Your Tour of Maine Restaurants Won’t Be Complete Without This Gem

Summer is almost here, so it’s time to start thinking about new places to explore on long weekends. Our recommendation is to make it a place with some coastline and really great food. Where is the spot to be in 2016? Maine. Yep, you heard us. Vacationland has all the classic New England weekend getaway appeal (think sailboats and lobster rolls) as well as a burgeoning cultural art and food scene, combining artisanal and locally grown ingredients for meals that are just as pleasing to the eyes as the palate. With natural beauty and picturesque views in every direction, the most important decision you’ll make in Maine is where and what you choose to eat.

A Portland Restaurant Mention

Earlier in the month, Bon Appetit Magazine featured an article, Eat and Drink Your Way Through 72 Hours in Portland, Maine which showcased some of Portland’s newest and brightest stars on the restaurant scene. If you live in Maine, you already know that there are more restaurants in Portland alone, that you could eat out every night of the year at a different place, happily. We are proud to say that our sister restaurant, Tempo Dulu, was listed among other outstanding restaurants like the Drifters Wife, Central Provisions, and Fore Street. Tempo Dulu’s Singapore-inspired bar was touted as one of the “chillest” in the city and the signature spicy Wayang cocktail was mentioned as a must-try. At this high-end restaurant, from the bar to the meal placed before you, every detail is carefully crafted to form an unforgettable culinary journey.

Fine Cuisine, Inspired by Maine

While Portland has an invigorating array of places to dine, there are gems nestled throughout the state. In a short, scenic drive up the Maine coast you will find rolling green hills dotted with quaint New England towns and the famous, rugged Atlantic shoreline. Here you will find the historic village of Camden. The idyllic location is home to the Relais and Chateaux Camden Harbour Inn. Recognized as one of the World’s Best by Travel and Leisure Magazine, the inn offers not only highly detail-oriented service but a dining event to remember. Natalie’s is so much more than a meal, it’s an unfolding experience beginning with garden-to-glass cocktails and ending with a memorable dessert. The food prepared by Executive Chefs Chris Long and Shelby Stevens tells an elegant story of the rich beauty and abundance of the Maine coast. The menus change often, and are inspired by Maine’s vivid seasons.

The restaurant offers 4 unique dining experiences. The first is simple, but incredibly delicious 3-course Menu Prix Fixe with choices of 5 appetizers, 5 entrees and 5 desserts offered. The second choice is a 7-course Chef’s Tasting Menu, highlighting the bounty of Maine. In our opinion, this menu is the ultimate dining experience at Natalie’s because it showcases Long and Stevens vision. The third option is a Lobster Tasting Menu. It features Maine hard-shell lobster prepared four ways with your choice of dessert at the end. The final menu, perfect for walk-ins, is an exclusive dining option which combines the refined cuisine of Natalie’s with the comfort of our fireplace lounge. Enjoy small plate options and lighter fare for a quick bite or more casual experience.

While many vacationers and state residents alike may think of Portland first when looking for an incredible meal, it’s worth following your visit to Portland with a trip down the rocky coast. Like an adventure through the lush scenery of Maine, your culinary journey at Natalie’s will be an experience that will last a lifetime. To make a reservation, call (207) 236-7008.

Winter Food Tour: Mid-Coast Maine Edition

Maine in the off-season. Winter’s winding down and mud season is fast approaching. The question is, what to do? It may seem as though there is not much to do this time of year down east in Maine … except eat and drink! There’s nothing wrong with that. Come plan a long weekend in Camden, Maine, destination the Camden Harbour Inn. Some of the best Maine restaurants, breweries, and or wineries are located in Midcoast Maine. Here, we offer a short list for your visit, but there’s plenty more for the adventure-minded to discover.

Local Beer is Fresh Beer

Craft beer is all the rage these days, and fortunately, the area boasts several breweries to visit during your stay in Midcoast Maine. Your only choice will be in deciding where to go and how many to visit. There are many throughout the region, here are three local choices:

First up, voted Best Brewery in the 2017 Best of the Best competition, Rock Harbor Brewing in Rockland offers a wide selection of freshly brewed, craft beer. The taproom features an assortment of pale ales, IPAs, and stouts, among other brews. You can check out how the beer is made by taking part in a brewery tour, too. Or pair your beer with Rock Harbor restaurant’s diverse selection of pub fare.

