Ogunquit Lobster Bite Challenge
Get ready for a brand-new culinary showdown in Ogunquit! The Ogunquit Lobster Bite Challenge brings together top chefs to compete head-to-head for the title of Best Lobster Bite in Town! Sample a variety of creative and mouthwatering lobster dishes, then cast your vote for the Guest Favorite while a panel of expert judges selects their top pick. The winning chef of the judges’ vote will earn a coveted spot in Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor competition.
How It Works:
With your event ticket, you’ll make your way through multiple tasting stations in total, savoring a bite-sized lobster creation from each. From classic Maine flavors to bold, innovative twists, every bite is a new experience! Your ticket also includes wine pairings, and a complimentary entry prosecco.
Vote for the Best Lobster Bite!
After sampling the bites, you’ll cast your vote for the fan-favorite Lobster Bite, helping to crown this year’s champion! The fan-favorite restaurant will be awarded a plaque to boast of their accomplishment! There will also be a judges’ vote where the winning chef will earn a coveted spot in Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor competition.
Event Details:
Location: 10 Main Street, Ogunquit, ME 03907 (Ogunquit Playhouse) Date: May 3rd, 2025
Time: 2 - 4pm
Don’t miss this flavor-packed event celebrating Ogunquit’s rich seafood scene! Secure your tickets now and get ready to taste, vote, and crown Ogunquit’s Best Lobster Bite! 
Meet the Chefs & Restaurants:
Walkers Maine
Walkers Maine is the culinary vision of Four Diamond AAA and Maine Hospitality’s Restauranteur of the Year Chef Justin Walker and his sommelier wife Danielle Johnson Walker. The Walkers honed their skills at the acclaimed Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit. Justin was Chef du Cuisine while Danielle was Manager and Wine Director. They went on to join forces at the esteemed Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport – Justin as Executive Chef and Danielle as General Manager. Walkers Maine combines their love of food and wine with their enthusiasm for hospitality.
M.C. Perkins Cove
M.C. Perkins Cove offers an upscale, yet casual atmosphere, making your dining experience intimate and unique. Their menu caters to a variety of tastes, and we add chef specials weekly. All of the dishes are made with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Named by Food & Wine as one of the 50 most romantic restaurant in the country, and #1 in Maine.
Pepper's Seafood Co. / Cape Neddick Lobster Pound
Cape Neddick Lobster Pound and Peppers Seafood Co. in Ogunquit are seafood-focused restaurants known for their fresh, locally sourced Maine lobster and shellfish. With a casual and welcoming atmosphere, they offer a menu featuring lobster rolls, fried seafood, chowders, and other classic New England dishes. They pride themselves on serving high-quality, sustainably harvested seafood while providing guests with a relaxed dining experience. Whether you're craving a hearty seafood platter or a simple, fresh-caught meal, they deliver an authentic taste of coastal Maine.
The Front Yard
The Front Yard restaurant in Ogunquit offers a variety of seafood dishes that showcase their Mediterranean culinary style. The menu features items such as creamy seafood chowder rich with fresh handpicked lobster, scallops, and shrimp. Another notable dish is the lobster and shrimp alla vodka, which combines sautéed Maine lobster and jumbo shrimp with pappardelle pasta in a vodka sauce. Additionally, the seafood risotto and octopus appetizer have received positive reviews from their guests.
The Dunes on the Waterfront
For the Love of Food & Drink
For The Love of Food & Drink is a versatile culinary establishment located at 411 Post Road in Wells. Bill and Wendy Irish - the husband/wife duo - offer a full-service catering company, a New England café, and coastal venue rentals. The café specializes in scratch-made recipes using seasonal ingredients, catering to gourmet, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and even 18th-century menus. Together, Wendy and Bill believe wholeheartedly that business success comes when you love what you do. And love it they do, drawing on the talents of their tight-knit team to create a unique, fun and tailored experience for you!
The Front Porch
The Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant, located in the heart of Ogunquit, has been a celebrated entertainment destination and award-winning restaurant for 45 years. Chef Art Landis' deep-rooted connection to Ogunquit dates back to the early eighties, when he worked at the iconic Barnacle Billy’s and spent his teenage years lobstering out of Perkins Cove. After completing his education and starting a family, he returned to Ogunquit in 1990, where he served as the executive chef at Johnathon’s for fifteen years, later owning the restaurant for an additional five years. Since joining the Front Porch family in 2023, his favorite aspect of the role has been the creative freedom he enjoys in crafting seasonal menus, special features, and sourcing local ingredients.
Jonathan's Ogunquit
Jonathan's Ogunquit is a renowned restaurant and entertainment venue located at 92 Bourne Lane in Ogunquit. Established in 1976, it offers upscale New England cuisine, including fresh seafood, grilled steaks, and classic European dishes, served in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. The venue also features a 600-gallon aquarium, adding to its unique dining ambiance.
Surf Point 360
The restaurant's menu highlights traditional Maine seafood and contemporary American fare, providing guests with a relaxed atmosphere and exceptional service. Notable seafood dishes include fresh lobster, scallops, and chowders, all prepared to showcase the region's rich culinary heritage.
Clay Hill Farm
Celebrating 39 years as a family-owned and operated hidden gem, the restaurant at Clay Hill Farm is a breath of fresh air just 2 miles from the heart of Ogunquit. Nestled on 10 private acres, this certified environmental sanctuary is rooted in a passion for Maine’s natural beauty, offering locally-sourced menus that pay tribute to both land and sea. With a year-round commitment to community, the arts, and immersive indoor/outdoor dining, Clay Hill Farm is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience.
Thank you to our event sponsor
Title Sponsor:
Photos:
When's the next event?
How our event dates are chosen:
- Ogunquit Pride is celebrated with a flag raising and additional events during the first weekend of June.
- BonAire! is celebrated on the second Saturday of June.
- Independence Day fireworks are always on July 4, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. Rain date is July 5.
- OgunquitFest Weekend: Although we celebrate autumn all throughout the month of October, our signature events are hosted the second weekend after Indigenous Peoples' Day (formerly Columbus Day) weekend.
- Christmas by the Sea: Our holiday festival is held on the second weekend after the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
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If you would like to help to make these events happen, please see our "Sponsorship Opportunities" page or contact our business office at 207-646-1279. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available at a variety of levels for all businesses and individuals. The benefits of sponsorship vary according to the event and participation level. Thank you!