Upscale yet unfussy spot for refined seafood & a notable wine list in warm, brick-walled digs. Based on 537 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No delivery
Address:
155 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543
Phone: (207) 563-2992
Website: http://www.damariscottarivergrill.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
3–9 PM
Holiday hours
|
| Tuesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 3–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–1 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Reviews
John-Marc Clark
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!
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Richard Heller
Love this place! The food was outstanding, the staff super attentive. Nice atmosphere.
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#TNT Time
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.
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Brenda Johnson
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!!!
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E
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.
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Enza Lilley
We came here on our recent vacation. I have many food allergies so the owner (?) came out and specifically spoke to me about what I could and couldn’t eat. He was very attentive and made sure what I ordered was tasty even though it was not specifically from the menu. I ordered duck which I have never eaten before and it was amazing. My husband enjoyed his meal, too. Service was excellent and we would highly recommend.
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Sharman Ballantine
Enjoyed 4oz steak with mashed potatoes. Asparagus was cooked unevenly as some was baby sized & other pieces very thick. All food needed to be hotter, but it was all very flavorful. Apparently it is common to now serve the meat on top of the potatoes, as we see this style in other mid coast restaurants. I don’t find it appealing. Chilled Lemon dessert was very good. I would return for dessert! Server was nice, however could have used some pointers. Small things can make a big impact.
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Margaret Coughlin
A real treat! Bar area was funky and lovely wood and brick. Neat local art on the walls. Ate downstairs in the back room which was new-ish and light and airy.
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Janice Brill
We had dinner here on a whim after realizing the pizza place in town was too crowded. We were able to get a seat downstairs at 5:45 without a reservation. The martinis were good, but they were the smallest ones I have ever seen, and overpriced too. They offered no bread for the table, and the food was average. I had the broiled scallops with rice pilaf and asparagus. It was just ok. Next time, we’ll just skip this place.
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Ron Balicki
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!
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