We had multiple meals at the Asticou Hotel Restaurant. This business has since been purchased by a new owner and fully renovated and opened for service in summer 2026. Any review prior to June 2026 is referring to the old business. We had an excellent meal here with absolutely excellent service. The ambience is just perfect and the view overlooking the harbor was beautiful. Every item that we had to eat was really delicious. Our server, Jolie, was fabulous. We really enjoyed getting to talk to her. She works very hard. read more

Decor is darling! The menu was interesting in comparison. We had the Caesar with lobster, delicious oysters, harissa chicken sandwich, and the Maine chicken. The strawberry Aperol spritz is really good too! Sweet but tasty. Server was attentive and friendly. read more

Asticou Restaurant - Indoor seating - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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Visited the restaurant for dinner with three generations of family in August 2025. On our server's recommendation three of the five diners ordered rack of lamb. All three orders were significantly overcooked. Worse yet, it was literally the toughest piece of meat I've ever been served in my life, and I'm 83 years old. The other two orders were equally tough, to the point that one had to saw them to get into edible pieces. And then very difficult to chew. When we complained to our server, we got an "I'm sorry" and nothing more. No one came from the kitchen to investigate or indicate any concern about the quality of our meal. Our joke was the lamb served must have died of old age. A very expensive meal in addition. Very disappointed and, like Charlie on the MTA, we will never return. read more

We took a lovely trip to Maine this summer, and this was the only evening I didn't choose the restaurant. MY husband chose it. It was part of a historic inn, which was cool. Parking, however, was tricky and on rocky pavement (I'll remember no patent leather or heels next time). They struggled to find our reservation even though we used a reputable app. Eventually, we were seated with a view of the harbor. Our waters took some time to arrive (we know there are shortages around the country, so we tried to be patient). After 30 minutes in, we're finally able to place our orders. We ordered appetizers and main course at once (we hiked Acadia that day, so we're hungry). We opted for a salad and we each got a Lobster Popover. It was our first time trying a popover filled with Lobster!! I had high expectations, but after a few bites in, I was definitely tasting more butter than lobster. Don't get me wrong, there was lots of lobster in the pastry but the taste of butter was dominant We're glad we tried the place but I'm no rush to try a buttery popover again. read more

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Nice view and very very friendly service - friend said the popover was great with just the perfect amount of butter - chicken was good - blueberry cocktail was okay. Personally think it's too sweet - view was amazing. Good to celebrate occasion and take pictures read more

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My favorite meal of the trip! We tried fish tacos, a lobster popover, the burrata, and popovers and popovers, and everything wad mwah, including the view. It might be getting bonus points because the weather was impossibly good, but thems the breaks. Service was good too, and the decor was very charming as well. read more

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Best meal yet, during our week long stay on Mount Desert Island. Our son Shaun ordered the short ribs, they were awesome! Nancy had the salmon, it was incredible. I ordered a salad, which was good, but they forgot to put in the heirloom tomatoes, which was alright, as they included an extra popover, which were the best ever. Our server was superb, and he shared with us that he was from Turkey. A memorable meal, which is already on our itinerary for next year. read more

Asticou Restaurant - Nancy enjoying her blueberry Mojito. - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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Lovely views and service. The food was tasty however the popovers weren't popped each time I went and were flat. Still a nice experience. read more

Asticou Restaurant - Popover - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

I was not going to stand in line at Jordan Pond to get a pastry. But. The same exact recipe is used at Asticou Inn. The SAME recipe. The popover was so good I didn't want to share the second one with my husband but I did anyway. The oysters were also a stand out. They were plump and perfect tasting. The medium rare ribeye was phenomenal. Go. read more

Asticou Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

Group of 5 - and we were SO excited to eat here again. Wasn't able to come last year. We came from OK, VA, GA, TX. Sorority girls trip. In our early 60s but act like we are still in college. We got very excited about the popovers which we knew about of course from our previous visits. absolutely fantastic service especially since we had three separate checks! tip well - everyone working so hard Sitting outside was such a great experience too. The view is the best. Look forward to returning next year! read more

