Maine’s coastline is one of the best places in the country to enjoy fresh, delicious seafood. From buttery lobster rolls to briny oysters pulled straight from the ocean, the state has something special for every seafood lover.
Whether you’re a local or planning a summer road trip, knowing where to eat can make all the difference. Here are 12 restaurants that should be at the top of your list for 2026.
The Clam Shack
Few places in Maine have earned their reputation quite like The Clam Shack in Kennebunk. Open since 1968, this tiny wooden shack has been serving up some of the most talked-about lobster rolls and fried clams on the entire East Coast.
The menu is simple, but everything is made with care and fresh ingredients. Expect a line out the door during summer — and trust us, it moves fast.
Located at 2 Western Ave, prices range from $30 to $50.
Red’s Eats
Ask any Mainer about the most legendary lobster roll in the state, and Red’s Eats in Wiscasset will come up almost every time. This roadside stand has been a beloved institution since 1954, drawing visitors from all over the country who don’t mind waiting in a long line.
What makes it unforgettable? Each lobster roll is absolutely overflowing with fresh meat — no filler, no fluff.
Find it at 41 Water St, priced between $30 and $50.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Eventide Oyster Co. changed the oyster bar scene in Portland when it opened, and it has only gotten better since. Located at 86 Middle St, this sleek, modern spot is celebrated for its creative brown butter lobster roll served in a steamed bun — a true twist on tradition.
The oyster selection rotates seasonally and features varieties from across the Northeast. With a 4.5 rating from over 5,000 reviews, Eventide is a must-stop for any serious seafood fan.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Sitting right on the edge of Bass Harbor, Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard offers one of the most scenic seafood meals you’ll ever have. Family-owned since 1993, this rustic gem keeps things refreshingly simple — whole lobsters, steamers, and chowder made the old-fashioned way.
The views of the harbor are absolutely stunning, especially on a clear summer evening. Rated an impressive 4.7 out of 5, it’s located at 9 Thurston Rd and priced in the $30 to $50 range.
Five Islands Lobster Co.
There’s something magical about cracking open a fresh lobster while watching fishing boats drift across a sparkling bay. Five Islands Lobster Co. in Georgetown makes that experience easy and affordable, with prices ranging from just $20 to $30.
Located at 1447 Five Islands Rd right on a working harbor, the seafood here is about as fresh as it gets. Rated 4.7 by over 1,200 happy visitors, this spot earns every bit of its stellar reputation.
Becky’s Diner
Becky’s Diner on Portland’s waterfront has been a neighborhood staple since 1991, and locals absolutely swear by it. The vibe here is warm, unpretentious, and welcoming — the kind of place where everybody seems to know everybody.
Seafood dishes like fish chowder and lobster omelets keep regulars coming back week after week. With over 7,900 reviews and a 4.6 rating, Becky’s at 390 Commercial St is proof that great food doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
Boone’s Fish House and Oyster Room
Dating all the way back to 1898, Boone’s Fish House and Oyster Room has more history than almost any other restaurant on this list. Perched on Custom House Wharf in Portland, the views of the working harbor add a whole layer of atmosphere to your meal.
The menu leans classic — think chowders, oysters, and fresh fish plates done right. Located at 86 Commercial Street, it’s priced between $20 and $30, making it surprisingly accessible for such a historic spot.
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster
Tucked along the shores of South Freeport, Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster is the kind of no-frills seafood spot that Maine is truly famous for. You order at the counter, grab a picnic table, and wait for a tray piled high with lobster, steamers, or clam chowder.
It’s casual, affordable, and absolutely delicious. Many visitors combine a trip here with shopping in nearby Freeport, making it a practical and tasty stop for a full day out on the coast.
Shaw’s Fish and Lobster Wharf
Shaw’s Fish and Lobster Wharf in New Harbor is the real deal — a working wharf where lobstermen unload their catch just steps from where you’re eating. That kind of freshness is hard to beat anywhere along the Maine coast.
The setting is rugged and authentic, with picnic tables perched right over the water. Order a whole steamed lobster, grab some butter, and soak it all in.
It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you long after the summer ends.
Portland Lobster Company
When summer evenings hit Portland, there’s no better place to be than the Portland Lobster Company on the waterfront. String lights, harbor breezes, and a cold drink in hand — the atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit.
The lobster rolls are generously loaded, and the menu also features fish tacos, chowder, and fried seafood baskets that appeal to the whole family. It’s a lively, festive spot that captures everything fun and delicious about eating seafood in Maine.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut
Nunan’s Lobster Hut in Cape Porpoise has been charming guests since 1953 with its no-nonsense approach to lobster dining. Red-checkered tablecloths, wooden walls, and whole steamed lobsters served on trays — this place hasn’t changed much, and that’s exactly why people love it.
Cash only and no reservations? That’s all part of the experience.
Showing up early is smart because tables fill up fast on weekends. Nunan’s is proof that sometimes the most old-school spots serve the very best food.
Quoddy Bay Lobster
Way up in Eastport — the easternmost city in the entire United States — Quoddy Bay Lobster offers fresh seafood with a side of breathtaking Passamaquoddy Bay scenery. This off-the-beaten-path gem is a favorite among travelers who venture farther up the coast.
The lobsters here are pulled straight from some of the coldest, cleanest waters in Maine, which makes for incredibly sweet and tender meat. If you’re exploring Downeast Maine in 2026, making a stop here is absolutely worth the drive.