Enjoying a delicious meal in the perfect weather and beautiful scenery in Aacdia National Park will be one of the best things to do in Acadia.
As someone who fell in love with the beauty of Acadia, I have come here many times and eaten at many restaurants. I’m excited to be able to share with you the best restaurants in Acadia National Park as well as those located around the park. These restaurants are evaluated based on personal experience and based on the reviews of most visitors. So, if you’re ready, take some notes that I’ll bring to you in the following article at nationalparkshops.com!
The only restaurant in Acadia National Park: Jordan Pond House Restaurant
If there’s one place within Acadia National Park that combines breathtaking scenery with delightful culinary experiences, it’s the Jordan Pond House Restaurant – the only restaurant within the park. The restaurant is famous for its afternoon tea, popovers and seafood. Nestled on the peaceful Jordan Lake, which is always on the list of best places to visit in Acadia National Park, this historic eatery has been a staple for park visitors since the late 1800s. During my visit, I was captivated by the stunning views of the Bubbles mountains and the pond, all while savoring the restaurant’s famous popovers and tea.
Jordan Pond House offers a menu emphasizing local ingredients and classic New England flavors. The popovers served warm with butter and jam, are a must-try and perfectly complemented by a hot cup of tea. I also enjoyed their rich and flavorful, rich and flavorful lobster stew filled with generous chunks of fresh lobster. The outdoor seating area is particularly lovely on a warm day, allowing you to dine with one of the most picturesque backdrops in the park.
To enjoy a perfect meal at the only restaurant in Acadia National Park, you need to reserve a table in advance. Because during peak times or peak seasons, arriving without a reservation will be a challenge for you.
9 Awesome restaurants near Acadia National Park
Although there are no restaurants in Acadia National Park, nearby towns such as Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor also offer plenty of dining options that are sure to add to the fun of your visit to the Acadia National Park.
The Travelin Lobster – Bar Harbor
- Adress: 1569 ME-102, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
- Website: thetravelinlobster.com
- Price Range: From $20 – $50/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5 ⭐
The Travelin Lobster will be the first restaurant I recommend to you. And this is also one of the restaurants in Acadia National Park that I always recommend if someone asks about a place to eat.
This is a restaurant owned by the Corson family. This family has been fishing for lobsters for generations throughout the waters of Mount Desert Island, making the shrimp here stand out for its freshness. Additionally, the restaurant also has seasonal outdoor seating for guests to enjoy.
At The Travelin Lobster, you can reserve a table in advance except during peak season when it will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, arrive early if you visit Acadia in the summer or fall. This will be a restaurant that gives you the feeling of eating very fresh seafood. And of course, The Travelin Lobster will serve dishes mainly made from lobster and the cost per meal may be a bit high. But I have to say, the food here is also incredibly delicious. I came here 3 times in my 2 trips just to eat fresh Lobster.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
- Adress: 7 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor, Me 04609
- Website: fearlessflavor.com/firefly-lane
- Price Range: From $1 – $5/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Why should an ice cream restaurant be ranked 2nd on the list of restaurants in Acadia National Park? Because it is truly a great restaurant that brings the perfect experience to your trip.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream produces handcrafted ice cream and sorbets in Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine. They have been named one of the top ice cream shops by Food and Wine magazine. So, at any time, I think you should try coming here once to enjoy it. Mount Desert Island Ice Cream not only makes ice cream in forward thinking flavors, eliminating sensationalism, but also respects and preserves classic flavors.
Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
- Adress: 50 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
- Website: opalcollection.com
- Price Range: From $15 – $50/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Next, let me suggest you a 3rd restaurant located near Acadia National Park. If you’re looking to experience a little Irish charm right in the heart of Bar Harbor, Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is the place to be. The atmosphere at Paddy’s is cozy and welcoming, creating the perfect setting to enjoy some delicious pub food. A particular dish that stood out to me was the fish and chips – the fish was fried to a crispy, perfectly golden brown and the chips were cooked just right.
In addition to delicious food, Paddy’s also introduces the table to an impressive range of local and imported beers. This just might make Paddy’s a great choice if you’re looking to kick back and relax with a cold beer in hand, right? Whether you’re a local looking for a familiar spot to relax or a tourist hoping to enjoy the flavors of Ireland in Maine, Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant has something for everyone. Even though I only visited here once during my trip, I still appreciate the values that Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant has brought.
Beal’s Lobster Pier – Southwest Harbor
- Adress: 182 Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, United States
- Website: bealslobster.com
- Price Range: From $5 – $80/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
If I’m not exaggerating, a visit to Beal’s is a must for those looking for an authentic lobster pier experience and the freshest seafood you can find. At the operating lobster pier in Southwest Harbor, Maine, you and your family will have fun watching boats sail out and lobstermen unload fresh Maine lobsters. Hear the creaking sound of the rope on the anchor. Enjoy the smell of salt water in the breeze and enjoy the riverside views.
However, like many other businesses, Beal’s Lobster Pier is closed from October to May. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh lobster from Maine’s pristine coast. Even when Maine is cold enough to freeze off beards and eyelashes, if you want to eat you can still have it delivered to your accommodation. Fresh and frozen lobster meat and many other fresh Maine seafood will be delivered quickly to your destination.
Galyn’s
- Adress: 17 Main St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1845
- Website: galynsbarharbor.com
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Next on the list of restaurants in Acadia National Park, if you get the chance, I suggest you definitely visit Galyn’s. Galyn’s is a family-run restaurant offering fresh, well-prepared food served by friendly, professional staff. In addition, the restaurant is designed according to historical architecture and contemporary art, creating an attractive, relaxing setting.
