The food and wine were fabulous. I'm really glad we found this place. The atmosphere was not very welcoming The room was loud. If you dropped your fork on your plate everyone would be disturbed. But the food was so good it warrants 4 stars.
(4)
Susan J.
We had a very nice dinner here. The salad was great and the lobster fettuccine was incredible. The lobster spring rolls were just ok. We felt a bit rushed but the fettuccine alone warrants the four stars.
(4)
Lisa I.
Excellent food. Great atmosphere, especially when the outdoor patio is open. Attentive servers. Tasty wine flight. I'm a local and this one of my favorite places to dine.
(5)
Melissa L.
Dinner was phenomenal and service was friendly and attentive. I started with the farm to table salad and my husband had the oysters which were both really fresh and delicious. My filet mignon melted in my mouth and my husband had the swordfish special which was delicious. Blueberry cobbler was the perfect compliment to dinner. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)
Steve S.
Great place, awesome staff, low key, but upscale, awesome white wine sampler for $10.00 but they pour three whole glasses of wine! Scallops were good, the flatbread small plate with pineapple was the best! Waiter was a cool dude, my fiance had an awesome salad, the risotto was legit! Amazing mango margarita! Octoberfest on tap!!! Gotta try this place, sit on the patio!
(4)
christi h.
Excellent food!! So good we dined here twice during our 4 day trip! The Arcani was absolutely delicious along with the Lobster Ravioli, to die for flavor and portion!!!
(5)
David M.
Great food and atmosphere! We ate at the bar and split small plates (duck quesadilla, lobster stuffed mushrooms, Mediterranean plate and a cup of chowder) and it was the perfect bar meal. The bartender was excellent and made a great mojito for my wife.
(5)
Dean H.
You will enjoy the food here but you will be startled by the pricing! Oysters from Damariscotta (just up the coast) are $1 more each here than they are on Wall Street! Service was spotty, ambience elusive, and the meal process endless. We had an open table reservation but were relegated to what appeared to be lounge seating. An expensive disappointment--there are more rewarding choices in this town.
(3)
Ellen H.
Super fun place to head on Thursday nights for happy hour and live music. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Great food, yummy drinks and wonderful service. ;-)
(5)
Shannon N.
I was staying at the Kennebunkport Inn a few weeks ago, and stopped by the One Dock restaurant during my stay. I was BLOWN AWAY by the quality of the food, the ambiance of the restaurant, and the knowledge and service of the staff. I visited during happy hour and was fortunate enough to have a very pleasant conversation with the restaurant manger. I told him my general likes and dislikes and he recommended different dishes. The fried oysters were to die for! We also could not get enough of the brie dip appetizer. In addition, my guest and I also sampled some of the red wines available on the wine list, and were amazed by the reasonable prices of some VERY HIGH QUALITY wines. I cannot rate this restaurant, or my experience at One Dock high enough. It was easily one of my TOP DINING EXPERIENCES ever. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth stopping in! - EXCELLENT FOOD - fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented - KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF - will make excellent recommendations - BEAUTIFUL SETTING - clean and crisp dining area with a lovely view - REASONABLE PRICES - superb quality, good portion sizes A MUST!
We ate at One Dock a few years back (2012) and it was one of the most memorable meals of my life. The food and service were sublime. As we returned to Kennebunkport again, One Dock was the first dinner reservation we made. Disappointed does not begin to describe our experience. The service seemed as if our server had read a book on fine dining service, but never put it into practice. It seems the only word in her vocabulary was "definitely" and the only sentence was "I'm standing right by your side." I stopped counting after 25 definitely's. Additionally, we were rushed and no interest was shown in whether we enjoyed the food. Getting a refill on water was a chore, at best. But the service would have been bearable had the food matched our prior experience, but it did not come close. The Lazy Lobster purported to be butter poached was clearly broiled (to a crisp) and tasteless, served in the shell (not as it once was and is described on the menu) and is as good as rubber. The creamed spinach was watery, tasteless, full of stems and just all around awful. After inquiring, we understand the chef is new. To the owners of One Dock, address the situation before it is too late. We certainly won't be back. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(2)
Cristin A.
One dock is in the Kennebunkport inn. The inn is pretty the bar area is warm and comfortable. There was live music on the night we visited. The drinks were good. So why only two stars. It's because we were hungry and the food was terrible and service needs improvement. We started with the Hanoi Rib they looked good and were well presented but they were fatty, grizzly and the sauce was too sweet with a burnt taste. Next we ordered the salad special. It was not bad but nothing I would go back for. The mac and cheese was beyond dry. Our issues with service was the bartender was chatting with what appeared to be friends for a considerable amount of time while we were waiting to put our order in.
(2)
Laurie T.
Very nice atmosphere but was disappointing in the kitchen. We were there recently with a family of 4. The place was filled about 70%. It took an hour just to get any food on the table. Then, the steak my husband ordered was not cooked to the right temperature and was difficult to cut due to a poor grade and a less than ideal steak knife. Our broccoli side was so soggy it looked like something my kid would make. Only saving grace was that my swordfish was cooked to perfection and the bread rolls were hot, crusty on the outside and soft in the inside. The manager on duty was nice enough to apologize and took off the steak and half off the rest of food. She said they had only been a steakhouse for 2.5 months!! The kitchen clearly needs work.
(3)
Hannah A.
My boyfriend and I came here when we were on a trip up for my birthday in the winter. We came here for dinner when they were having a valentines day price fix. I'm pretty sure it was one if the best meals I've ever had. For starters we got raw oysters and crab cakes to share. Both were amazing. It was the first time I had raw oysters and now I'm hooked. They were so fresh and flavorful. The crab cakes were also an A+ For entree we both got the home made pasta with the lobster. It came with an entire picked lobster on top. so so good. Only complaint is a bunch of my noodles were sticking together.
(5)
Nicolle M.
Stayed at the Kennebunkport Inn and had happy hour at the bar (One Dock). $3 draught beers and half price cocktails! Great deal. Also ordered the brie cheese dip off the half priced small plates, it was pretty good! Definitely worth stopping here for happy hour drinks, although I know the food reviews are pretty mixed.
