The White Barn Inn

By Kim Knox Beckius

Updated 05/16/17

  • 01 of 19

    Welcome to the White Barn Inn

    White Barn Inn Kennebunkport Maine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience The White Barn Inn, located in the enchanting coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine, is the Holy Grail of fine dining in New England. My first visit to the White Barn Inn in May of 2008 just happened to coincide with my birthday. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    New England's Finest Dining Experience

    The White Barn Inn Restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine, is one of only two Forbes 5-Star restaurants north of Manhattan, a AAA Five Diamond honoree for 22 consecutive years (1992-2014) and one of only a handful of U.S. restaurants under the direction of 21 Grand Chefs Relais & Chateaux. So, you don't need me to tell you that the food and the service are exquisite.

    Instead, I'll introduce you to Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright, take you inside his kitchen for a behind-the-scenes look, and tell you the story of how I enjoyed the rare privilege—considering White Barn Inn only serves dinner—of savoring two meals at the restaurant on the same day—my birthday!

    I guarantee by the time you reach the final image in this photo gallery, you'll be hungry, as well as convinced that the the White Barn Inn dining experience is something you simply shouldn't miss. As of 2014, the restaurant offers two options: four courses (appetizer,...MORE intermezzo, main, dessert) for $109 per person or a nine-course tasting menu for $165. Reservations are a must: 207-967-2321.

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 02 of 19

    Chef Jonathan Cartwright

    White Barn Inn Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright
    New England's Finest Dining Experience Jonathan Cartwright, Executive Chef and Director of Operations at the White Barn Inn, is not only a masterful and much-lauded classically trained chef, he is an astute and charming hotelier whose creativity and energy infuse the inn and its restaurant. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

    Continue to 3 of 19 below.
  • 03 of 19

    White Barn Inn Cooking Class

    White Barn Inn Cooking Class with Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright
    New England's Finest Dining Experience During our cooking class, Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright started with the basics by showing us how to hold and chop an onion. Customized cooking classes at the White Barn Inn can be arranged for small groups at almost any time. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 04 of 19

    Lunch: Before

    Preparing Salmon in the Kitchen at the White Barn Inn in Maine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience What's on the lunch menu? Salmon. This particular salmon, to be exact. As you might imagine, seafood is a specialty of this highly acclaimed Maine restaurant. Cartwright says his menus "emphasize nature's offerings from the New England land and sea.". © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 05 of 19

    How to Fillet Salmon

    How to Fillet Salmon - Photo of Cooking Class at White Barn Inn Kennebunkport Maine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience While Chef Cartwright showed Meg Nesterov of Hawkins International PR how to fillet salmon, I stayed hidden behind my camera. No, I wasn't timid about touching the fish. I had horrible spring allergies and was scared I'd sneeze on the salmon. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

    Continue to 6 of 19 below.
  • 06 of 19

    Seasoning the Salmon

    Photo - Sous Chef Seasoning Salmon at the White Barn Inn Restaurant
    New England's Finest Dining Experience The Sous Chef rolls and seasons the salmon fillet as the other writers in our cooking class group prepare vegetables for the dish. Chef Cartwright chose this recipe to take advantage of the availability of fresh fiddleheads, a New England delicacy. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 07 of 19

    The White Barn Inn Cookbook

    The White Barn Inn Cookbook
    New England's Finest Dining Experience The recipe for the dish we prepared--Grilled Salmon with Spring Fiddleheads, Asparagus, and Scallions--is featured in The White Barn Inn Cookbook, which contains more than 140 of Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright's seasonal New England recipes. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 08 of 19

    Rustic Ambiance

    Dining Room at the White Barn Inn Keenebunkport Maine - Photo
    New England's Finest Dining Experience I had to leave cooking class early to visit another Kennebunkport landmark, and when I returned, my group had already finished lunch! Surely, I could take a nibble to go. No—Chef insisted I stay and enjoy the rustic ambiance of the dining room solo. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 09 of 19

    Sharing Pea Soup

    Spring Pea Soup with Seared Maine Scallop at the White Barn Inn Maine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience Although it was odd to dine alone, it was fitting in a way. My late mother and I shared a birthday, and this was my first year celebrating without her. In my heart and mind, I shared this delicious Spring Pea Soup with Seared Maine Scallop with her. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 10 of 19

