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Academe at The Kennebunk Inn
Academe at The Kennebunk Inn

Academe at The Kennebunk Inn Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.thekennebunkinn.com
  • Phone: (207) 985-3351
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch and Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American, French American, American
  • Executive Chef: Brian and Shanna O'Hea
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Catering: Chef-owners, Brian and Shanna O'Hea, will design the perfect menu to meet your on or off-site catering requirements for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, anniversary and birthday parties, or corporate events.
  • Private Party Facilities: A private room that overlooks The Inn's brick patio and herb garden can accommodate up to 30 for seated service and 40 for standing receptions. Access to the patio/garden provides a gracious combination of indoor and outdoor space.
  • Private Party Contact: Diane Ryan (207) 985-3351

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Grove St.
  • Parking: Street Parking
  • Parking Details: Ample parking is available directly behind The Inn at no charge. Parking on the street in front of the restaurant is also permitted at no charge.
A word from Academe at The Kennebunk Inn
Academe at The Kennebunk Inn showcases the culinary creativity and execution of Chef-owners and Culinary Institute of America graduates, Brian and Shanna O'Hea. This year Academe's Lobster Pot Pie was featured on the Food Network show "Best Thing I Ever Ate," nominated by celebrity chef Cat Cora.… Since acquiring the historic inn located in the heart of Kennebunk village in 2003, the O'Heas have dramatically altered the look, the feel and, most importantly, the tastes awaiting patrons of The Inn's restaurant. From first course options to entree and dessert offerings, Academe promises an uncommon yet accessible dining experience drawn from the seasonal bounty of the land and sea. Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem
Diner Reviews
  • "Lobster Pot Pie was just okay...not as great as advertised. Also, server never came back to refill our drink order and we had to wait about 20 minutes after meal to be offered a dessert menu."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We went for the VD special menu. As promised we had the very micro lobster tart. As promised on line it was delicious. I would make it two ounces larger. The lamb rack was ok but the filet mignon with a wonderful bordelaise was very good. I appreciated the requested table visit from the Chef."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "The food was very good. My wife had the Lobster Pie which is everything we had heard about and I had Fish & Chips. The fish was cooked perfectly, and the presentation was whimsical for a simple dish. The bar noise got a little loud at times."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "I visited this restaurant on Jan. 30 2014 with my two adult daughters for dinner. We were offered a choice to sit anywhere in their dining room. The dining room only had 2 other tables occupied so we chose the table in between the 2 occupied tables at the front of the dining room facing the front window. Our first waiter introduced himself as our waiter then never returned . The second waiter then came to the table and took our orders. He was an obviously experienced server and did a great job. As we waited for our entrees the couple sitting next to us began to argue and use foul language. Their conversation became rather heated at times which ruined the ambience of dining at the Academe that evening. Our food was very tasty."
    Dined on 1/30/2014
  • "Wonderful choices on the Lunch menu. Meal was terrific and the atmosphere very conducive to visiting with lunch friends. Convenient location."
    Dined on 1/15/2014
  • "Lobster pot pie was amazing and the hot chocolate and homemade marshmellows shouldn't be missed!"
    Dined on 1/7/2014
  • "We were entertaining guests from out of town and wanted them to have a delightful evening out. The Kennebunk Inn with its excellent food and beautiful atmosphere was the perfect place to dine. Everyone enjoyed their delicious food and the service was outstanding. I would absolutely recommend the Kennebunk Inn for an enjoyable dining experience."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "Went there for New Year's Eve-- preferred when they did a Tapas menu for the night, but this year's 'comfort food' menu was fun as well-- With all the places that charge a premium for NYE its nice to find an affordable - very nice place to go."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "We had a table in a cozy corner, relax atmosphere and we were able to enjoy our dinner without feeing rushed. My husband raved over the seafood stew and I truly enjoyed every bit of the lobster pie. It was our first time and will not be our last time . It was a nice romantic evening for us."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "After 15 yrs of visiting Maine we are happy we finally stopped i n for dinner we will certainly be coming back for more."
    Dined on 12/27/2013
  • "Our party of four were promptly seated in a comfortable dining room. We each selected a different entree and were pleased with our choices. Each dish was presented in an attractive manner and appropriately seasoned. A splendid dinner. A most enjoyable dining experience."
    Dined on 12/24/2013
  • "The Kennebunk Inn's Academe is underrated locally, but has a strong menu with considerable variety. The lobster pie is worthy of it's acclaim. When crowded, the service can be slow, so it's best not to be in a rush. (The bar, which has the same menu, would be a better choice for the time constrained.) It is my go-to place in Kennebunk. It's also one of the few places locally where it's possible to get more than a pub lunch. Just a nice choice--and visitors consistently love it."
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "Academe is in an old inn... quaint and charming. The decor isn't exciting but the food was very good. A large menu with a house specialty of Lobster Pot Pie which was exceptional. That alone makes a visit worthwhile! Overall, a pleasant experience and would recommend a visit for a quiet dinner."
