Crown Jewel

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars) *A honeymoon finale with charm and a few shortcomings* My husband and I chose The Crown Jewel for our last night of honeymoon celebrations, and what an adventure it turned out to be. Tucked away on Diamond Cove, this restaurant is only accessible by ferry, water taxi, or private boat—a unique selling point that immediately caught our attention when a former colleague recommended it. The Experience The journey itself is part of the charm, though it comes with a price tag to match. Taking the water taxi to reach the restaurant adds an element of romance and exclusivity that you simply can’t find at mainland establishments. The restaurant itself is quaint and cozy, with 90s R&B creating a nostalgic throwback atmosphere that perfectly complemented the intimate setting. The Drinks (and the Disappointment) Unfortunately, our visit coincided with their bartender’s vacation, which significantly limited the cocktail menu. This was particularly disappointing given The Crown Jewel’s reputation for inventive mixology. We made do with their house punches, which were genuinely delicious and helped salvage the beverage experience. The Food The culinary offerings were consistently good, though nothing reached the level of exceptional. The standout dish was undoubtedly the coquettas—imagine clam chowder transformed into something you can hold and crunch into. It’s soul-warming comfort food that defies easy description and comes highly recommended. The deviled eggs with n’duja were perfectly adequate but forgettable—the kind of dish that fills a spot on the plate without creating lasting memories. Similarly, the lobster tail was tasty but lacked the memorable quality you’d hope for at a destination restaurant. Surprisingly, the burger and fries stole the show. While not the obvious choice at a place like this, it was exceptional enough that it would top our order list on any return visit. Service The staff demonstrated thoughtfulness that elevated the entire experience, surprising us with complimentary glasses of sparkling rosé to celebrate our wedding. These personal touches make a significant difference and showed genuine care for their guests. Bottom Line The Crown Jewel offers a unique experience that’s part adventure, part dining. The remote location, boat access, and intimate atmosphere create something special, even if the food doesn’t always match the setting’s ambition. It’s expensive when you factor in transportation costs, and the limited bar service during our visit was frustrating. If you’re seeking a memorable experience and can accept the logistical challenges and premium pricing for what amounts to solid but not spectacular food, The Crown Jewel deserves a spot on your list. However, given Portland’s incredible dining scene, we’ll likely explore other options before making the journey back to Diamond Cove.

Absolutely amazing. 20/10 Atmosphere, food, service—it was all phenomenal. Our party of 6 was talking days after about how great the experience was. We tried almost everything on the menu and it was all phenomenal. Drinks were top notch too. We took a water taxi there and back, but you can ferry if you time it right. We had a 2 year old with us and didn’t want to chance waiting on the last ferry back. Absolute must.

A Must-Visit Island Gem** We had the pleasure of visiting Crown Jewel, and the journey alone was worth it. Taking the ferry to a small island offered a refreshing escape, with beautiful views of the city from a different perspective. Once there, we were greeted by an absolutely adorable, vibrant spot that feels like a tropical getaway in the heart of New England. What surprised us the most was that, unlike many “instagrammable” places, the food here is just as good as the atmosphere. Every dish was well-prepared, and the drinks were fantastic—perfect for the tropical vibe they’ve created. Whether you’re looking to relax or celebrate, Crown Jewel delivers. One tip: make sure to book a reservation in advance and enjoy this island experience to the fullest. Highly recommended!

Great Visit We had a perfect night dining at the Crown Jewel. The atmosphere was lively and comfortable, setting the tone for great conversation while drinking and dining with friends. Fun decor The staff was welcoming and passionate. Chef Jef and his team put together a well-thought-out and exciting menu. The presentation was beautiful. Our group decided to share plates. We tried the mussels, the lobster arancini, the pork belly, the scallops, the deviled eggs, and the burger. We immediately knew from our first bites that we were in for more wow moments, with repeated oohs and ahhs. ....and there's a chef's table if you want to watch the action. If you're looking for entertainment, you might want to grab a seat at the bar. I can only describe the Beverage Director, Jordan, like a mad scientist with an intense passion for his craft. He's also a fun guy to chat with. We appreciated how he intently described the cocktail we ordered, then showed us his infused vodka with lime leaf and coconut. The drink was lovely. Wine and beer lovers will not be disappointed with the menu. All in all, we had a great night. Our group will be back to try round two!