You will find Sea Dog Brewing right in the heart of downtown Camden. Sea Dog is noted for their award-winning signature craft brews. Following traditional English style of brewing, Sea Dog offers an assortment of refreshing, handcrafted sea-faring ales, porters, and stouts. Along with Sea Dog’s signature craft beers, their menu includes a huge seafood selection or creative pub fare. As you dine and drink, chill harbor-side and enjoy the view.

Fifteen miles north of Camden, up in Searsmont, you’ll find Threshers Brewing Company, and freshly brewed batches of amber, wheat, and brown ales, porters, and IPAs. Searsmont is not a big town, but it’s a friendly one, and you’ll be welcome at Threshers. The brewmeisters there, craft quality beer in small batches that will satisfy any thirst. Sample a flight, a pint, or purchase a growler for your return home.

On the Vine

In the past, in considering Maine’s wine scene, if there was a consideration at all, most was associated with its fruit harvest. Maine wine went in the direction of an assortment of apple, blueberry and blackberry wines. Nevertheless, Maine’s moderate ocean climate, combined with its fertile soil, has proven favorable to growing grapes. Because of its unique terroir, over the past couple of decades, varietals such as Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon blanc have been successfully developed. Wineries have sprung up and down the coast. In fact, the biggest challenge vintners face these days down east is the local fauna. Black bear, moose, and deer, and groundhogs, squirrels, and birds, have taken as much of a liking to the vineyards as the tens of thousands who have become devoted patrons of Maine wines.

In Lincolnville, just up the coast from Camden, nestled in a valley between Levenseller and Cameron Mountains, is Cellardoor Winery. They offer a wide range of wines, palatable for all and any occasion. Come spring, the winery offers complimentary tasting in their beautifully renovated 200-year-old barn. It’s off the beaten path, but worth the trip. Enjoy a glass of wine and a local cheese plate, shop from an assortment of 20 wines, all the while overlooking the vineyard across the valley.

Twelve miles west of Camden is Savage Oaks Vineyard & Winery. Located up on Barrett Hill in Union, it is home the state’s largest selection of Maine grown grape wines. Savage Oaks has a nice selection of award-winning white, red, and rosé wines to choose from. Tours and tastings are offered daily in season. However, in the offseason, be sure to call ahead (207.785.2828) for special hours and events.

Out to Dine: The Best Maine Restaurants

Choosing the best restaurant in Midcoast Maine might be a tougher decision than picking a favorite one. Away from the main flow of traffic in Camden is Fresh & Co. Restaurant. Elegant without pretension, it’s the perfect environment for the diverse, globally-inspired, locally sourced cuisine you’ll find on the menu. This downtown Camden gem is a standout.

Located near Camden’s harbor, Francine’s offers a unique dining experience. Its menu changes daily and consists of local organic produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood from coastal Maine. Artisanal bread, desserts, and even the ice cream are created on site. Looking for a romantic night out? FlipKey by Travel Advisor voted Francine’s as the top romantic restaurant in Maine worth traveling for in 2016.

However, gourmands need to go no further than the award-winning Natalie’s to experience the best in Midcoast Maine restaurants, if not the entire region. Locally sourced foods, an eclectic menu, the ambiance, service, atmosphere, and above all, fantastic food, make Natalie’s the culinary destination for your trip.

Winter Bistro: Camden’s Coziest New Restaurant

We’re excited to announce that as of November 1st, that the Camden Harbour Inn will add an alternative dining option to the already award-winning Natalie’s restaurant. The inn now offers bistro-style dining for the winter season, Natalie’s Winter Bistro. The bistro will be a casual approach to dining but maintaining the same approach to farm to table seasonal ingredients.

The Camden, ME restaurant already offered a casual bar menu in addition to the fine-dining menu, with the Winter Bistro Camden Harbour Inn expanded on the menu and added more dining space.