(4)
JACOB B.
Convenient location in Dock Square in the heart of Kennebunkport.My wife opted for 2 starters....three ceviches which were reminicent of the crudos served at Esca in NYC and flavourful lobster cakes which could easily serve as an entree. I thoroughly enjoyed the mussels steamed in an addicting sauce. The winner of the evening was an encrusted halibut surrounded by potato gnocchi further enhanced by a butter sauce. Gordy our waiter was ever present without being intrusive.The lemon cheese tart and cappucino provided a perfect finish...the ambience was soothing & romantic...perfect spot to propose,celebrate an anniversary, etc.Will return.
(4)
Lynn O.
AMAZING! Lazy lobster with truffle mac and cheese was one of the best meals I have had in recent memory. My boyfriend had the short ribs and they melted in your mouth. We wanted to eat dinner here both nights we stayed in Kennebunkport. This is a must do- prices are totally reasonable for the quality of food.
(5)
mounia t.
We had dinner in the lovely front patio, but the decor inside looked charming as well. We ordered a few of the small plates - all delicious. The skirt steak in the bobun was a bit on the tougher side, but everything else was impeccable. The sauces that went with each plate were to die for - from the tangy sweet&sour that went with the wings to the soy/peanuty one that came with the rangoon. And the drinks were great too - I had the Scarlett O'hara and it was the perfect balance of acidity and sweet.
(5)
Joe V.
Don't bother - really Chef Ramsey ate here and loved it?! Must have been an entirely different kitchen staff. As for me - very disappointing. For starter ordered the Tempura Fried Oyster Salad - Oysters (3 pieces) were dry and shriveled - probably prepped and fried @2 pm - and dropped on the fresh greens - which were swimming in a vinaigrette that was so acidic that it must have contained the juice of one full lemon and a dash of olive oil. "Tempura Fried"!? I think not. Entree just as poorly executed. Lobster pasta with homemade saffron fettuccine. Ugh - the pasta was a disaster. Even a home cook knows that homemade pasta needs to be very thin, partially dried and quickly dropped in boiling water moments before serving. Well these blobs of dough were thick, gooey and clumped together in may places. Yuck. And for that the pleasure of paying $36. I don't mind the price - if it's well executed - saffron's expensive, lobster while plentiful is always priced at a premium - BUT - execute! PLEASE! Didn't stay for dessert. Want a good lobster meal when staying in KPT? Go to Nunan's in nearby Cape Porpoise - and roll-up your sleeves and enjoy! Want good fried seafood? Try The Ramp - whole belly clams - fresh, served hot!
Stayed in Kennebunkport in August and had an awesome meal here! I am still dreaming about the mussels. mussels with applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese creme, and served with the most perfectly charred bread for soaking up all that goodness. It was outstanding. we sat outside- it has a nice view of the Kennebunkport village-. we also had the special salad- which was nothing fancy. but the mussels! I had the salmon as my main- which was also very good.
(5)
Joan B.
Not a good place in winter months. Bar was cold. Drinks were not good and menu looked blah so we moved on.. We're locals so we know better.
(1)
David V.
Good food but very limited menu, and most tapas style. In a hotel, but a nice hotel. Very good service and good location. After the menu, which would fit on a postage card, my only beef w/ this place is that although they call it "One Dock", you would need binoculars to see a dock from here. Don't eat here and think that you are within a rifle's shot of the water.
(3)
Mo H.
We stopped in for a cocktail and ended up filling up on appetizers and sides. Our drinks were amazing - this was the only place in town where we could get a really good manhattan, which wasn't even on the cocktail list. We tried the scallops, truffle fries, fish tacos (excellent dry rub on the mahi mahi) and steak on a naan type bread ( I can't remember what the dish is called). Everything was excellent and our bartender was very friendly and helpful as we figured out what we wanted.
(5)
Joanna F.
Loved it. Walked in on a Saturday night and made a "reservation" for an hour and a half later. Wandered around, got a drink and came back about half an hour earlier than the reservation and we were seated. The atmosphere is cozy New England. I felt like I was sitting in someone's living room. It was so nice. Service was also amazing. On to the food. We decided to get a few small plates and salads. Special salad: Arugula, feta, beets, nuts, vinaigrette. So fresh and delicious. Cheese plate: A huge wedge of some type of cheese. It looked like goat but was much milder. Delicious meat, pickled veggies, sweet pickles and bread on the side. Very nice. Flatbread pizza: Duck, cheese, onions... very delicious and a pretty good portion for a small plate. Shrimp arancini: Huge shrimp flavor with a crisp exterior. These were in no way, shape or form greasy like a lot of arancini. They almost tasted baked. Mac and Cheese: This was actually kind of a let down. This mac and cheese was made with cheddar, so it was actually pretty bland. I believe it was supposed to be "chipotle" but I didn't taste that at all. Can't forget the bread... the fresh baked rolls were some of the best I've ever had at a restaurant! I will definitely come back if I'm near this area again.
(5)
Leo L.
I been going to Kennebunkport, ME for about 5 years now, spending a total of 20+ days every summer in this great town, known for its great food and people. As my wife and I like trying new places we decided to try this restaurant this past weekend and can say that this is a big no-no for its food, at a table of 5 no one finished even half of their food. Would go back for a drink at the bar as they have great live music but I do not recommend it if you are looking for good food.
(1)
A. K.
Sitting outside on their new back patio was lovely until the bugs started to bite as it turned dark. The Caesar salad was tasty and a good portion as were the oysters. The fries are nicely done. I liked the mussels, too. It has a lovely view of the river--perfect for out-of-town guests. The Zin was delicious.
(4)
Douglas K.
If I could give 3.5 stars I would. Service was excellent, appetizers were good - goat cheese salad, carpaccio and clam chowder, caesar salad was disappointing. Dinner of steak, scallops, and Salmon were very good, Duck was gamy and dry a bad choice. Desserts were very good... Overall not quite as good as I would have liked.
