Without a doubt the best vegan restaurant I've ever been to anywhere! The food was incredibly creative, beautifully presented, and amazingly delicious! It truly is on par with an NYC Michelin star restaurant. My omnivore bf, and the nonvegan folks at the next table (who came in not knowing the cuisine) all loved the food as much as I did. Beautiful location. Parking on site. Reservations suggested. Highly recommended! read more

This is such a great place to stop on a coastal drive through Maine. Vegetarian/vegan restaurant but you won't miss the meat. The group got different things and every single one was great. Very sweet owners and super thoughtful with their menu. The banh mi toast was my favorite. The chickpea wrap was delicious also. I loved the ambiance the most- right on the water with seat yourself area out back - beautiful view of the water and just the right temperature in July. Highly recommend! read more

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An absolute haven if you're plant-based! It's so comfortable being able to walk into a business and know every single thing you buy, eat, or drink is vegan. The store is small, but there's a lot going on here! There were vegan meats and cheese and snacks and beverages for sale from brands I haven't heard of before (and that's a rarity for me now!), as well as a unique variety of things from brands I know very, very well (but had no idea they made _______ [fill in the blank]). For sure, BRING A COOLER. There's going to be so many things you want to bring home and try! The café itself offers a curated selection of baked goods, sandwiches, and open-faced toasts. I found the many baked goods we tried a bit dry for my personal liking; also, I'd recommend any of the sandwiches over any of the toasts (while I haven't tried them, they look more much more substantial in both size and portion of fillings/ingredients for what you're paying). The toasts are very, very small. The toppings, while flavorful and fresh, are also very, very minimal. Aesthetically speaking, they're absolutely Instagram-worthy! But for one thin slice per order, it's currently $9 to $16 (depending on which one you get); after a long wait for them to come out, we were just taken aback at how little food there actually was. Eating outside on their quiet, intimate patio overlooking the water in such beautiful minimalist-chic decor is an absolute vibe. I could see someone having an elevated rehearsal dinner or a sophisticated birthday here. read more

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Taste wise the food was a 4/5. The Mediterranean styled salad was a good salad, however the roasted chickpeas were soft, not crunchy and the portions were quite small for the price. Presentation was beautiful though! We also got the chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and that was wonderful, definitely a 5/5, not too sweet with a perfect salt flavor. The service was good, the workers were nice, but you're probably going to have to wait a bit for your food. The building itself is very pretty with a coastal vibe. Definitely a good casual spot! read more

Salt + Pepper Social - Peanut butter and chocolate cake slice - Vegan Near Me - Newcastle, Maine

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Amazing place, great plant based whole food! Plus they were extremely accommodating to my request for no added salt, oil, and sugar. Great views of the shore and water from the outdoor seating. Went twice when we were in the area this year, will definitely plan our trips around future visits. read more

S & P Social is a fabulous spot in Newcastle! The river view on the porch is stunning with ample seating! Our server Jess quickly became "family" as soon as we met! So enthusiastic, lovely and very attentive to our asks. Now the food, it is about the food right?! Our first time was lunch. We shared a muffuletta sando loaded with plant based salami & ham, beets, pickled veg and cheddar on fresh house made focaccia bread....perfect marriage of flavors and texture in every bite! Topped it off with a delicious, creamy, dreamy slice of coconut cream, strawberry heavenly cake! Of course, we came back for more a few days later with Pete's brother Geoff. We shared all the deliciousness of a starter, "Feta & Hot Honee"(house made feta and apple honee), then "Thai Beef Rolls" (braised lions mane steak, cukes, cilantro, p'nut with spicy chili sauce), "Spicy Crab Crispy Rice" (hearts of palm & chicken pea crab salad on a crispy rice cake with grilled avocado), "Broccolini Breadcrumb" (bright green Broccolini loaded with garlicky crumbs), "The Kofta Burger" (Impossible burger topped with tahini, chili sauce & mint on a bun) and lastly we finished the flavor party with a dish of creamy p'nut butter & chocolate gelato! EVERYTHING was SO delicious, so full of flavor, insanely wicked good and SO FRESH it slapped our tastebuds silly!! All Vegan, HIGHLY recommend this GEM!! read more

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Beautifully presented and delicious vegan food, on the water in Newcastle. We planned a day trip to the Newcastle, Damariscotta, Pemaquid Point area to do some site seeing and decided to give Salt + Pepper Social a try. It's located right before you get into Damariscotta and there was stress free parking in the lot. We walked into the brightly lit shop stocked with vegan specialty foods and ordered at the counter. They answered several questions we had about menu items and other items in the display case. We sat out on the patio which was covered by a clear sided tent and looked out at the water while we waited for our food. The chai is made in-house and was perfectly spicy---among the best chai I've had in Maine. The Bahn Mi and Pan Cot Tomate were beautifully presented, topped with edible flowers and micro greens and were absolutely fresh and packed with summer flavors. We shared a piece of lemon raspberry cake. The cake was dense, moist, and just full of fresh raspberries and raspberry lemon flavor. The service was prompt and friendly. We had such a nice experience that after site seeing we decided to stop back in for some vegan soft serve. We had the mint/chocolate twist. It was rich and creamy and the mint tasted like it was flavored with fresh mint leaves. I would challenge anyone to identify this soft serve as vegan. We loved Salt + Pepper Social and hope to return soon! read more

