Looking for dinner option in Ellsworth

Question

We are visiting Acadia NP next week. Flying into Bangor (3p) and stopping in Ellsworth to grab a pick-up order for groceries before heading into Bar Harbor. Can anyone suggest a good restaurant for an early dinner? We have no preference between sit down or quick order style. We do have one member with a high gluten-intolerance, so need decent GF menu options.

Answer

Ellsworth is a convenient stop on your way to Bar Harbor, and there are several good dinner options that accommodate gluten-free diets. Since you’re arriving in the afternoon and may want an early dinner, both casual and sit-down options are available.

Recommended Restaurants:

Sea Salt: A highly regarded sit-down restaurant specializing in seafood and contemporary American cuisine. They have a number of gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu, including fish, salads, and some pasta alternatives.
Front Street Shipyard: Located near downtown Ellsworth, this restaurant offers a variety of seafood and other dishes, with GF options available upon request. Casual yet polished, suitable for an early dinner.
El Rayo Taqueria: A casual Mexican restaurant offering tacos, bowls, and salads. Many menu items are naturally gluten-free, and staff are knowledgeable about cross-contamination concerns.
Bangor Street Pizza (for quick take-out): They offer gluten-free crust options and are convenient if you want to grab something on the go before heading to Bar Harbor.
Nothing Fancy Cafe: A casual breakfast/lunch spot that also serves early dinners with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Offers GF-friendly sandwiches, salads, and wraps.

Tips for Dining with Gluten Intolerance:

Call ahead if possible, especially for Sea Salt or Front Street Shipyard, to ensure gluten-free options are available and to ask about cross-contamination precautions.
Ellsworth restaurants are generally familiar with GF requests, but double-check sauces, dressings, and breading on seafood items.
Consider early seating around 4:30–5:00 pm to avoid the main dinner rush and to have a relaxed meal before heading into Bar Harbor.

Overall, Sea Salt is the top recommendation for a sit-down dinner with strong GF options, while El Rayo Taqueria or a pizza take-out provides quicker, casual alternatives. All are conveniently located in Ellsworth and allow you to continue on to Bar Harbor without delay.

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