Dufour • cocktails & provisions

Went for my birthday with my husband, and it did not disappoint. Everything about this place is top notch, from the service to the atmosphere to the food. Cocktails are incredible. There is nothing that we ordered that we wouldn't highly recommend, abd this is the sort if place where I'd order something different even if I'm not sure about it because I know it would still probably be good. The scallops and my husband's steak were cooked perfectly, and the flavors were on point.

Stage House Inn & Dufour strikes a charming balance between tradition and modernity, and proved to be a gem in the local hospitality scene. Warm lighting and cozy décor invite patrons into a welcoming embrace. The bar’s ambiance, accentuated by an intricately patterned ceiling and elegant glassware, sets a sophisticated tone. Service is attentive, reflecting a commitment to customer satisfaction. Cocktails were crafted with a blend of classic and innovative techniques, offering a memorable experience. While the prices reflect the quality, the value is apparent. Highly recommended for those seeking a refined, yet comfortable evening out.

This restaurant is a hidden gem, with a solid menu, and offers something for history buffs, too. A dining experience typically starts with salted foccacia bread and olive oil -- delicious. Have always liked the Statler chicken, and the hanger steak or the burger (+egg, if you choose) are reliable choices. Often have good specials. Last night we tried the lobster hush puppies (pictured) because, you know, Maine!

Have been here twice and both times had a awesome experience, no complaints on the food at all, steak was perfectly cooked and well seasoned, as well as the mussels (never had them with an aioli!) and tuna crudo, which was perfectly balanced. Did get one drink that felt a little heavy handed (and affected the flavor) but otherwise cocktails and wine selection were great

Amazing experience start to finish. Our server Kim was great. The food that Chef Gary is putting out of that kitchen is phenomenal!! Can’t go back soon enough for more. We ordered the oyster special, charcuterie board, Caesar salad with salmon, the flank steak followed by a dessert special. Can’t wait to go back, BEST DINNER EXPERIENCE IVE HAD IN A LONG TIME!!! Thank you Dufour!!

Amazing! Food and service was exceptional! We enjoyed the charcuterie board for an appetizer; which was phenomenal. The fig jam and meat selections were fabulous but we wished the bread wasn't as dense or there were crackers. For entrees we had the mussles, gnocchi, catch of the day [monk fish] and the hanger steak. Both the fish and steak were so buttery, tasty and perfectly prepard. The gnocchi was so delicious and paired with great seasonal veggies. The mussels were delectable just wish there was a but less aioli. Cozy atmosphere, quality service and delicious fresh food. We will definitely be back! If you haven't tried this hidden gem and you're in Maine or the NH area don't hesitate! Be sure to make a reservation which you can do online and we did 2 hours before our table time.

🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉
HAPPY NEW YEAR SEACOAST EATERS!!!

What a year it's been!!! For our final date night of 2022, my wife and I decided to ring in the New Year at a familiar haunt, and one of our favorite restaurants, Dufour cocktails and provisions at the Stage House Inn, 224 Main St South Berwick.

Upon entering, everyone was dressed to the nines and ready for the night's festivities. The ladies looked beautiful and the men looked handsome. The stage was set for an amazing evening. We were led to our table in the bar and began looking over the cocktail menu. My wife decided on her go-to Vodka Collins(Pic 1). Fresh and crisp, it's a cocktail you just can't go wrong in ordering. I chose the Gundalow(Pic 2). The tasty libation is made with Basil Hayden Bourbon, Campari, liquor 43, Luxardo Cherry Liquor, and orange bitters. This was a great way to begin the evening. I usually get the One Night In Maine, but I was stoked about the choice I made.

As we waited for our drinks, we were brought some Focaccia with spicy oil and balsamic(Pic 3). The bread was moist and perfectly baked. I also ordered an appetizer.....just for myself. Why, because my bride wasn't interested and wanted to be sure and have room for dessert. I ordered the Oysters(Pic 4). The toppings were cocktail sauce, mignonette, and shaved horseradish. These Brunswick Oysters were so fresh and flavorful. I probably shouldn't have, but I put all 3 toppings on each oyster. I absolutely loved them. It was also a beautiful presentation.

For our main course, we both chose the same entrée, a beautiful New York Strip Steak, my wife's cooked medium and mine, medium rare (Pic 5). The steak was cooked perfectly for each of our tastes. The dish also included a carrot and squash puré with white asparagus and broccoli rabe. There was an herbed butter atop the steak, which added tremendous flavor to an already flavorful piece of meat. It was sssoooo good. My wife ordered a Tom Collins(Pic 6) for her second drink and I asked for a great red wine to compliment my steak. I was brought 2 samples and chose the Rosso di Montepulciano(Pic 7-8). It was very well balanced, had great flavor and was a perfect compliment to my steak.