Co-owner Raymond Brunyanszki says: “The popularity of our bar menu grew over the years, especially within our community. With Francine’s closing their doors, we noticed an additional increase of local guests asking for our bar menu. We had some challenges accommodating all the bar guests at our bar at times. So, we decided to add more space and simplify steps for this concept. Make it more approachable! Think Grammercy Tavern in New York where both casual and fine dining menus are offered in dedicated areas”.

The Best of Camden, ME Restaurants

The menu will showcase dishes that are a blend of comforting and elegant as well as traditional and unique to Maine’s seasonal ingredients. Here is a sampling of what you may find on the menu: Sunchoke Soup with Brussels Sprouts, Thyme and Bacon, Tuna with Pomegranate, Togarashi and Daikon, Lobster Mac and Cheese, a Steak, Frites with Roasted Garlic and Maine Striped Bass with Mussels, Dashi and Mushroom or a dessert from Honey, Earl Grey, Bee Pollen and Caramel.

We welcome both reservations and walk-ins. For Natalie’s Winter Bistro, reservations are available by phone only (Call 207-236-7008) and a few tables will be open for guests without reservations on a first come basis.

Hours and Seasonality

BOOK NOW!

  • Natalie’s Winter Bistro is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm – 10pm (last reservations).
  • Natalie’s Winter Bistro offers casual dining until mid-May and is not available on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years-Eve and Valentine’s Day and weekends.
  • Natalie’s Fine Dining is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 5.30pm – 8.30pm (last reservations).
  • Natalie’s Fine Dining Restaurant will be open during the Holidays and serving special dinners. Natalie’s also offers Holiday Party events and packages.

Where to Spend Thanksgiving in Maine

Now that the leaves have all changed from summer green to the golden hues of autumn, it’s time to begin preparing for the season of holidays. Thanksgiving has traditionally welcomed the colder season by bringing loved ones together to enjoy a hearty feast. Whether you traditionally host or just attend, Thanksgiving preparation takes time and can often result in a level of stress that diminishes the enjoyment of the holiday. This year, why not try a new Thanksgiving tradition which will allow you to enjoy the holiday in a picturesque setting?

Find a Home Away from Home

The arrival of Thanksgiving often evokes memories of travel. For many, this is because they have spent past Thanksgivings traveling to be with family. Whether it was a walk down the street, a long flight, or a drive to another state, Thanksgiving has always been a good reason to pack up and go wherever family and food were waiting. This year, why not travel to a place where you can relax and enjoy traditional comforts like an exquisite meal, a crackling fire, and a setting that feels like something out of a storybook. The Camden Harbour Inn in Camden, Maine is surrounded by a sparkling coastline, towering evergreens, and views of mountains and a quintessential Maine village. Can you imagine a better setting to spend your Thanksgiving?

Leave the Cooking to Us

While cooking Thanksgiving dinner has its perks, it is undeniably a stressful and time-consuming task. Acting as host results in spending hours in the kitchen that could otherwise be spent catching up with loved ones. This year, it’s time to leave the cooking to the award-winning chefs at Camden Harbour Inn. Not only will you have the opportunity to indulge in a memorable meal with your loved ones, you can enjoy the feast even more because you didn’t have to spend time cooking it or cleaning up! Camden Harbour Inn offers an elegant twist on Thanksgiving classics, allowing you to experience the flavors you love, in a setting that you’ll never forget.

Celebrate Somewhere New

If you’ve been wondering where to spend Thanksgiving in Maine, then you’ve found your answer. This year, it’s time for a twist on your Thanksgiving tradition. It won’t take much effort to convince your loved ones to pack up for a lavish weekend of relaxation and some of the best food in New England. Reserve guest rooms or suites in the historic luxury B&B, then take in the sights of picturesque Camden Maine, or stay inside and sit by the fire, rejuvenate in the spa, or share seasonally-inspired cocktails in the lounge. However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving getaway, you and your loved ones will enjoy every moment. Call to reserve your spot today.

