York is a picturesque town in New England on the Southern Maine coast that has become a popular tourist destination. In addition, the area is renowned for having some of the best seafood on the Atlantic coast.
But you’ll discover more than just great seafood in York. Our team toured the town to find all the best restaurants and hidden gems.
So, whether it’s excellent seafood, a delicious steak, or even Chinese, you’ll find the perfect spot on our list of the 15 best restaurants in York.
1. Lobster Cove
$$ | 207-351-1100 | WEBSITE
Are you looking for a great old-fashioned lobster dinner? Then Lobster Cove is the perfect spot. Enjoy the incredible views and ocean breezes from the upper and lower outdoor decks during the summer months.
Then, cozy up in front of one of the two fireplaces when it turns colder. This no-frills restaurant serves traditional Maine seafood, chicken, and beef dishes.
2. Fox’s Lobster House
$$$ | 207-363-2643 | WEBSITE
Since 1966, Fox’s Lobster House has been serving traditional Maine seafood to the 1000s of tourists that visit the Cape Neddick Lighthouse on Nubble Island. The restaurant offers incredible views of the lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s alfresco dining on the outdoor patio during the warmer months. Enjoy delicious Maine lobster, fresh seafood, homemade blueberry pie, and ice cream. The restaurant is next to Sohier Park, just a four-minute walk from the lighthouse.
3. Thai For You
$ | 207-351-8590 | WEBSITE
Located in Meadowbrook Plaza just off US-1, Thai For You serves homemade Thai dishes in a friendly atmosphere. They offer daily lunch and dinner specials, and the staff is happy to give suggestions. Orders are filled quickly and come out delicious. A great place to stop when you are out sightseeing.
4. Walker’s Maine
$$$$ | 207-351-1145 | WEBSITE
Husband and wife team Justin and Danielle Walker have created a chic and cozy spot to enjoy upscale farm-to-table dining. AAA Four Diamond and MaineHospitality’s Restaurateur of the Year, Chef Justin combines locally sourced and foraged ingredients in new and exciting dishes that bring a modern flair to traditional American cuisine.
The menu is vegan and vegetarian friendly. The perfect place for date night – snuggle up in front of the rustic stone fireplace. Check out their cooking classes to learn how to create the same culinary magic at home.
5. Dante’s Detroit Style Pizza
$$ | 207-451-4013 | WEBSITE
What is Detroit-style pizza? Think of a Chicago deep dish, but deeper, square instead of round, with a dollop of sauce on top after baking. But Dante’s offers more than just pizza. The extensive menu includes salads, pasta, meatballs, appetizers, and sandwiches.
Enjoy your pizza outdoors on the back patio during the summer months. If you love pizza and have never had a Detroit-style pie, a visit to Dante’s should be in your future.
6. York Harbor Inn
$$$ | 207-363-5119 | WEBSITE
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Chef Emeritus Bonsey has been creating fine American and seafood dishes at 1637 at York Harbor Inn for the past 30 years. The menu has enough variety to please any palate and has even been featured in Food & Wine Magazine.
Enjoy the fantastic ocean views from the intimate, cozy dining rooms while enjoying one of the many fine wines from the extensive yet discriminating wine list. After dinner, head downstairs to Ship’s Cellar Pub for a nightcap and live music most nights. The perfect place to enjoy an evening with friends.
7. Wild Willy’s Burgers
$$ | 207-363-9924 | WEBSITE
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The perfect stop for lunch, Wild Willy’s serves upscale, homemade burgers in a casual and friendly atmosphere. But there’s more than just burgers on the menu – try the chili or the Gabby chicken sandwich. In addition, Wild Willy’s offers a wide selection of freshly squeezed fruit juices, sodas, frappes, and Captain Eli’s Draft Rootbeer from Portland, ME.
Order and pay at the counter, then grab a seat indoors or outdoors. When you’re hankering for a tasty burger, Wild Willy’s won’t disappoint.
8. Goldenrod Restaurant
$$ | 207-363-2621 | WEBSITE
A York favorite since 1896, The Goldenrod Candy Shop and Restaurant offers more than just candy. But don’t be fooled; there’s more than just candy at The Goldenrod Candy Shop and Restaurant. The menu features a variety of local and American dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options.