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This became an instant favorite for us, though unfortunately, too far away to be a regular stop. Everything was delicious, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect. And the vegan soft serve was better than the real thing! read more

What an amazing experience! Let me preface this with a bit of personal info: my husband has medical nutritional requirements that make it difficult for us to eat out. Mainly he eats whole-food-plant-based no-oil/low-fat (along with some other requirements, but those are the most difficult to accommodate). When we arrived at Salt & Pepper, we briefly explained his needs and asked if they could be accommodated. The hostess (Jess, who was also our server) took the time to really think it through and offer suggestions so we decided to try lunch there. My husband ordered the Reuben without the cheese, mustard instead of the dressing, and on toasted sourdough instead of grilled. I had the Harvest tofu sandwich. It was so fantastically good, we made a reservation for dinner and Jess said the chef would make something special for my husband. When we arrived for dinner they presented him with a choice of hot or cold and brought him a delicious custom dish meeting his dietary requirements (no oil, a seeming impossibility everywhere we go). I had the Harvest Salad (I may have the name wrong - it had squash, pecans, and tofu feta). I am not exaggerating when I say this was the best salad I've ever had. The care of the staff and amazing food was seriously enough to make me almost cry with joy. I don't write reviews often, and when I do they are short and sweet, but I feel like I want to shout this experience from the rooftops and spread the word that this place is AMAZING!! read more

Salt + Pepper Social - Harvest Salad - Vegan Near Me - Newcastle, Maine

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Finally got to the brick and mortar store on a trip to Castine ( stocking a cooler as Castine in no place to get vegan food). Sad they are no longer in Portland, but they apparently do monthly delivers to Portland, so I will have to look in to that. Anyway, the place is immaculate, lovely back patio we were able to sit with our dogs. Our lunch was excellent as was the food we took on to Castine. read more

I'll have to preface my review with the fact that we were REALLY hungry after a long drive to Maine's fermentation fair, and so I whipped-open the trusty Yelp! app and the top two eats that offered vegan options (and were relatively nearby were this one (#1) and a pizza place in Newcastle's sister town, Damariscotta, weighing-in at #2. After reading a review about S+P's small portions, we changed the gps route home for a stop at the pizza joint. As the stars would have it, the pizza joint was closed; thus, other than a Thai restaurant (where we knew there were vegan options), we decided to give Salt + Pepper Social a try since we had never been there. S-P's got a very welcoming façade, as well as its own private parking lot (which is great in this highly-trafficked part of Hwy. 1. A small table out front had their current menus to peruse. (I didn't realize it was a 100% vegan restaurant/catering service. Awesome!!) Inside is very bright and laid-out more as a shop rather than a restaurant. The displays contained many unusual, finely curated food goods, books and crafts. We were there for lunch -- I'm not sure how the dinner set-up is like -- so you order and pay, go find a table out back under a tented area, and they bring your orders when they're ready. While waiting, it's a great time to browse the doodads and curios; and, as you head to the eating area, you stroll past S-P's refrigerators and investigate their eye-opening variety of plant-based cheeses, deli-style meats, specialty drinks and such. An attractive tea/cold-brew coffee "bar" appeared closed at the time; but, I could dig the chic little vibe it put out. After ordering from what was more a brunch menu, and checking things out, we grabbed a couple of coffees, along with a shared order of apple-cinnamon focaccia (large slices), and found ourselves a table. [Currently, all the heavy-duty, see-through weather protectors were down; however, I'm sure during the summer months, with all the protectors up, it would be an even nicer eating experience; it's a bit chilly now. And, too, their restaurant is seasonal and closes for winter.] The focaccia was so tasty, but could've used a bit of warming-up. That said, the hot coffee was a nice touch -- like dunking a donut into hot cocoa. Just from observing other patrons' meals, the portion sizes looked large. (Sigh of relief!) I ordered a breakfast burrito; Jay ordered the crab eggs Benedict. (All plant-based, natch.) When the meals arrived, they looked beautiful! My breakfast burrito was nice and toasted and smothered in a cheezy sauce. So good!!! I was stuffed! (Jay's Benedict, he says, was "so, so good." I had a bite and it was, like, "YUM!!") We were both VERY impressed! Overall, our whole experience at the Salt + Pepper Social was just top-notched! We picked-up some Midcoast Vegan deli stuffs, as well as a Korean vegan cookbook on the way out. The gal manning the S-P was super friendly! (Missed her name!) Although it's an hour-and-a-half drive to Newcastle from Bucksport, we will definitely be popping in there again!! (Fortunately, I have a brother who lives in that area, so there you go...!!!) :D read more