At the restaurant, Galyn’s menu includes Maine seafood such as fresh fish, lobster, oysters, scallops and more. You still have additional options including steak, ribs, chicken, vegetarian and gluten-free. Meaning Galyn’s has something for almost everyone.
Extra special here is the extensive wine list, handcrafted cocktails and local beers that complement Galyn’s carefully prepared dishes. Some dining rooms have harbor views, and others have cozy, well-appointed interiors. Do you find it attractive?
Reading Room Restaurant
- Adress: 1 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1898
- Website: barharborinn.com/weddings/reading-room
- Price Range: From $12 – $65/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Different from the restaurants above, Reading Room Restaurant that I am about to talk about is one of the restaurants in Acadia National Park that is among the top luxury and high-end. Reading Rooms is the perfect beachfront choice for larger weddings in Bar Harbor, accommodating up to 125 guests. Housed in the historic Main Inn building, Reading Rooms’ elegant charm includes stunning crystal chandeliers adorning the dance floor and stunning panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
If you choose to stop by the Reading Room Restaurant, your day will start with hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails from the Oasis Lounge’s cozy cherry wood bar. I treated myself to the lobster bisque and filet mignon, both of which were delicious. The Reading Room’s atmosphere, with large windows overlooking the water and live piano music, adds a touch of luxury to any meal.
Jordan’s Restaurant
- Adress: 80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1441
- Website: jordanswildblueberry.com
- Price Range: From $9 – $15/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Next will be Jordan’s Restaurant, a restaurant with 4.5/5 stars on tripadvisor. Jordan’s Restaurant was founded in 1976 by the Paine family with the aim of filling a need in Bar Harbor for a cozy, traditional restaurant. The concept revolves around showcasing wild Maine blueberries. While the town evolved over time, Jordan also evolved and adapted accordingly.
Although it changes from day to day, the restaurant remains committed to the basic principle of being a welcoming establishment for both residents and visitors. That’s why among the friends I consulted about coming to Jordan’s Restaurant, he said he always comes back here every time he has the opportunity to visit Acadia for a visit. One more note for you, if you go at the best time to visit Acadia National Park, you should check in advance by calling or arriving early to avoid peak hours.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
- Adress: 9 Thurston Road, Bernard, ME 04612
- Website: thurstonforlobster.com
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
I haven’t had a chance to visit here during my tours of Acadia. However, the following reviews are compiled by me from my friends. Accordingly, Thurston’s Lobster Pound offers a friendly, comfortable dining experience that is quintessentially Maine. Located on a dock suspended over the bay, their covered dining rooms strike the perfect balance between outside and inside.
Grab a seat from above the harbor and you’ll see the lobster boats returning to the harbor after the restaurant’s day’s catch. You’ll also get to see the crew bring those lobsters up to their restaurant tank to start serving guests a fresh, local meal!
Overall, my friends say, Thurston’s Lobster Pound’s menu focuses on locally harvested lobster and crab, and offers a full range of options for those who don’t like seafood. Your meal, whether it’s a traditional lobster dinner or a cheese and potato salad, will be prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Side Street Cafe
- Adress: 49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1805
- Website: sidestreetbarharbor.com
- Price Range: From $8 – $25/ per person
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Side Street Cafe is a restaurant located in the heart of Bar Harbor, opened in the summer of 2009. From the beginning, the restaurant has created a vibrant and friendly environment where fresh and delicious food can be served. and create freely with friends, family and community all year long.
During my experience at Side Street Cafe, I tried the restaurant’s famous dish: award-winning mac & cheese, impressive lobster rolls, locals’ favorite margaritas, fish tacos and specialty burgers. All dishes are delicious and hot. We were also served very attentively. Overall everything is perfect.
What food must you try in Acadia National Park?
When you visit Acadia National Park, there are many local dishes that you must try. Maine is famous for its lobster, and whether you enjoy it rolled, steamed, or stewed, it’s a culinary experience you definitely shouldn’t miss. The taste of this seafood dish is really special. Lobster will be found at many restaurants in Acadia National Park.
Another dish that left an impression on my trip was the popovers at Jordan Pond House. These delightful pastries are light and spongy, and when served with butter and jam, they become a unique and delicious treat that you won’t want to miss.
And don’t miss the Maine blueberries. They are smaller and sweeter than your average blueberries, and you’ll discover them incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from pancakes to ice cream. Speaking of ice cream, make sure to indulge in some of the distinctive flavors offered at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream.
Finally, for breakfasts, I think you should treat yourself to blueberry pancakes topped with authentic Maine maple syrup for the perfect start to your day. And of course, you can’t leave Maine without sampling some of the freshest seafood the state has to offer, such as clams, scallops and haddock. Every bite takes you to the heart of Maine’s culinary scene.
Map of towns near Acadia National Park
Conclusion
Above is the most complete summary of restaurants in Acadia National Park. Now you know where to go, right? The next challenge is to narrow down the places you plan to visit on your next trip. Whether it’s a casual dinner at sunset to enjoy the most delicious lobster rolls, a date night or a romantic dinner at Jordan’s Restaurant – it’ll be a great night of incredible food.
For articles sharing experiences when coming to Acadia, you can refer to the topics that I have compiled to send to you such as: Boston To Acadia National Park, Hotels Near Acadia National Park, Acadia National Park In The Fall, Acadia National Park Sunrise