(3)
Craig S.
First time in the Port. Went on a recommendation. Couldn't have been more pleased. Food was fantastic, great laid back vibe. Good service. I'd highly recommend.
(5)
Kevin F.
We stayed at the Kennebunkport Inn (which was great) so after a day of sightseeing, we decided to try "One Dock". We made a reservation as other reviewers suggested, and we were promptly seated, no problems. Our server was a little off. She started off the interaction by asking " Am I going to have to get you anything from the bar". I don't think she meant to come across this way, but it made it sound like we were inconveniencing her with the potential we might want alcohol. She also had a habit of taking our plates without asking if we were done. For example, they served an awesome garlic knot as a starter (review below). Before our appetizers came out, she took them away without asking! They would have made great dippers for my clam chowder, but alas, they were gone before their time. All in all our service, while a little odd, was not terrible, but strange enough to get a mention in this review. The food experience was mixed. We had been eating seafood all week (when in Rome, right?) and "One Dock" touts it's self as a premier restaurant in Kennebunkport. We gave it a try so here is a rundown of our dishes: Starter - Garlic Knots These were awesome! Tasted fresh and had the right balance of flavors. I would have eaten a meal based solely around these things. 10/10 would eat them again. Appetizers: Crab Cakes & Clam Chowder The crab cakes were by far the worst we had in our week of Maine. They were more cake than crab. A good visual representation of the crab cakes would be the biscuits they serve you at Red Lobster. My date said they resembled dry scrambled eggs. The taste was bland and boring. Also the cakes had insufficient amount of crab. 2/10 would not order again. The clam chowder was fantastic. Portion was great with bountiful amounts of crab, potatoes, and bacon. My mouth is actually watering thinking about the chowder. 10/10 would order again. Our entrees were Beef Carpaccio and Lobster Mac & Cheese: Beef Carpaccio - This was my date's dish, and I don't think I know enough about it to review it, but it was visually appealing, like artwork. The chef clearly spent time in it's presentation which I appreciated. No complaints but i didn't eat any of it so I can't give it a score on taste. Visually though 8/10, would look at it again. Lobster Mac & Cheese - The macaroni was lacking cheese, and was more a bit on the dry side, almost like it was in the oven too long. It had sufficient lobster in it, but I had hoped it would be more creamy than dry. Maybe this is more of a personal preference, but to me it was dry and almost crunchy, and needed more cheese. 3/10 reluctantly might try again. After dinner we went to the bar to get drinks, a band was playing and much fun was had. The bar is a great place to hang out, prices were what you would expect for the atmosphere. Great beer and wine selection and also the wait staff was fun. I wish the band would have closed the night with Billy Joel - Piano Man. Bar 9/10 - would drink there again. Band - 8/10 would listen to them again.
(3)
Jane E.
We attempted to eat at One Dock about a year ago but were told at the door that they could not seat us at any point that entire night without a reservation. That's it. No suggestion for another place to eat. (Full disclosure: We are very familiar with Kennebunkport and had no problem eating someplace else. But it's simply good customer service to offer to assist a potential customer.) No suggesting to call back later to see if any tables had opened up. No recommendation that we try another night. We felt like the hostess felt like she and the restaurant were too good for us.
Visited Kennebunkport for the first time this August and tried ONE Dock on our first night. We had no reservations (which I though would be a problem). The hostess was eager to fit us in and we gave her an hour so we could look around the shops next to the restaurant. When we came back the hostess and the manager were very glad to see us and we were quickly seated at a very nice romantic table (the restaurant has many small old rooms, checkout their website). Water was also very nice and recommended the wine trio (3 samplings of red or white wine). They were good generous portions. Food was fantastic. Had desert in the lounge were they have an entertaining piano player doing his thing. The only down side (and it is minor) was that the bartender was not as friendly and outgoing as everyone else. Almost seemed like he was going through the motions.
(5)
Elizabeth F.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the hostess was nice. We were guests of the inn and got seated in the back corner next to the kitchen, so close to the next table that the waiter's bum was in our face when he took the next table's order. The tables are extremely narrow. The food was overpriced and not that good. The ceviche appetizer was overpowered by the pickled flavor. And the portion was small. Not like the Peruvian ceviche I'm accustomed to. The service was so-so. The waiter never asked how I'd like my meat so it came out blood rare. Then I had to wait for it to cook while my mom's plate got cold. But he was accommodating in other ways (food allergy). If you are here for just a few days I suggest choosing a different restaurant.
What a disappointment. We had requested a view and the hostess tried but it was a sliver of the river out the window. The room was nice though. The raw oysters and rib eye my husband had was good. Unfortunately the rib eye was the size of a filet mignonette, apparently they really serve only the eye. They didn't have the champagne we ordered and when we ordered a different bottle the bartender delivered but didn't have his pour down right and wasted champagne on the table. My lobster bisque was heavy on the sherry, my caesar uninspired and my lobster fettuccine had such a heavy sauce that it drowned the lobster. our waitress was pleasant but challenged to refill water glasses. When we ordered dessert and moved to the lounge for the overdone piano singer, we had further disappointment. I asked for a port, and asked the bartender to pick a tawny for me, he looked at us and said "I assume you don't want anything expensive". Since our meal cost was closing in on $200 before tip I'm not sure what he based that on - my husbands jeans? The meal finished with the blueberry buckle dessert which was heavy and tasteless. Did I mention it was our anniversary? What is even more disappointing is that the ownership has several restaurants in the area and it calls them all into question in my mind.
(2)
Kaitlin A.
