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The White Barn Inn Restaurant

RESTAURANT SUMMARY

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Within a meticulously restored 1820s barn along Maine's pristine coastline, The White Barn Inn Restaurant + Kennebunk stands as New England's most distinguished fine dining destination, where Executive Chef Mary Dumont orchestrates contemporary American cuisine that celebrates the region's extraordinary maritime bounty.

Since 1973, this culinary landmark has earned both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond recognition—a rare dual distinction held by fewer than a dozen restaurants nationwide. Under the prestigious Auberge Resorts Collection, the restaurant has evolved from a pioneering Maine establishment into a nationally acclaimed destination where culinary excellence meets historic charm. Chef Dumont, a Food & Wine Best New Chef honoree, brings decades of expertise in sustainable, seasonal cuisine, following in the footsteps of renowned predecessors including Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux Jonathan Cartwright and innovative Chef Matthew Woolf.

The restaurant's prix fixe tasting menus showcase Dumont's mastery of local ingredients, with signature creations like butter-poached Kennebunkport lobster nestled on house-made fettuccine with cognac coral butter sauce, and bacon-wrapped Maine scallops in rich oxtail consommé. Weekly menu changes reflect the chef's commitment to peak seasonality, featuring pristine seafood from nearby waters and produce from regional farms. Summer brings perfect local tomatoes paired with artisanal goat cheese, while winter menus might feature luxurious truffle tastings that elevate Maine's coastal classics to unprecedented heights.

The dining experience unfolds within soaring barn walls where original wooden beams and haylofts create intimate alcoves beneath crystal chandeliers. Massive seasonal floral arrangements complement white tablecloths and generous four-foot spacing between tables, while panoramic windows overlook manicured gardens. Live piano music—a nightly tradition featuring classical and contemporary selections—enhances the ambiance without overwhelming conversation. The restaurant's wine director, with over three decades of experience, curates an exceptional cellar emphasizing French and Italian varietals, including premier crus and rare reserves that perfectly complement the seasonal cuisine.

Service reflects the restaurant's luxury pedigree, delivered by a remarkably tenured team whose polished professionalism creates an atmosphere both refined and warmly welcoming. The historic barn's rustic elegance provides the perfect backdrop for celebration dinners and romantic occasions, while maintaining the sophisticated standards expected of America's finest restaurants.

Reservations at this 37 Beach Avenue landmark require advance planning, particularly during Maine's peak seasons. For discerning diners seeking an authentic taste of New England's culinary pinnacle, The White Barn Inn Restaurant offers an unparalleled combination of historic charm, innovative cuisine, and impeccable service that defines luxury dining in coastal Maine.

CHEF

Mary Dumont

ACCOLADES

(2025) AAA 5 Diamond

(2025) Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

(2025) La Liste Score: 83.5pts

(2025) Forbes 5-Star

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #535

CONTACT

37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, Maine 04043

+1 207-361-8455

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

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