Where to Eat in Boothbay Harbor, Maine: Seafood on the Working Waterfront

Boothbay Harbor is one of the most beloved harbor towns on the Maine coast — a picture-perfect midcoast village of boats, wharves, and a famous wooden footbridge, where the smell of the sea and the promise of fresh lobster are never far away. If you love seafood and a working waterfront, it is a wonderful place to eat. Here is a guide to dining in Boothbay Harbor. (Restaurants and their hours change with the seasons, so it is always worth confirming before you go.)

A Classic Maine Harbor Town

The heart of Boothbay Harbor is its busy inner harbor, crossed by a long, historic wooden footbridge that is a landmark in its own right. Around it, a walkable downtown of shops, galleries, and restaurants hugs the shoreline, while lobster boats and pleasure craft come and go all day. It is the quintessential Maine coastal scene — and much of the best eating happens right at the water's edge.

Harborside Seafood and Lobster

Seafood is the star here, and it does not get much fresher. Boothbay Harbor is home to classic lobster wharves where you can order a lobster straight off the boat, watch it cooked, and eat it at a picnic table over the water. Beyond lobster, look for New England staples — clam and haddock chowder, fried clams and scallops, and lobster rolls — served everywhere from casual dockside shacks to sit-down restaurants with harbor views.

Dining by the Water and Around Town

Boothbay's restaurants run the full range, from relaxed pubs and cafes to more refined harbor-view dining rooms, plus bakeries, ice-cream shops, and coffee spots for in-between. Because the town is so walkable, the best approach is often simply to stroll the harbor, take in the views, and pick a spot that catches your eye. A table on a deck at sunset, with the boats swinging on their moorings, is a Boothbay experience to remember.

Make a Day of It: Gardens and Boat Tours

Great meals in Boothbay pair perfectly with the town's other attractions. Nearby, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful public gardens in New England, and the harbor is a hub for boat tours — whale watches, puffin trips, and scenic cruises among the islands (see our guide to Maine boat tours). Build a lunch or dinner around an outing, and you have a perfect coastal Maine day.

Tips for Dining in Boothbay Harbor

• Reserve and expect waits in summer. Boothbay is a very popular destination in July and August; book ahead or plan for a line at the best spots.
• Check seasonal hours. Many restaurants run limited schedules in spring and fall and close for winter.
• Park and walk. Downtown parking fills up; leave the car and explore the harbor on foot.
• Chase the sunset. A waterside table as the light fades over the harbor is worth planning around.

Frequently Asked Questions