Seafood Restaurants
Alisson's Restaurant & Pub
Alisson’s is almost more of a tradition than a restaurant to me. It’s been there forever, everyone eats there. It’s solid New England seafood and American pub food. People swear by it, my parents included. It’s right downtown so it’s the easy go-to.
Featured on Food Wars in 2010.
Pricing: $$
Outdoor Seating: no
Family Friendly: yes
Reservations: no, online waitlist recommended though
Arundel Warf
This is also your true New England-style seafood restaurant. Not fancy, but on the waterfront and a true standout in its class. This is the one that people find memorable. Watching the Facebook boards, I’ve notice that tourists often come back to this as their favorite of the seafood restaurants.
Pricing: $$
Outdoor Seating: yes
Family Friendly: yes
Reservations: 6 or more only
The Boathouse Restaurant
We enjoy sitting out on the back deck that overlooks the small harbor. This restaurant is a more targeted toward tourists so it can be a bit harder to get a table during peak season but if you hit it at the right time it’s definitely a lovely spot to enjoy a meal or some raw bar specialties. My favorite local oysters are Pemaquid oysters or Spinney Creek and they tend to have these.
Pricing: $$$
Outdoor Seating: yes
Family Friendly: Sort of; we have had our kids here multiple times. They enjoyed themselves but the vibe is definitely more upscale than super child friendly
Reservations: no
Mabel’s Lobster Claw
Mabel’s has kept its 1950s vibe and continues to offer traditional New England seafood fare. It’s a staple and a frequent recommendation from regular Kennebunk tourists.
Featured on Food Paradise in 2012.
Pricing: $$$
Outdoor Seating: yes
Family Friendly: yes
Reservations: yes
Nunan’s Lobster Hut
This is as close to a pure pier lobster experience as you can find in Kennebunk. CASH ONLY. This is a longtime family business serving lobster off the pier. No frills, all local goodness.
Pricing: $$
Outdoor Seating: yes
Family Friendly: yes
Reservations: no