After three years of ups and downs, changes and adjustments, the 2023 dining scene can be summed up in one phrase: FULL SPEED AHEAD. 

Old favorites like Alisson’s, Fed’s, Sebago and Duffy’s are already in the swing of the season, feeding people on a daily basis. 

But there’s a LOT of new stuff happening. 

• Stripers has a new chef and we’re hearing raves.
• Smoke BBQ opened on Route 1 in Kennebunk and people can’t get enough. Burnt ends, anyone?
• The new owners at the Kennebunk Inn have made it their own, renaming the restaurant The Tavern and adding new dishes.
• Holy Donut is FINALLY open – and people are loving it.
• And speaking of love, Kport Bagels opened at the Morning Walk Cottages and people are flocking there.
• Mornings in Paris opened a great new Creperie just down the driveway.
• The White Barn Inn is celebrating its 50th anniversary of fine dining with a guest chef series. Favorite Jonathan Cartwright headlines on June 9.
• Rococo Ice Cream has moved to a FABULOUS, larger space in the Shipyard Shops (near Federal Jack’s), formerly the home of Honeymaker Mead Works.
• The Kennebunkport Resort Collection has opened Via Sophia in the space that formerly housed Pearl, and is opening Rosella – the Kennebunks’ first sustainable sushi restaurant – in The Grand Hotel.
• And Chef German Lucarelli, of The Lost Fire fame, bought the former Pier 77/The Ramp property and has BIG plans. 

With stronger staffing, this may finally be the season where things feel back to normal and what a blessed relief that is. 

So loosen those waistbands and get ready to dine out like it’s 2019 again!