Imagine a place where the aroma of buttery seafood mingles with salty ocean air, and the only thing better than the view is the food on your plate.
Welcome to Alisson’s Restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine – a coastal gem that’s about to become your new favorite dining destination.
Nestled in the heart of Kennebunkport, Alisson’s Restaurant stands as a beacon of culinary delight, drawing in locals and tourists alike with its promise of mouthwatering seafood and warm, coastal charm.
As you approach the restaurant, you can’t help but be captivated by its quintessential New England facade – a deep green exterior with crisp white trim, adorned with a classic round window that seems to wink at you, as if to say, “You’re in for a treat!”
The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that’s equal parts cozy and vibrant.
The interior, with its blue walls and white wainscoting, evokes the feeling of being aboard a luxurious yacht – minus the seasickness, of course.
Strings of twinkling lights crisscross the ceiling, casting a warm glow that makes you want to linger over your meal and conversation.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show here – the food.
Alisson’s menu is a love letter to New England cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the bounty of the sea.
And while everything on the menu is tempting (seriously, I considered ordering one of everything), there’s one dish that stands head and shoulders above the rest: the New England Clam Chowder.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Clam chowder? Really? That’s what you’re raving about?”
But trust me, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill chowder.
This is the kind of chowder that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.
The kind that makes you want to write poetry.
The kind that… well, you get the idea.
What makes Alisson’s chowder so special?
It’s a perfect balance of creamy richness and briny sea flavor, with tender clams that practically melt in your mouth.
Each spoonful is like a warm hug from the ocean itself.
I’m not saying it’s magic, but I wouldn’t be surprised if mermaids were involved in the cooking process somehow.
It’s the kind of chowder that makes you question all other chowders you’ve had before.
You’ll find yourself thinking, “Have I ever really had chowder until now?”
The consistency is just right – not too thick, not too thin – like Goldilocks found her perfect porridge, but in soup form.
And the flavor?
It’s as if someone bottled the essence of a perfect New England day and poured it into your bowl.
The clams are so tender, you’d swear they volunteered to jump into the pot.
It’s the type of dish that makes you want to hug the chef, but you’re too busy shoveling spoonfuls into your mouth to even consider putting down your spoon.
But let’s not get too carried away with the chowder (although, honestly, I could talk about it all day).
Alisson’s has plenty of other culinary delights to offer.
Take, for instance, the intriguingly named “A Fish Called Wanda.”
No, it’s not a tribute to the 1988 comedy classic – although I’d pay good money to see a seafood dish inspired by Kevin Kline’s performance.
Instead, it’s a delightful creation featuring broiled or fried haddock fillet topped with cheddar cheese and side tartar sauce, all nestled in a bun.
It’s like a fish sandwich went to finishing school and came back with a fancy new name and a taste that’ll knock your socks off.
For those who prefer their seafood with a bit more… well, everything, the Seafood Stuffed Haddock is a must-try.
Picture this: a perfectly cooked haddock fillet, stuffed with lobster, shrimp, and crab, then drizzled with lemon beurre blanc.
It’s served with jasmine rice and fresh vegetables, because even in the face of such decadence, we must maintain the illusion of a balanced meal.
It’s like the seafood equivalent of a Russian nesting doll – open up one delicious marine creature, and you find more inside!
This dish is so packed with oceanic goodness, you might want to check your gills after eating it.
And that lemon beurre blanc?
It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to write love sonnets to butter.
The jasmine rice and veggies are there to remind you that land-based food still exists, but let’s be honest – they’re just along for the ride on this underwater flavor adventure.
It’s a dish that’ll have you seriously considering a career change to professional mermaid… or merman.
No judgment here!
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But what if I’m dining with someone who doesn’t like seafood?”
First of all, why are you friends with this person?
Secondly, fear not!
Alisson’s has options for the land-lubbers too.