Loved our dining experience at One Dock. We visited the restaurant in a trip to Kennebunkport in January. We were able to get a reservation a few days ahead, but even in the middle of the winter, every seat was filled! Upon arriving, we felt like we were entering someone's dining room - it was an intimate dining setting complete with homey decorations and a warm fireplace. We started with the farm to table salad, which changes depending on the vegetables in season. It was an arugula salad with feta, fresh beets, walnuts, white balsamic vinaigrette. I had never had fresh beets before, and they were delicious! It was a great combination of flavors. For dinner, I had the Maine Maple & Sweet Chile Salmon with creamed spinach & sweet potato orzo. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and the slightly spicy sauce was balanced out by the sweet orzo. Loved it! Although we were very full from the generous (but not overwhelmingly huge) portions, we decided to try the ice cream & sorbets. We got a trio of different flavors - gingerbread ice cream, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and the cranberry sorbet. The gingerbread and mint chocolate chip were creamy and delicious. The cranberry sorbet had a nice flavor, but was on the icy side - it was more like italian ice than sorbet. The service was fine, but nothing to rave about. The waitress was pleasant and attentive, but seemed overwhelmed and stressed by having to serve all the tables in the room. Overall, a wonderful dinner and recommended to anyone that is looking for a nice meal in the Kennebunkport area.
(5)
David B.
Wow! One Dock describes itself as a Maine fusion restaurant, traditional local ingredients presented in a new way. They deliver on this promise fully. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here last week after seeing Gordon Ramsey's glowing review of the place (he's an a** but knows food) making reservations was easy with a friendly hostess who greeted us as we walked in the door. Dress was casual with most of the guys in khaki shorts and polos, the women ranged from beach casual to formal. Our waitress was brand new (our bottle of wine was only the second she had uncorked table side) but made up for her lack of inexperience with a super friendly and service focused attitude. While the entrees were enticing the appetizers were incredibly varied and we decided to split four appetizers between the two of us. We sampled the Duck Quesadilla (incredible), Lobster spring rolls (almost entirely lobster with a sprig of basil and slivers of cucumber and mango), Lobster stuffed mushrooms (wife loved them, I felt they were a tad bit greasy), and Beef Carpaccio (simply the best carpaccio I have ever had even at $$$$$ steak restaurants in Boston, Chicago, Vegas, and Atlanta), wine selection was fantastic we also tried a blood orange margarita with the dessert trio while not a margarita in the traditional sense it was a very enjoyable mixed drink and pared well with the flour less chocolate torte. A definite addition to my all time favorite restaurant list we will be back at our earliest opportunity.
(5)
Ron S.
Chose this restaurant based on the reviews here, so maybe we hit them on a bad night. But when we told the manager at the resort we were going there he was less than enthusiastic. The location is right by the bridge which can be convenient. It was close to everything. We walked from our resort so can't say anything about the parking, but I suspect it's difficult. We were warmly greeted and promptly waited on. Our server was pleasant, cheerful and casual. We ordered the Mussels for an appetizer. The sauce was good but they were a bit overcooked. Not worth sending back but not up to the price and expectation. We mentioned that to the waitress and she showed genuine concern. More on that later. We then both ordered the lazy lobster with house made fettucine, as the recommended lobster dish. We usually distribute risk by getting different entres, but this sounded great so we went all in. Big mistake. The lobster was tough, dry and stringy. I struggled to cut the tail. On the top of that the pasta was clumped. The manager stopped by to ask about the dish and my wife, who can be overly polite in these situations said it was fine. I was stewing and didn't want a confrontation so I was silent. However when the manager brought the bill, I did register a complaint. He said that they had already comped us for the mussels, which was unexpected but I was growing more discontent with a $40 entree that should not have been served and asked for more. He did take some more off the bill, although not the full price of the entree and grudgingly. To be fair, the manager had no obligation to comp us for either since we did eat them. And frankly, a 20% discount didn't make up for a ruined evening. In a weekend getaway every event is a standout, either good or bad.
(2)
Mark R.
Great appetizers and salad. Ribeye was excellent. My wife's halibut was dry otherwise the rating would be higher.
(3)
Toni M.
The outdoor patio is the only positive about this place. Horrible service- both the hostess and the waiter were rude and the food was even worse! DO NOT GO HERE!!! There are several much better restaurants in the Dock Square area (Hurricane, Allisons, etc)
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Brenda F.
The food and wine were fabulous. I'm really glad we found this place. The atmosphere was not very welcoming The room was loud. If you dropped your fork on your plate everyone would be disturbed. But the food was so good it warrants 4 stars.
(4)Susan J.
We had a very nice dinner here. The salad was great and the lobster fettuccine was incredible. The lobster spring rolls were just ok. We felt a bit rushed but the fettuccine alone warrants the four stars.
(4)Lisa I.
Excellent food. Great atmosphere, especially when the outdoor patio is open. Attentive servers. Tasty wine flight. I'm a local and this one of my favorite places to dine.
(5)Melissa L.
Dinner was phenomenal and service was friendly and attentive. I started with the farm to table salad and my husband had the oysters which were both really fresh and delicious. My filet mignon melted in my mouth and my husband had the swordfish special which was delicious. Blueberry cobbler was the perfect compliment to dinner. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)Steve S.
Great place, awesome staff, low key, but upscale, awesome white wine sampler for $10.00 but they pour three whole glasses of wine! Scallops were good, the flatbread small plate with pineapple was the best! Waiter was a cool dude, my fiance had an awesome salad, the risotto was legit! Amazing mango margarita! Octoberfest on tap!!! Gotta try this place, sit on the patio!
(4)christi h.
Excellent food!! So good we dined here twice during our 4 day trip! The Arcani was absolutely delicious along with the Lobster Ravioli, to die for flavor and portion!!!
(5)David M.
Great food and atmosphere! We ate at the bar and split small plates (duck quesadilla, lobster stuffed mushrooms, Mediterranean plate and a cup of chowder) and it was the perfect bar meal. The bartender was excellent and made a great mojito for my wife.
(5)Dean H.
You will enjoy the food here but you will be startled by the pricing! Oysters from Damariscotta (just up the coast) are $1 more each here than they are on Wall Street! Service was spotty, ambience elusive, and the meal process endless. We had an open table reservation but were relegated to what appeared to be lounge seating. An expensive disappointment--there are more rewarding choices in this town.
(3)Ellen H.
Super fun place to head on Thursday nights for happy hour and live music. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Great food, yummy drinks and wonderful service. ;-)
(5)Shannon N.