For dessert, we ordered the Creme Brulee with Blueberries and Strawberry(Pic 9), decaf coffee(Pic 10) and I topped it off with a Blanton's Bourbon with a single, large cube(Pic 11). Dessert was perfectly light, creamy and the fruit was very fresh.

It was a magical evening for us. The service was out of this world, with at least 5 different people checking in with us. The atmosphere was festive, the food was amazing and it resulted in a simply unforgettable evening. Even Jennifer stopped by and asked to take a picture of us. It turned out to be a great picture of my wife and I. I'm sorry, I promised not to share it, even though I wish I could. I respect her privacy and cannot betray that. It was a perfect way for us to end an amazing year of date nights in 2022, and yet, begin 2023 with my first review of the year. I hope you find your way to Dufour in 2023 if you haven't had the pleasure. If you have already been, I hope this reminds you of how good your experience was and entices you for a return visit.

Dine on!

I cannot say enough great things about Dufour. I don't make it to South Berwick that often, but am so glad someone recommended this restaurant when I was living in Dover. It is lightly upscale, with a great atmosphere for a night out. The food has been amazing each time I go, and all ingredients seem to be farm-to-table fresh. Highly recommend.

Sunday Brunch on the porch! Celebrated a family birthday with great service and a fabulous menu. A genuine experience of hospitality and attention to your table.
---- snip ----
The finest historic dining destination. Plenty if time to relax and enjoy everything. A rotating menu offers many dynamic dishes as well as specials well known by your server. We ordered shared plates, two specials, one menu entree & dessert. A memorable experience!

My wife and I had a fantastic evening at Dufour. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The dining room, spacious and well designed, creating a perfect environment for a date, or for a get together with friends and family. The service was absolutely top notch, as our waitress was very attentive and checked with us frequently, to see if we needed drink refills and such. Then the food, and I promise you, the food was amazing! Very well described in the menu, and very well prepared.

If you're in the area, make sure you do not miss Dufour!

The ambiance is very welcoming and charming. Hospitable staff, delicious dishes, beautiful presentation.  Recommend Dufour to everyone! As locals we appreciate local businesses we will come back here again and again.

There are not enough stars to rate the experience we had last night! For years we’ve driven by this building in its many functions in our town. We’ve watched from afar the restoration take place. Words can not express the incredible historical gem that we have here in our own town. From the wall covers, the tin work, antique pews, marble surfaces and stained glass work all visually stunning.
Then the food… each dish prepared beautifully, each bit to savor and appreciate the careful pairing of flavors and textures. The service was warm, engaging and we felt so well cared for. We mentioned it was our anniversary and received a delicious dessert to share along with a champagne treat. Gary and the staff you are amazing, thank you!!!

Stunning. The space is beautiful, the service is fantastic, and the food is superior. One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in the seacoast area. The entire staff was welcoming and friendly. The menu was creative and varied, without being excessively trendy and pretentious. The food was PERFECTLY prepared, down to the last morsel. We wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to come back here.

We ate here for our first time tonight and it was so yummy. I wanted everything on the menu and that rarely happens for me. Our waitress was amazing and the detail of everything here is outstanding. We will be back for sure.

Perfection in SoBo.

First time dining and everything from reservations, to greeting, to our intrepid server, Joel, and the incredible spirits and cuisine was perfection. We will be returning often.

My gin pickle martini was delicious, but not at all spicy despite the mention of ghost pepper in the description. The mussel appetizer was so so good and I honestly could eat an entire bowl of that broth for a meal. Our entrees were delish as well and service was great. We will definitely be back!

Amazing experience! Everything was so delicious, the service was wonderful and it’s beautifully designed! You just FEEL good when you’re there.
I’ll be back as soon as possible.

Dufour is a MUST! The atmosphere, food, drinks and service were all incredible. We sat at the bar and our bartender, Chris, was very knowledgeable about the the history of the building, the drink and food menus. He made great recommendations! Loved it and will definitely be back soon!

2nd visit to Stage House Inn and Dufour Restaurant. Both meals were fabulous. Dinner 1st visit, Brunch 2nd. Both excellent.

Amazing food! Best meal I’ve had in a long time! Literally cut the steak with a butter knife!