RUN TO THIS PLACE! It is so delicious ! Everything about it is 10/10. Take the ferry from Portland to diamond cove. It’s a quick walk with beautiful views! The staff are great, super friendly and the food is to die for ! We got the scallops, burger, and delicious dessert! The inside of this restaurant is so cute, I love the flamingos 🦩

Decent enough experience but you get the vibe that this is a locals only spot. I ordered the tuna poke which had amazingly fresh ingredients, but was a little lacking in sauce for my personal liking. Drinks were decent, but perhaps a little too weak for the prices. Interior decor/food and drink presentation is top notch.

So fun! Such a great experience! We tried 4 different plates and they were all unique, fresh and delicious. Fun adventure to take the ferry over and enjoy dinner and drinks!

This was the highlight of my family’s trip to Portland. It was easy to navigate to via the ferry, and the lobster yakitori, pickled mango, crab fried rice, and garlic shrimp (pictured) were incredible. Their seafood is really fresh and unique, all little shareable plates, and the experience was totally unforgettable. The music inside is a tad loud for my taste, but overall it’s a really fun and hip joint that’s majorly worth the trek.

We're in town visiting my daughter. A friend of hers had recommended Crown Jewel and I can only say we had an extraordinary time. We ended up ordering several things and sharing. Everything we ate was great and our server, Erin, truly provided us with unreasonable hospitaliy. I can recommend Crown Jewel with no hesitation - and if you go ask for Erin - you'll be wowed.

This restaurant is on Diamond Island off of Portland. You can take the ferry or a water taxi. The interior was very pretty and the drinks were decent (very pricey though). The service was quick and friendly. The food is so overpriced for what you get and it's not great. I'll pay for amazing food but this is mediocre. We tried 4 different dishes and all of them were just okay. You also don't use real silverware which is interesting. Overall it's a cool experience to take a ferry and go to a restaurant on this island but I wouldn't ever eat here again.

Definitely a one-time experience for me! It was cool to go out to the island--the ambiance was fun and clearly tailored to the influencer/younger crowd, which gave it a trendy vibe. But overall, I left feeling disappointed. The food just didn't justify the price. If you're doing tapas, every dish should be a standout, and neither of mine were. Also, $18 for a piece of bread, one carrot stick, and three cucumber slices? That felt absurd. Our server was nice and helpful. I think it's probably a great spot if you're more into the aesthetic or social media angle, but if you're going for a culinary experience, I'd say save your money. Grab a drink there then go to Portland for dinner.

Crown Jewel serves up fun, seafood-heavy tapas in a small, hip restaurant with a pink interior and excellent servers. Here's what we recommend: 1) The Bartender's Mocktail - the special that night was a melon piña colada-esque drink--5 stars! 2) The deviled eggs 3) A dozen oysters 4) Tuna Tartare 5) Seared scallops 6) Fava dip 7) Coconut shrimp 8) The whitefish 9) Lime curd What was eh: 1) Lobster risotto - delicious, but pricy and small portions 2) Olive oil cake with ice cream and strawberries A wonderful spot off the coast of Portland with a cute interior and small patio. Best restaurant on the island, hands down!

After reading some pretty poor reviews, I was very skeptical, but I had an amazing time at this restaurant. The food was incredible and the service was excellent. The setting was an A+.

I never thought the Crown Jewel could get any better, but I was wrong. Our go-to fave is the island burger! Fantastic every time with an abundance of house cut fries and an awesome housemade sauce. It is it's something magical, def. Not a thousand island. It's much more sophisticated. Tonight, we tried the oyster sliders, the steak tartare, and the poached lobster with poblano cream. Just Wow. The attention to detail is evident in every dish. The cocktail was superb. Please go to the Crown Jewel. Everything is perfect, including the warm and friendly staff.

New restaurant on Great Diamond. Young vibe, great boat ride to get there, fun decor and view, but the dishes need serious help. Very colorful and attractive, but they are trying so hard to be different that they are putting together complicated combinations of tastes that just don't work. Go for the boat ride, maybe have a drink, but go back to Portland for dinner!

We had a very lovely dinner at Crown Jewel... after hopping off the ferry to Big Diamond we enjoyed some delicious oysters, tuna, and scallops, all with a fresh interesting twist to them! My husband who is a vegetarian... order the deviled eggs w/o bacon, tofu edamame, and the BEST Beyond burger he's ever had (and he's had many from many different restaurants over the past couple of years). Fun atmosphere with an casual eclectic vibe and super friendly staff!

