On the Marsh Bistro
46 Western Ave, Kennebunk
(207) 967-2299
Recent Reviews
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I never felt more special then sitting at the "proposal" table at On the Marsh listening to the pianist play my favorite song and sharing the most incredible meal with the most incredible man. From the moment you arrived and walked under the grape arbor covered in lights it felt like a dream. I have never experienced the service or attention to detail that they offer anywhere else and I have been blessed to experience and travel many places. We would literally borrow nick's d
On our first visit to Kennebunkport, our inn keeper suggested we try On The Marsh. Unfortunately, we never made it. Fast forward 4 years to 2020, and as permanent residents of the area, we finally made it on a recent, Friday night. Here’s what we found: a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere, a varied menu, a good wine list and a full bar. Our friend and now neighbor had the Oysters Rockefeller which he raved about. He didn’t say much about the haddock special That followed. I had an unremarkable Caesar and an over cooked 1/2 duck (I asked for crispy but I believe the chef mistakenly construed that to mean well done). The 3rd member in our party had a butternut squash soup which was apparently very good and a pork roast which was also good but not great. The oysters were the only stand out. Bottom line, the fare is pricey so our expectations were high. I’m not sure the execution of the dishes served warranted the prices charged. That said, I’d absolutely give it another try.
The environment was excellent, the food exceptional however the evening was hampered with our exit when the server felt it necessary to walk by our table verbally denouncing their acceptance of our AMEX card. Apparently he felt it necessary to let the surrounding guests know that we failed to present the appropriate card. Obviously he was unhappy that I placed my hand on the bill advising him I had not yet reviewed the guest check for payment which must of embarrased him. In the end the venue was A+, the server, needs coaching. Highly recommend........
This place used to be the place you went for special occasions. Was there sat 2/1/20, requested a specific table for 6. They could not guarantee it. No prob, as long as we are in the same room as the piano. That did not happen either. Ordered drinks, they came sporadically. My drink was made wrong, but since I was hosting I didn't want to be that guy. Bottle of wine took forever to arrive. When it finally came, I went to make a toast and one person still didn't have their drink.
DISCLAIMER: Do NOT trust On the Marsh Bistro for a special occasion. I will provide details of my whole experience on planning a surprise 40th birthday dinner for my wife. Based on their self-promotion of special tables on their website, I chose to book directly with the restaurant instead of Open Table to reserve one. I emailed with the General Manager Amanda almost a month in advance to book. I was confirmed for Friday, February 7th at 7:30 and provided my cell phone as well as having my email address. Friday evening my wife and I drive up from Boston and arrive to the restaurant parking lot being completely empty, with a majority of the lights off in the building. After walking around aimlessly around the building totally bewildered, I call the phone number which has no recorded message of any emergency or closing. I then go on the restaurant website which also has nothing noted. Again, reminder that this is a surprise evening and weekend in which I’ve reserved their most intimate, private table which they highlight as having multiple engagement proposals at. Thankfully, my wife was great about it but I was mortified. We finally give up that it’s a lost cause and go and eat at the Old Vines Wine Bar which was lovely. Highly recommend. However, it was tough to truly enjoy the evening with the complete unknowns of what had went wrong at On the Marsh. I left a voicemail asking that someone please call me to explain what happened and also wrote an email that same night (Friday). The next day we drive by the restaurant to see that the parking lot is full and they are open for lunch. It’s about 1 pm so it’s a little bit upsetting that no one returned my voicemail or email yet but they are happily open and serving. I decide to go in to talk to someone. I speak with Britney (spelling) who was at hostess table. I calmly and politely explain what has transpired and although she did apologize, I was taken aback by the lack of remorse or serious concern with such a major oversight. She simply explained that they closed due to the weather. My reservation was indeed in the system with my contact information and she said I should have been contacted. When I asked why they didn’t record a message on the machine or post on the website, she said they posted it on their Facebook page. Britney offered nothing else to me including no explanation as to why I wasn’t contacted in response to my voicemail or email I had left the night before where I explicitly requested someone call me. Neither the owner or Amanda the General Manager who I booked with were at the restaurant when I was speaking with Britney. Britney said they could accommodate us that night and to her credit, said she would ensure we were “taken care of” as she would be in that evening as well. I said I’d be open to that but I’d like to hear from Amanda or someone else before we came in. She said that Amanda would be in within the hour, she would discuss with her and have her call me. Well, the reason for this long-winded review is that no one even had the decency to call me and it’s been 24 hours since I went in-person to discuss this massive oversight. I COMPLETELY understand the impacts of inclement weather to a Business. However, in 2020 it is totally unacceptable to not take the easy steps to avoid further inconvenience to customers by simply notifying them via cell phone, email, website and changing their own recorded phone message. All of those modalities can be done off premise, so someone from staff could have easily communicated from their homes or elsewhere. So, in conclusion, if planing a surprise party or a proposal, I would precede with EXTREME caution knowing that this is how they treat people. Mistakes happen but the lack of accountability here was inexcusable. I don’t want anyone to have an experience like this.
Great restaurant. Always come here when I come to my summer home in Maine
A beautiful old home on the marsh has been tastefully converted and decorated as a wonderful restaurant. Superior food and great service make this a special place. The salads and sandwiches are excellent and nicely presented. Great wine selection.
Unique ambiance and decor. Comfortable and casual. The menu contains a wonderful array of choices. The food is inventive and delicious. Good cocktail and wine list. Service was first rate. Definitely recommended.
Fabulous restaurant. Nicely decorated and comfortable seating arrangement.
So much fun at our company holiday party! The atmosphere was amazing and the fellowship was wonderful! The food was good! Staff so helpful! Thank you!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great menu and atmosphere. The food is a bit expensive but worth it for a special occasion. Service is very good.
Great atmosphere and food. An Xmas wonderland
the food is always excellent, it is our tradition to go when we are in town for Prelude
The atmosphere is beautiful. The soup was very good. The vegetable/lobster entree was terrible. Mushy with no taste. Very pricey. Do not Recommend.
Dinner was fantastic. Great wait staff. A little noisy , but we will definitely be back.
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