Captain Swift Inn

Midcoast Maine has emerged as one of the country's premier dining destinations. At the Captain Swift Inn in Camden, you are perfectly positioned to explore a landscape where world-class technique meets the freshest Atlantic ingredients.

The following is a curated selection of local favorites but it is by no means exhaustive. The Midcoast Maine region is home to a vast array of incredible eateries, and there are so many hidden gems that make it a true culinary capital.

Award-Winning Fine Dining:

• Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn: Experience the height of Maine luxury. Overlooking Camden Harbor, this award-winning restaurant offers a farm-fresh, modern take on New England cuisine, including their legendary multi-course lobster tasting menu.
• Nina June (Rockport): Perched over Rockport Harbor, Chef Sara Jenkins—a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast—blends Mediterranean tradition with Maine’s bounty. Her handmade pastas and harbor views make this an essential stop.
• Primo (Rockland): Led by two-time James Beard winner Melissa Kelly, Primo is a "full-circle kitchen" on a four-acre farm, defining the ultimate farm-to-table experience.

The "NY Times" Highlights:

• The Place Bakery (Camden): A tiny operation recognized by the NY Times as one of the 22 best bakeries in the country. Known for "ethereally flaky" croissants and seasonal Danishes, they are open very limited weekend hours and often sell out early.
• Sammy’s Deluxe (Rockland): Recently named to The New York Times' "50 Best Restaurants in America" list, this unpretentious spot by Sam Richman is famous for its "haddock snacks," foraged mushrooms, and creative Maine comfort food.

Local Culinary Gems:

• Long Grain (Camden): A James Beard-nominated favorite where traditional Southeast Asian flavors meet Maine’s seasonal ingredients. Their house-made wide rice noodles are a local legend.
• Franny’s Bistro (Camden): A cozy neighborhood gem in Camden, celebrated for its warm atmosphere and sophisticated comfort food like Portuguese Seafood Linguine.
• 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill (Rockport): A rustic-chic destination featuring a wood-fired grill and a premier raw bar showcasing the freshest local oysters.

Casual Lobster Shacks & Seafood:

• McLoons Lobster Shack (South Thomaston): Often cited as the best lobster roll in Maine, this is the quintessential "hidden gem." Located about 25 minutes from the Inn on Spruce Head Island, you’ll eat at red picnic tables directly across from the wharf where the lobsters are landed.
• Graffam Bros Seafood Shack (Rockport): A local favorite for a no-frills, high-quality lobster roll or fried clam basket. It’s located right in Rockport and is a perfect stop for a quick, authentic lunch.
• McLaughlin's Lobster Shack (Lincolnville): Located right on the beach in Lincolnville, this is a great spot to grab a steamer bucket or a roll and watch the Islesboro ferry come and go.
• Claws (Rockland): A popular roadside spot in the "Lobster Capital of the World." It’s known for generous portions and a large outdoor deck with views of the Rockland harbor.

Wineries & Breweries:

• Cellardoor Winery (Lincolnville): Located just 10 minutes from Camden, this premier destination features a 68-acre farm with a restored 1790s barn tasting room. It offers small-batch, handcrafted wines and vineyard tours from June through October.
• Odd Alewives Farm Brewery (Waldoboro): A farmhouse brewery located on a colorful farm offering brick oven pizzas and outdoor fire pits in the winter.