Portland, Maine is not only a gateway to the state's golf courses on the southern coast--it also serves as a jumping off point for the islands of Casco Bay. The bay has several large inhabited islands, including Long Island, Chebeague Island, Great Diamond Island, Peaks Island and Cliffs Island. You can even play some ocean-side golf at Great Chebeague Golf Club. The larger islands can be reached by ferry via Casco Bay Lines. There are some waterfront island restaurants worth checking out during your island adventures.
Peaks Island House
Peaks Island House offers a fine view of the Portland skyline from Casco Bay. This oceanfront restaurant is open from May to September and can be reached by ferry. With an upscale, casual ambiance, the restaurant offers seating in the dining room, as well as on the deck or lawn. The dinner menu features fresh local seafood, steaks and chicken dishes. The lunch menu features such lighter fare as soups, sandwiches and burgers. Daily specials, freshly made desserts and children's options also are available. In season, Peaks Island House restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. If you want to stay the night on the island, Peaks Island House also offers oceanfront accommodations.
Peaks Island House
20 Island Ave.
Peaks Island, ME 04108
(207) 766-4400
thepeaksislandhouse.com
Maine Deck Restaurant
Neighboring Chebeague Island is the site of the elegant and artsy Chebeague Island Inn's restaurant. Open from late May through mid-October, the Maine Deck Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner in a chic, yet comfortable, dining room. On Monday, there is a special island buffet dinner. Offering panoramic views of the Atlantic, the restaurant serves fresh fish and often holds lobster bakes. The restaurant is part of Chebeague Island Inn, a boutique hotel with 21 rooms featuring ocean or garden views.
Maine Deck Restaurant
61 South Road
Chebeague Island, ME 04017
(207) 846-5155
chebeagueinn.com
Diamond's Edge Restaurant
This five-star restaurant on Great Diamond Island still manages to maintain a casual feel. In operation with Diamond Cove Marina, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. Docks are available for a day or overnight use, and the restaurant is in the historic Diamond Cove community, which was settled during the late 19th and early 20th century. Lunch options include soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Dinner entrees consist of meat and fish dishes; as of 2009, dinner entree prices ranged from $25 to $35. Lobster and clam bakes can be prepared if you call and make a request ahead of time.
Diamond's Edge Restaurant
1 Diamond Ave.
Portland, ME 04109
(207) 766-5850
diamondsedge.com
About The Author
Heather is a certified English teacher who has been writing since 2008. The editor of Matador Abroad, her work has appeared on BootsnAll, Matador Network, GoNOMAD, Journey Beyond Travel and Expat Women. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and is pursuing a Master of Arts in English at Bridgewater State University.