If you're an influencer, you can make a great TikTok here to share with your followers. If you're a group of good friends excited to boat over and have a great meal and cocktails...go elsewhere. We had made a reservation a few months in advance and been looking forward to going here. My friend received three text messages warning us to arrive on time, so we were sure to do so, only to sit down and be COMPLETELY ignored for 30 minutes. It was actually comical to our group of six to see how long the entire tiny restaurant could completely ignore us. No water. No cocktails. Meanwhile, there was a table of two women in the opposite corner that had THREE waitstaff fawning over them. I just kept thinking that they had to be someone there to review the restaurant? Sure enough, the next day the restaurant posted their review on their IG. Meanwhile, our group of commoners were making wagers at how long they would continue to ignore us, when a waitress finally came over after 30 minutes to take a drink order. We ordered one of almost everything on the menu with the exception of deviled eggs. The dishes were very consistent. The overall theme was VERY salty. The oysters came on a bed of salt, something we had never seen before when serving raw oysters.. They were luke warm and the salt coated the wet shells, making it impossible to shoot them straight from the shell without having your lower lip coated with salt. The waitress didn't tell us where they were from, but that was just as well, because the salt overpowered the oyster. The farm would have been embarrassed to be named. The over salted theme continued with the scallops, prawns, the fries and even the tuna tartar, or at least that's what we thought was under the pile of sauces and other condiments? I've never seen so much dressing on seafood, including the lobster tail. Maine seafood speaks for itself. No need to drown it in sauces and salt. The burger was good, but to boat all the way to an island for a burger...unnecessary. As the plastic cups and single use, landfill bound faux bamboo plates and utensils piled up on the table(we began to stack them in hopes someone would come take them away), a new face that hadn't acknowledged us all night, came over to say "I have some bad news. The next diners have arrived for your table, so you need to finish up." So, let me get this straight. You can ignore us for 30 minutes upon arriving on time, but we have to be out at a certain time that you have just decided without telling us in advance? Got it. When this woman walked away, we were absolutely floored. It had only been 1.5 hours and again, 30 mins of that was us deciding if we should walk out because no one was serving us. We sat for another 5 minutes until I went up to one of the staff standing behind the counter and asked if we paid up there, diner style or if someone should bring us the check, since we were no longer welcome? The "manager"(?) came with the check and was apologizing for what the other woman said to us, but none of us wanted to sit in front of a pile of plates with empty plastic cocktail cups any longer than necessary. I'm sure this place will continue to do well, as they give the royal treatment to influencers and unsuspecting tourists. Just take their posts with a grain(or in this case a heavy hand) of salt. It's a very instagrammable restaurant; with mediocre food, unsustainable practices and inept service and management.

The experience of Crown Jewel is fabulous. Take a boat ride to an island with a group of friends (BYOB on the boat because you can), eat and drink at a quirky restaurant on the island, boat back to Portland underneath the stars. Without the boat ride, however, it would not be a memorable experience at all. First of all, the menu is weird. There are only three large plates on the menu. You have the choice of fish, a tiny portion of vegetarian gnocchi, or a burger (summer 2018). I realize there are a lot of small bites/plates on the menu, but it is nice to have the option of a real entree. I'm sure the kitchen is small, but so is the kitchen at Isa and they manage to have depth in their menu. As for the food itself, it was all just average (at best) to me. The "fried green things" sounded interesting, but it was really just the same fried brussel sprout dish that every other restaurant is doing these days. I also got the burger with burnt onion & tomato jam, which was just fancy ketchup, and made the whole thing too sweet (especially with the already sweet brioche bun). The fries that everyone loves, to me they were WAY too salty and soggy. The pricing seems to be on par with other new restaurants in Portland, which is to say, expensive. It seems like a lot to pay $14 for a "simple burger" with nothing on it. Want lettuce, tomato, and onion? Be ready to pay an extra $2. Aoli? $2. It is really easy to end up paying $18 for a mediocre burger. At least you will end up full though. I hear the other entrees will leave you hungry. Service here seems to be a mixed bag. It is the type of restaurant that really lends itself to lingering over drinks and small plates, but our group was literally told to leave to make room for other guests (I had to gulp down the rest of my $12 cocktail). I've heard that others experienced the same. So, would I recommend it? I don't know. I'd say if you have the money, maybe try it for yourself and see what you think.