Asticou Restaurant - Great welcoming to our lunch. Gorgeous flowers - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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Review for lunch on 5/29/2021: We ordered the lobster popover and the Hollander & de Koning Mussels. The popover is their specialty and is fluffy and tasty. The mussel was served with a special curry sauce designed by the chef that day, which was exquisite. Both the indoor restaurant and outdoor seating offer nice view of the sea. read more

Asticou Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

TL;DR This dining experience is my new standard for poor quality and disappointment.   Our server asked if we would like to start with a round of pop overs. Most restaurants offer bread as a courtesy so we said sure. Well they were 12 dollars for two pop overs. Really? you sneak in a $12 order of bread and present it as if it were free?   I had the bourbon lemon smash and she had the Hemmingway. Mine was nothing more than a smashed lemon and some bourbon. it tasted like a child made it after watching his father make one from a distance the night before. It was a joke. Hers wasn't too bad, but was too sweet.   We read the menu and saw that the prices were a bit high. We were in a tourist area and in a nice hotel, so fine we get it. High prices are not an aversion to us, in fact we like when we see high prices, do you know why? Because it signals that we are in for a treat, prepared by people who not only know what they are doing but really care about the experience. This was clearly not the case.   Lobster stew. A bowl of it cost 32 dollars. It was not only much smaller than the word "bowl" would lead you to believe, but also devoid of any lobster meat at all. There were a few shreds but nothing on the order of what the price would indicate. Really? In Maine the best you can do is some creamy broth and lobster dust? The broth itself wasn't even good, it could have been out done by Campbell's. For 32 DOLLARS?   The Flatbread was billed as a brie and arugula flat bread with apples. this was a $26 appetizer. For that kind of money we were expecting something good. There was no brie whatsoever on this thing save for the shine of what might have been melted down brie applied sparingly with an airbrush. The apples were cut into chunks far too wide to be easily eaten and were overcooked. The arugula was about 7 tiny, shriveled pieces that looked like they were from the bottom of a bag that had been in the fridge too long. The bread itself bore the tell-tale marks of neat perforations that only occur if the bread is made in a factory. Indeed, it looked, felt and tasted like Naan from a bag.   The baby spinach salad was 21 dollars. I ordered it with the side of shrimp. This was a 20 dollar add on. $41 for a salad.   41 dollars for a salad.   6 obviously raised in China, frozen shrimp that were added to a pile of spinach which looked and tasted like it came out of a factory bag with a sprinkling of cheese and an uninspired dressing. I knew upon sight that these were frozen shrimp, not fresh, not farm to table. Frozen. From China or Thailand. Chewy, rubbery, cheap. The menu says that they are inspired by fresh ingredients from the coast of Maine to provide a true taste of Maine. I don't buy it. This crap? Are you kidding? You could find a better shrimp salad at an Applebee's. In Kansas. Costco brand frozen shrimp is a far better item than whatever this was.   They call themselves "farm to table" but honestly, it's more like freezer to table. This was quite simply the greatest rip-off I have ever experienced not just in a restaurant, but anywhere.  I am struggling to think of the last time I had paid so much and was so disappointed.   Moreover, we asked for wine to be served with our food, and that did not hit the table until we were done eating. The server dropped the spoon for her "stew" and he did not return with a new one. He also failed to bring us two share plates as he said he would.   My girlfriend works in the industry and we are not ones to complain. When the bill hit the table, it said 183 dollars. Does the above sound like a 183 dollar meal? So we asked for an itemized bill and that's when I realized the shrimp were 20 dollars. We asked to see the manager because we wanted to address these issues.   We were told that the manager was busy managing both the hotel and the restaurant and she could not see us.   Wow.   I mean... Wow.   While at the bar the manager came to us and apologized for the experience and offered us a dessert on the house. We declined and my girlfriend explained what was wrong, and that if they want to charge these kinds of prices they need to up their game. We both came away with the feeling that she did not care in the least. She said she would talk to the chef about it, but I don't think this was a one-off bad night. The food that came out was not in our opinion any kind of anomaly, but standard business.   Given the nature of our complaint does a free dessert sound like a good idea? What we would have preferred was some sincerity about just how bad and embarrassing that meal was. We did not get that. We did not get what we paid for. What we got instead was a permanent answer to the question "what's the worst thing you have ever ate?" read more

