The Ovens Restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine

The Ovens is a new Italian spot tucked into The Pathmaker Hotel, serving coastal Italian fare that's a welcome break from Bar Harbor's lobster dominance. The kitchen turns out carefully plated pastas, fresh salads, and seafood entrées backed by a solid cocktail program. It draws tourists and locals alike, and the room has a relaxed but polished vibe.

• Shrimp scampi ranks among the best guests have tried.
• Craft cocktails worth ordering multiple rounds.
• Fresh, vibrant flavors with careful plating.
• Warm service and thoughtful attention to detail.

Start with the Mediterranean Muse flatbread, tangy and bright with fresh toppings and balsamic. The Shrimp Scampi is the standout entrée, though the NY Strip and Pasta Primavera also draw raves. If you're building a cocktail night, the Fico e Limone and Sauvignon Blanc both shine. Finish with the complimentary chocolate mousse shot (if they haven't run out).

Relaxed but refined. Jazz drifts through a warm, inviting room that never feels crowded or loud. The vibe is intentional without being stiff.

The menu leans toward classic Italian with seasonal touches. Dishes arrive beautifully plated, and the kitchen will work with you on swaps (lobster for shrimp on the scampi, for instance). Portions skew modest for the price point, so it's not the place to come hungry for volume. The real standout is the cocktail list, which gets consistent praise for balance and creativity.

Guests consistently praise the kitchen's attention to detail and the quality of the cocktails. One recent visitor called it "a gem," and honeymoon couples have left particularly happy. The main complaints are modest portions for the price and occasional kitchen slowness. One diner noted they "couldn't pick a bad" cocktail off the menu.