Kennebunkport Maine Dining Reviews

On a recent cool summer evening, we found ourselves enjoying a cocktail and some truly inspired cuisine at One Dock overlooking Dock Square in Kennebunkport. One Dock, located at the Kennebunkport Inn, has three dining venues, the outdoor patio, the cozy Piano Bar and the formal dining rooms of the Federal style inn with fireplace and candlelight. We chose a spot on the outdoor patio under a chic umbrella to watch the hubbub of summer in the famous Port.

A blood orange Margarita for my companion and for me a buttery Chardonnay from the extensive by the glass wine list proved a perfect accompaniment for our small plates. I love grazing and One Dock offers everything from Lobster Stuffed Mushroom Caps to Flatbreads, Duck Quesadilla with Mango, and Maine Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Lobster in ample appetizer portions priced from $6 - $12.95. I had savored the Steamed Mussels smothered in blue cheese and bacon on a prior visit, and still think they are the best preparation in Maine.

So this visit, I sampled the Pan Seared Scallops with Creamed Corn, maple glaze and bacon bits – in a word - WOW! My companion had the Pork and Beans which sounds so “church supper” – but he raved about the white bean cassoulet with bbq pork butt serve with a bacon Jalapeno corn bread. This “small plate” was very satisfying but surprisingly pretty too, as was everything we witnessed being served to happy diners around us.

I love a fresh salad, Chef John Shaw must also – since he creates a daily farm to table salad featuring the freshest greens and cheeses from local Heart Song Farm. The Mesclun and Goat cheese salad with spiced pecans was light and delightful, with a just- picked-today crispness.

I was replete with our repertoire of small plates (which are only $5 when you visit during Happy Hour 4:30-5:30). But One Dock also offers Maine plates - entrees of Rib eye, Duck, Salmon, Halibut, Lobster. The Chef livens things up with native Maine ingredients - berries, cheeses, even maple syrup, on his signature dishes, but you will also find classic Haddock, grilled Chicken or a burger.

The Lobster Ravioli is clearly a Chef and fan favorite (and now my husband’s too), homemade pasta pockets are plump with Maine lobster swimming in a sun-dried tomato lobster cream. Portions are decent, and every plate is so attractive when it arrives.

One a warm summer evening, One Dock’s patio is a great spot for a few small plates and expertly crafted cocktails. In the Pub, Bartender Lisa has won awards for her mixology and Cheers-style smile. The rich wood paneled atmosphere of the bar and the series of regular entertainers at the grand piano make it a cozy convivial place on a fall or winter evening.

We will definitely return to One Dock, since one trip is not enough. I need to sample the Lobster spring roll and Maine crab cakes, and hopefully save room for the tempting Maine Blueberry cheesecake or a classic Root beer float.

One Dock at KPI – code for Kennebunkport Inn

One Dock Hours: Mid-October to Mid-June: Wednesday - Saturday, 6–9pm
Mid-June to Mid-October: Open Nightly, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Patio is opening 7 days a week starting July with Happy Hour from 4:30- 5:30 pm and Dinner from 6:00-9:00pm