I still can't get over how awful of an experience we had here! My boyfriend and I have been traveling and dining out quite a bit recently, and our conversation keeps circling back to how much better every place we visit is than Asticou. Hands down the worst dining experience of our lives! And the most dismissive management I have ever encountered. I've worked in the service industry for over 16 years and have never been treated so poorly! Don't go here! read more

This is a great place with a fantastic view. A bit pricey but no problem- it's well worth it. They have easy choices- such as pizza and such, along with fantastic seafood entrees. DD had the oysters , which he said are the freshest he's had ad at a restaurant. read more

Asticou Restaurant - Staying at the Asticou Inn and dinner at the Restaurant. Peter and DJ - July 2021 - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

I am giving an extra star for the gorgeous harbor views. My experience in both service and food was subpar. It really depends on which server you get. The person behind me got excellent service and her server even brought fresh wild flowers that she personally picked that day to her table. My server was curt and did the minimal to check on me. She asked me about the check before I even had a chance to order dessert. I ordered oysters and asked what kind they were, and my server had no idea. The oysters were not shucked very well and I got no utensils for the cocktail sauce or the mignonette. The server never checked on my until I got my entree, so I just made due with pouring it on the oysters. The chicken piccata was cooked great, but was severely under seasoned. I was pouring salt and pepper on the chicken and mashed potatoes. Had limoncello for dessert. It was just ok. I would not recommend this place. Your money is better spent elsewhere. read more

We had a wonderful experience at the restaurant. The food was fabulous and the service was attentive and friendly. The popovers are excellent and I also loved the mussels, lobster stew, and chocolate pot de creme dessert. We will definitely come back whenever we're here again. read more

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Went for lunch - got in right away with a nice table on the deck overlooking the grounds and the water. Service was fast and friendly! Came here for the famous popover and it was very good! Comparing to Jordan pond very similar. Bean burger was tasty. Would have liked homemade chips. Lemonade was a bit sour. Spinach salad could have used more feta and berries. Overall a pleasant afternoon lunch but wouldn't go crazy to go back unless in the area for the garden right next store which is worth the walk through! read more

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Wow, way better than Jordan Pond Tea House! Didn't have to pay the $30 park entrance fee and had the original popovers, and fabulous Lobstah salad! The salad featured the tail and claws of whole lobster! River was an amazing server and the food was delicious! Next time going to stay at the Inn! read more

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First of all the view from the deck is fantastic! That makes everything taste better. But even with that taken out... I had the best oysters I have had in years...the heirloom tomatoes and bursts was amazing ( the chef ‍ put a finishing salt on top that gave you some salty flavor. Awesome dinner. read more

Asticou Restaurant - A Maine Mojito. What a berry treat. - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

Tasty, quaint and friendly staff. It's a unique looking inn with a restaurant overlooking the water. Nice outdoor vibe. Food was tasty and they have popovers as well, which were fresh and buttery. Their butternut squash soup was warming and their Caesar salad was actually quite delicious. read more

Beautiful view, shame about the door. It would of been nice to be outside. Otherwise the food, was good. A little pricey, the service was nice and fast. We were in and out in 45 minutes, on a Friday night. No reservations made. 3 stars is for the ambiance indoor food was 4stars. My salmon was cooked perfectly, but the quinoa was plain. read more

Asticou Restaurant - The view from our table - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

