A Memorable Family Dinner at Jonathan’s in Ogunquit, me

Great food, genuine hospitality, and a touch of local history made this one of our favorite family meals to date. Our family recently had the pleasure of dining at Jonathan’s in Ogunquit, and it was one of those meals that reminded us how much a restaurant experience is about more than just the food.

From the second we walked through the door, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. Our autistic son loves asking questions and can be wonderfully enthusiastic when he meets new people. Rather than brushing him off, the team at Jonathan’s engaged with him patiently and kindly, which immediately put us at ease.

One of the first things he noticed was that the restaurant felt like a house. Seeing the staircase and fireplace, he excitedly pointed out that it must have once been someone’s home. He was absolutely right.

Jonathan’s owner, Jonathan West, grew up in Ogunquit and opened the restaurant in his former childhood home. The property carries a deep sense of history, and Jonathan comes from a family that has been involved in hospitality in York County for more than 80 years. Knowing that backstory made the setting feel even more special.

Jonathan’s is also a performance venue. Upstairs is a large room with a stage that hosts an impressive lineup of entertainment. We learned that artists and performers ranging from comedian Bob Marley to legendary singer Judy Collins have appeared there. It is not just a dinner spot, it is a true community gathering place.

Once we were seated, we started with drinks. I ordered my usual glass of Sauvignon Blanc, while my husband decided to try the cranberry orange old fashioned. I took a sip and immediately understood why he was so happy with his choice. It was balanced, refreshing, and full of flavor.

I had sworn off mussels for the rest of the year after coming home with five pounds of Blue Hill Bay mussels following a recent Maine Scuttlebutt feature. After two straight days of eating mussels, I thought I had reached my limit. Then I saw them on Jonathan’s menu and couldn’t resist. I’m glad I gave in. They were excellent.

My daughter ordered the mac and cheese. The good, creamy, comforting kind that kids dream about. My son chose the chicken tenders, and after trying one myself, I can honestly say they were some of the best chicken tenders I have had in a restaurant.

For my entrée, I chose the poached lobster special. It was absolutely amazing, and I appreciated that it was served without the usual work of cracking shells. Sometimes it is nice to simply enjoy perfectly prepared lobster without the extra effort.

We had also heard great things about the chicken marsala, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. My husband couldn’t stop talking about how perfectly cooked the chicken was.

To finish the meal, we shared a blueberry crumble with homemade ice cream. The blueberries came from Jonathan’s own farm, and that attention to sourcing really came through in the flavor. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful dinner.

As memorable as the food was, the hospitality is what truly stood out. Every staff member we encountered was friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind. Our waitress, Edith, was especially wonderful. She encouraged the kids to finish their meals (and somehow they actually listened), and she took the time to make origami birds for both of them. It was such a thoughtful gesture and one that our children are still talking about.

We left Jonathan’s feeling grateful, not only for a delicious meal but for the warmth and care we experienced throughout the evening.

If you are visiting Ogunquit, I highly recommend adding Jonathan’s to your list. Come for the food, stay for the hospitality, and if you can, catch one of the shows upstairs. We know we will be back.

-Kate

Jonathan's Ogunquit

92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, ME 03907

(207) 646-4777

https://jonathansogunquit.com/