Canterbury Royale Gourmet

In my top 10 meals ever, including travels in Europe, New York, San Francisco, etc. Every bite was amazing, the atmosphere was cozy and personal, and the service was attentive yet allowed us privacy. I can't wait to go back!!! For dinner we had spicy crab soup, smoked shrimp salad, and I had the beef Wellington, my husband the lobster stuffed with shrimp and scallops. Dessert was spectacular, with a Ukrainian Viennese style cake (divine!!) and lemon merengue tarts that had the best short bread crust imaginable. Breakfast the next morning was equally delicious and started with Scottish oats and fruit followed by an almond cream filled crepe served with corned beef hash, sausage and house baked bread. I couldn't ask for a better meal!!!

I've eaten in restaurants in a dozen European countries and all over the United States and I can say with confidence that the food and the dining experience that Canterbury Royale offers is outstanding--it ranks with the best two or three meals I have eaten anywhere. Chefs Renee and Barbara are interesting, delightful people who are extraordinarily dedicated to their craft as chefs and hosts.

The ambiance one experiences with them is very personal. One feels welcomed into their home really. The dining setting is quite formal, but in an older relation, rather than a stylish upscale restaurant, kind of way. The decor is intense--Hansel and Gretel cottage cum Victorian fantasy cum family heirlooms cum sculptures of animals and painted portraits of young beauty. These are mostly Chef Renee's own work. The service, provided mostly by Barbara, is skilled and attentive but not intrusive.

In our party, people enjoyed Chicken Francoise, a seafood assortment ("Port of Marseilles") and Beef Wellington, all superb. No effort was spared on dinner rolls (croissants and a braided onion bread), leek soup (wonderfully flavorful), and a small serving of pheasant in a sauce with a Romaine lettuce headdress on a small round of soft cheese. Desserts were a torte from a cooking course offered by a culinary institute in Kiev and, for the GF diner, creme brulee with a stawberry/Chambord ice.

Amazing food in a magical setting, and unusually situated on a remote road-- the opposite side of which backs up to the Canadian border. We stayed overnight in the cottage, which was quite lovely and charming, and enjoyed both dinner and breakfast. My wife and I were debating whether it was aesthetically more of a Hansel and Gretel vibe or a Snow White-- we certainly left better-fed than when we arrived, but avoided any nefarious magical forest beings. The owners are great, the food is without rival, and it's absolutely worth the trek.

Chefs Renee and Barbara have created a magical atmosphere. The hospitality is amazing. They make you feel like royalty. Superb is the only way I can describe entire meal.

My wife and I had the pleasure of celebrating our 50th anniversary in December, 2016. The grounds were beautifully decorated for Christmas. It was magical to see when we turned into the driveway! Little did we know that the best was yet to come. The interior was exquisitely furnished with Christmas decor and the food smelled wonderful! The two sisters that own and operate the inn are excellent hostesses and chefs! The dinner was delicious from the appetizers to the dessert! We highly recommend the Canterbury Royale for your ultimate dining experience!

What a delightful repast - from beginning to end, we were immersed in fine French cuisine and a distinctly European atmosphere - just delightful.

Absolutely amazing experience. Beyond description. (There is a super cute cottage next to the restaurant, and they will bring meals right to you if staying there).

Wonderful place to eat. Food was delicious and the service was perfect as well. Can’t wait to return.

My sisters and I went to this awesome restaurant for lunch about a year ago to celebrate my birthday. I wanted to go somewhere very special but wanted the ones I love the most to be there too! Renee and Barb treated all of us so very special! We were there in a Saturday! I can’t describe just how fantastic the food was, the education they gave us about the food they served us, and how detailed they were about serving, food, decor and what wonderful passionate and loving personalities the are which makes all of this perfect! They are in serious demand so you need to make reservations many months in advance! That is just how very good this place is! Truly Royale!

My husband surprised me for our 21st wedding anniversary by taking me to this "out of this world" dining experience. Your taste buds won't be the same after dining here. Even their French Martini is something special. Chef's Barbara & Renee made our private dinner a most memorable evening. It's worth every penny and then some. Thank you to both for making our evening so special.

The entire experience exceeded our expectations. We have found our place to stay & eat every time we return to this area...the Canterbury Royale!

One of the three best meals of my life, this place is absolutely awesome and amazing! I took my wife here for our 10th wedding anniversary, which fell on a Sunday. It was a very large expense for us because we are on a fixed income but it was worth every penny and more, our only regret is that we can't do this for every anniversary. When we arrived we were the only people there and we had the place to ourselves for our entire meal which was an added touch of amazing.
EVERYTHING about this place, people and food was simply some of the best we have ever experienced. Absolutely worth the drive if you're looking for a special place for outstanding food and service. everyone should have a dining experience like this at least once in their lives.

Excellent job ladies!

The dinner was most enjoyable. Fresh bread, delicious seasonal soup, Maine lobster salad, well prepared main course, a wonderful dessert with coffee. Most appreciated was the opportunity to speak with the chefs and to enjoy their level of commitment to excellence.
One of the most pleasant evenings I have had dining. Thank you.

It's an experience like no other. It's a five course meal. The decorum is 18th century. The chef's "magicians", Barabara and Renee, can create subtleties of flavor that astonish the intellect, and delight the senses. Don't miss the opportunity. This is an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Canterbury Royale does everything at a level of expertise I've never experienced before. Northern Maine is blessed to have Chef Renee and Barbara in our little place in the world!

This was my 9th visit! Every single time my experience is AMAZING! A true example of perfection. It's such a special place. Heavenly!

Amazing food and amazing sevice. The owners / Chef s were Amazing. THANK YOU so much

A great experience, great food, great service. A must do/go for anyone in the area.

One of the best dining experiences of my life.

Lovely lovely people and awesome food!!! Thank you Barb and Renee!!!!!