The Reading Room Restaurant, nestled at 1 Newport Dr in Bar Harbor, ME, offers a breathtaking dining experience that leaves guests raving. With its stunning ocean views and enchanting atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for special occasions, as noted by numerous patrons who celebrated anniversaries here. The ambiance is complemented by live piano music, elevating the dining experience to one of sheer delight.
Guests consistently commend the attentive service, highlighted by Reilly Woller, who appreciated the kindness of the staff and the surprise treat on their special day. The menu promises culinary excellence, with dishes such as the bone-in rib eye, praised by Regina Helfer for its exceptional taste, and the lobster, described as deliciously buttery by Jessica Bachler. The standout dessert, the blueberry pie, has garnered attention for its delectable flavor, featuring a crumbly crust and fresh blueberries.
Breakfast offerings like the Lobster Eggs Benedict and Banana French Toast further showcase the culinary flair of the restaurant, ensuring a delicious start to the day. While the pricing may reflect the premium experience, patrons agree that the exceptional food and incredible views make it well worth the splurge. The Reading Room Restaurant is a delightful gem that promises memorable meals and outstanding service.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fireplace
Has live music
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Reservations required
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Valet parking
Photos
Reviews For Reading Room Restaurant
Reilly Woller
Jun 16,2025
We had a wonderful experience here. The food was excellent, our waitress was attentive and kind, and the location and view were breathtaking. There was live piano music as well which added a special touch. We celebrated our anniversary and they even gave us a surprise treat! Will definitely be back and recommend to all.
Glenn Olson
May 24,2025
Wonderful in every aspect - food, service, killer view, piano music. Price up there, but worth it. Thank you for having Athletic n/a beer, our favorite. Strongly recommended.
Regina Helfer
May 9,2025
My husband and I stay at the Bar Harbor Inn. We ate at the Reading Room for dinner. From the hostess to the table stewards, the service, food and staff were beyond exceptional! I had a one-off request for my dinner during to GI issue that came up. I ordered the bone-in rib eye that has always been delicious along with all the perfectly paired accoutrements. I asked for just the steak and some green beans. No frills needed. It was just what I needed! And the dessert - fruit Pavlova - oh my! The new pastry chef just kicked it up a few notches! Thank you for a memorable evening and meal.
jessica bachler
Apr 30,2025
What a wonderful experience! We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary at The Reading Room and it was a very delicious meal. Coming in we were seated at the most beautiful view overlooking the courtyard below and the ocean beyond for sunset. The colors and calmness was magical as we watched the fog roll in and the sun dip away. Starting with the bread and the blueberry butter was mouthwatering. We had half dozen oysters, lobster bisque, and the Caesar salad. All were amazing! The oysters fresh and light with a blueberry compote, lobster bisque was creamy and rich and the Caesar salad had the perfect amount of dressing(I normally feel like Caesar’s lack dressing). Both of us had the lobster for our mains and they were deliciously buttery! Ending with the blueberry pie is THE thing to do. The crumbly, sugary crust with the warm freshly baked blueberry’s and a scoop of the house vanilla makes my mouth water thinking about it. An amazing experience all around and would love to come back!
Lor d
Apr 15,2025
Lovely hotel and restaurant. Stopped in for their breakfast and it was such a delight. Beautiful restaurant with wonderful ocean views. We tried their Lobster Eggs Benedict and their Banana French Toast with a side of link sausage. Everything was excellent and delicious. Highly recommend.
guten morgan
Apr 1,2025
Claire was an amazing waitress!!! The pianist did a beautiful job playing the piano. Beautiful views. I enjoyed the variety of options and options for gluten free and vegan guests.
Samantha Rowley
Mar 21,2025
From the service, atmosphere and food this was such a spectacular dinner. Our service was impeccable. We got the oysters, crab cake and pear salad to start and we all ordered the land and the sea for entrees. Everything was delicious and we all said how it was one of the best dinning experience we have had... Even down to the blueberry butter and bread. The reading room is absolutely stunning itself and is a treat to dine in such a gorgeous space.
Atish Gandhi
Mar 7,2025
The Reading Room at the Bar Harbor Inn was an unforgettable dining experience! The elegant yet cozy atmosphere set the perfect tone for a special evening. The lobster was a standout—perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with fresh, coastal flavor. The blueberry pie was an absolute highlight, with a flaky crust and vibrant Maine blueberries that made every bite pure bliss. The service was impeccable, attentive, and warm, adding to the charm of this iconic spot. Paired with their expertly crafted cocktails, the meal felt like a celebration of Bar Harbor’s culinary best. Highly recommend The Reading Room for anyone looking for a refined, memorable meal! We can’t wait to return.
Reviews For Reading Room Restaurant