The Best Restaurants Near Acadia National Park, 2024
Acadia National Park is a national treasure in the US Park system on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Every year, millions of visitors head north to Maine to see the beauty of the Northeast. Many tourists stay in Bar Harbor, while others spread out to smaller communities and campgrounds. I’m excited to share the best restaurants near Acadia National Park.
Most restaurants are in Bar Harbor, a quaint and charming town near the main entrance of Acadia. You will find many great restaurants here. Bar Harbor is a great place to explore, but also explore other areas like Northeast Harbor.
While Bar Harbor offers numerous dining sections near Acadia, explore the rest of Mount Desert Island. Your journey beyond Bar Harbor for an authentic dining experience will be a highlight of your trip. Let’s find out the best restaurants near Acadia National Park.
⏰⏰Short on time & ready to book a hotel for your amazing trip to Acadia National Park?
🛏️Best Luxury Hotel- Harborside Hotel Marina & Spa
🛏️Best Bed & Breakfast- Canterbury Cottage Bed & Breakfast
🛏️Best Mid-Tier- Hampton Inn
🛏️Best Budget- Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages
The Best restaurants near Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor Area
When tourists arrive on Mount Desert Island to visit Acadia, many congregate in Bar Harbor. Some of it is convenience to the main gate to Acadia, while others prefer the larger town feel. If you plan on traveling with pets, Bar Harbor has an extensive selection of pet-friendly hotels.
Galyn’s
Galyn’s is a small and casual restaurant in downtown Bar Harbor. The restaurant provides an intimate atmosphere in its dining room, or you can sit on their front porch overlooking Main Street. One perk is that they do take reservations for groups under 8.
As for the menu, let’s start with their delicious appetizers. I would choose the clam chowder, lobster bisque, or Burrata Caprese. Or you could go the route of small plates such as bacon-wrapped scallops or Galyn’s Nachos.
Galyn’s offers a great selection of local seafood for the main dish, such as a daily catch, lobster fettuccine, or a mixed seafood fettuccine. Or you can choose from a classic dish like New York Strip. Of course, you can go right with all of these dishes.
To wrap up your lovely meal order Larry’s Luscious Cheesecake or the Flourless Chocolate Cake to wrap up your lovely meal.
Reading Room Restaurant
If you are interested in fine dining, the Reading Room is the place to be. Located in the Bar Harbor Inn, this restaurant offers luxury oceanfront dining. It is a popular spot, so make reservations if traveling in high season.
I love breakfast, especially starting my day with a hearty and filling meal. Reading Room’s breakfast is one for the books. Choose from a wide range of omelets, a frittata, or pancakes for the best breakfast.
As for dinner, you will enjoy a delicious meal with a gorgeous view. Start your meal with chowder, salad, or Maine oysters. Next, choose from a wide variety of dinner options.
Filet Mignon, slow braised beef ribs, salmon, and scallops pop off the menu. Finish the meal with a blueberry cheesecake or strawberries’ n cream tart. If eating with young kids, order the smores dessert. This is hands down one of the top dining experiences near Acadia National Park.
If you prefer luxury accommodations in Acadia, book a few nights at the Bar Harbor Inn or check out some of the top luxury hotels in Bar Harbor.
Side Street Cafe
Side Street Cafe is a charming restaurant in Bar Harbor’s heart. With a casual menu and atmosphere, Side Street Cafe is a great spot after a long day of exploring at Acadia.
One of my favorite features of Side Street Cafe is the outdoor patio. Picnic tables fill the deck with a fun and lively atmosphere. We’ve eaten here with kids, which is an excellent option if traveling with little ones. If they are loud, you are outside anyways and won’t bother anyone.
As for the menu, you can choose from New England favorites like lobster dip, haddock sandwiches, or clam chowder. But, of course, they also include traditional dishes such as burgers and salads.
The restaurant puts a fun twist on an American classic, Mac & cheese. Choose between a seafood medley mac or lobster mac. We tried the lobster mac & cheese on our last trip. They venture into other fun options like BBQ mac or spice-rubbed ribs.