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Vegan with a view! This modern cafe has lovely porch, delicious drinks, amazing food and friendly servers. Places like this make a long drive to Maine worthwhile. read more

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Beautiful location and view from the covered deck in the back. My wife requested a taste of an ice cream flavor before choosing, but was denied. "No tastes". A bit odd considering I had already bought something. read more

Salt + Pepper Social - View from back deck. - Vegan Near Me - Newcastle, Maine

Cozy environment, great view and service. A rhubarb tiramisu and frittata was amazing, want to go back for the dinner service!

Salt + Pepper Social is a hidden gem. Thankfully, I always consult my hand yelp! app and found S+P under the vegan filter. Walking into the store front, you immediately see a variety of goods, from frozen meals, take home ingredients, and well curated selection of cookbooks and accessories. We walked up to the counter and was greeted by a very happy staff member who helped describe the specials and some of the items in the store. So I ordered the Crabby Eggs Benedict, a coffee, and a very yummy looking apple cinnamon focaccia. i poured my coffee from the self serve coffee bar and made my way back to the dining area, a space outside surrounded by clear plastic curtains, cooling hanging lights, and a several tables. The apple cinnamon focaccia was good, loved the apples inside the focaccia, nice twist. When the Crabby Eggs Benedict arrived, I thought they had put a real egg on it. Wow, it is amazing the variety of vegan food products out there. They used the Yo Egg for the Benedict. Is was amazing, adding that extra dimension to the dish. The Hollandaise sauce was silky smooth and had a great flavor. I look forward to my next trip to S+P Social. read more

Salt + Pepper Social - Crabby Eggs Benedict - Vegan Near Me - Newcastle, Maine

I have NEVER written a review for a restaurant before, but there was no way I could sleep at night if I didn't publicly RAVE about S & P. Absolutely every single thing about this restaurant is off-the-charts amazing. We entered it thinking we'd get a sandwich or something to go, but when we got inside, the vibe was so friendly and aesthetically pleasing, we decided we had to stay for the full experience. You'd never know from the parking lot that behind the restaurant is the most beautiful estuary, and S & P has a beautiful back porch where you can sit for hours and watch the tides coming in and out and the boats passing by. But, all that aside, it's the menu that deserves international attention in my humble opinion. Every dish we chose was the kind of delicious where you savor every bite and can't stop yourself from saying, "OMG, this is incredible." And not just delicious and unique, but the most beautiful presentation I've ever experienced, with gorgeous, edible flowers sprinkled on top. And if every dish we ordered, and every touch, and the view weren't enough to rave about, the owners are so kind and friendly and their story of how they came to create this culinary gem was fascinating. Honestly, I won't forget this restaurant. Sadly, it's a distance from where we live, but I am already planning a trip back to Newcastle, just to have a chance to eat there again. If you are ANYWHERE near Newcastle, you will not regret building a stop here into your itinerary. read more

a vegan treasure Recent trip to Damariscotta for the weekend pumpkin regatta we found salt and pepper. An oasis in a land of crab and lobstah. Hit the mark and then some from offerings like pumpkin scones,cupcakes and turnovers. The poutine with mushroom gravy and cheez was the BEST I've had We even had the pleasure of dining here and everything from house made foccacia with feta to cocktails and entrees was fantastic! We even shared the flourless torte,tho sated and happy.if you are anywhere nearby (even Portland),be sure to stop here. Tho they do close soon for the season I understand catering is available. Everything, Made with care and attention to detail even the market had great hard to find items. read more

Stumbled upon this little vegan gem- both a cafe and small market. Had a delicious brunch on their pretty patio by the water. Even if you're not vegan I recommend a visit! read more

Absolutely exquisite food! Everything for the event S+P catered for us was beautifully presented, absolutely delicious and so vibrant. Delivery and set up could not have been easier and the custom menu designed to be a crowd pleaser for extended family was amazing. The photos speak for themselves but if you could only taste the food you'd know it's even better than it looks, which is saying something! Would recommend them highly for any special event. Their food that you can sometimes order for pickup at Fork Food Labs is also incredible - lemon blueberry scones, Oreo truffles, cholesterol free frozen quiche worthy of a champagne brunch - we are big fans! Have also been to a pop up dinner and it was great too. read more

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Elevated food with wonderful staff. The view from the deck is unparalleled. We are full-time RVers, so we've had the luck in eating all over the country and this is by far top 5 of all plant-based places we've been. The food is outstanding and so clever. Having the market attached with hard-to-find products puts it over the top. I can't believe how lucky we are that this has opened where my family has been since the 50's. read more

Cute vegan cafe with delicious food and sells some really unique/hard to find vegan products!