closed Sundays and hours are 11-2:30pm and 5-8:30ish. 207-594-5770

Shepard’s Pie     18 Central Street, Rockport 
Nominated for a James Beard award in 2011 as best new restaurant in the Northeast, this is chef-owner, Brian Hill’s second restaurant in the area (Francine’s Restaurant in Camden is the other). Serves “pub style” lighter fare, appetizers, sandwiches and more casual entrees and of course – Shepard’s Pie!  Nice views out the back of the harbor. Can be a little loud with the tin ceilings and open kitchen. No reservations taken but plan on getting there early or waiting a while for a table.  Serving 4:30-10pm daily  207-236-8500

Francine Bistro            55 Chestnut Street, Camden      
This small (seats about 25) bistro is on a side street in Camden.  It is owned and operated by Brian Hill who is nominated for 2011 James Beard Chef of the Northeast. The menu changes nightly and features 4 appetizers, 1 salad and 4 entrees utilizing fresh, local and organic meats, fish and vegetables. Reservations required. Open Year Round Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30-9ish  207-230-0083

Cappy’s Chowder House          Corner of Elm and Bay View, Camden  
A landmark in Camden for over 30 years. Their chowder has been named “Best of the Best” by the locals for the past 6 years.  Menu is casual burgers, seafood, sandwiches, crab cakes and lobster.  Open Year Round, seven days for lunch and dinner.  207-236-2254

Conte's Restaurant 148 Main Street, Rockland
Don't look for a sign in front of the building or a telephone number for this restaurant - he doesn't have one!  This is what we call "adventure dining" and if you are up for some very fresh seafood in a very interesting setting then this could be for you.  His chairs and china don't match, the glasses are jars, his table linens are copies of our local paper and his sound tracks vary from Italian opera to B52s to Elvis!  Half the lights are kept off because he hates paying for electricity so most tables are illuminated by a large drippy candle stuck in a large wine bottle which also is a good thing as it makes it a little too dark to look too closely at things. You order up front by reading the hand written menu (half English - half Italian) scratched out on rolls of butcher paper hanging from the ceiling and then are seated.  All meals come over pasta with his daily salad and bread and the portions are extremely generous (easy to share and sharing is encouraged).  Typically of the 12-16 items on the menu more that 10-14 will be seafood. Limited Beer and Wine.  Cash only.  Open 7 days 365 days a year from 5-8ish unless he feels like closing earlier in the night or doesn't feel like even opening.     207-691-1550 (he finally got a phone after 20 years but don't expect someone to necessarily answer it!!) 

The Slipway Restaurant  24 Public Landing, Thomaston   
Scott Yakovenko, formerly of the original Dip Net in Port Clyde, has finally landed again in a permanent location.  The menu features old Dip Net favorites like Scott's bouillabaisse, Oyster Po Boy, Monk nuggets, lobster and other fresh seafood and homemade pies and desserts.  The restaurant's trademark focus is of an authentic Maine waterfront eperience using organic, locally grown and fresh ingredients.  Hours will vary. Closes sometime in October until spring. This is already a local favorite.  207-354-4155  

Prism Restaurant and Gallery 297 Commercial Street (Rt 1), Rockport  
The property includes the restaurant and a glass gallery. In between the two buildings are gardens and an airy patio, guests can leisurely browse the hundreds of colorful blown glass pieces by over 80 artists, then enjoy dinner in the comfortable dining rooms. Menu includes lots of Italian specialties like pasta, veal parmesean and lobster mac n cheese but also seafood, chicken and other entrees too.  Highly recommend the Bluberry Fritters for dessert!!  Open three seasons (closes sometime January - March) from 11-3pm, 5-9pm Wednesday through Saturday.   207-230-0061

Waterfront Restaurant 40 Bayview Street, Camden   
A classic Maine family style seafood restaurant overlooking beautiful Camden Harbor.  This is the place where the locals eat and people from away too! They are self-described as "not spectacular, dazzling, or brilliant but our food is good, healthy and easy to eat".  Fare include lobster year round (steamed and lazy man style), seafood, salads and steak. Dockside dining in the summer.  Open year round, seven days a week from 11:30am to 9pm.  Full bar and credit cards. 207-236-3747

Seasonal Lobster Pounds:
These are fabulous places to go and dine if "lobster in the rough" is what you are looking for.  Typically these places will open late May to mid-June and close anytime from Labor Day to Columbus Day.  Many of them only offer outdoor seating, some have beer and wine licenses others you can bring your own. Most will close between 7-8 pm nightly. 

Miller’s Lobster Pound    83 Eagle Quarry Road, Spruce Head  207-594-7406
Open mid-June through Labor Day, lunch and dinner daily from 11-7pm. Beer and Wine license. Outdoor dining on picnic tables surrounded by the beautiful waters of Spruce Head Harbor. Fare is lobsters (all sizes), lobster and crab rolls, steamers and hot dogs.  

Waterman’s Beach Lobster   343 Waterman's Beach Road, South Thomaston   207-596-7819
Open mid-June (Father's Day weekend) to Labor Day, Wednesday to Sunday, 11-7pm. Beautiful location right on the water.  Bring your binoculars and peer out at the islands, the lobstermen hauling their traps and many types of shorebirds and seals. Menu is steamed lobsters, clams, lobster & crab rolls, hot dogs, salads, beverages - no alcohol (but BYOB is fine) and freshly baked homemade pies. Restaurant has won a James Beard award!

Lobster Pound Restaurant   US Rt 1, Lincolnville Beach 207-789-5550
Opens sometime in May until mid-to-late October.  Restaurant is right on Lincolnville Beach with gorgeous views of Penobscot Bay! There are 260 seats inside and 40 on the patio.  They of course specialize in lobster (all sizes - all styles), other fresh seafood (both fried and broiled), chicken, sandwiches and steak. Smaller portion and children's menus available.