Damariscotta River Grill

As I walked into the restaurant, I noticed a large glass vase full of small shiny things. I asked the clerk politely, «What are these small shiny things?» She responded very politely, «They are candies.» I politely asked, «May I try a few?» She answered, quite politely, «Of course.» I politely asked, «Are they free?» She politely responded, «yes.» I took a few handfuls and left. The staff is very polite and generous. Would recommend.

I seem to remember this place being much better. We came here to celebrate my mothers birthday. The service was pleasant but very slow and uninformed and I kept having to ask for water to be refilled. I started with the beet salad which was actually pretty good. I ordered the regular size and it was big enough to split three ways. For a main course I got the zesty and exotic Thai fish stew. I have ordered this dish a few times before here and it was always so delicious! Idk if the plate changed or just my opinion but I found it to be seriously lacking this time around. The noodles and seafood were over cooked, there were hardly any noodles to speak of and there were no fresh herbs or nuts or anything to add texture or extra flavor. My mom got the duck risotto; I tried some of that and it was really tasty! For dessert we ordered the baileys cheesecake (special), brownie sundae and chocolate cake. They brought out with candles and we all sang but we’re not offered any birthday treat. The deserted were fine, nothing special and again… took forever. I might go back if I am in town agin for the happy hour but probably not for a big meal/​celebration.

Went here for lunch. I had scallops with a blueberry reduction. The scallops were really good. The reduction was good but I’m not sure if I personally like it in scallops.
It was a big serving of scallops for the price which was nice.
I got my son the tomato, bacon, cheddar soup which he loved! And I may add it was really good.

(4.5 stars). We aTe at the Damarascotta River Grill tonight — it was a very exceptional meal. Despite that it took a half-​hour past our reservation Time for us to be sat at a table I highly recommend dining here.
The Pemaquid Oysters were the best oysters on the half shell I’ve had. They were fresh — plump and sweet — and served with three of the freshest garnishes. The Broiled Seafood plate was out of this world. The scallops were perfect. And the lobster cake had the meat of a whole lobster claw baked right in. What a nice touch.
But the Duck Confit Risotto stole the show. Roasted pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and duck that didn’t need a knife. We devoured the whole dish. I never want to forget the taste.

Was here for a groom’s dinner so I can’t speak to the menu. However, the quality of food was outstanding. Scallops, duck risotto, London broil with blue cheese… oh, and the chocolate torte!
As for service, anywhere that can serve a group of 60+, while working other tables is great.

Stopped in last night with a reservation for two after being there many times. Stood waiting for a greeting for a while. Should have realized then something was up. Brought us to a small table behind 2 large groups. When we asked for a different table and offered to wait at the bar we got a take it or leave it attitude. So we left it and she still had an attitude. So they lost our business that night and the future. We had a nice dinner elsewhere with no reservation. They went out of there way for our business. I suppose they just don’t care. The food is good but not worth a snotty attitude.

Soooo good! The food was fresh and delicious. The homemade lemonade was top notch. The ambience and décor was pleasing and the waitstaff was excellent as well. We went here on our last trip to Maine which included stops all along the coast and this was one of my favorites by far.

Do NOT order the Caesar salad. It’s tasteless, not worth the price and mine wasn’t washed correctly. This place used to be so good. What has happened?

I look forward to coming to this area of Maine just for the BBQ Shrimp at the grill. It is amazing. I’d love to be able to recreate at home, but I’ve yet to match the intricate flavors. If you’re in the area, it’s a must-​try. And the staff is wonderful. Friendly and efficient. The atmosphere is clean, vibrant and welcoming.

Great happy hour! Pricey for dinner but you get what you pay for. My husband and I use the river grill as our ‘special occasion’ spot.

I went into this restaurant with two friends and received a very cold greeting because we had no reservations. The waitress seated us and took our drink orders. Three more tables of people came in, ordered drinks and then ordered food. All three of those tables were eating their food and we still had not received our drinks. All we ordered for drinks was ice tea and it shouldn’t have taken 45 minutes to get them. So we got up and left and went across the road and had a very pleasant meal at a different restaurant. I’ve heard the food is good there but if we can’t get any service I guess I’ll never find out as I will never go back

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
We lost this time. I have been going to this restaurant for at least 5 years. I always want it to be great and at times it is but many times it is very mediocre. When it is great, you think the chef had trained at a quality restaurant. Other times, it is diner food at fancy restaurant prices. Unfortunately it was the latter the other night.
The shrimp appetizer was cooked shrimp with BBQ sauce, the vegetables were soggy, and unappetizing, the haddock was similar to simple lobster shack deep fry and the brownie Sunday was lazily thrown together.
There were some high points: the lobster flat bread pizza, the service and the ambiance.
Because there are few other options and because I have had some 4 – 5 star meals there, i will continue to go to this restaurant. The next time it is good, I will find out the chef and only go on nights he/​she is cooking.

Something changed. The last five times I’ve eaten here the food has been subpar.

Great ambiance and service, but the food was underwhelming. In concept, it could
Be very good.
The tuna appetizer was very generic, nothing special about it, though the sesame crust was good. There was nothing that made this pop to the next level.
On the fish tacos, the corn tortillas totally fell apart, and the red rice was cold and also I would have chosen a different more exciting side.
The lobster cakes were good, with a delicious sweet corn sauce. But they were too mushy inside, trying to be like crab cakes.
All above said, we would certainly go back.

Uninspired and very bland to just plain weird. Worst French Onion Soup I’ve ever had! Our single worst experience in dining out while in Maine.

Had dinner there with family. Awesome food. great ambiance. Miss the area there very much. I used to live around there.

Terrible!!! Over priced. And the service was crapy at best. The food had no taste and over all was just a terrible experience. For two meals– no drinks (we both had water) it cost me $ 38. Never stepping foot in there again.

One of our favorites. Food is always excellent and the staff very friendly. I had the haddock, excellent!

This is one of our favorite places in town — the food is consistently delicious and the atmosphere is great. They also have a great happy hour seven days a week from 3 to 6 with half price appetizers and drink specials.
Their mussels are a can’t-miss starter and are really flavorful and tender. The sauce is also great with bread — yum! They probably have one of my all time favorite clam chowders, although it is probably more of a clam chowder/​potato soup hybrid. However you would classify it, it’s amazing! They also have great quality salads — all really fresh. My favorite entrée is probably the butternut squash risotto with duck. The flavors are excellent together and the risotto is really creamy. The only thing on the menu I wouldn’t recommend is the pizza with broccoli, which is a little soggy for my taste.
Reservations are recommended in the summer. It’s a casual, quaint little place with pleasant service and great food. Looking forward to my next visit.

We went to River Grill for dinner on July 4^th. We’re hoping that the holiday occasion can explain why the our wait was far past our reservation time slot. That being said, the waitstaff was extremely accommodating when we asked to change tables for a better view of the nearby fireworks.
We ordered the balsamic glazed scallops, Alaskan salmon, potato cakes, and quinoa salad. The portions were more than sizable, which made it difficult to have room for dessert! The side of steamed veggies served with the salmon was a nice touch.
Altogether an enjoyable dining experience that will long be a delicious memory! We’ll come back again, preferably on a less busy night.