Damariscotta River Grill

We've been here many times, even though they're 3.5 hours away from our home; when we're in midcoast Maine, this is our preferred place to dine before the long drive home.

Outstanding food, ambiance and service distinguish The Damariscotta River Grill and make it a must visit for foodies, art lovers and fans of New England. We were driving from Pemiquid Lighthouse to Salem and happened to end up going through Damariscotta, Maine. The town is absolutely charming, lined with charming shops that would be enjoyable to explore. Our goal was good food and we were so happy that we chanced upon this restaurant. It’s a 2-story building, renovated to have a rustic wood and brick, comfortable, and spacious feel. The walls are covered with paintings for sale by local artists and the upstairs has a large bar area where locals seemed to be enjoying their afternoon libation. Both upstairs and downstairs have dining tables. It’s a good size restaurant and we saw it filling up quickly while we dined. Be sure to make a reservation if you are planning to eat at a busy time of the day! We sat downstairs and had a dozen delicious oysters followed by entrees which included a wonderful salad, grilled sea bass, and a wonderful scallops and shrimp dish. The food was excellent! Gourmet and creatively prepared with attention to detail. We loved this restaurant and the attentiveness of the staff. We recommend this restaurant without any hesitation and congratulate the Damariscotta River Grill for delivering a 5-Star level of culinary excellence in a setting that makes you want to sit and enjoy the food, the art, and the day for as long as possible. Thank you Damariscotta River Grill!

Fantastic bar upstairs with great happy hour. So friendly and fun. Don't waste your time at King Eiders. Walk across the street.

Been travelling round Maine for 8 days so far and this is the best meal yet!! The flavour was absolutely devine!

We had 630 reservations and our table was ready for us. Be aware that there is a second floor - in case you have someone with trouble walking up stairs. Food was very good. My mussels were good but could have used a spoon and small fork to eat them. Had to use my fingers and regular sized fork. Also could have used a bowl for the shells. Otherwise service was excellent - our server was attentive and didn’t rush us. Sort of felt bad for him having to bring the food orders up the stairs… luckily the bar was on the same floor. Would return if I return to this area.

We opted for this place because we'd had such a great experience during a previous trip a few years ago....did not disappoint!! Service couldn't have been better, food was just delicious and the prices were more than fair!! Really cool vibe to the place too!!!

Stopped in on a Saturday night last minute with 6 people.
The hostess went out of her way to accommodate us. The waiter was top notch,as was the food!

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

First off, we went there on Happy Hour (M-F from 3 to 6) and prices were ridiculously cheap in contrast to its quality.

We had mussels, crazy calamari, brie and BBQ shrimps, plus tons of beer ($3.95 each during HH)!

Besides that, great service and very nice overall. I would most definitely come back!!!

Delicious food. The question becomes was it worth the wait. We found out that our wait was so long do to a new waitress who ended up taking responsibility for a food taking so long and we had to make a decision where we going to throw a scene or just give the restaurant a chance which we did. We were very grateful because the food was definitely five stars. We were compensated with free dessert and that was also delicious. The location is nice it's by the river but not on the river so there's not of you if this place had to view they could charge literally twice what their prices are. We thought everybody was very nice and how they handled it it was interesting to learn the history of the Bread Basket and that the bread actually comes from the bakery that used to be downstairs. Hootenanny is the name of the bakery who bakes the bread and it is also delicious. If you have the opportunity and you drive by this place it's worth of stop it's worth taking a minute and going inside and really enjoying a great meal. The goat cheese salad is out of this world and the duck confit risotto was unbelievable. The creme brulee and cheesecake were awesome.

Great food, with exceptional attention to detail. Eben, upstairs, is a master cocktail maker (outstanding drinks: painkiller, and old fashion), and all around knowledgeable of every offering at the grill. Friendly, professional, and personable. We got burned pork ends, and mussels as appetizers. Fantastic! I highly recommend the Thai chicken wrap. Tasty!

Love this place! The food was outstanding, the staff super attentive. Nice atmosphere.

We came with a large group and they took excellent care of us. The variety on the menu was super interesting also.

Great food and super friendly staff

One of my favorite towns in Maine
Back again and even better this time. Paige was super friendly and made our experience very enjoyable

I was in Damariscotta, ME picking up my son from summer camp and happened across the Damariscotta River Grill. Although humble-looking from the street, I was pleased with the charming and inviting ambience upon entry. I dined upstairs at the bar, and was immediately greeted by the bartender. Equally the wait staff were prompt and attentive. I enjoyed the delicious steamed mussels and the seared scallops with orzo salad. I will definitely be back, perhaps for lunch and to try their seafood sandwiches.

My first visit here and I enjoyed it. It was mid-afternoon so very quiet but a few folks having quiet drinks before dinner. I enjoyed a pleasant cup of tea and some delicious calamari. Before ordering calamari I always ask how it is prepared because most kitchens seem to overcook it to the rubber band stage. This was lightly breaded and cooked just enough, leaving the fish tender and quite tasty. I'd certainly return to this place.

Wow. The drinks and the food we're impressive. I spent a lot of money here, but it was very much worth it. Highly recommend.

Great food and the Honey Badger cocktail was the best cocktail I've ever had.

My significant other and I had an amazing time here! We made a reservation and were seated promptly upon arrival. We ordered the latkes, hanger steak, and Thai wrap. The latkes were delicious and we loved the apple chutney on top! The hanger steak was probably the most delicious steak I’ve ever had.

Our server for the evening was Scott D and he was wonderful! He did an amazing job. Very attentive, and answered any and all questions we had. A+, 5 stars!

We hope to be returning soon! Definitely recommend this place.

This is a really cozy and fun place with excellent food and a really broad menu. Cocktails were also inventive and very good.

Excellent food, happy hour too! Staff efficient and friendly. A local favorite spot.

One of the best meals I have had in a long time! Absolutely delicious!!