Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Southern Coast

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Southern Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

White Barn Inn

4.9

4.9 (2357)

$50 and over

American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Our contemporary New England cuisine has been rooted in the local and seasonal long before they were the mots du jour on menus across the country. At our AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star restaurant, we showcase incredible ingredients sourced through specially cultivated relationships with the farmers, fishermen and foragers of coastal Maine and just beyond for beautifully-presented, always inspired dishes that encapsulate the very essence of our spectacular setting.

We have a smart casual dress code; jackets are preferred, but not required. Shorts, sportswear, and flip-flops are forbidden in the dining room.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined on May 13, 2025

Excellent food and service. Perfectly prepared lobster dishes.

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Experience

Traditional Maine Lobster Bake

Experience

The Macallan Cocktail Class

Experience

The Macallan Whisky Tasting

The Burleigh

4.9

4.9 (865)

$31 to $50

American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Experience culinary excellence at The Burleigh, a delightful tavern-style restaurant located at the Kennebunkport Inn, named in honor of its original owner. Revel in the inviting ambiance, featuring warm red walls and polished wood that create a cozy dining atmosphere. Treat your taste buds to a diverse menu that includes locally sourced seafood, hearty burgers, and innovative cocktails. Enjoy elevated pub fare with delicious gluten-free and vegan options expertly prepared by Chef John Shaw. For an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Kennebunkport, visit The Burleigh.

Discover The Burleigh Botanical Bar: Step into The Burleigh Botanical Bar and immerse yourself in a whimsical oasis adorned with organic florals, herbs, and candlelit charm. Relish herbaceous spring cocktails and delightful bites in this enchanting botanical haven, open until September 1st.

Open Wednesday-Sunday 4-8 PM. OpenTable Reservations are for the dining room only.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 5 days ago

Great atmosphere in a low-key, stylish dining room. Intimate and not pretentious. Great service, portions and tempo. Would highly recommend for upscale pub experience.

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Experience

Murder Mystery Dinner

Chez Rosa

4.9

4.9 (490)

$31 to $50

French

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Chef Kyle Robinson inspired by our local seafood, farms, and pastures creates a unique take on French comfort food classics. Located in a romantic New England Barn, right in the center of town. Tucked in a corner of bustling Kennebunkport Dock Square, let yourself be transported to the laid back French countryside.
Our menu is ever changing with what the season have to offer.
Always offering some French staples such as cheese fondue, onion soup and steak frites. French Chic bar offering seasonal craft cocktails.

Top review

Kim

Dined 4 days ago

We sat next to the bar, kitchen, and waiter's station, and it was bustling. However, the restaurant wasn't overly busy, so it felt lively versus loud. The steak frites and pork schnitzel were delicious. The best fries ever! Our waiter, Bobby, was attentive but not overbearing. I highly recommend this restaurant.

The Lost Fire

4.9

4.9 (1004)

$50 and over

Argentinean

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

The Lost Fire Grill and Bar is a true Patagonian wood fired steakhouse. We feature the finest cuts of meat, cooked on our custom wood grills by Chef German Lucarelli.

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined 4 days ago

A simply outstanding dining experience. Everything was spot on: delicious beet salad starter, perfectly cooked striploin (shared!), yummy garlic mash and cream spinach with a touch of cheese subbing for the cream. Terrific gelato and an organic Argentinian Malbec. As good as any NY steak house -- and maybe even better!

Earth at Hidden Pond

4.8

4.8 (3519)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

Indulge in an unforgettable dining adventure at Earth, one of Maine's top restaurants. Nestled among balsam and birch trees, Earth embodies community, connecting exceptional cuisine with dedicated farmers and foragers.

Our farm-to-table menu celebrates locally-sourced ingredients, including meats, seafood, and vegetables from our organic gardens. Crafted by Chef Justin Owen, each dish boasts distinct, handcrafted flavors.

For intimate gatherings, reserve the Potting Shed for up to six guests or the Painting Shed for up to 12 (food & beverage minimum required, call to reserve).

Note: Table reservation durations: 2 hours for parties of two, 2.5 hours for parties of four or more. Walk-ins currently unavailable. Check for new openings regularly.

Top review

KarenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Nicole was amazing and the food was perfection!! Great night-thank you!

