One of the best parts of planning a vacation is researching all the fun new places to dine. Especially in coastal towns surrounded by fertile farmlands and a history of homesteading, the vein of innovative cooking and seasonal ingredients runs strong on the East Coast. And while we are undoubtedly fans of lobster rolls and mussels (the best in the world, some might say), there is so much more to our beloved culinary scene than meets the eye! From breakfast to supper and snacks in between, Bar Harbor and Yarmouth do not disappoint in the restaurant department. So whether your stopover in Bar Habor or Yarmouth is long or short, you’ll definitely need to try out these places!

The CAT pulls out of Bar Harbor at 3 pm ET. Before boarding, arrive in town early and have breakfast and lunch while you stroll down the streets and take in the many sights and sounds of the Maine coast. First stop of the morning: coffee and breakfast, please! Coffee Hound is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Located at The Station, they’re opening for the season in May in line with the ferry. Very convenient for us caffeinated cats! For those early risers who love to take in the sunrise and reminisce about the views over a warm, homemade breakfast, make your way to Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast! Located just minutes from Acadia National Park, many diners stop here for a bite after exploring Cadillac Mountain. The Black Friar Inn & Pub is known for being a cozy and inviting space in the centre of town, and their breakfast is not something to sleep on! Their breakfast menu is expansive and has something for everyone.

After enjoying a hearty start to your day and watching Bar Harbor come to life with the sun, it’s time to grab lunch before heading to the terminal. The Terrace Grille puts guests as close to the ocean as possible without being on The CAT. Stunning views accompany their delicious lunch options and indulgent drink and dessert menu. If you’re looking to grab lunch to go, Sunrise Café offers bagged lunches alongside their famous crepes. While we said the East Coast was more than lobster, we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t include one or two places to get a perfect lobster roll to truly solidify your Maine vacation. Bar Harbor Lobster Co. is the place for authentic Maine cuisine and true homebrewed hospitality.

With a full belly and salty sea air caught in your hair, you’ve boarded The CAT and found a comfortable place to watch the coast pass you by on your way to your next adventure. If you didn’t get the chance to stock up on snacks — good! The CAT’s onboard amenities and dining options only add to the fun of sailing to Yarmouth. Sip@Sea, aside from offering the expected café staples and souvenirs, roasts their coffee beans right in the Annapolis Valley and offers many Nova Scotian delicacies like Digby scallops, Lunenburg shrimp, and fresh lobster rolls. Scotia Market Café has freshly made breakfast, lunch, and dinner for every sailor — even those with dietary restrictions. Forchu Lounge will really set the tone as you pick up a local craft beer, Nova Scotia wine, or small-batch Nova Scotian spirit to accompany a cheese board, bacon-wrapped scallops, or any other specialty snack. Delicious!

When the ferry lands and before you get checked into your accommodations, dinner and perhaps a drink are in order. While the name may be misleading, Honey Bee Deli & Ice Cream offers Japanese and Korean dishes and a fun, ever-changing event schedule. Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub specializes in local fare and music. Accompanied by a patio with a view of the Atlantic, Yarmouth & Acadian Shore’s only brewpub is not a stop to miss. And while you might not be on the coast of Italy, you’ll be able to transport your tastebuds there with a meal at Marco’s Grill and Pasta House. Make sure you treat yourself to a slice of their famous cheesecake!

After a night on the town, breakfast will be first on the to-do list to make sure you are fuelled appropriately for the day ahead. In downtown Yarmouth, you’ll find the aptly named and coloured Blueberry Fields Bakery Café. With the motto “Where strangers are friends we yet haven’t met”, you’ll leave with a tasty treat and a smile to start your day. Featuring a variety of dishes inspired by local and international cuisine, Shanty Café is a downtown Yarmouth staple. Old World Bakery & Deli will transport you back into your mom’s kitchen with thoughtful meals to eat in or take out. There is truly no bad breakfast stop in Yarmouth. What’s your favourite?

From start to finish, your journey with The CAT high-speed car ferry will be a delicious one. While Bar Harbor and Yarmouth are geographically close, only 3.5 hours by sea, as you can see, their palettes are uniquely their own. Get your pen and paper ready and start making your must-dine list! Once you book your trip on The CAT Ferry, you’ll be searching high and low along the East Coast for the best eats. It won’t take you too long to make the perfect list. Be sure to tag us in all your pictures.