We sat outside on the deck which has a wonderful view of Northeast Harbor on a perfectly nice--weatherwise--evening. The staff is friendly enough and are all masked, which we appreciated. What we didn't appreciate was the cost of the food and the relatively poorly done results. The lunch and dinner menus are virtually the same, but the prices are higher at dinner. The tuna, which is what we had, wasn't bad, but it just wasn't good enough to support the "big city" prices. It made me feel like they were resting on their laurels and not trying to improve. We've eaten for considerably less elsewhere here on Mt. Desert Island, and been much happier. read more

We had this as our final meal in Acadia. The view from the porch was beautiful. The menu was not lobster and fish centric and was a nice change of pace from the other restaurants in Acadia. The salads were excellent and the popovers were to die for. I got a braised beef special and loved it. read more

Asticou Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

Fantastic views. Fantastic food! Fantastic service!!! The lobster stew....perfecto! Popovers we're soooo good! Fish tacos right on target! Highly recommend this establishment. read more

Sit outside and enjoy the view and New England charm. A delightful find near Asticou Garden. read more

Asticou Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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I wanted to love this meal as we had a disastrous time at Jordan's Pond and heard the restaurant here was being managed by their former management and Chef. But it just didn't happen. Waited way too long to be greeted - even though we had a reservation and it didn't seem overly busy. Plenty of open tables...Popovers? Big score. Large, perfect crust, airy and doughy inside but everything else was rather average. Except the service - which was attentive and polite and the view from the backside porch over the harbor - which was lovely. Charcuterie was bland and grocery store-like. Salad was okay but a bit drab. Fish and Chips scored a little better and British husband knows a 'good' fish and chips plate. The calamari wasn't bad but batter was heavy. read more

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We're staying at the Inn so decided to have dinner here because of the convenience. Wow! What a great experience! The staff cleared the outside deck and dried all the tables and chairs so we could sit outside. It is so peaceful and has an amazing view. The food is amazing! I had the Pan Seared Sea Bass special. It was delicious and the Candied red beet purée was unique and wonderful. My husband had the Thai Coconut Curry Mussels. He orders mussels a lot and these are a nice vegetable laden Indian curry that matches very well with the mussels. They are unique and the dipping bread is perfect. The mussels are fresh and tender; obviously right out of the ocean. We're having the popover for dessert , but that may be a different review. read more

Asticou Restaurant is a meal with prime views. While they don't serve popovers at breakfast, their popovers are very much a prelude to the Maine course. I'm not usually a fan of the bread course, but Asticou's popovers are legendary for a reason. They're hot, soft, sweet, accompanied with butter, as well as blueberry and strawberry jams. They kind of make the dessert course redundant. The service was variable. Some waitresses were cheerful and friendly, one was grouchy. Sometimes the service was slow, it depended. I got the scallops with apple butter orzo. They have seasonal specials; this was for the end of summer. They cooked the scallops perfectly. Everything was very fresh. They have a decent dessert menu, as well as locally roasted decaf coffee. After a day on the road, the Asticou Restaurant was a delicious culinary destination. read more

It's the (now) 10-year-old's birthday and she specifically wanted to come here for popovers and ice cream. We did that and more. Everything is delicious. Everything is a nice and slow pace, so take your time and enjoy. read more

Here for a wedding, my review is of food served for a banquet. The dining room was decent, with lots of light from the rear view of the harbor. There is also a back porch for dining, which I would recommend, given the excellent rear view, set along an inlet full of boats, and dotted with flowers. Having catered weddings for 3 years as a teen, I had no complaints about the service, which was courteous, friendly and efficient. The highlight was the killer popovers, seemingly a Maine specialty, which were served warm, with butter and jam. They were just right, seemingly melted in your mouth, without being too doey or oily. Ok, perhaps those alone earned them my four stars. The bacon wrapped chicken was also moist, although not loving bacon wrapped around things (I'll have it solitary and crispy, thanks), it was just basic food for me. I suspect others lived it, however, and I could see it's appeal. The salad and dressing were good enough, and the light glaze of dressing was pretty good. As for the space itself, the private area away from the rest of town, combined with the view, did make this place stand out. The actual decour was fine, although nothing special. A good place to get away, though, which this overworked New Yorkers appreciates. I suspect sitting on the patio in the morning, reading a paper and sipping a coffee, would be heavenly while overlooking the day. Add some popovers, and I am getting excited about trying this place when I come back! A side note: across the street lie some very well kept wandering gardens, with a sort of Zen Garden influence. Definitely check them out. TLDR: Come here for the popovers (Oh My God), the friendly staff, and the deck with an outstanding, yet secluded view of the bay. read more