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The Tiller Restaurant at Cliff House

4.8

4.8 (1166)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Ogunquit

About the restaurant

*Please note: We do not accept parties larger than 8 in our main dining room (10 in our private dining room).

Rediscover Maine dining. Native ingredients honor Maine’s indelible heritage. By partnering with local fisherman, farmers, distillers, and ranchers, The Tiller Restaurant combines the region’s distinctive culture and tradition with culinary innovation and sustainable practices for authentic and nuanced dining experiences.

Upscale contemporary design meets with charming rustic elements, combined with a bright and inviting dining destination surrounded by ocean views suspended over the cliffs. Seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are prepared with farm-fresh local produce, line-caught fish, hand cut meats, and homemade recipes passed down from generation to generation.

During the month of August, the restaurant will have limited availability for non-resort guests.

Top review

Salvatore

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing views. Attentive service. Enjoyed the Interesting mocktails. Could have sat looking at the view all day. The lobster roll was chock full of large chunks of meat.

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Popular dish

LOBSTER + CORN CHOWDER

Popular dish

LOBSTER ROLL

Popular dish

TILLER LOBSTER FRIED RICE

The Boathouse Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (352)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT IS WALK-IN ONLY, however we are accepting reservations for Easter and Mother's Day brunch. Valet parking is available year-round.

Experience the charm of the Boathouse, a stylish hotel, and restaurant perched on the scenic banks of the Kennebunk River. Located in the heart of Kennebunkport, the Boathouse offers stunning waterfront views and embodies a chic seaside ambiance with bright, cheerful decor and nautical touches. Enjoy the culinary creations of local star Chef John Shaw in this vibrant and inviting space adorned with splashes of red and golden yellow.

Surrounded by bustling marinas, the Boathouse is Kennebunkport's ultimate year-round hotspot. Join us for Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience where style meets the sea. Visit the Boathouse for a perfect blend of coastal charm and exquisite cuisine.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 10, 2025

Outstanding service & food in the most magical environment!

Jonathan's - Ogunquit

4.7

4.7 (3469)

$31 to $50

Continental

Ogunquit

About the restaurant

With over 48 years in business serving the local and traveling public fresh, local cuisine in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.

If you are searching for the perfect place to indulge in an elegant yet comfortably casual dining experience look no further. Jonathan's Restaurant impresses in every way making it the perfect destination for any special occasion.

Jonathan's Restaurant is Ogunquit's premiere destination for local cuisine and impeccable service. Accented by soft lighting and elegant décor, Jonathan's Restaurant aims to please and succeeds in doing so. The professional staff caters to its guests'; every need making sure not to cut corners and only offering the finest, highest quality ingredients.

The menu is vast and eclectic showcasing an impressive selection of upscale New England specialties.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful service and great food in a beautiful surrounding.

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4.7

4.7 (640)

$31 to $50

American

Kennebunkport

About the restaurant

LITTLE BARN
Simply executed, yet expertly prepared, the flavorful and approachable dishes at the Little Barn bring the local Maine farmstead and fisheries to the table. It is a fantastic way to experience the amazing food and service for which the White Barn Restaurant is known.

Enjoy our Provisions menu along with Chef Mathew's daily menu board, featuring ever changing local favorites. Our Chef comes to work at the The White Barn Restaurant and he comes to play in the Little Barn.

Mood is relaxed and casual.

Top review

JackVIP

Dined 3 days ago

What a delightful evening. A casual atmosphere with the food quality of the White Barn Inn. It’s a less extensive menu but perfectly fine. Definitely worth it and we will be back.

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Popular dish

Heritage Chicken Pot Pie

Popular dish

Lobster Cobb Salad

Clay Hill Farm

4.5

4.5 (2658)

$31 to $50

American

Ogunquit

About the restaurant

Originally built in 1780 as a working farm, Clay Hill Farm is a classically renovated restaurant and special occasion venue nestled amidst 10 private acres of rolling lawns, protected woodlands, and colorful gardens. The first restaurant in the country to be certified as a wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary, Clay Hill Farm is passionate about locally-sourced food and the natural beauty of Maine. Live music nightly. Award-winning food & service. Seasonal live theater and themed events. Picture-perfect rehearsal dinners & welcome parties. Corporate dinners and private parties.

Top review

JaniceVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Charming restaurant, beautiful setting. Service was outstanding Nice variety on menu

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Popular dish

Award-Winning Lobster Bisque

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