Maine is known for its incredibly fresh seafood, and a good Maine seafood restaurant menu is key to showing off everything the state’s waters have to offer.
This guide covers the items you’re most likely to see on a typical Maine seafood restaurant menu, from fried clams to lobster rolls.
Appetizers: Setting the stage for a seafood feast
No Maine seafood restaurant menu is complete without a few classic appetizers. You’ll often see creamy clam chowder, rich lobster bisque, and fresh oysters on the half shell.
But many restaurants offer regional specialties. Look for steamed mussels in garlic and white wine, or crispy crab cakes made with locally sourced crab meat. Freshness is key, so ask about the daily catch!
Dinners from the Deep: The Main Event
Okay, you’ve had your appetizer and a bowl of chowder. Now it’s time for the heart of the Maine seafood experience.
Fried Seafood Platters
You can’t go wrong with a classic fried seafood platter. Think pollock, haddock, fillet of sole, shrimp, calamari, whole belly clams (a must-try!), coconut shrimp, clam strips, sea scallops, bay scallops, or oysters (when they’re in season, of course). These platters usually come with salad, fries or rice, bread and butter, and a side like cole slaw, chef’s vegetable, or pasta salad.
Baked or Broiled Seafood
If you’re watching your waistline, ask about baked or broiled options. Haddock, cod, or salmon are great choices for these healthier preparations.
Dinner Features: Specials and Seasonal Catches
Always check the daily or weekly specials! This is where you’ll find the absolute freshest seafood available. During lobster season, you might see a special lobster bake. Other seasonal features might highlight specific types of fish depending on what the local fishermen are bringing in.
Sandwiches and Lighter Fare
Many Maine seafood restaurants offer sandwiches, like:
- Lobster rolls
- Fried haddock sandwiches
- Crab melts
If you’re looking for something lighter, you might try the “lighter side” option, which includes smaller portions of popular menu items, or grilled fish or a seafood salad.
Offering a variety of sandwiches and lighter fare allows restaurants to appeal to a wider range of tastes and appetites.
Sides and Desserts: The Finishing Touch
No Maine seafood restaurant menu is complete without a solid list of sides and desserts.
Expect to see options like coleslaw, the chef’s vegetable of the day, or pasta salad. Baked potatoes are often available in place of french fries or rice after 3 pm.
For dessert, look for New England classics such as blueberry pie, apple crisp, or a whoopie pie.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking for a Maine seafood restaurant menu, you can expect to see the freshest seafood, a wide variety of options, and some dishes that are unique to the region.
Dining at a Maine seafood restaurant isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. From the lobster to the scallops to the blueberry pie, Maine’s culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delicious.
So, explore the menus, talk to the locals, and get ready for an unforgettable taste of the Maine coast.