I'm so sorry to be the jerk that isn't in agreement with the majority of Yelpers! Crown Jewel is absolutely gorgeous. It's right off the Diamond Cove ferry stop, and its ambience is immediately relaxing and tropical. There is not a lot of seating, and if you don't have a reservation, you'll probably sit at the little bar or open kitchen area. We ended up at the open kitchen seating. Great service- super friendly waitresses, entertaining and sweet chefs that were happy to chat, and the bathroom in this place is nicer than any apartment I've ever lived in. But I gotta be honest here- this is 100% an expensive tourist zone. Mixed drinks are $10, which isn't horrible, but is alarming in terms of it being Portland. I got the rum punch, $13, which I really couldn't drink. It just tasted so bad. It'll get you drunk, for sure, but not really in a fun way.... The seafood prices were insane, I'm sorry - $18 for half a dozen oysters?! I guess when you can monopolize the island you can charge the tourists whatever ya want! I got the deviled eggs sans chorizo- which had a smoky taste, and $6 wasn't too too bad. Boyfriend got the $7 hand cut fries. Itty bitty serving. Tasty though. There's an odd little store behind the restaurant. I was confused. Maybe it was from the alarming rum drink. I'm sorry guys- I'm not the target customer, and I get that! All the power to you to make that tourist money and give an upscale feeling. I'll just stay on the ferry next time.

A-MAZ-BALLS. Amazeballs. Everything about this place had me swooning. From the location, to the aesthetic, to the staff...I honestly don't think I could find one flaw about this establishment. Tucked away in Diamond Cove, Crown Jewel is a quaint restaurant that packs a big punch with the food that it offers. What I loved about the location is that it took about 30-40 minutes to ride the ferry from Portland (which is always a fun experience), and the restaurant isn't far away from the dock, so it's incredibly accessible if you don't want to experience the entire island or walk far. As soon as you get off the ferry, the location is extremely quiet and it automatically puts you into vacation mode, which is also a huge plus. Then there is the Crown Jewel with it's gleaming neon light flamingo radiating from the windows. When walking into the Crown Jewel, you still feel like you are on vacation with the tropical leaves printed seat cushions, the golden pineapple decor on the tables, the the pink hue from the amazing flamingo light. The venue is small with some seats at the bar, and about 6 tables that accommodate four people each. We had made a reservation for 7pm, and when we went, all of the tables were occupied throughout the night, so I would certainly make sure to make a reservation! We were quickly seated and my husband and I, along with our friend, were eager to get started. Our waitress quickly came to our table, talked a little bit about the restaurant, which we were told that they try to keep everything biodegradable (their plates, utensils, etc.), and she told us a bit about the menu. We all ended up ordering the house punch by our waitress's recommendation. The punch quickly accentuated the island/vacation feeling. It was tart, refreshing, and really delicious. Later on in the night, I also tried the rhubarb Tom Collins, and it literally gave me life. As far as the food menu, it's separated by small bites, raw bites and oysters, smaller plates, and then larger plates. The menu is very seafood forward, however, our waitress began our experience by asking us if we have any food restrictions or allergies. None of the people at my table had any, so I am not sure if they have a separate menu for people with food restrictions, but they seemed happy to accommodate especially for them being the first ones to ask! My table ended up ordering all of the items off of the small plates menu, and we also got the grilled oysters and the oyster sliders to start out with. The stand outs were the "fried green things" which were INCREDIBLY flavorful and I could have just eaten buckets of that all night, the "sweet and spicy bacon skewers", and the "oyster sliders" which has a surprising, but refreshing tang to them. For dinner, I ended up ordering the "pan-seared white fish" which was in an amazing broth and had kale and cannelloni beans. I was also able to try the gnocchi which was delicious and the butter poached lobster which was small, but packed a ton of flavor. We ended our night with some brown bread which was the perfect end to everything. The owner, Alex, made sure to talk with everyone that was in the restaurant and she made sure that everyone was happy with their experience. Need-less-to-say, we were incredible happy with our experience and we definitely look forward to going back!

