Islesford Dock Restaurant and Gallery

marshall siegel

Highly recommend coming to Iselford aka Little Cranberry Island. Didn't see any Cranberrys, but maybe because they were too small. In addition to the Iselford Dock restaurant, take a walk to the Gilley Beach if you can dodge the man eating mosquitos. Don't fear they do have friendly dogs that will escort you on your journey. Get the ribs at the dock. They build intricate structures which are guaranteed to impress. Finally, if you are lucky, you will get to see the fish transport system administered by Sea Gulls. Say hello to the beautiful lobsterman while you are there!

Michael Smith

My wife and I took a cruise out to Little Cranberry Island and visited the Islesford Dock Restaurant & Gallery. We put in at Manset, in Southwest Harbor, on Mount Desert Island. It took us about 10-15 minutes to get there, and we took about 30 minutes to come back, and drink in the sunset. We were not disappointed. Great atmosphere, super food, nice service, perfect views. Restaurant staff also assisted docking the boats. I easily got over the sticky table (from the humidity) and the rickety feel of the dock. Honestly, it was a great building and dock. A little pricey, but a lot wonderful. This is the kind of restaurant I want to run - they cook from their garden in the back of the dock, locally sourced foods, and farm/sea to table. The food was a sight to behold, and a pleasure to eat. The Cheesy Biscuits were simple dropped biscuits with some cheese in them; what really stood out here was the creative whipped salted butter, TOPPED with honey. Really delightful presentation, just a little dry. Beet Salad was next. The tangy citrus dressing matched perfectly. My observation was that if it’s a beet salad, then the beets need to be the star of the show. There simply weren’t enough beets on the greens. Maybe if you read the menu item, you’ll understand. “Beet Salad - with a tangy citrus dressing and Gorgonzola “doughnut”.” Let me ask you something - would you get this for the beets or the doughnut? I was curious about that doughnut, but I admit, I was excited about the beets. Since I had no idea what a Gorgonzola “doughnut” was, I decided to look forward to those beets. But - when I got the salad, the star of the show as that Gorgonzola “doughnut”. Center stage was this small, tasty ball of gorgonzola cheese, lightly battered and deep fried. It was amazing! Great presentation, creative palate. The citrus, beets and doughnut all worked sooo well together! I just have one thing to say about it…it needed more beets less greens. I decided to keep ordering off the Soups, Salads & Starters menu for my supper…I’m a sucker for crab cakes! “Crab Cakes - Summer greens, grapefruit & a citrus aioli.” Again! Islesford Dock Restaurant did not disappoint. The crab cakes were pan seared and had so much flavor - warmed through and through, both with spices, and with temperature. Honestly, they looked like a large scallop - so I was a little surprised at first. I had to study it out for a moment - crab cake, or scallop? It was just moist enough. Grapefruit and citrus aioli were a perfect garnish! My wife had a half rack of ribs. The ribs were a great mix of flavorful, tender and crispy. It just had a few dry spots…but that’s expected with ribs.

J Gadde

Food was very good, service was ok (customers shouldn't have to ask for refills on drinks, etc). Amazing views of the water, especially at sunset.

Jim Frey

This place ALWAYS IS WONDERFUL. If you visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor... take the water shuttle to this amazing destination bar/restaurant. Great ribs colorful "action packed" salads. Maine-produced spirits and beer. Attentive staff. get there at 530!