2026 Outdoor Dining Guide!
From sweet downtown patios to decks with breathtaking views of the water, the Seacoast towns of New Hampshire and Maine offer a variety of options when it comes to outdoor dining! Take a peek at some local spots we love that offer memorable al fresco dining experiences!
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waterfront dining
LATITUDES WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL AT THE NONANTUM RESORT
Nestled along the scenic Kennebunk River, Latitudes offers a welcoming waterfront dining experience and is a premier destination for outdoor dining in Kennebunkport, Maine. Located beside the resort’s outdoor pool and overlooking the marina, this seasonal restaurant features balcony seating and a relaxed lawn patio with beautiful water views. Known for its fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and inviting coastal atmosphere, Latitudes also serves as a lively summer gathering spot with local music Sunday through Thursday. Whether enjoying lunch by the water, sunset drinks, or small plates while watching boats cruise the river, guests can experience the best of Kennebunkport waterfront dining. Open seasonally beginning June 5.
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DECK AT DOCKSIDE
Located on the waterfront in York Harbor, Maine, the Deck at Dockside offers a quintessential coastal dining experience with panoramic harbor views, tropical cocktails, and a relaxed open-air atmosphere. Known for its scenic waterfront setting and laid-back summer vibe, this popular York Harbor restaurant is the perfect spot for casual dining, refreshing drinks, and sunset gatherings by the water. Whether stopping in for lunch, dinner, or cocktails with a view, guests can enjoy the beauty of Maine’s coastline while soaking up the easygoing charm that makes The Deck at Dockside a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
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PEPPERRELL COVE
Pepperrell Cove is a scenic waterfront destination in Kittery Point, Maine with stunning ocean views and a variety of outdoor dining options from morning to night. Guests can start the day with breakfast at Provisions Cafe and Store, order fresh seafood for lunch or dinner at Frisbee’s Wharf or diners can enjoy a more upscale experience at Bistro 1828’s roof deck/bar called the Ski Club. Pepperrell Cove provides a true coastal gathering space for dining and relaxation with dock space is available for boaters! People rave about the sunsets too! Locally owned/managed. Reservations highly recommended!
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OLD FERRY LANDING
Located along the scenic Piscataqua River in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Old Ferry Landing is a family-owned waterfront restaurant that has been serving locals and visitors for more than 50 years. Known for its spacious outdoor deck, stunning harbor views, fresh lobster rolls made with 100% lobster meat, and a variety of fresh seafood favorites, this Portsmouth dining destination offers a classic New England waterfront experience. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant’s famous Jimmy Juice while watching tugboats pass by on the river. Open seven days a week starting at 11:30 a.m., Old Ferry Landing remains a longtime favorite for waterfront dining in Portsmouth.
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ORE NELLS BBQ
Ore Nell’s is a casual, welcoming barbecue restaurant located along the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine. Known for its authentic Central Texas-style barbecue, the menu features oak-smoked meats prepared low and slow for bold, traditional flavor. Guests can enjoy indoor dining or relax outdoors at picnic tables with scenic river views. Open seven days a week, Ore Nell’s offers a laid-back waterfront experience that combines hearty barbecue with one of Kittery’s most picturesque settings.
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DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT
Dockside Restaurant is a family-owned waterfront restaurant and private event venue located in York, Maine. Known for its classic New England cuisine, the menu features Maine lobster, fresh seafood, and ribeye steak, all served with scenic views of the harbor. Guests can enjoy a relaxed coastal dining experience with seating options including the porch, patio, or lawn for a picnic-style setting. Reservations are recommended at this York Harbor destination, where waterfront views and traditional fare come together in a quintessential Maine dining experience.
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patio dining
ROOFTOP AT THE ENVIO
Located above AC Hotel Portsmouth, Rooftop at The Envio is a premier indoor-outdoor dining destination in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offering panoramic views of the Piscataqua River and iconic city bridges. Featuring a modern, locally inspired menu centered on fresh farm and seafood ingredients, this rooftop restaurant is known for shareable plates, handcrafted cocktails, and a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy sunset views and waterfront scenery, making Rooftop at The Envio one of Portsmouth’s most scenic spots for dining and drinks.