I was staying at the Kennebunkport Inn a few weeks ago, and stopped by the One Dock restaurant during my stay. I was BLOWN AWAY by the quality of the food, the ambiance of the restaurant, and the knowledge and service of the staff. I visited during happy hour and was fortunate enough to have a very pleasant conversation with the restaurant manger. I told him my general likes and dislikes and he recommended different dishes. The fried oysters were to die for! We also could not get enough of the brie dip appetizer. In addition, my guest and I also sampled some of the red wines available on the wine list, and were amazed by the reasonable prices of some VERY HIGH QUALITY wines. I cannot rate this restaurant, or my experience at One Dock high enough. It was easily one of my TOP DINING EXPERIENCES ever. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth stopping in! - EXCELLENT FOOD - fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented - KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF - will make excellent recommendations - BEAUTIFUL SETTING - clean and crisp dining area with a lovely view - REASONABLE PRICES - superb quality, good portion sizes A MUST!
(5)Courtney R.
We ate here for my birthday dinner on 9/13/15. We had oysters, shrimp cocktail, and New York strip with broccoli and potato purée. Everything was flavorful and very fresh. The steak was perfectly cooked and was served with bordelaise sauce. For dessert we had the s'mores dip. It was heavenly. One Dock was an excellent choice for an elegant yet casual birthday dinner.
(4)BE M.
We ate at One Dock a few years back (2012) and it was one of the most memorable meals of my life. The food and service were sublime. As we returned to Kennebunkport again, One Dock was the first dinner reservation we made. Disappointed does not begin to describe our experience. The service seemed as if our server had read a book on fine dining service, but never put it into practice. It seems the only word in her vocabulary was "definitely" and the only sentence was "I'm standing right by your side." I stopped counting after 25 definitely's. Additionally, we were rushed and no interest was shown in whether we enjoyed the food. Getting a refill on water was a chore, at best. But the service would have been bearable had the food matched our prior experience, but it did not come close. The Lazy Lobster purported to be butter poached was clearly broiled (to a crisp) and tasteless, served in the shell (not as it once was and is described on the menu) and is as good as rubber. The creamed spinach was watery, tasteless, full of stems and just all around awful. After inquiring, we understand the chef is new. To the owners of One Dock, address the situation before it is too late. We certainly won't be back. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(2)Cristin A.
One dock is in the Kennebunkport inn. The inn is pretty the bar area is warm and comfortable. There was live music on the night we visited. The drinks were good. So why only two stars. It's because we were hungry and the food was terrible and service needs improvement. We started with the Hanoi Rib they looked good and were well presented but they were fatty, grizzly and the sauce was too sweet with a burnt taste. Next we ordered the salad special. It was not bad but nothing I would go back for. The mac and cheese was beyond dry. Our issues with service was the bartender was chatting with what appeared to be friends for a considerable amount of time while we were waiting to put our order in.
(2)Laurie T.
Very nice atmosphere but was disappointing in the kitchen. We were there recently with a family of 4. The place was filled about 70%. It took an hour just to get any food on the table. Then, the steak my husband ordered was not cooked to the right temperature and was difficult to cut due to a poor grade and a less than ideal steak knife. Our broccoli side was so soggy it looked like something my kid would make. Only saving grace was that my swordfish was cooked to perfection and the bread rolls were hot, crusty on the outside and soft in the inside. The manager on duty was nice enough to apologize and took off the steak and half off the rest of food. She said they had only been a steakhouse for 2.5 months!! The kitchen clearly needs work.
(3)Hannah A.
My boyfriend and I came here when we were on a trip up for my birthday in the winter. We came here for dinner when they were having a valentines day price fix. I'm pretty sure it was one if the best meals I've ever had. For starters we got raw oysters and crab cakes to share. Both were amazing. It was the first time I had raw oysters and now I'm hooked. They were so fresh and flavorful. The crab cakes were also an A+ For entree we both got the home made pasta with the lobster. It came with an entire picked lobster on top. so so good. Only complaint is a bunch of my noodles were sticking together.
(5)Nicolle M.
Stayed at the Kennebunkport Inn and had happy hour at the bar (One Dock). $3 draught beers and half price cocktails! Great deal. Also ordered the brie cheese dip off the half priced small plates, it was pretty good! Definitely worth stopping here for happy hour drinks, although I know the food reviews are pretty mixed.
(4)JACOB B.
Convenient location in Dock Square in the heart of Kennebunkport.My wife opted for 2 starters....three ceviches which were reminicent of the crudos served at Esca in NYC and flavourful lobster cakes which could easily serve as an entree. I thoroughly enjoyed the mussels steamed in an addicting sauce. The winner of the evening was an encrusted halibut surrounded by potato gnocchi further enhanced by a butter sauce. Gordy our waiter was ever present without being intrusive.The lemon cheese tart and cappucino provided a perfect finish...the ambience was soothing & romantic...perfect spot to propose,celebrate an anniversary, etc.Will return.
(4)Lynn O.
AMAZING! Lazy lobster with truffle mac and cheese was one of the best meals I have had in recent memory. My boyfriend had the short ribs and they melted in your mouth. We wanted to eat dinner here both nights we stayed in Kennebunkport. This is a must do- prices are totally reasonable for the quality of food.
(5)mounia t.
We had dinner in the lovely front patio, but the decor inside looked charming as well. We ordered a few of the small plates - all delicious. The skirt steak in the bobun was a bit on the tougher side, but everything else was impeccable. The sauces that went with each plate were to die for - from the tangy sweet&sour that went with the wings to the soy/peanuty one that came with the rangoon. And the drinks were great too - I had the Scarlett O'hara and it was the perfect balance of acidity and sweet.
(5)Joe V.