Asticou Restaurant - The view of the bay from the stairs atop the outdoor deck. Great view, and more secluded than almost anything in Bar Harbor. - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

Came here for a mid afternoon meal. The view on the patio was great and even at 3 o clock it was very busy with people. Food was great and our waitress was very friendly. Popovers are delicious. We tried going to Jordan pond earlier but there was zero parking. We are happy we came here instead. read more

Asticou Restaurant - The view from the patio dining area. - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

It's currently managed by Jordan Pond Restaurant's ex-Manager. The Popover is the best in town. Lobster biscuit is wonderful treat. Beautiful setting by the bay area. read more

Asticou Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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Yelp reviews come through again. We woke up to a cloudy Sunday and soon the rain was heavy. Looked for a place with 4 or more stars and found Asticou. There is a short shelve life for popovers and then they collapse. We wanted something brunch-ish and we discussed if this was a word. Since I am writing the review this is the word for today. My lovely wife announced this evening she was getting a lobster from Thurston's and she wanted to have a lighter brunch-ish. She ordered lobster quiche and I their lobster stew. We started with 2 popovers, butter, blueberry, strawberry jam, a Bloody Mary and their special Belgium draft aged in Whiskey Barrels. The lobster quiche and stew were more than outstanding and we had 2 more popovers for desert. The oyster crackers are not an option for the stew when there are popovers. Safe to say this was the best brunch-ish we have ever had. A must place to visit. read more

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Not really my cup of tea. The popovers were amazing and that's pretty much the best part of the evening. The lobster risotto was salty and the salmon on my mushroom ravioli was over done. read more

Asticou Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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Lovely dinner last night at the Asticou. The special pan-seared local halibut was excellent, as were the popovers and the Thai-curry mussels appetizer. Blueberry margarita was good too, although a little bit sweet for my taste. Prices are high ($12 for 2 popovers) but that's common across Mt Desert Island in this summer of inflation and worker shortages. Service was good and you can't beat the views from the porch. read more

The best lobster soup and popover within US and Europe...a place to go to for sure. Great service and quality food! read more

Asticou Restaurant - The best popover in the US - New American Near Me - Northeast Harbor, Maine

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Absolutely fabulous!! Lobster is fresh and phenomenal. Service is excellent. Celebrated my birthday here & will definitely return.

A great view and dinner on the porch in good weather with adequate bug spray is great. Diverse menu and do not forget the popovers!!

We have eaten here several times a year for the last 5+ years, and always come back for lobster stew, which was the best on the island. This year, tho the menu showed lobster stew, we were served lobster BISQUE, which had only a few tiny pieces of ground meat (and is not listed on the menu, so it was not a mistake). At $32 a bowl it was a very expensive disappointment. I understand that not everyone has the same taste, as far as liking a dish or not, but the menu should at least be accurate read more

I don't understand the high price for rooms and dinner as well. I think this place is trying too hard to seem nice but it doesn't provide all the things you see at nice places. I had the worst lobster ravioli here in my life and they charged me $42. We stayed in a bay facing room for $435 a night and it was basic and not as nice as other places I have stayed. I'm definitely easy to please! All it takes is a warm cookie, fresh flowers on tables or in the main lobby or bread with dinner. There are no small perks to give this place any charm. I feel like we wasted a day of our vacation. read more