Havana
Are you looking for a break from New England seafood? Havana is American fine dining with a Latin Flair.
Start your meal with a fun cocktail like a mojito or caipirinha. Pair with a mango and prosciutto salad. If you want something more filling, consider hearty appetizers such as pork belly or a Peruvian spiced sirloin.
If I were here for dinner, I would order the seafood paella! But, if that’s not your favorite choice, there’s carne or scallops. Everything is flavorful with a Latin twist on New England favorites.
Don’t forget to try the best ice cream places in Bar Harbor, Maine!
The Best restaurants near Acadia National Park
As mentioned, feel free to venture outside Bar Harbor. There are so many beautiful eateries near Acadia beyond the city limits of Bar Harbor.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
My family loves a classic Maine lobster roll. We are the Maine tourists who eat it daily as they are hard to find in the South (and honestly, just not as good). On our 2nd trip to Acadia, we went out of our way to experience Thurstons’ and we all agreed- it was our favorite and the best place.
Thurston’s restaurant overlooks a quiet bay on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island in Bernard. Once you order, grab a table and take in the picturesque views of the bay. Thurston’s was one of the quaintest stops during our Maine visits.
Although it is a drive from Bar Harbor, plan a stop at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. If you need to become more familiar, Bass Harbor is home to the iconic lighthouse of Acadia.
Now, let’s chat about their delicious food. Choose the hot lobster dip, haddock chowder, or crab cakes made from Maine crabs for an appetizer.
You can always go with the classic lobster roll for the main dish and be happy as a clam. This is my go-to most of the time. Other favorites include an entire lobster or grilled lobster & cheese, a unique twist on a classic favorite.
If you have room for dessert, try the blueberry cake or ice cream!
Beal’s Lobster Pier
Beal’s is a popular lobster joint in Southwest Harbor. It is closer to Bar Harbor than Thurston’s and in a charming community.
Beal’s is just outside of town and located on the water. Inside, there’s a casual counter to order from, and the staff is accommodating. When we visited with our little ones, they took the time to show the live lobsters to our boys, who got a kick out of the experience.
After you order, you can choose between picnic tables in a covered room or outside on the porch. If the weather is nice, definitely select the outside tables.
Beal’s offers a classic lobster roll, but they also have a unique twist on the roll. You can choose a lobster roll garnished with garlic, buffalo sauce, or a fried lobster roll.
If you want a break from lobster rolls, choose from fried shrimp, scallops, haddock, or clam baskets. They even offer burgers, salads, and lobster tacos!
Lastly, I would try one of their fun cocktails with my meal and top it off with a slice of blueberry pie. Add Beal’s to your dining list if you are in Southwest Harbor.
Jordan Pond House
Did you know that Jordan Pond is located in Acadia National Park? There are slim pickings if you want to eat in the park. We pack picnic lunches and carve out time to stop here.
Jordan Pond House’s idyllic location in the heart of Acadia adds to the charm. The restaurant sits on a hill overlooking the tranquil Jordan Pond. If it’s warm enough, you can eat outside on the mountain.
FYI, Jordan Pond House is a popular stop, so you may have to wait. However, you can make reservations ahead of time. You can explore the gift shop across the walkway while waiting for your table. If you want to avoid crowds, consider going in the morning before 11:30 or after the lunch rush- late afternoon.
Once you’ve secured a table, try their historic strawberry popovers. This treat has a similar shape to a muffin. Jordan Pond House offers fun and delicious cocktails too.
After your stop, take time to explore Jordan Pond. There’s a trail around the lake that is a 3.1-mile loop. If you want a partial meal here at the restaurant, I would take a walk around the lake (you can turn around at any time) and then grab a strawberry popover for a snack.
You can’t visit Acadia without a stop at Jordan Pond House.
Rose Eden Lobster
If you explore the North end of Mount Desert Island, Rose Eden is a small lobster shack off Highway 3. It is take-out only and a perfect stop while exploring Acadia.
