Table Salt in Bar Harbor, Maine

Table Salt is a fine dining spot in Bar Harbor that's drawn serious praise from both regulars and first-time visitors. The kitchen turns out upscale comfort food: maple-glazed salmon, filet mignon, lobster mac and cheese, grilled cornbread. You'll find couples celebrating milestones, locals who've been coming to town for decades, travelers whose B&B hosts steer them here. It's the kind of place where the server knows when to check in and when to step back.

• Maple-glazed salmon gets unanimous praise from salmon snobs.
• Lobster mac and cheese arrives massive, loaded with lobster.
• House-made truffles; caramel is the standout flavor.
• Staff (Peter, Mindy) balance attentiveness with breathing room.

Start with grilled cornbread if it's on the menu, or the yellowtail appetizer. The lobster bisque is rich enough to split. For mains, the maple-glazed salmon delivers; the filet mignon is tender and well-presented; the pork chop earned raves for juiciness. The lobster mac and cheese comes in such a large portion you might save half. House-made truffles cap the meal, especially the caramel.

The dining room strikes a balance between fine dining polish and unpretentious warmth. It's calm enough for conversation without feeling formal or overly quiet.

Guests describe Table Salt as the best meal they've had in Maine, and it's clearly become the culinary standard for Bar Harbor visitors and longtime locals alike. One diner noted the staff made the evening extra special with their warmth and great recommendations.