Restaurants near Southwest Harbor

“A Perfect Stay at the Claremont – Made Unforgettable by Captain Alwyn (sp?) and Lady A Our stay at the Claremont was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The rooms were beautifully appointed, the service was attentive and warm, and the location couldn’t have been more picturesque. Every detail felt thoughtful and refined. Dining at Little Fern was also a highlight—delicious food, elegant ambiance, and top-tier hospitality. But what truly made our trip unforgettable was our charter with Lady A. We were lucky enough to set out with Captain Alwyn, a knowledgeable and passionate local who brought the beauty of the area to life in such a personal and engaging way. From hidden coves to sweeping coastal views, every moment on the water felt like a scene from a dream. Captain Alwyn’s expertise, warmth, and deep roots in the community made the experience both relaxing and enriching. If you’re staying at the Claremont, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Treat yourself to a day on Lady A—it’s a must-do, and one of the most memorable parts of our Maine getaway.”

“All of the dishes I've had here have been wonderful, tasty and beautifully presented. Great addition to SWH, so glad because I live about 20 minutes from SWH so it's convenient.”

“WHEN SEEKING A DINING SPOT WHILE TRAVELING, CONSIDER PLACES THAT ARE OWNER OPERATORS AND HAVE BEEN OPERATING FOR YEEAARRSSSS...

if you are visiting Mount Desert Island and seeking a small, polished spot, consider The Red Sky Cafe in SW Harbor.

We visited for dinner on the last day of summer in 2026 and WHAT A TREAT.

The owner runs the front of the house and we were attended by (Mr.) Matija for the evening; we were in good hands.

The atmosphere, service and food and beverage stand tall with those with much tonier addresses.

You just feel you are in for a good evening when the craft coktails are sellar ... we enjoyed the Mint Martini and the Summertime. Following were fine versions of corn chowdah, a tomato and leek tart, a prime strip and in-house made tagliatelle with local ricotta and house-smoked salmon.

The owner allowed us to bring a special bottle for the occasion, with a corkage fee of course.

We are celebrating our 43rd anniversary with September in Maine. This will be the ONLY spot we visit twice for dinner.

Thank you very much!”

“We were on our first trip to the Southwest Harbor area and were recommended to try out Vacationland and MAN it didn’t disappoint! We are huge coffee lovers and Chris’ knowledge and love of all things coffee is ever present! This cool little spot was so close to our Airbnb and it is right on the water! The breakfast sandwiches are also delicious with Mike on the grill! The coolest part is he offers custom coffee to go in sealed 4pack cans. Can’t wait to go back next year!”

“This place is doing absolutely beautiful things for this community. We had heard about it on one of the MDI pages. My husband and I wanted to check out the popovers but what we walked away with was so much more. We were welcomed in by the volunteers, given directions on how it all worked, and were able to have some incredible popovers while listening to music. We returned our last morning on island with our entire family, including our two dogs and enjoyed popovers as we sung along to songs from the Common Good Band. It was my 7 months olds first time on the island and I am so glad she got to experience all of that. Incredible Popovers, Awesome atmosphere and great cause. We can’t wait to come back on our next visit.”

“I hadn't been here since it's earliest days, when it mainly sold pizza. I prefer the Little Notch pizza, so just didn't go in. Finally went back and it was great, so we went back again. The pizza has been replaced with some excellent food. The chef is talented, uses quality ingredients, and pays attention to detail. The menu is interesting--not the usual lobster and haddock you find at pretty much every restaurant on the island. We had the jamabalaya, the ramen and seaweed salad, the hummus and they were all really good. My daughter had the hamburger and said it was one of the three best burgers she had ever eaten. (In her life, not just on the island.)

It's busy during the season and they don't take reservations. The first time we went we were just lucky and got there right as the first seating was leaving, so we didn't wait long. The second time, we were in the area before it opened and I saw a line forming so I got on it, maybe ten minutes before they opened, so that was fine. But as we ate I saw people walk in to try and get a table and then leave when they heard the wait. Not a lot of places to eat in town so I hope they found somewhere! Anyway, plan ahead.”

“Delicious VEGAN breakfast sandwich, it was so good. The rosemary focaccia was out of this world, and I’ve been thinking about it daily after our vacation. Service was friendly and quick and able to answer our questions regarding items being vegan or not. Most were clearly labeled which is a huge bonus!”

“A Perfect Stay at the Claremont – Made Unforgettable by Captain Alwyn (sp?) and Lady A Our stay at the Claremont was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The rooms were beautifully appointed, the service was attentive and warm, and the location couldn’t have been more picturesque. Every detail felt thoughtful and refined. Dining at Little Fern was also a highlight—delicious food, elegant ambiance, and top-tier hospitality. But what truly made our trip unforgettable was our charter with Lady A. We were lucky enough to set out with Captain Alwyn, a knowledgeable and passionate local who brought the beauty of the area to life in such a personal and engaging way. From hidden coves to sweeping coastal views, every moment on the water felt like a scene from a dream. Captain Alwyn’s expertise, warmth, and deep roots in the community made the experience both relaxing and enriching. If you’re staying at the Claremont, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Treat yourself to a day on Lady A—it’s a must-do, and one of the most memorable parts of our Maine getaway.”