Don't bother - really Chef Ramsey ate here and loved it?! Must have been an entirely different kitchen staff. As for me - very disappointing. For starter ordered the Tempura Fried Oyster Salad - Oysters (3 pieces) were dry and shriveled - probably prepped and fried @2 pm - and dropped on the fresh greens - which were swimming in a vinaigrette that was so acidic that it must have contained the juice of one full lemon and a dash of olive oil. "Tempura Fried"!? I think not. Entree just as poorly executed. Lobster pasta with homemade saffron fettuccine. Ugh - the pasta was a disaster. Even a home cook knows that homemade pasta needs to be very thin, partially dried and quickly dropped in boiling water moments before serving. Well these blobs of dough were thick, gooey and clumped together in may places. Yuck. And for that the pleasure of paying $36. I don't mind the price - if it's well executed - saffron's expensive, lobster while plentiful is always priced at a premium - BUT - execute! PLEASE! Didn't stay for dessert. Want a good lobster meal when staying in KPT? Go to Nunan's in nearby Cape Porpoise - and roll-up your sleeves and enjoy! Want good fried seafood? Try The Ramp - whole belly clams - fresh, served hot!
(1)Ryan G.
Where to begin. If you haven't been here the service is second to none. I proposed to my fiancée here last year (at the Inn, not the restaurant) and we just returned for dinner. I would highly recommend starting off with a cocktail in the bar. I had a Manhattan and me lady had an old fashioned. The drinks are not small and if you're a bourbon fan like myself, the Manhattan won't disappoint. We had dinner in the new dining room. We had the mussels and carpaccio to start. Both were unreal, mussels were served with bacon, onions and cream...we ended up sopping the sauce up with our bread. We split the lobster fettuccine for our main. Wow, outstanding. You can definitely over cook lobster and this was done perfectly. The dish wasn't even heavy. We finished with some sorbets which were totally freezer burned but at that point in the meal we didn't care. Cheers!
(5)Kat L.
Stayed in Kennebunkport in August and had an awesome meal here! I am still dreaming about the mussels. mussels with applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese creme, and served with the most perfectly charred bread for soaking up all that goodness. It was outstanding. we sat outside- it has a nice view of the Kennebunkport village-. we also had the special salad- which was nothing fancy. but the mussels! I had the salmon as my main- which was also very good.
(5)Joan B.
Not a good place in winter months. Bar was cold. Drinks were not good and menu looked blah so we moved on.. We're locals so we know better.
(1)David V.
Good food but very limited menu, and most tapas style. In a hotel, but a nice hotel. Very good service and good location. After the menu, which would fit on a postage card, my only beef w/ this place is that although they call it "One Dock", you would need binoculars to see a dock from here. Don't eat here and think that you are within a rifle's shot of the water.
(3)Mo H.
We stopped in for a cocktail and ended up filling up on appetizers and sides. Our drinks were amazing - this was the only place in town where we could get a really good manhattan, which wasn't even on the cocktail list. We tried the scallops, truffle fries, fish tacos (excellent dry rub on the mahi mahi) and steak on a naan type bread ( I can't remember what the dish is called). Everything was excellent and our bartender was very friendly and helpful as we figured out what we wanted.
(5)Joanna F.
Loved it. Walked in on a Saturday night and made a "reservation" for an hour and a half later. Wandered around, got a drink and came back about half an hour earlier than the reservation and we were seated. The atmosphere is cozy New England. I felt like I was sitting in someone's living room. It was so nice. Service was also amazing. On to the food. We decided to get a few small plates and salads. Special salad: Arugula, feta, beets, nuts, vinaigrette. So fresh and delicious. Cheese plate: A huge wedge of some type of cheese. It looked like goat but was much milder. Delicious meat, pickled veggies, sweet pickles and bread on the side. Very nice. Flatbread pizza: Duck, cheese, onions... very delicious and a pretty good portion for a small plate. Shrimp arancini: Huge shrimp flavor with a crisp exterior. These were in no way, shape or form greasy like a lot of arancini. They almost tasted baked. Mac and Cheese: This was actually kind of a let down. This mac and cheese was made with cheddar, so it was actually pretty bland. I believe it was supposed to be "chipotle" but I didn't taste that at all. Can't forget the bread... the fresh baked rolls were some of the best I've ever had at a restaurant! I will definitely come back if I'm near this area again.
(5)Leo L.
I been going to Kennebunkport, ME for about 5 years now, spending a total of 20+ days every summer in this great town, known for its great food and people. As my wife and I like trying new places we decided to try this restaurant this past weekend and can say that this is a big no-no for its food, at a table of 5 no one finished even half of their food. Would go back for a drink at the bar as they have great live music but I do not recommend it if you are looking for good food.
(1)A. K.
Sitting outside on their new back patio was lovely until the bugs started to bite as it turned dark. The Caesar salad was tasty and a good portion as were the oysters. The fries are nicely done. I liked the mussels, too. It has a lovely view of the river--perfect for out-of-town guests. The Zin was delicious.
(4)Douglas K.
If I could give 3.5 stars I would. Service was excellent, appetizers were good - goat cheese salad, carpaccio and clam chowder, caesar salad was disappointing. Dinner of steak, scallops, and Salmon were very good, Duck was gamy and dry a bad choice. Desserts were very good... Overall not quite as good as I would have liked.
(3)Craig S.
First time in the Port. Went on a recommendation. Couldn't have been more pleased. Food was fantastic, great laid back vibe. Good service. I'd highly recommend.
(5)Kevin F.