Treat Your Sweetheart to a Romantic Weekend in Camden

Every Valentine’s Day we try to find that perfect gift or offer the most romantic gesture to show our significant other just how much we really love them. The pressure that comes with planning for this holiday can be daunting, as we try and pin down the perfect activity or the most impressive evening. For this Valentine’s Day weekend, Camden is the perfect destination. The quaint little town by the sea is the idyllic backdrop for you and your partner. Below we share an itinerary that will take you to the best places, introduce you to incredible food, and put you in the most luxurious accommodations for Valentine’s Day weekend.

Stay: At the Camden Harbour Inn

Where the mountains meet the sea, Camden is a breathtaking coastal town rich with tradition and New England history. It offers an abundance of locally owned shops, art galleries, eateries, and inns. We recommend a weekend stay at the Camden Harbour Inn, a luxury Victorian bed and breakfast that is perched on a hilltop with outstanding views of the bustling village, sparkling harbor, and surrounding mountains. Voted as one of the World’s Best by Travel and Leisure Magazine, the Camden Harbour Inn offers personalized amenities and detailed service to make each stay a memorable one. One of the most romantic hotels in all of New England, the Inn provides ocean view suites, combined with spa-quality bathrooms and the finest linen, complete with nightly turndown service and premium Belgian chocolate. For a truly special weekend, book the Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaway package which includes lift tickets for Camden’s ski resort, a complimentary breakfast for two, Champagne upon arrival, and a very special 7-course dinner at Natalie’s.

Dine: at Natalie’s

Speaking of Natalie’s, the hotel restaurant is so much more than a hotel restaurant. Natalie’s is an award-winning restaurant and one of Maine’s most exclusive culinary destinations. It is the first and only restaurant in the state to receive the prestigious OpenTable Diners’ Choice Top 100 Best Restaurant in America Award. Natalie’s offers a fresh approach to the very best ingredients, combining local flavors with international inspiration. This year Natalie’s is, again, offering its Valentine’s Day specials, which entails a romantic dinner for two and special Valentine’s Day cocktails.

Do: Wine Tasting at Cellardoor at the Point

Over the weekend, head down to Portland for a wine tasting. The Cellardoor Winery is home to the Cellardoor at Point, which is a state of the art tasting room. Raise your glasses to romance, and sample the wide variety of spirits that The Villa offers. Don’t forget to check out their specialty list, featuring creative local blends such as the Treasure, a wild Maine blueberry dessert wine infused with brandy and Maine Gold maple syrup.

This year, enjoy the beauty and thrill of coastal Maine, cozy up at Maine’s premier luxury inn and eat at one of the most forward-thinking restaurants for a weekend to remember. To plan your special weekend now start by making reservations or contact us today!

The Tour: Wine Tastings and Wineries in Maine

Recently, Maine has been in the spotlight for a competitive microbrew scene but not to be overshadowed, Maine also has a budding wine movement. With all of the fine dining and craft breweries that Maine has to offer, the winery tastings and tours have taken a back seat but not anymore! The wineries in Maine are deserving of our attention, and below, we discuss the top five wine tasting tours in the state.

Maine Mead Works
A great place to start your tour, Maine Mead Works in Portland, home of the honey wine. Established in 2007, this state of the art winery uses wildflower honey, water, and their own yeast strain to produce the highly distinctive HoneyMaker. This crisp, dry and refreshing meade is just one of the many reasons to visit. Maine Meade Works offers daily tasting flights and glass pours, along with complimentary tours of the Meadery.

Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery
Next stop on the wine tour is Union’s Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery. Their accommodating tasting room extends to a working winery and distillery where patrons can see wine and spirit production right from the tasting bar. Sweetgrass offers a tasting menu of over 15 wines and spirits, made from Maine grown fruit and grain. Nestled on a hilltop, the winery pairs breathtaking views with top tasting wines and spirits. Sweetgrass also offers a tasting room in the heart of the Old Port, which features a wide variety of wines and includes a souvenir wine glass for a small fee.

Winterport Winery
Located in the quaint, historic village, Winterport Winery offers a selection of award-winning fruit wines. This roomy winery also features an 1100 square foot tasting room, the perfect spot to sip and sample head winemaker Michael Anderson’s tasty concoctions. Winterport Winery dub their wines with playful names that will sure to be crowd pleasers. From Applause to Taxi Cab, the fun is never ending at Winterport Winery.

