Primo Restaurant stands as a shining example of why Rockland, Maine has become a food lover’s dream. It goes far beyond the Lobster that Rockland is known for, though. The Midcoast region thrives on locally sourced ingredients, with farm-to-table and ocean-to-table experiences defining its dining culture. From fresh seafood pulled from Penobscot Bay to seasonal produce grown just miles away, the Rockland restaurant scene celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability.
Whether it’s casual bites or fine dining, you’ll find incredible meals throughout town, but none more celebrated than Primo Restaurant. While dining at Primo in Rockland is a worthwhile addition to any itinerary, there are plenty of other things to do in Rockland. Walk the granite path of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, explore the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, or browse the art galleries and boutiques downtown. Whether you’re here to relax or explore, the coastal charm of Rockland is a “must-see” experience in Maine.
When you’re not savoring a meal at Primo Restaurant or wandering the streets of this welcoming town, we hope you’re relaxing at our top-rated hotel. Our Maine Bed and Breakfast is one of the finest places to stay in Rockland, Maine. Our Maine Bed and Breakfast is located in a beautifully restored 1898 Victorian Mansion and offers couples an elevated, romantic experience just minutes from the heart of town. With unique, elegant guest rooms, fireplaces, and posh linens, comfort comes naturally here.
After a night out, there’s nothing better than unwinding in luxury and feeling at home during your getaway. Book your stay today!
Primo Restaurant, the Best of Rockland, Maine
Primo Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Rockland, Maine, has cultivated a philosophy centered on connection, sustainability, and creativity. Executive Chef Melissa Kelly, a James Beard Foundation Award Winner, created this dining experience around a working farm that sustains the restaurant’s menu. Spanning three acres, the property includes organic gardens, greenhouses, pigs, hens, and ducks, ensuring the freshest ingredients are just steps from the kitchen.
One meal is all it will take to see why Primo Restaurant is one of the most acclaimed Rockland, Maine restaurants. The menu changes daily, reflecting the best of what Midcoast Maine has to offer at any given time. Expect handmade pastas, seafood caught that morning, and vegetables picked hours before your meal. If an ingredient isn’t grown or raised on-site, it’s sourced from nearby sustainable farms that share the same ethos of quality and care. Chef Kelly’s passion for sustainability is reflected in the restaurant’s mindful approach to reusing materials and minimizing waste across every aspect of its operations.
The balance of fine dining and authenticity is what makes Primo one of the best restaurants in Maine. Dining here feels personal, grounded in the belief that good food starts with good stewardship. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or simply enjoying a night out, a meal at Primo Restaurant is an authentic culinary experience worth savoring.
Although Primo Restaurant is the crown jewel of the Rockland dining scene, this coastal town has many exceptional options for every palate and occasion. Here are other remarkable restaurants in Rockland to try:
- 13 Oak is a contemporary, intimate space serving globally inspired dishes prepared in a woodfired oven. Ingredients are locally farmed, and every plate feels thoughtful and refined. While Primo Restaurant captures the farm-to-table essence of Rockland, 13 Oak showcases a worldly twist on the same spirit of freshness and creativity.
- The wine bar and restaurant, In Good Company, is known for its extensive wine list, curated to pair perfectly with its locally sourced menu. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated, and the cocktails are crafted with precision. It’s one of those Rockland restaurants that invites you to relax and savor each moment.
- For an upscale Italian experience, Rustica Cucina Italiana offers housemade pastas, breads, sausages, and desserts. It’s a wonderful spot for date night or when you crave the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine.
- Ada’s Kitchen brings a metro vibe to Midcoast Maine, offering inventive pasta dishes and craft cocktails. The setting is lively and urban-inspired, making it one of the best restaurants in Rockland, Maine, for a fun evening out.
- For classic Maine seafood, Archer’s on the Pier is unbeatable. Enjoy a lobster roll while overlooking Penobscot Bay, watching boats come and go. You’ll quickly be reminded why Rockland is known for the freshest seafood.
- Understated and authentic, Sammy’s Deluxe focuses on straightforward, high-quality food. From seafood to farm-fresh sides, everything feels honest and delicious. Like Primo Restaurant, it captures the heart of what makes Rockland’s food scene so exceptional.
Rockland’s vibrant dining scene celebrates both innovation and authenticity, and Primo Restaurant remains at the top of that list.
Stay at the Best Maine Bed and Breakfast
Of all the places to stay in Rockland, our luxury Maine Bed and Breakfast is impossible to beat. These elevated, Victorian-inspired guest rooms are the ideal retreat after a meal at Primo Restaurant. This adults-only inn is designed for privacy and comfort, perfect for couples seeking a refined, romantic escape in Midcoast Maine.
Our twelve thoughtfully appointed rooms include fireplaces, luxurious bedding, and en-suite baths, some with jetted or soaking tubs. Plush down comforters, soft robes, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries enhance the experience at our Maine Bed and Breakfast. Each space invites relaxation and intimacy, guaranteeing a getaway where you can reconnect with your partner and enjoy a quiet evening in.
Hospitality around here is about more than just convenience. We take pride in how we care for our guests through daily housekeeping, turn-down service, and concierge assistance, ensuring every detail is handled with thoughtfulness. Guests enjoy a 24-hour pantry stocked with everything needed for a late-night snack, plus our famous homemade pies, baked fresh daily. In the morning, start your day with a hearty breakfast made from scratch, another highlight of your weekend getaways in Maine.
When it comes to romance, fine food, and enjoying unique things to do in Maine for couples, nothing beats pairing a lovely meal with a stay at one of the most beautiful places to stay in Rockland, Maine. Book your romantic Maine getaway today!