We stayed at the Kennebunkport Inn (which was great) so after a day of sightseeing, we decided to try "One Dock". We made a reservation as other reviewers suggested, and we were promptly seated, no problems. Our server was a little off. She started off the interaction by asking " Am I going to have to get you anything from the bar". I don't think she meant to come across this way, but it made it sound like we were inconveniencing her with the potential we might want alcohol. She also had a habit of taking our plates without asking if we were done. For example, they served an awesome garlic knot as a starter (review below). Before our appetizers came out, she took them away without asking! They would have made great dippers for my clam chowder, but alas, they were gone before their time. All in all our service, while a little odd, was not terrible, but strange enough to get a mention in this review. The food experience was mixed. We had been eating seafood all week (when in Rome, right?) and "One Dock" touts it's self as a premier restaurant in Kennebunkport. We gave it a try so here is a rundown of our dishes: Starter - Garlic Knots These were awesome! Tasted fresh and had the right balance of flavors. I would have eaten a meal based solely around these things. 10/10 would eat them again. Appetizers: Crab Cakes & Clam Chowder The crab cakes were by far the worst we had in our week of Maine. They were more cake than crab. A good visual representation of the crab cakes would be the biscuits they serve you at Red Lobster. My date said they resembled dry scrambled eggs. The taste was bland and boring. Also the cakes had insufficient amount of crab. 2/10 would not order again. The clam chowder was fantastic. Portion was great with bountiful amounts of crab, potatoes, and bacon. My mouth is actually watering thinking about the chowder. 10/10 would order again. Our entrees were Beef Carpaccio and Lobster Mac & Cheese: Beef Carpaccio - This was my date's dish, and I don't think I know enough about it to review it, but it was visually appealing, like artwork. The chef clearly spent time in it's presentation which I appreciated. No complaints but i didn't eat any of it so I can't give it a score on taste. Visually though 8/10, would look at it again. Lobster Mac & Cheese - The macaroni was lacking cheese, and was more a bit on the dry side, almost like it was in the oven too long. It had sufficient lobster in it, but I had hoped it would be more creamy than dry. Maybe this is more of a personal preference, but to me it was dry and almost crunchy, and needed more cheese. 3/10 reluctantly might try again. After dinner we went to the bar to get drinks, a band was playing and much fun was had. The bar is a great place to hang out, prices were what you would expect for the atmosphere. Great beer and wine selection and also the wait staff was fun. I wish the band would have closed the night with Billy Joel - Piano Man. Bar 9/10 - would drink there again. Band - 8/10 would listen to them again.
(3)Jane E.
We attempted to eat at One Dock about a year ago but were told at the door that they could not seat us at any point that entire night without a reservation. That's it. No suggestion for another place to eat. (Full disclosure: We are very familiar with Kennebunkport and had no problem eating someplace else. But it's simply good customer service to offer to assist a potential customer.) No suggesting to call back later to see if any tables had opened up. No recommendation that we try another night. We felt like the hostess felt like she and the restaurant were too good for us.
(1)Hungry Couple N.
One Dock is located in the heart of Dock Square, the center of the hustle and bustle of summer high season in Kennebunkport. But, it's pretty dining room sits just above the fray in a quiet, comfortable room. Being one of the few restaurants in town without an outdoor deck facing the river, One Dock understandably attracts fewer people and an older crowd as well. But, when researching the area before our vacation, we were attracted to their menu and were, happily, not disappointed. One Dock offers full dinners or small plates, effectively large appetizers to share and compare. The full dinners were appealing but the small plates proved irresistible. We asked for them to be served simultaneously and what arrived was a bounty of food with "small" plates much larger than we anticipated. And, if that weren't enough, the bread basket included roasted garlic bread and a particularly delectable tomato focaccia. We feasted on Pan Seared Sea Scallops w/Smoked Bacon, Creamed Corn and a Maple Chile Glaze, Lobster Spring Rolls w/Cucumber, Mango, Mint and Citrus Dipping Sauce, Chipotle Maine Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Buttermilk-dipped Fried Onion Strings w/Chipotle Aioli and Mesclun Salad w/Cantaloups, Spiced Pecans & Panko-Crusted Deep-Fried Goat Cheese and White Balsamic Vinaigrette. The food was so excellent, we'd have to really nitpick to be critical. But we might say that the servers, although warm, are slightly more friendly than efficient and the lobster roll wrapper was a bit gummy. In other words, pretty minor stuff! The dessert menu looked quite fetching but, sadly, we were happy just to be able to get up from the table after our feast. We knew we wanted to go back and so much so, in fact, that the following evening we cancelled our dinner reservations at a very pricey ocean-front inn to return to One Dock and sample more of their food. On the second evening we chose to eat at the outdoor tables in their little garden and ordered main dishes instead of small plates. We both had their signature x-rated martini which was tasty, slightly sweet and slightly strong. We also both ordered the iceberg wedge salad with blue cheese dressing which was extremely tasty and the lettuce fresh and crisp. For entrees, we also were both in the mood for the 8 oz. Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Scalloped potatoes and topped with Sauteed Mushrooms and a Béarnaise Sauce. The potatoes could have been slightly crispier but everything on the plate was delicious. We shared a dessert of Maine Blueberry Cheesecake which was perfect. There's no doubt that if we ever find ourselves in the area again, we will be dining at One Dock!
(4)mike y.
Visited Kennebunkport for the first time this August and tried ONE Dock on our first night. We had no reservations (which I though would be a problem). The hostess was eager to fit us in and we gave her an hour so we could look around the shops next to the restaurant. When we came back the hostess and the manager were very glad to see us and we were quickly seated at a very nice romantic table (the restaurant has many small old rooms, checkout their website). Water was also very nice and recommended the wine trio (3 samplings of red or white wine). They were good generous portions. Food was fantastic. Had desert in the lounge were they have an entertaining piano player doing his thing. The only down side (and it is minor) was that the bartender was not as friendly and outgoing as everyone else. Almost seemed like he was going through the motions.
(5)Elizabeth F.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the hostess was nice. We were guests of the inn and got seated in the back corner next to the kitchen, so close to the next table that the waiter's bum was in our face when he took the next table's order. The tables are extremely narrow. The food was overpriced and not that good. The ceviche appetizer was overpowered by the pickled flavor. And the portion was small. Not like the Peruvian ceviche I'm accustomed to. The service was so-so. The waiter never asked how I'd like my meat so it came out blood rare. Then I had to wait for it to cook while my mom's plate got cold. But he was accommodating in other ways (food allergy). If you are here for just a few days I suggest choosing a different restaurant.
(2)John K.