Although it is a quick service, there are picnic tables outside. This is a very casual yet authentically Maine experience. Plan a time to stop here during your visit to Acadia.
Remember that Rose Eden Lobster operates seasonally, so check their hours if visiting in the off-season.
If you want to explore more lobster joints, head south towards Portland to find the best and most delicious lobster rolls.
Where to Stay in Acadia
Mount Desert Island offers a wide range of lodging options. You can choose anything from camping, budget motels to luxurious hotels.
🛏️Best Luxury Hotel- Harborside Hotel Marina & Spa
Harborside offers a great location with easy access to downtown Bar Harbor. The hotel is also pet-friendly and boasts a beautiful pool & spa.
🌟If you want to be in the heart of Bar Harbor, this is the place for you! Book NOW!🌟
🛏️Best Bed & Breakfast- Canterbury Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Canterbury is a quaint B & B in the heart of town. Guests will have private parking, a snack bar, and easy access to the shops and dining of Bar Harbor.
🌟If you love staying at B & B, you’ll want to book Canterbury NOW! 🌟
🛏️Best Mid-Tier- Hampton Inn
During our first trip to Acadia, we stayed at the Hampton Inn and found it quite comfortable. The rooms are spacious and come with daily breakfast.
As a side note, the Hampton Inn is slightly away from downtown. If you want to be within walking distance of restaurants and shops, choose a location closer to town. I included this one as I have personal experience, and many travelers have hotel points which could be helpful since Bar Harbor can be pricy.
🌟If you are ready, you can just book it NOW by clicking HERE. 🌟
🛏️Best Budget- Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages
Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages is perfect for the budget traveler visiting Acadia. The rooms are clean, tidy, and recently redecorated. All rooms come with a sitting area which is a nice perk.
🌟You can go ahead and book it now by clicking HERE. 🌟
FAQ: The Best restaurants near Acadia National Park
🌲what is the Best lobster roll near Acadia?
Thurston’s sells the best lobster roll near Acadia!
🌲Best restaurant on the water
Reading Room Restaurant
🌲Best dessert in Acadia
Mount Desert Ice cream and Udder Ice Cream are two delicious stops for ice cream in Acadia.
🌲Where to picnic in Acadia?
Acadia has picnic tables sprinkled throughout the park. If traveling with kids, this is a quick and easy option.
🌲What is the best time to avoid crowds?
The shoulder seasons of late spring and Fall are more relaxed than summer.
🌲How many days do you need in Acadia?
At a bare minimum, 2-3 days.
If you are staying in the area and looking for another stop, check out the adorable town of Millinocket, Maine.
🌲What is the Best time of the year to visit?
Summer months are the warmest but also the busiest. I love early to mid-June. Spring and Fall are gorgeous times to visit too.
🌲Best scenic drive
Park loop road is one of the best scenic drives of Acadia National Park.
🌲Best way to see Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the crown jewel of Acadia National Park. You must visit Acadia with a stop here. Remember to grab your camera!
You can hike or drive to the top of Cadillac. During covid, the National Park Service started requiring passes to drive Cadillac. However, the NPS still requires reservations, so make them as soon as you book your trip, especially if visiting in high season.
If you enjoy trying out new restaurants and have an extra day or time, head over to Bangor, Maine, to experience all the city offers.
Conclusion: The Best restaurants near Acadia National Park
On the East Coast, Acadia is the crown jewel of the National Parks. You will want at least 2-3 days minimum to explore everything the park offers. Luckily, there’s a great selection of tasty dining options near Acadia National Park.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best restaurants near Acadia National Park.
Check out Google web story HERE!
Acadia Resources
🌲Luxury Hotels in Bar Harbor
🌲Pet-Friendly Hotels in Bar Harbor
🌲Best Ice Cream in Bar Harbor
🌲Acadia in Fall
🌲Kayaking Bar Harbor
🌲How to Catch the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor
🌲Airports Near Bar Harbor
