Dining Out in Camden, Maine
Camden is one of those rare places where the food scene punches well above its size. Two James Beard Award-winning chefs within 15 minutes of the inn. A craft cocktail bar that guests can't stop talking about. Lobster shacks that locals actually eat at. We're eating our way through this town and we're happy to share what we know!
We recommend making reservations whenever possible. Several of these spots book up weeks in advance, especially on weekends in the summer.
Favorite Places — Walking Distance from Blue Harbor House Inn
One of the closest restaurants to us — we eat here often, dine in and takeout. Mexican-inspired with tacos, paella, street corn, churros, and a very good spicy margarita. When the baja fish tacos are on as a special, get them. Thu–Sun.
https://www.mosaiccamden.com
Right next to the harbor with great ambiance and a menu that ranges confidently across global cuisines. We've been — the crab bisque is outstanding, the mains were delicious, and the cheesecake dessert was to die for. Dinner only, Tue–Sat. Call for reservations.
https://www.freshcamden.com
The best harbor view in Camden, full stop. The gin is distilled on-site from wild Maine blueberries — as far as anyone knows, the only spirit in the world made entirely from Maine blueberries. Go for sunset cocktails and apps on the waterfront patio.
https://bluebarren.com
THE VIEW
& VINTAGE ROOM
he View is Camden's iconic rooftop bar at 16 Bay View Hotel — panoramic views of the harbor and Camden Hills, craft cocktails, and locally inspired small plates. The best place in town for a sunset drink. No reservations, first come first served. Open seasonally June–October, weather permitting — call ahead. When The View is closed for the season, head downstairs to the Vintage Room, a chic cocktail lounge open year-round.
https://16bayview.com/the-view
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
A beloved Camden staple right on the harbor. Fresh Maine lobster, haddock, mussels, and more — with boats in the water right outside your window. Great for families and anyone who wants a classic Maine waterfront meal. No reservations for parties under 6. Open year-round.
https://www.waterfrontcamden.com
We eat here as often as we can. James Beard Award–winning Chef Ravin "Bas" Nakjaroen makes the best Thai food we've ever had — and we've had a lot of Thai food. When everyone in a small coastal Maine town tells you to go, believe them. Call ahead for reservations. Tue–Sat, lunch and dinner.
https://www.longgraincamden.com
Favorite Places - Short Drive from Blue Harbor House Inn
One of the best lobster shacks in Maine — right on the water in a working lobster village about 30 minutes from the inn. Our guests say the drive is half the fun. Open May–October.
https://mcloonslobster.com
One of the most beloved restaurants on the Midcoast for 30 years. Chef Melody cooks everything from local, seasonal ingredients. Get the Sweet and Spicy Pepperdews with Goat Cheese off the nibbles menu — served warm with crusty bread. Reservations encouraged. Wed–Sat, Rockland.
https://ingoodcompanymaine.com
CELLARDOOR WINERY
A scenic 10-minute drive to Lincolnville — beautiful vineyard, welcoming tasting room, and grounds worth wandering. A wonderful afternoon excursion. Tastings, walks through the vineyard, wine and gifts to take home. Open year-round.
https://mainewine.com
The farm-to-table experience that other restaurants only aspire to. James Beard Award–winning Chef Melissa Kelly grows the ingredients on-site — visit the pigs and gardens before sitting down to one of the best meals in Maine. Make reservations well ahead. Open May–January, Rockland.
https://www.primorestaurant.com
A natural stop if you're heading to Marshall Point Lighthouse or hiking the St. George Peninsula — fantastic waterfront dining with views to match. We love the food and the setting. Reservations online. Open year-round, about 20 minutes from the inn.
https://craignair.com/maine-inn-restaurant
Actually walkable from the inn — just over a mile along a stretch of road between Camden and Rockport (past the famous Camden-Rockport Welcoming Arch. Our guests say the lobster roll is all lobster. Outstanding. Open year-round, Mon–Sat.
https://www.graffambroslobster.com
A craft brewery in the woods by a creek — one of the coolest brewery settings you'll ever find. Outdoor fire pits, a deck over the water, really good beer. About 20 minutes from the inn in Union. Fridays only, 4–8pm.
https://www.thepourfarm.com
James Beard Award–winning Chef Erin French has created something truly special in Freedom, Maine — about 45 minutes from the inn. One seating per night, one of the most talked-about dining experiences in New England. Reservations are notoriously hard to get. Reach out to us directly and we'll share what we know about how to secure a table.
https://findthelostkitchen.com