Fine Dining at Natalie's

Fine dining options can be few and far between in the midcoast area, but fear not! For there is always Natalie's. If you are looking for an excuse to sport your best blazer or highest pair of heels (which I know you are) Natalie's will always rise to the occasion and give you that flare of European sophistication that you may have been lacking. While the magnificent deck view of Camden Harbor is classic Maine, the interior deco leans toward a more cosmopolitan vibe that suggests a setting somewhere on the other side of the Atlantic.

The menu subtly blends classic upscale cuisine (and by that I mean French) with local flavors and ingredients. The menu also tends to reflect what is seasonally appropriate. During these summer months the restaurant offers delicacies such as a Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho ($15) and Salmon Tartar, served with herbs fresh from the restaurant garden ($17). The Roasted Duck, served with an nontraditional mushroom risotto, offers a superb fusion of textures and flavors that will leave the customer appropriately full but begging for more.

Whether it is to accompany a meal or just to sit at the bar, Natalie's offers one of the wider ranges of quality cocktail selections in town. Traditional drinks such as a Cosmopolitan or Martini are impeccably made, but we would suggest branching out into some of the restaurant's more inventive creations. We suggest the Havana Bubble - a fruity yet not oppressively sweet concoction that left two of these reviewers ordering an unexpected second round.

Finally, the restaurant offers a unique "Tasting Menu," that allows the customer to try a variety of smaller portioned options. While we cannot promise that this choice makes it any easier to budget a meal, it is certainly a fun way to try a plethora of culinary oeuvres that will certainly leave all 10,000 of your taste buds satisfied (Yes, I looked it up, humans have 10,000 taste buds with which to enjoy delicious meals such as this).

Personal Favorites:

Jane's pick: Roasted Duck with mushroom risotto, cherry marmalade and celery leaves

Abby's pick: Scottish Salmon, pepper crusted with heirloom tomato ragout, white balsamic vinegar and a bean salad

Emma's pick: Lobster Bisque accompanied by a lobster claw tempura and seasoned with seaweed salt

Our Ratings (1-5):

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Natalie's serves dinner every evening from 5:30 - 9:30pm. Reservations are recommended. The bar is open from 5:00pm till midnight. ($$$)

Natalie's Restaurant at The Camden Harbor Inn

83 Bayview St.

Camden, ME. 04843

207-236-4200

The Waterfront Restaurant

No trip to Camden would be complete without a stop at the timeless Waterfront Restaurant. Opened in 1978, this busy yet charming establishment has not only served quality lobster rolls and clam chowder for over thirty years, but also boasts what is possibly the best waterfront view in downtown Camden (hence the name?). A long deck extends over Camden harbor and offers an extensive view of Camden's quaint but bustling waterways. The sight of the red sun setting over Mount Battie as the white-sailed schooners leave for their evening cruises is an image to take your breath away.

The Waterfront is also unique because it offers diners both a restaurant and bar option on the outdoor deck. Starting from 2:30 in the afternoon, the restaurant offers an alternative bar and cocktail menu to be enjoyed in a more relaxed - dare I say European - style. This menu offers a selection of lunch and dinner items as well as a few bar bites to complement a homemade cocktail or draught beer.

The Waterfront is frequented by both locals and tourists alike, which allows the restaurant a very intimate and authentic environment while still providing the eager tourist with everything you envisioned your trip to Maine to be.

While seafood is definitely the restaurant's strong point, it also offers a wide variety of hearty salads and sandwiches. We suggest: a cup of the homemade clam chowder ($4.50), followed by a fried haddock sandwich ($9); or split a plate of steamers ($14), but be sure to order your own lobster roll ($16) because you most likely will not want to share.

Personal Favorites:
Jane's pick: Roasted Pear, Nut & Cranberry Salad
Abby's Pick: Colorado burger (just kidding, she's a vegetarian, but this dish is one of the most popular on the menu) If she were here she would probably recommend the Phyllo Wrapped Baked Brie
Emma's pick: Rock Crab and Artichoke Fondue

Our ratings (1-5)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4

The Waterfront Restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11:30 till last call (Lunch 11:30-2:30, Dinner 5:00-9:00). Reservations only for parties of 6 or more. ($$)

The Waterfront Restaurant
40 Bayview St.
Camden, ME. 04843
207-236-3734