    Dined on 11/29/2013
  • "I've dined at Academe with my mother, for a light meal; with a date, for a romantic dinner; and with a family group for leisurely, laid back meal - Academe is perfect for any occasion!"
    Dined on 11/22/2013
  • "Decided to try a new local restaurant for Friday night, tried Academe based on good online reviews. The decor is ok, could use updating, but the restaurant is warm and inviting. I'd call the menu upscale new american cuisine. Elevated classics & familiar dishes and we loved everything we ordered. I had a cocktail, the Sage Against the Machine- well balanced, pleasantly tart- an instant favorite. We ordered the mussels as an appetizer- very good, the portion was very large. The entrees were perfectly cooked, tasty & the portion was good. Service was EXCELLENT- never an empty glass on the table, very courteous & attentive. Tried the mini sampler for dessert- perfect for just a few sweet bites, SO GOOD. We will happily come back again!"
    Dined on 11/15/2013
  • "We went to this restaurant while in the area to try the lobster pie which we had read reviews on. We were not disappointed as the lobster pies were outstanding and we really enjoyed our meal."
    Dined on 11/6/2013
  • "My husband and I shared a salad, the lobster pizza and lobster pot pie. Wow! Our server was very friendly and helpful. Wines on the list were a good value. The dining room was comfortable but could stand an update. Food was reasonably priced. We come to the Kennebunk area occasionally and will certainly go back to Academe."
    Dined on 10/27/2013
  • "Maybe all the hype surrounding the lobster pot pie was misleading. I took a group of five here for lunch. The ambiance is nice. The service was friendly and efficient, but we were the only ones in the restaurant. I was terribly underwhelmed by the signature dish, lobster pot pie. It was bland. It needed salt, it needed pepper, it needed flavor! I don't know how else to say it. Certainly not worth the money."
    Dined on 10/18/2013
  • "I thought the service and food were excellent besides my husband cutting his mouth open on a shell in the crab ravioli and there was some kind of old musty smell about the building not sure if it was the carpet or just the building . I would go again but probably when it was more open an aired I don't think my husband would offer the same meal"
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "We booked a night at the Inn based on the reviews of the restaurant. It promised to be tradtional yet creative and delivered, there is something for everyone but nothing is the plain. They add a twist, and lots of love. The staff are also smart and responsive, not an easy thing to find these days. We ordered a salad, app, two dinners and dessert, couple of drinks and still only broke $100.00, not bad and certainly worth the money. The Inn was also lovely, I would suggest a room on the thrid floor if you dont want to here the hussle of the resturant in the evening, but it did'nt other us."
    Dined on 10/6/2013
  • "I had heard positive comments regarding The Kennebunk Inn for a long time and chose it for a birthday luncheon to share with a dear friend. I was disappointed, my lunch, the chicken club sandwich was mediocre at best, my friend said that her salmon was tasty. Perhaps I made the wrong selection? My sandwich came toasted and was cold and soft when served. There was a lime dressing served in the sandwich as the condiment and there was so little of it that it was hardly tasted, not what I hoped for, would not return."
    Dined on 10/3/2013
  • "My husband and I went to Academe because I wanted to try the lobster Pie which I heard was fantastic and it was.Not your typical lobster pie with crackers sprinkled on top of lobster meat with butter. This was for sure a new spin and one everyone should try! It has chucks of claw and tail meat with peas and potatoes in a light creamy broth topped with a fabulous puffed pastry. And it was very reasonably priced! My husband had a salmon pannini and he said it was delicious! We started off with buffalo wings which may sound boring but they were anything but boring! Very meaty, slightly hot and great blue cheese dip. But the real prize and the reason to go here is for the Lobster Pie!!!"
    Dined on 9/22/2013
  • "Had a wonderfully, declicious dinner. Food and service top notch. You can actually sit at a table and hear the other people in your party. The noise level is low. We always have a great time at Academe."
    Dined on 9/1/2013
  • "We were looking forward to lobster pot pie. The waitstaff were warm and attentive. The rolls were hot. The appetizers tasty. In addition we ordered the fresh cod special. When dinner arrived all looked promising. A light rectangle of puff pastry atop a ramekin of steaming pot pie! Unfortunately under the crust was a thin cream soup with a small claw with 4 morsels of knuckle meat. A pieces of potato, 4 peas, and 8 kernels of corn. As for the cod...The texture was mealy, as if it had been frozen, flavor was absent. We didn't eat beyond a a taste or two confirm our disappointment. We didn't find a compelling reason to return."
    Dined on 9/1/2013
  • "I had the Citrus Crab Ravioli @$23.00 which was Four shrimp sautéed with mussels over 6 small crab ravioli and a Cointreau citrus alfredo sauce with a hint of curry. Delicious, but that was it .... nothing else no sides. Any side vegetable was $4-5 A side salad was the tiniest I'd ever seen; delicious but $4. We each got a (KBI- Kennebunk Inn) side salad. Later I noticed that the full salad was $9.00 and wondered if we wouldn't have been better to order the full salad and split it. My husband had Personal Meatloaf @ $22.00 which was 6oz of delicious juicy Bacon wrapped meatloaf with mustard mashed potatoes, haricot verts (green beans) and truffle ginger BBQ sauce. Since we were Weight Watcher's we did not opt for dessert."