“First time here, visiting from PA. Best lobster rolls we’ve had our entire time in Maine, will be skipping trying to find anything better and be having dinner here the rest of our trip.”

“Can’t recommend Bubs enough. Meats are always tender and juicy, sauces are one of a kind, complimentary ingredients are chosen well, and the burritos are massive. The owner, Serkan, is a great guy. Nice to have another local restaurant doing good things.”

“Hubby & I ended our wedding day with a trip to Beal’s to grab some lobster rolls & catch the sunset, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect end to the best day. Lobster rolls are the best we’ve had in Maine, blueberry cheesecake was amazing, staff was so kind and excited to have us there and we were seated at perfect, intimate indoor table with gorgeous views of the harbor. Went back the next day and had scallops & clams, and food was equally as amazing and fresh as night before. We LOVE Beal’s and will be visiting any time we make it back up to Maine!!”

“Batson Fish Camp, nice place for a drink. We were not staying on site and still welcomed. Bartender was great.”

“We were at Charlotte’s on Wednesday 8/20 there were 4 of us and even though it was a little on the cool side, we totally enjoyed our meals. Our meals consisted of fried shrimp & clams, a hot dog and fresh lobster rolls along with French fries, coleslaw and pickles with the sandwiches. Price was comparable with other restaurants in the area. Plenty of parking and room to move around. A great place to watch the power of the ocean.”

“Love the grab and go food options! Everything was delicious. We got the cobb salad, sorelle wrap and classic corn dog. They also have a great selection of sweet treats and snacks. I tried their cotton candy ice cream and it was yum! Can't wait to go back!”

“Friday night specials and drinks were great. Different than you would find elsewhere in down east Maine. Our drinks were always full, we left full without much to take home, and the service was friendly and on point. Great job at this unique restaurant and sports bar! Next time we are in the area this is where we’ll be eating!”

“Ordered a panini and was mistakenly given someone else’s order with 3 paninis. Once I returned to the register and informed the staff they immediately worked on sorting it out. Not only did they make sure my correct order was out in the next five minutes, they refunded my entire purchase. The food was definitely worth it and I would come back and eat here again. Customer service on point!”

“Breakfast sandwiches/wraps were delicious!! Went there two days in a row and was so happy both days. We got regular lattes-nothing special but the coffee hit the spot.”

“Great seafood and attentive staff”

“Amazing dog friendly Ask for mallory she is amazing so are bloody marrys”

“I worked there 20 yrs ago.I loved the people of bar harbor and the scenery. But most of all the the homemade ice cream and fudge.”

“Real Ale is the best Red I think I have ever had. Left with a case!! Smashburger is amazing! Staff was so welcoming, we sat at the Bar, I dont know the bartenders name , from Mass i think but she was the best! All in, We loved it.”

“We were a group of friends from Ohio that landed at Table Salt on vacation. What a great experience! Loved the atmosphere, the food, and our waitress was top notch! Highly recommend!”

“This is a hidden gem of a food joint disguised as a gas station. We ate breakfast there 3 days this week and we have a kitchen in the place we are renting, but it was so good and convient that we couldn't help ourselves.”

“I was in Maine all week and literally ate lobster in some fashion every day. Archie’s is hands down the best place we’ve eaten all week!! Today I had the cold lobster roll and the lobster bisque…. AMAZING!!!! DELICIOUS!!!”

“We stopped and bought a second blueberry pie during our vacation due to it being the best blueberry pie I’ve ever eaten. Would highly recommend you stop here and get a pie!”

“We've been semi regulars since the Deli opened. Living locally, I come by in spring and fall when it's not too crazy in Bar Harbor. The food is always delicious and the service is quick and friendly. The stand out is their Thanksgiving Day After, without a doubt the best Sammich in town!! Thanks to Robin and her crew!!”

“yummy jerk chicken and Amazing authentic fresh Jamaican food leaving me wanting more...so friendly!! thank youuu”

“I was hesitant about taking my young family here, but the loft did not disappoint! It's a new family favorite in Bar Harbor, and I have converted to loving seafood and the raw menu because of the loft! The ahi tuna nachos were a hit all around and a big recommendation to try! We can't wait to go back! The staff and food was amazing, and they even catered to my two children (1yr and 4yrs old).”

“Sandwiches are fresh and ingredients are top quality. Baked goods are fantastic. I bought a strawberry rhubarb pie today and it was perfect, that crust was amazing. This shop is my quilty treat after cleaning cottages on the island. Thank you for being there.”

“This was a great place to find. By far one of the best blueberry muffins I ever had.”