Dufour • cocktails & provisions

The server and host were very nice. The atmosphere was cool but as an old home enthusiast, so much of the original character of the inn was removed. We were placed near a very drafty door. But by far, the food was just not good. Brussels were tasty but 50$ for steak frites was outraged and raw. Our salmon was overcooked. The cocktail was college level. I’m very sad I spent $150 on such a poor meal. I hate to give poor reviews to local establishments but this is just to help anyone who lives on a budget not ruin a once a quarter date night meal.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

Food was awful and the cost was insane for the quality of what we got. The duck appetizer had an “off” taste to it. The other apps (brussel sprouts and pork belly) were ok, but not great. Halibut dish was flavorless and sitting a most displeasingly liquid. Burger was well done within but beyond charred in the outside with under cooked bacon and poorly cooked truffle fries on the side. My husband left with a stomach ache and the two of us that had halibut left hungry because we couldn’t bear to finish our meals. Even our “comfortably plum” cocktails were bad, basically just plum colored straight gin. The atmosphere is nice (lighting was too bright for dinner IMO though) and the service was good. Though one staff member stopped by toward the end our meal to ask how we liked things and nobody at the table responded except one of us that scrunched their nose and shoulders to convey “not great” and he didn’t bother to follow up. Honestly I have no issue sending a dish back but in this case I had no confidence they’d bring me something I would like. There was no point in bringing the disappointment to anyone’s attention, this just plain isn’t a place we’d ever return to.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, The Burger, Pork Belly Benny

My husband and I went for my birthday and it was so horrible that it was comical. We made a reservation for 2 at 7:15 and were seated promptly. Our server was polite and pleasant. We ordered our apps, dinner, and drinks at the same time. We had the small charcuterie for and an appetizer, which was fine. The night was ruined where we were seated for over an hour and a half and our entrees were still no where to be found. The bar and dining room were nearly empty, with under 10 parties in th place. Finally our entrees arrived, a green salad and a burger. The salad was okay but the dressing was so overpowering that it hurt my nose from the vinegar. The burger looked fine UNTIL my husband took a huge bite to reveal it was completely RAW. So raw that it was red, dripping with juice like you'd find taking hamburger out of a grocery store package. We showed the server, her eyes grew wide, immediately apologized and removed the dish. Did not offer to leave the fries. She did offer to make another, which we declined since we had already been there for 2 hours and had to get back to the babysitter. We asked for the bill, which was nearly $70 for 2 draft beers, a wine, a salad and small charcuterie. My husband paid, and he left still hungry without dinner. I didn't even get my birthday dessert which was promised to us for "next time". Unfortunately there will be no next time for us.... I've heard great things about this place and we're so disappointed trying it for the first time. My husband is a professional chef and I was a server for over 14 years, we are industry people. We want to support local but would not recommend Dufour. Save your money.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

Cheryl & Jackie are amazing! So friendly and accommodating, they make you feel like family.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Creme Brulee

What an outstanding dining experience we had last night! I was looking for a special place to help surprise my Wife for her birthday. I had secretly invited two of her best friends to join us for dinner. Quite frankly, between Boston, Portsmouth and Portland, we could not have chosen a better restaurant than Dufour's at the Stage House Inn!!!
Greg, our Host greeted us promptly and with sincerity and quickly showed us to our Reserved table in the tastefully restored Parlor. He was also able to educate us on the historic decorations preserved and incorporated throughout the Inn.
Kiera was our Server and was spot-on with her knowledge of the menu, specials and cocktails available. We were fortunate enough to be there when fresh oysters were available.
Finally, our meal of hanger steak and grilled pork chops was outstanding! Paired with a great Pinot Noir. The presentation was excellent and creative. We were so impressed and delighted that we asked if we could personally thank the Chef.
Gabe, the Head Chef came out and we let him know how pleased we were. He as gracious and assured us that he would pass this along to his Staff.
If you are in the area and are looking for a place that will exceed your expectations, then travel no further than South Berwick (yes, So. Berwick)! And say hi to Greg, Kiera and Gabe for us!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Creme Brulee, Hanger Steak

My friends brought me here for a birthday brunch which was an absolute delight! Everyone enjoyed the food ordered. The mimosa flight had us brought us in, and did not disappoint! Servings are generous and DELICIOUS. Staff was friendly, thoughtful and strives to provide the best experience possible.
Can't want to go back.
Thank you everyone!! ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautiful dining rooms , bar and outdoor seating. Hangar Steak was good but Chicken roulade appeared to be a statler chicken breast shaped into a ball and fried?

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

I have been here a few times and really want to love it but it’s just not happening. I arrived about 6 pm and was seated. My waitress simply never arrived so another one kindly took care of me - noticing I was waiting so long with no help. I was a table of one who only ordered oysters, the rabe salad and fries and I didn’t get out till 7pm. Sadly the wait was not worth it as the rabe salad had a horrible sour/tart taste and the fries looked like the bottom of the bag with only nibs of fries that were over cooked. This is not the first time I have been left disappointed by the food. The only good part about this was my server Sarah and the atmosphere. The kitchen leaves much to be desired.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

Lovely setting with good service. Menu is short, with NO fish options at all except Ahi. How about some local fish in summer? Boring salads, horrible chicken (a mish-mash in smashed potatoes), 2 mushroom dishes as entrees. Kitchen is severely challenged.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

Wow, what a treat this place was. Absolutely blown away. Totally exceeded all expectations! Great atmosphere. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Every dish from our apps to our mains were delicious! Can't possibly say enough good things about this place. Try it and you will most definitely not regret it! Keep up the good work!

Great food! I can't wait to go back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Hanger Steak

Went for my birthday with my husband, and it did not disappoint. Everything about this place is top notch, from the service to the atmosphere to the food. Cocktails are incredible. There is nothing that we ordered that we wouldn't highly recommend, abd this is the sort if place where I'd order something different even if I'm not sure about it because I know it would still probably be good. The scallops and my husband's steak were cooked perfectly, and the flavors were on point.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always pushing to the highest standard love this place for my favorite ?

Im giving two stars to head chef that allowed a shoulder cut of beef to be used as a “Beef Wellington” Special. Traditionally and always, the center cut of the tenderloin or “chateaubriand” is used.It was presented nicely, but the composition was completely incorrect, and this information was failed to be passed to service then to diner.We should always question the special, because what this is saying to me is that you had extra unfavorable cuts of beef that you wrapped up in puff pastry and made to look pretty. We can also tell you had extra mushrooms because you mixed the remaining duxelles in with the side of greens.Lastly and almost most importantly was the lack of demi-glacé or Bordelaise sauce. Which, building these flavor profiles is an art of its own.To sum it up, I was very disappointed in the Beef Wellington.However, the curry sauced mussels were fantastic and very well executed. The staff was great and professional, offering another dish and taking off a round of our drinks.The atmosphere was beautiful, clean, modern, and decadent. We did get there early and were seated in the large dining hall right next to a table of six, which felt too invasive.I really did like the restaurant, and it’s hard to find a fine dining experience locally. We will definitely be back to try more options on the menu, but definitely not for that Beef Shoulder Wellington!! 86 it!!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 5

Beautiful atmosphere, wonderful food, and terrific staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts