Kittery, Maine, Restaurants | Dining Guide

Perhaps best known for its cluster of bargain shopping outlets, the coastal Maine town of Kittery also has a vibrant restaurant scene. Located just over the border from the dining mecca of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Kittery has done a pretty good job keeping pace. Here’s an overview of Kittery, Maine, restaurants to look for.

KITTERY, MAINE, RESTAURANTS | DINING GUIDE

KITTERY, MAINE, RESTAURANTS FOR BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

FIREFLY DINERThe menu here is full of happy surprises no matter the hour, but the fresh, fluffy omelets and the homemade grits make the Firefly a great choice for breakfast. The diner serves “American comfort food with a Southern flair” — and that suits New England appetites just fine. LIL’S Named after Lillian Mangos, a longtime server at Bob’s Clam Hut, this unassuming café has fast become a signature Kittery destination thanks to its excellent coffee and pastries. You’ll never look at crullers the same way again. BEACH PEA BAKING CO. The fresh-baked croissants, scones, and muffins at this Route 1 bakery are the perfect way to start your day (and if you’re getting a late start, the sandwiches and salads are top-notch, too).

KITTERY, MAINE, RESTAURANTS FOR LUNCH

HENRY VIII CARVERY This unassuming shop on Route 1 serves up some inspired sandwiches. The homemade soups are delicious, as is the hand-carved turkey and ham, but the roast beef — slow-roasted and hand-carved on the spot — might just leave the most lasting impression. The lobster roll gets raves, too. TRIBUTARY BREWING CO. / BELLE’S ON WHEELS Perhaps the best one-two punch in Kittery can be found on Shapleigh Road, where local beer legend Tod Mott (creator of the original Harpoon IPA recipe) serves up both classic and creative brews at Tributary Brewing Co. In the parking lot just outside, meanwhile, you’ll often find the wood-paneled Belle’s on Wheels food truck. The selections change daily, but this is far from typical food truck fare. Try the poutine or the crab cake sliders. BOB’S CLAM HUT This is one of the classic New England clam destinations. The fried clams are available in two signature styles: one named for Bob, the founder, and one for Lillian, the longtime face of the business. If possible, arrange to try them both ways. Bob’s Clam Hut has been featured in Yankee’s Local Flavor column and also appears on our “10 Best Fried Clams in Maine” list. BILL’S ORIGINAL KITCHEN Service doesn’t get much more personal than this. At Bill’s, the namesake chef not only makes your meal but also takes your order and delivers it, too. It’s a casual and creative one-man show. The menu is ever changing, but if available the pot roast burger is a great place to start. BLIND PIG PROVISIONS The riverside patio here is perfect for nursing a draft or a cocktail, and there’s plenty of comfort food to keep you satisfied. Seafood and barbecue are the house specialties, and everything has a bit of a twist. Try the brisket grilled cheese.

KITTERY, MAINE, RESTAURANTS FOR DINNER

THE BLACK BIRCH The combination of a casual vibe, good food, and an expansive selection of beers on tap put this first-come, first-served bistro at the top of any Kittery visitor’s must-stop list — especially at off-hours, when you can avoid what is often a lengthy wait for a table or even a spot at the bar. The deviled eggs three ways and deep-fried short rib with couscous are delicious, but there isn’t a bad choice to be found on the menu. WHEN PIGS FLY PIZZERIA This 160-seat bakery and restaurant on Route 1 compliments its wood-fired creations with an impressive collection of draft beers. Try a sandwich on one of the artisanal breads, or share a signature pizza (the four cheese and pesto is divine). Named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Bread and Pizza.” ROBERT’S MAINE GRILL The owner of Bob’s Clam Hut and Lil’s Café scores a trifecta with a slightly more formal, farm-to-table take on New England comfort food classics at Robert’s Maine Grill. The seafood and chowders are the stars of the show, of course, with the lobster roll and oysters on the half shell getting raves. ANNEKE JANS Whether you’ve grabbed a seat near the lounge fireplace or reserved a table in the main dining room, the New American cuisine at this Wallingford Square bistro is relaxed and perfect for a romantic dinner or a laid-back evening with friends. The creative cocktail list complements the ever-changing dinner menu and makes every visit memorable. TULSI If you’re looking for a change of pace, check out Tulsi for some of the best Indian cuisine to be found in New England. Mumbai-trained chefRajesh Mandekar will tailor the spiciness of the dishes to suit your palate, but fear not: If you get carried away with the variety of curries and masalas, a refreshing mango lassi is the perfect cool-down. What are some of your favorite Kittery, Maine, restaurants?