Bartlett Maine Estate Winery
Opened in 1983, this Ellsworth winery is one of the top producers of quality fruit wines in the country. Bartlett Maine Estate Winery creates wonderfully complex, open palate wines that will be sure to please any wine enthusiast. Bartlett’s red wines come from local hand-raked blueberries, and their whites are pressed from apples and pears. Not only is the wine wonderful, the tasting room is housed in an exquisite, hand wrought stone building that is a destination of its own. This homegrown, locally owned business incorporates new aging techniques and blends to produce fresh and exhilarating wines.

Cellardoor Winery
Located in Lincolnville, just five minutes down the road from Camden Harbor, Cellardoor Winery’s vineyard can be found on a 68 acre, 200-year-old farm. The property features a rustic 1790’s barn and old farmhouse, and a recently constructed modernly artistic winery that sits across the street from the vineyard. Cellardoor Winery makes their wine in small, handcrafted batches with grapes sourced from premier vineyards across the country. They offer a wide range of tastings, and also feature classes and other wine related events. Our tours last stop is Cellardoor at the Villa, a second tasting room and gift shop located in Rockport. Featuring historic Victorian architecture, The Villa offers a distinguished and relaxed environment to savor and enjoy some of the state’s best wine.

After a long day of exploring and tastings, conclude your tour with a relaxing overnight stay at the Camden Harbor Inn. Located just minutes away from The Villa, our historic and charming Inn is the perfect ending to a magical day. Unwind and recap your adventure over a five-star dinner at Natalie’s, the inn’s onsite award-winning restaurant.

The Summer’s End Seafood Stops

Coastal Maine is the hub for high-quality seafood. Boasting one of the largest coastlines in the country, the ocean has provided food and a way of life to Maine people for ages. There may be more seafood restaurants on the coast of Maine than any other state. So where can you find the best seafood in Maine? Today we discuss the top premier seafood restaurants in the state that will be sure to make your summer soar.

Eventide Oyster Co – 86 Middle Street Portland
In addition to the finest oyster selection this side of Manhattan, Eventide serves a set of nuanced small plates and nightly specials. The day’s selections of oysters are out in the open for all patrons to see, over ice on a corner of the rugged granite bar. The menu divides the oysters into “From Maine” and “From Away”.
Must Try: Lightly Cured Arctic Char and The Oyster Bun

Earth – 354 Goose Rocks Road Kennebunkport
Located on Hidden Pond’s all inclusive posh property, Earth promises an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled amongst balsam and birch, Earth’s natural decor and dramatic flicker of candlelight will leave you yearning for more. Earth’s menu focuses on farm to fork freshness, featuring same day caught lobster and seafood.
Must Try: Blue Fin Tuna Poke

Street & Co. – 33 Wharf Street Portland
A member of the same restaurant family as Fore Street, Street and Co. had made a name for itself as one of the best seafood restaurants in the region. The constantly changing menu, which is updated daily, is filled with fresh local fish and shellfish, including succulent Basket Island oysters, Maine crabmeat, and lobster delivered on demand by Portland’s finest lobstermen.
Must Try: Lobster Diavolo and Mussels Marinara

Natalie’s – 83 Bayview Street Camden
Located at the historic Camden Harbour Inn, Natalie’s offers a dining experience like no other. Executive Chef Chris Long won Maine Lobster Chef of the year in 2013 and continues to dazzle with dishes influenced by international cuisines and inspired by the seasons.
Must Try: Lobster poached in butter, served with grilled maitake and oyster mushrooms and a corn and parsnip ragout

Scales – 68 Commercial Street Portland
Located right on the water, Scales offers a diverse menu of cold, hot, cooked and raw seafood items. Scales is a nod to old-school American seafood houses, but with an upscale kick. Some of Scales’ best dishes are the ones that stay simple, like the fried whole belly clams or the roasted lobster.
Must Try: Pan Roasted Fluke

Skip to content