    Lunch: After

    Photo of Salmon Dish at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport
    New England's Finest Dining Experience Ah, the salmon! What a colorful, delectable dish. I was so touched by Chef's hospitality, I confessed it was my birthday. My server's response to every request was: "My pleasure." I expected the same from my poor husband for weeks after returning home. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

    Continue to 11 of 19 below.
  • 11 of 19

    Before-Dinner Drinks

    Bar at the White Barn Inn Restaurant Kennebunkport Maine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience Being a travel writer is exhausting work. After my wonderful lunch at the White Barn Inn, I had to race to sister property, the Breakwater Inn & Spa, for a massage, then hightail it back to the White Barn Inn for cocktails at the bar at 7:30 p.m. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

    Continue to 12 of 19 below.
  • 12 of 19

    Around the Piano

    Photo of Bar Stools Around the Piano at Maine's White Barn Inn
    New England's Finest Dining Experience The stools around the piano are another popular place to gather before dinner at the White Barn Inn. Arrive early, and make the most of what is sure to be an incredibly memorable evening. Better yet, reserve one of the inn's luxurious rooms for the night. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 13 of 19

    The Wine Cellar

    White Barn Inn Wine Cellar - Private Dining at the White Barn Inn Kennebunkport Maine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience The Wine Cellar at the White Barn Inn is available for parties of 10 to 15 people. If you're hosting an elegant family gathering or want to impress clients, you'll want to reserve this very private dining space. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 14 of 19

    Remarkable Centerpieces

    Antique Flatware Animal Sculptures by Artist Gerard Bouvier at the White Barn Inn
    New England's Finest Dining Experience Look carefully at the one-of-a-kind animal sculptures on each table at the White Barn Inn: They're made entirely from antique flatware by artist Gerard Bouvier. Yes, they're for sale. No, I couldn't afford one, even though I did love the lobster!. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 15 of 19

    Cabernet Sauvignon Sorbet

    Cabernet Sauvignon Sorbet Intermezzo at the White Barn Inn
    New England's Finest Dining Experience Each dish at the White Barn Inn, such as this Cabernet Sauvignon Sorbet, is expertly presented. While the White Barn Inn is definitely a romantic spot for couples, dining with a group allows you to fully appreciate the wait staff's synchronized service. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 16 of 19

    Lobster Spring Roll

    Photo - Lobster Spring Roll Appetizer at the White Barn Inn Restaurant
    New England's Finest Dining Experience For example, five servers placed five appetizers on our table precisely at the same moment. If you knew me, you wouldn't be surprised I couldn't resist the Lobster Spring Roll with Carrot, Daikon Radish and Snow Pea in a Thai Inspired Spicy Sweet Sauce. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 17 of 19

    Fresh Catch

    Picture of Pan Seared Day Boat Scallop Appetizer at White Barn Inn Kennebunkport ME
    New England's Finest Dining Experience This Pan Seared Day Boat Scallop appetizer, ordered by one of my dining companions, was too lovely not to photograph. Most of the seafood served at the White Barn Inn is selected that morning, right from nearby docks. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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  • 18 of 19

    Who Could Resist?

    White Barn Inn Menu Changes Weekly - Photo of Steamed Maine Lobster on a Bed of Homemade Fettuccine
    New England's Finest Dining Experience The White Barn Inn's inventive menu changes weekly. Even though I'd already consumed a Lobster Spring Roll, how could I pass up Steamed Maine Lobster Nestled on a Bed of Homemade Fettuccine with Carrot, Ginger, Snow Peas and a Cognac Coral Butter Sauce?. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.

    Continue to 19 of 19 below.
  • 19 of 19

    A Memorable Occasion

    Birthday Dessert at the White Barn Inn Maine - Photo
    New England's Finest Dining Experience I had no plans to order dessert after two extraordinary White Barn Inn meals, but Chef Cartwright blew my birthday cover. What I'd feared would be a sad day turned out to be a warm, unforgettable experience: one of the most memorable birthdays of my life. © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius

    The White Barn Inn consistently ranks as New England's top restaurant. Here's an inside look at this enchanting dining establishment in Kennebunkport, Maine.