    Dined on 8/31/2013
  • "Academe was a great time for our party of six. We would return."
    Dined on 8/23/2013
  • "Assuming that this would be the only times in our lives we would actually dine here, we had EVERYTHING we wanted: The famous Lobster Pot Pie (outstanding); the Mini Sampler appetizer (incredible); the gazpacho soup (I cannot stand the stuff, but my wife said it was delicious); Brian's Parmesan Tater Tots (spectacular); Bacon and Truffle Cream Corn (just pretty good) and the Avocado Fritters (interesting). For dessert, we shared a "moderation size" Peanut Butter Chocolate Volcano (yummy)."
    Dined on 8/7/2013
  • "In the past we have stuck to Kennebunkport when eating in the area simply because of the waterside location and walkability. This time we negated to get reservations early enough and didn't want to risk waiting, so we went to Academe after reading some great reviews and seeing the enticing menu. The restaurant was not nearly as busy as I would have thought on a Saturday night, but served up some of the best food I have had on the Maine Coast. Fantastic, unique options available from the appetizers through to dessert. A burrata cheese plate, followed by a layered vegetable tart and lobster pizza, finished with a decadent molten chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream (can't miss!). The beer/wine/cocktail menu was great as well."
    Dined on 8/18/2013
  • "Weird waiting set-up. But still had table at reservation time. Charming historic (read: old and not updated) Pot pie was good- not great , and definately not worth $25. I'm a Cape Codder, so I know lobster and relative costs. It was bland for our taste. But still fun to try a Cat Cora favorite thing she ever ate. Bloody Mary was good, as we're the rolls on table. Unless your in the area, don't bother."
    Dined on 8/14/2013
  • "A mixed review - award winning lobster pie was really too small and not enough lobster in it for an entire claw. It was a ramikin with a puff pastry on top, not a popover as described. They know how to do a great beauchamel sauce, and wonderful croquettes. The short rib entree was $28 for one rib and wonderful sauce, but what is with one rib ?? Cocktails are unique and strong. However, when asking about our disappointment over the lobster pie, our waitress literally ran away and ignored the issue entirely. It was our first time there and we have gone to many fine restaurants within a 25 mile area, so we are familiar with the regional cuisine. We paid about $100 including a tip for a couple."
    Dined on 8/4/2013
  • "I always return with new people. My absolute favorite place in the area. Menu and presentation are always very creative while ingredients/dishes are fresh and delicious! This time, I had the roasted chicken with corn and pepper salad accompanied by avocado fritters. Splendid! My companion had the lobster pie and was delighted. Love the "moderation" portion dessert options, too. See you again soon!"
    Dined on 8/3/2013
  • "Truly a don't miss. The kitchen is accommodative to special requests and the food and service are terrific"
    Dined on 8/2/2013
  • "We visited Kennebunkport this past weekend and were so pleased that all the restaurants that were walking distance from the hotel were completely booked; otherwise, we would never have experienced Academe in downtown Kennebunk. What a treat. The food was incredible, the drinks quite tasty and the service very attentive. We will definitely go back next time we are in the area."
    Dined on 7/27/2013
  • "The crab ravioli and lobster pot pie were amazing."
    Dined on 7/27/2013
  • "I took a friend for her birthday celebration to the Academe. I had read about their famous Lobster Pot Pie. My friend is a lobster lover and was NOT disappointed with her selection of the lobster pot pie. I had the steak and it was tender and cooked to perfection. Then entire meal, from salad to dessert was memorable and delicious. The waitress was wonderful too. I would highly recommend this restaurant and can't wait to go again."
    Dined on 6/22/2013
  • "Everyone in our diverse group (international, ages, 11-82, very different eating preferences and experience) was happy. Intelligent, delicious, not too complicated food and menu. Nice wine."
    Dined on 6/15/2013
  • "Well done, but quite often surpassed by new and more glamorous restaurants."
    Dined on 6/12/2013
  • "Despite some of the negative reviews, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Kennebunk Inn and we had a wonderful meal at a very reasonable price. I had to try to lobster pot pie and it was excellent! Big chunks of lobster, just enough potatoes and peas and the broth was just delicious, the pastry just perfect. I loved it! My husband had the lobster roll and it was just as a lobster roll should be, stuffed with lobster meat and very light on the mayo. We had a very interesting Spanish white which was a special, that you do not see often, again very reasonably priced. The Inn itself dates back to 1799 and is not modern and glamorous like many of the restaurants in Kennebunkport, but very comfortable. Thoroughly enjoyed it!"
    Dined on 5/25/2013
  • "We just enjoy the food and atmosphere. It is quiet enough that you can enjoy a conversation among one another. Restaurant staff is always friendly and helpful if you have any questions."
    Dined on 5/26/2013
  • "Our first visit - nice choice of meals and excellent service."
    Dined on 4/15/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Maine Winners
  • Contemporary American
  • Neighborhood Gem
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