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TREEHOUSE TAQUERIA
Overlooking downtown Ogunquit, Treehouse Taqueria is a locally owned restaurant known for its globally inspired tacos, handcrafted cocktails, and laid-back coastal atmosphere. Located on Main Street, this popular Ogunquit dining destination offers outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a vibrant setting that captures the spirit of summer on Maine’s seacoast. A favorite among both locals and visitors, Treehouse Taqueria combines creative flavors, casual dining, and relaxed beach-town vibes, making it a must-visit spot for lunch, dinner, or post-beach cocktails in Ogunquit, Maine.
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MOXY
Moxy is a hip restaurant and bar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, inspired by the fresh produce and culinary traditions of New England alongside the vibrant flavors of Spanish tapas. Known for its creative small plates and energetic dining atmosphere, Moxy has earned widespread local and national acclaim. Chef Matt Louis, a multiple-time James Beard Best Chef Northeast semifinalist, leads the kitchen with a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold, inventive dishes. Guests can also enjoy outdoor dining on select evenings, Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m., making Moxy a standout destination for elevated tapas-style dining in Portsmouth.
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LIARS BENCH BEER CO.
Recognized by USA Today as one of the 10 Best Beer Gardens in New England, Liars Bench Beer Co. is a locally owned brewery and restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire serving craft beer, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch seven days a week. Known for its rotating selection of intentionally brewed ales and lagers, Liars Bench also offers handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, and a flavorful food menu in a welcoming industrial-style setting. Combining traditional brewing inspiration with a laid-back atmosphere, Liars Bench Beer Co. has become a favorite Portsmouth destination for craft beer lovers, casual dining, and gathering with friends on the Seacoast.
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BRGR BAR
BRGR Bar is a casual downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire restaurant known for its creative spin on classic American favorites, including burgers, appetizers, salads, and indulgent adult milkshakes. Focused on quality ingredients and friendly, professional service, this Portsmouth dining spot offers a fun and flavorful menu in a lively setting. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, BRGR Bar also serves brunch on Sundays, making it a popular choice for all-day dining in downtown Portsmouth.
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THE BLACK BIRCH
The Black Birch is a modern restaurant and bar located in the Kittery Foreside neighborhood of Kittery, Maine. Housed in a restored brick post office, this cozy yet vibrant dining spot blends rustic and minimalist design with a lively atmosphere centered around an open kitchen, energetic bar, and vinyl records playing throughout the space. During the warmer months, a hidden gravel courtyard garden opens for outdoor dining, enhanced by string lights that create a relaxed summer ambiance. The Black Birch is a standout destination for seasonal dining, craft cocktails, and a unique Kittery dining experience.
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BOTANICA
Botanica is an intimate upscale restaurant and gin bar located in Portsmouth’s West End neighborhood in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Offering both cozy indoor dining and a relaxed outdoor patio, this stylish destination is ideal for date nights, small gatherings, and group reservations. The patio accommodates parties of up to 10 guests, with full or partial buyouts available for up to 28 guests. Designed for comfort in all seasons, Botanica features a retractable awning and electric heating to ensure a pleasant outdoor dining experience year-round. Guests also enjoy the convenience of complimentary on-site parking, making Botanica a standout choice for elevated dining in Portsmouth.
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STREET FOOD 360
Street Food 360 is an eclectic casual restaurant and cocktail lounge offering a globally inspired menu that brings together bold street food flavors from around the world. Located in New Hampshire, this lively dining destination features dishes ranging from falafel and pho to burgers and bibimbap, creating a diverse and flavorful experience in one spot. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Street Food 360 also serves brunch on Sundays, making it a popular all-day dining option. Guests can also visit its sister location in downtown Exeter, New Hampshire, for another take on its globally inspired concept.