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The K’Port Hot Chicken sandwich is a spicy, crispy delight that’ll make you forget you’re in a seafood restaurant.
And for the vegetarians, the Grilled Fig & Brie sandwich is a symphony of sweet and savory that’ll have even the most devoted carnivores eyeing it enviously.
But wait, there’s more!
(I’ve always wanted to say that.)
Alisson’s doesn’t just stop at main courses.
Their appetizer menu is a treasure trove of deliciousness.
The Buffalo Chicken Dip, served with tortilla chips, is the kind of dish that starts arguments.
Not because it’s controversial, but because everyone at the table will be fighting over the last bite.
And let’s not forget about the Tater Kegs.
Yes, you read that right.
Kegs.
Of taters.
These aren’t your average tater tots – these are jumbo tater tots stuffed with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives, then served with sour cream.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of a loaded baked potato and turned it into a handheld snack.
Whoever came up with this idea deserves a Nobel Prize.
Is there a Nobel Prize for potato-based innovations?
If not, there should be.
But Alisson’s isn’t just about the food – it’s about the experience.
The staff here are friendlier than a golden retriever at a frisbee convention.
They’re knowledgeable about the menu, quick with recommendations, and always ready with a smile or a joke.
It’s the kind of service that makes you feel less like a customer and more like a long-lost friend who’s finally come home for dinner.
And speaking of home, that’s exactly what Alisson’s feels like.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in wearing flip-flops and a T-shirt after a day at the beach or dressed up for a special occasion.
No matter what, you’ll feel right at home.
It’s a place where families gather for Sunday lunch, where friends meet for a casual dinner, and where couples come for a romantic evening out.
In short, it’s a place for everyone.
Now, I know I’ve been gushing about Alisson’s for a while now, but can you blame me?
It’s not every day you find a restaurant that combines great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and top-notch service in one neat package.
It’s like the holy trinity of dining out, and Alisson’s has mastered it.
But don’t just take my word for it.
Alisson’s has been a Kennebunkport institution since 1973, and you don’t stick around for nearly five decades without doing something right.
It’s the kind of place that locals recommend to tourists, and that tourists come back to year after year.
It’s become as much a part of Kennebunkport as the ocean itself.
And speaking of the ocean, let’s talk about location for a moment.
Alisson’s prime spot at 11 Dock Square puts you right in the heart of Kennebunkport’s charming downtown area.
After your meal, you can stroll along the picturesque streets, pop into quaint shops, or simply enjoy the coastal scenery.
It’s the perfect way to walk off all that chowder.
(Although, let’s be honest, you’ll probably be planning your next visit to Alisson’s before you’ve even digested your meal.)
Now, I know I’ve thrown a lot of information at you, and you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“How can one restaurant be this good?” you might be asking yourself.
“Is this guy being paid by Big Chowder to say all this?”
I assure you, dear reader, that my enthusiasm is 100% genuine and 0% sponsored by shadowy seafood conglomerates.
(Although if Big Chowder is reading this and wants to send me some free samples, I wouldn’t say no.)
The truth is, Alisson’s Restaurant is just that good.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you love food in the first place.
It’s not just about filling your stomach – it’s about creating memories, bringing people together, and experiencing the best that a region has to offer.
So, whether you’re a Maine local looking for your new favorite spot, or a visitor hoping to taste the best of New England cuisine, Alisson’s Restaurant should be at the top of your list.
Come for the chowder, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.
And who knows?
Maybe you’ll find yourself becoming one of those people who plan their entire vacation around a return visit to Alisson’s.
Don’t worry, I won’t judge.
In fact, I’ll probably see you there.
I’ll be the one ordering my third bowl of chowder and contemplating whether it’s socially acceptable to lick the bowl clean. (Spoiler alert: at Alisson’s, it just might be.)
For more information about this culinary gem, be sure to visit Alisson’s Restaurant’s website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own Alisson’s adventure, use this map to guide your way to chowder paradise.
Where: 11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.