Alan Ilagan

I honestly don’t know where to begin on this, and I’m only going to touch on a few of my favorite spots. There’s something about being next to the ocean that makes me hungrier than normal, so maybe that’s why everything seems to taste so much better. But there’s definitely something about the restaurants here that raises the level of food to something practically sacred. It helps if you’re a seafood fan like me, and for the lobster-lovers especially this is culinary nirvana.

Let’s begin with breakfast, one of my favorite meals, but one which Andy usually eschews – unless we’re on vacation. Then it’s French toast and waffles and pancakes galore. For my part, I indulge in the various Eggs Benedict creations – and nowhere is the morning meal more delicious than Amore Breakfast. We’ve been going to Amore for almost as long as we’ve been visiting Ogunquit, and it’s always a treat for the spirit and the stomach. Owner Leanne Cusimano moved into her current digs a few years ago, but the quaint atmosphere and delectable goodies remain as satisfying as ever (and that Black or Blue French toast feature may be one of the best breakfast treats ever conjured).

We used to skip lunch, as there is a limit to what the stomach can handle, but on those days when we get off to a late start we’ll skip breakfast instead and have a simple meal at Jackie’s or Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove – especially gratifying after a trek along the Marginal Way. The walk back, and a brief rest, is usually enough to prepare us for dinner, and dinner in Ogunquit is one of my favorite past-times in the world. Here are some of our favored haunts:

Five-O – Owners Donato and Jeff have created an elegant dining space (which I’m told has been newly renovated and remodeled), and employ a gracious and attentive staff. Add to this one of the best restaurant bars in the town (expert martini makers) and an extensive Wine List, and you have the makings of a perfect dining experience. Along with their next-door establishment Caffe Prego, they bring a little bit of European elan to the town.

Katie’s Cafe on Shore Road – This is probably one of the best places to get lobster mac & cheese – a must for this glutton. If it sounds over the top, with its sinfully rich combination of cheeses oozing over the dish and large chunks of tender lobster generously distributed throughout, it’s because it is – gloriously so. Go early and have one of the specialty cocktails at the elegant bar.

Gypsy Sweethearts – An unassuming but consistently good place, with exceedingly polite servers and a few interesting specials that usually include at least one lobster dish. (Yes, you detect a theme.)

Roost Cafe & Bistro – This is a bit off the beaten path of the main town, but totally worth the trip. It features some exquisite New England dishes, with a few inventive twists. The last time I was there I had the best duck I’ve had since the early 90’s. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, and a warm bar is the perfect antidote to the cool nights.

Old Village Inn – This bastion provides comforting, standard New England fare – a good choice for a rainy, gray night – and is a welcome port in a storm. They too usually have a lobster special – but order early as they tend to run out on occasion.

Bread & Roses Bakery – A source of delicious baked goods and coffee – and the perfect stop for a late-night dessert. We usually stop in here after dinner to get something for later – and they stay open longer for weekends and holidays. Don’t overlook this place for a quick and simple breakfast either.

The best part is that these are such great places, we find ourselves returning to them again and again – but that has its drawbacks as we don’t always get to try all the other amazing restaurants this town has to offer. Someday we’ll get around to Provence, MC Perkins, Bintliff’s, Arrows… the list goes on and on – and may it never end.