The clam chowder comes loaded with clams, and the lobster roll is delicious. There’s plenty of room in the classic New England dining room, featuring beamed ceilings, oak tables, and a rustic stone fireplace.
Don’t skip the homemade ice cream for dessert, and be sure to grab some salt water taffy on the way out. You’ll find The Goldenrod in the heart of York on Short Sands Beach.
9. The Central Restaurant and Bar
$$ | 207-351-8363 | WEBSITE
Located in the heart of historic York, The Central serves a variety of Mexican, American, and Asian dishes. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. They don’t usually have long waits, but it’s advisable to check for reservations.
The staff is always friendly and accommodating. Consider starting with the Mexican Street Corn Croquettes or Pok Pok Style wings. And the Korean steak tips are a real crowd pleaser. For dessert, try a Maine milkshake made with Allen’s Coffee Brandy.
10. Stone’s Throw
$$$ | 207-361-3116 | WEBSITE
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This lively, upscale, yet causal restaurant serves contemporary fine seafood and American dishes with a creative twist. The views are fantastic, especially from the 2nd-floor rooftop patio. The restaurant is just a stone’s throw from Long Sands Beach.
The staff is attentive and always smiling. They offer a wide selection of specialty cocktails and local craft beers. The lobster roll is always an excellent choice – it even comes in a vegetarian version. The Stone’s Throw is a great place to share with friends while enjoying fresh Maine seafood with an incredible view.
11. The Union Bluff Pub
$$$ | 207-363-1333 | WEBSITE
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You’ll find Union Bluff Pub in the Union Bluff Hotel next to Short Sands Beach. They serve seafood, American, and local dishes in a traditional pub atmosphere. In addition, they offer a wide variety of handmade cocktails and wines by the glass.
The service is friendly and attentive. The menu features fresh Maine seafood and traditional pub-style items, including vegan and vegetarian options. An excellent choice for watching the game in a New-England style pub.
12. Inn on the Blues
$$ | 207-351-3221 | WEBSITE
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The Inn has been the “Place to Be in Southern Maine” for great food and music for more than 100 years. This historic building is one of the few in York that retains its original structure. During its long history, all types of musical acts have played here, from blues and jazz to rock and roll.
The full menu features fresh grilled seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads. Come for Karaoke Mondays or Reggae Tuesdays, or enjoy one of the many live acts throughout the season.
13. Dockside Restaurant
$$$ | 207-363-2722 | WEBSITE
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On the shores of Harris Island in York Harbor, the Lusty family has been serving guests since 1952. This hidden gem serves classic New England dishes, from Maine lobster to ribeye steak.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor and rocky shores while you dine. The Dockside Drunken Lobster comes with seared scallops, and the Harris Island Haddock is big enough for two. A perfect choice for a romantic dinner out.
14. Bamboo Garden
$$ | 207-361-4388 | WEBSITE
Looking for great Chinese food in York? Visit the Bamboo Garden. There’s something for everyone. The menu offers all the traditional dishes – seafood, pork, beef, chicken, and vegetables – plus a healthy food section.
Try the crispy shrimp with pineapple or the Kung Pao Trio. Though a little bit off the beaten path, the excellent service, and great food make it a worthwhile stop.
15. Sun and Surf Restaurant
$$ | 207-363-2961 | WEBSITE
Sun and Surf is the only restaurant located directly on Long Sands Beach. Family-owned and operated since 1963, locals joke that half the town has worked at this popular seafood restaurant at some point during their lives.
The restaurant offers three outdoor patios (weather permitting) and an indoor dining room. The menu is extensive and has a variety of seafood options – from sandwiches to pan-seared scallops to lobster ravioli. Sip one of the house specialty cocktails while you enjoy unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Summary
So, whether it’s great seafood with an ocean view or the best Detroit-style pizza, a visit to any of the 15 best restaurants in York, ME, will be an experience to remember with loved ones and friends. After all, nothing brings us closer together than sharing a wonderful meal.