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NIKANOS
Nikanos is a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in coastal Ogunquit, Maine, offering a Greek-inspired dining experience focused on fresh, traditional cuisine. Known for shareable appetizers like marinated grilled octopus, spanakopita, and house-made dips served with grilled pita and roasted garlic lavash, Nikanos highlights bold flavors and authentic Mediterranean cooking. The restaurant also features a popular Happy Hour Thursday through Sunday from 2–4:30 p.m., complete with live music, food and wine pairings, and drink specials, as well as a weekly Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nikanos is a standout destination for Mediterranean dining in Ogunquit.
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VIDA CANTINA
Vida Cantina is a chef-driven restaurant near Portsmouth Green Plaza in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, celebrating modern Mexican cuisine daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Inspired by Chef David Vargas’ Mexican heritage, the menu showcases bold, elevated dishes crafted with expert technique, high-quality ingredients, and creative flair. Known for its vibrant flavors and contemporary approach, Vida Cantina offers a dynamic dining experience complemented by convenient complimentary parking, making it a popular destination for modern Mexican dining in the Portsmouth area.
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THE SECRET GARDEN RESTAURANT
The Secret Garden Restaurant offers one of the Seacoast’s most unique outdoor dining experiences, bringing together favorites from across the property in a beautiful garden setting. Guests can enjoy selections from Lucky’s, 9 Dragons, and Victory’s, featuring everything from coffee and casual bites to Asian-inspired dishes and gameday classics perfect for sharing. Surrounded by wildflowers, organic gardens, and a cozy firepit, The Secret Garden creates a relaxed outdoor dining atmosphere ideal for lunch, dinner, craft cocktails, and gatherings with friends. Guests can also enjoy a special Sunday brunch experience in the conservatory through October.
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cheers to outdoor dining!
cafes
BACKYARD COFFEEHOUSE & EATERY
Located in the heart of Ogunquit, Maine, Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery is a popular local café serving locally roasted coffee from Bard Coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks, MEM loose-leaf teas, and refreshing matcha lattes. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick coffee break, this welcoming Ogunquit coffee shop also offers beer, wine, fresh sandwiches, and house-made baked goods, including its beloved strawberry biscuits. Whether guests are relaxing on a sunny morning or grabbing beach-ready bites to go, Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery is a must-visit destination for coffee, casual dining, and local flavor in Ogunquit.
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STELLA’S CAFE
Located at Pointe Place in Dover, New Hampshire, Stella’s Cafe is a charming neighborhood café known for its locally roasted coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks, and fresh-made breakfast favorites. Guests can relax on the inviting outdoor patio, enjoy a house-made muffin or breakfast sandwich, and even bring their furry companions along. With its welcoming atmosphere, quality ingredients, and friendly service, Stella’s Cafe is a favorite destination for breakfast, coffee, and casual dining in Dover.
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JUNES CAFE
Nestled in the heart of downtown Newmarket, New Hampshire, June’s Cafe is a cozy local favorite known for its expertly crafted coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and welcoming atmosphere. With outdoor seating along Main Street, guests can relax with a specialty drink and one of the café’s popular pastries, including its beloved crullers, while enjoying the charm of downtown Newmarket. Whether stopping in for breakfast, a coffee break, or a sweet treat, June’s Cafe is a must-visit destination for coffee and pastries on the Seacoast.
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LIL’S CAFE
Known for its famous handcrafted crullers and irresistible pastry selection, Lil’s Cafe is a beloved destination for breakfast and coffee in the Seacoast region. Guests are greeted by a tempting display of freshly baked treats alongside a menu of made-to-order sandwiches, soups, and salads. Pair any meal with a craft coffee and enjoy the café’s inviting atmosphere or outdoor seating. Whether stopping in for a quick breakfast, lunch, or sweet treat, Lil’s Cafe is a must-visit local favorite.
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