This place bills itself as Maine fusion and it really works. We got reservations on Saturday night over the Memorial day holiday without much trouble, just a few hours before. We thoroughly enjoyed each course that we had. They started us with some very tasty Salmon paste and crackers and then some wonderful fresh out of the oven garlic infused bread. No chunks of garlic, just mixed in with the bread, great. We went for the small plates instead of single real meals so we could try more options, since so many things looked good. We got a "fresh from garden" salad with delicious dressing with a hint of basil mixed in just the right quantity and mild goat cheese small crumbles over spinach and tomato. Then shrimp ceviche, with great avacado, lime, lots of shrimp. Mussels with chorizo and tasty broth. Steak and cheese spring rolls. And got the dessert trio - chocolate flourless cake, creme brûlée, blueberry cheesecake. Good wine, friendly service, constantly full water glass, classic, well restored new england building but not stuffy. Wow, that made me happy. Can't wait to go again.
(5)Marie P.
What a disappointment. We had requested a view and the hostess tried but it was a sliver of the river out the window. The room was nice though. The raw oysters and rib eye my husband had was good. Unfortunately the rib eye was the size of a filet mignonette, apparently they really serve only the eye. They didn't have the champagne we ordered and when we ordered a different bottle the bartender delivered but didn't have his pour down right and wasted champagne on the table. My lobster bisque was heavy on the sherry, my caesar uninspired and my lobster fettuccine had such a heavy sauce that it drowned the lobster. our waitress was pleasant but challenged to refill water glasses. When we ordered dessert and moved to the lounge for the overdone piano singer, we had further disappointment. I asked for a port, and asked the bartender to pick a tawny for me, he looked at us and said "I assume you don't want anything expensive". Since our meal cost was closing in on $200 before tip I'm not sure what he based that on - my husbands jeans? The meal finished with the blueberry buckle dessert which was heavy and tasteless. Did I mention it was our anniversary? What is even more disappointing is that the ownership has several restaurants in the area and it calls them all into question in my mind.
(2)Kaitlin A.
Loved our dining experience at One Dock. We visited the restaurant in a trip to Kennebunkport in January. We were able to get a reservation a few days ahead, but even in the middle of the winter, every seat was filled! Upon arriving, we felt like we were entering someone's dining room - it was an intimate dining setting complete with homey decorations and a warm fireplace. We started with the farm to table salad, which changes depending on the vegetables in season. It was an arugula salad with feta, fresh beets, walnuts, white balsamic vinaigrette. I had never had fresh beets before, and they were delicious! It was a great combination of flavors. For dinner, I had the Maine Maple & Sweet Chile Salmon with creamed spinach & sweet potato orzo. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and the slightly spicy sauce was balanced out by the sweet orzo. Loved it! Although we were very full from the generous (but not overwhelmingly huge) portions, we decided to try the ice cream & sorbets. We got a trio of different flavors - gingerbread ice cream, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and the cranberry sorbet. The gingerbread and mint chocolate chip were creamy and delicious. The cranberry sorbet had a nice flavor, but was on the icy side - it was more like italian ice than sorbet. The service was fine, but nothing to rave about. The waitress was pleasant and attentive, but seemed overwhelmed and stressed by having to serve all the tables in the room. Overall, a wonderful dinner and recommended to anyone that is looking for a nice meal in the Kennebunkport area.
(5)David B.
Wow! One Dock describes itself as a Maine fusion restaurant, traditional local ingredients presented in a new way. They deliver on this promise fully. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here last week after seeing Gordon Ramsey's glowing review of the place (he's an a** but knows food) making reservations was easy with a friendly hostess who greeted us as we walked in the door. Dress was casual with most of the guys in khaki shorts and polos, the women ranged from beach casual to formal. Our waitress was brand new (our bottle of wine was only the second she had uncorked table side) but made up for her lack of inexperience with a super friendly and service focused attitude. While the entrees were enticing the appetizers were incredibly varied and we decided to split four appetizers between the two of us. We sampled the Duck Quesadilla (incredible), Lobster spring rolls (almost entirely lobster with a sprig of basil and slivers of cucumber and mango), Lobster stuffed mushrooms (wife loved them, I felt they were a tad bit greasy), and Beef Carpaccio (simply the best carpaccio I have ever had even at $$$$$ steak restaurants in Boston, Chicago, Vegas, and Atlanta), wine selection was fantastic we also tried a blood orange margarita with the dessert trio while not a margarita in the traditional sense it was a very enjoyable mixed drink and pared well with the flour less chocolate torte. A definite addition to my all time favorite restaurant list we will be back at our earliest opportunity.
(5)Ron S.
Chose this restaurant based on the reviews here, so maybe we hit them on a bad night. But when we told the manager at the resort we were going there he was less than enthusiastic. The location is right by the bridge which can be convenient. It was close to everything. We walked from our resort so can't say anything about the parking, but I suspect it's difficult. We were warmly greeted and promptly waited on. Our server was pleasant, cheerful and casual. We ordered the Mussels for an appetizer. The sauce was good but they were a bit overcooked. Not worth sending back but not up to the price and expectation. We mentioned that to the waitress and she showed genuine concern. More on that later. We then both ordered the lazy lobster with house made fettucine, as the recommended lobster dish. We usually distribute risk by getting different entres, but this sounded great so we went all in. Big mistake. The lobster was tough, dry and stringy. I struggled to cut the tail. On the top of that the pasta was clumped. The manager stopped by to ask about the dish and my wife, who can be overly polite in these situations said it was fine. I was stewing and didn't want a confrontation so I was silent. However when the manager brought the bill, I did register a complaint. He said that they had already comped us for the mussels, which was unexpected but I was growing more discontent with a $40 entree that should not have been served and asked for more. He did take some more off the bill, although not the full price of the entree and grudgingly. To be fair, the manager had no obligation to comp us for either since we did eat them. And frankly, a 20% discount didn't make up for a ruined evening. In a weekend getaway every event is a standout, either good or bad.
(2)Mark R.
Great appetizers and salad. Ribeye was excellent. My wife's halibut was dry otherwise the rating would be higher.
(3)Toni M.
The outdoor patio is the only positive about this place. Horrible service- both the hostess and the waiter were rude and the food was even worse! DO NOT GO HERE!!! There are several much better restaurants in the Dock Square area (Hurricane, Allisons, etc)
(1)