"Maine's most decorated dining room — chef Mary Dumont's four-course New American in a candlelit Relais & Châteaux barn, built for milestones."
About The White Barn Inn
The White Barn Inn is the benchmark fine-dining room on the southern Maine coast, set in a candlelit converted barn at 37 Beach Avenue near Kennebunkport. It is the most decorated table in the region, holding Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond and Relais & Châteaux status, with executive chef Mary Dumont leading a four-course New American menu. This is destination fine dining rather than a casual coastal supper.
For Kennebunkport's other notable tables, compare the wood-fired cooking at Earth at Hidden Pond, the oceanfront dining at Ocean at Cape Arundel Inn or the harbour seafood at Boathouse Waterfront.
The Kitchen
Executive chef Mary Dumont cooks a four-course New American prix fixe priced at $175 per person, refined seasonally around Maine's coast and farms. The kitchen leans on local seafood — Maine lobster, day-boat fish and shellfish — alongside New England produce and a deep, classically built wine list. The format is deliberate and multi-course rather than à la carte, with optional wine pairings and the occasional supplement raising the bill into the several hundreds for two. Cooking is precise, plated and special-occasion in tone; expect a measured pace across the evening rather than a quick turn.
The Room
The dining room occupies a 19th-century barn, with soaring beamed ceilings, white linen and candlelight setting the most formal mood on the southern Maine coast. Jackets are preferred for men and beach-casual dress is out of place; this is a room guests dress up for. Service is polished and milestone-minded, comfortable marking an anniversary or proposal and pacing the four courses so the evening unfolds slowly. A limited number of covers each night keeps the room intimate and inn guests are prioritised at peak times.
Best for Anniversary
A candlelit barn, a deliberate four-course pace and a service team that marks milestones make the White Barn Inn one of Maine's best anniversary tables, and a memorable room for a proposal. The formal setting also suits a considered table to impress clients.
Not for
Not for a casual weeknight or a budget dinner — at $175 for four courses, jacket-preferred and reservation-only, this is a destination splurge for anniversaries and proposals, not a quick bite.
Frequently Asked
Is the White Barn Inn worth it?
Yes, for a special occasion. It is the most decorated dining room on the southern Maine coast, holding AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five-Star and Relais and Châteaux status, with executive chef Mary Dumont cooking a modern New American menu. At $175 for four courses it is a genuine splurge, best reserved for an anniversary, proposal or milestone rather than a weeknight dinner.
How hard is it to book the White Barn Inn?
Reservations open well in advance, and summer and autumn weekends fill quickly, so booking two to four weeks ahead is wise. The dining room takes a limited number of covers each night and prioritises inn guests at peak times. Call the restaurant directly or book online, and request a specific table if you are marking a proposal or anniversary.
What is the dress code at the White Barn Inn?
The dress code is the most formal on the southern Maine coast. Jackets are preferred for men, and beach-casual clothing, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate in the dining room. Smart, polished dress fits the candlelit barn setting. Most guests dress up for what is treated as a destination dinner rather than a casual meal out.
What is the average meal price at the White Barn Inn?
Dinner is a four-course prix fixe priced at $175 per person before drinks, tax and gratuity. Optional wine pairings and certain dishes with supplements raise the total further. A couple ordering wine should expect a bill well into the several hundreds. The price reflects the kitchen's Relais and Châteaux standing.
Is the White Barn Inn good for an anniversary?
Yes, it is one of the best anniversary tables in Maine. The candlelit barn, the deliberate four-course pace and a service team that marks milestones make it built for the occasion. Tell them you are celebrating when you book. For other romantic options nearby, see the full Kennebunkport dining guide, which ranks rooms by occasion and score.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The White Barn Inn
Limited covers nightly; book two to four weeks ahead for summer and autumn weekends.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address37 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk Beach, ME
NeighbourhoodKennebunk Beach
CuisineNew American
PriceFour-course prix fixe ~$175pp before drinks
Dress CodeJacket preferred
SeatingCandlelit converted-barn dining room
ReservationRequired