Dining at the Crown Jewel was probably my most favored experience of the summer. From riding the ferry at sunset to get to this hidden gem then enjoying the beautifully presented and delicious food, will remain etched in my memory for years to come. The service was phenomenal and the owner came around to say hello. If you're looking for an overall great dining experience, I would highly recommend this place.

While the setting is beautiful, our experience at Crown Jewel left a lot to be desired. After making the journey from Portland (which is gorgeous but not a short trip) our party was excited for dinner. The menu is supposed to be organized from small plates to larger entrees. We all ordered from the larger entree side of the menu and were surprised to each receive bite-size dishes. For $28+ for each dish, we were shocked. The flavors were good but the small dishes did not warrant the price tag, especially compared to other high-end restaurants in Portland. Our cocktails, which tasted like Hawaiian Punch and were $17, were also disappointing. The staff were not exceptionally warm and we felt rushed the entire time. Before we were finished eating, what little was left on our plates was wordlessly swept up without asking us (this was after we confirmed that we had over an hour until our ferry back). Finally, Crown Jewel's sustainability practices are abysmal with every dish and drink served out of plastic and bamboo single use products. Overall, we left hungry and with sticker shock.

A group of six of us had a reservation at The Crown Jewel last night. We were all very much looking forward to our night out. It turned out to be probably the worst restaurant experience I've had. It started with the annoying multiple texts to remind us to be on time. We had a lovely boat ride over and arrived right on time only to be seated then ignored for 30 minutes! We kept trying to catch someone's eye with no response. We noticed there was another table getting lots of attention from three employees, it was odd. We FINALLY got some water and cheap, flimsy, pink plastic cups and our drink order was taken. Drinks then took forever but, the cocktails (again in plastic) were the best part of the entire meal. We were encouraged to share so we ordered some of the first course offerings. The oysters were served on a bed of salt- they were so salty & not cold at all! Yikes!!! The tartare had so much going on, I wasn't even sure what it was. For a restaurant that encourages sharing most everything was difficult to share especially when trying to cut with bamboo knives on paper plates. We moved on to so larger dishes to share for our meals- it was all terrible and weird. I like creative food but, they miss the mark. From the prawns to the burgers so salty! There was an order of the hanger steak I didn't even dare to try, the meat looked gray and slimy. I had ordered a glass of red wine that was absolutely disgusting! I took one sip- it tasted like vinegar! I was going to speak up but, the waitress just quickly took it away avoiding all eye contact without even addressing that it was still full! The icing on the cake was when the waitress came to tell us "I have bad news, you need to go. The next party is here for your table." What?!? Are you kidding me?!? After you ignored us for the first half an hour of our reservation and then took forever to get us drinks! We spoke with the manager who apologized, offered drinks (no thanks) . For the life of me I cannot understand the positive reviews for this place!! The decor is cheesy, the fake plastic plants on the deck all the gross pink plastic. There was absolutely nothing I liked about The Crown Jewel. Our entire party agreed we would never go back or recommend to anyone! Everything made sense this morning when we saw the Instagram post from an "Influencer" at the crown jewel- it was the table being fawned over by the staff. So gross. Don't waste your time, energy or money on this place! So overrated! Don't be fooled by the staged social media posts!

Only ordered takeout so can't really speak of the service but the restaurant seemed like a nice cool place to eat. The food on their other hand was pretty terrible considering the price. The 20.00 Island Burger that I ordered medium rare had the consistency of a hockey puck. It was way over cooked and completely chard through. It was drenched in thousand island dressing which is all you could taste. No burger taste, no taste of the of the pineapple that was on it, just the thousand island dressing. Also My wife ordered the same thing and we both couldn't finish them even though we were pretty hungry. Pricey food that really isn't worth it.

Came back to Crown Jewel this season after really having an incredible experience last year, and this time fell flat. Nice service from the staff, but the food was disappointing compared to last season. The finale being the mussels, which last year we were drinking the broth it was so incredible, this season was served not in a bowl with juices, but de-shelled atop tiny bread pieces, which as a celiac person, I could not eat. Love Diamond Cove, but wouldn't necessarily make the trip back from Crown Jewel again.

Not worth the trouble. Cute atmosphere, but the food and drinks are all served in disposable dishes, and they even give you disposable wooden silverware to use.......... Would think that a place I am paying $15 a drink for would be willing to use a real glass. Service was pretty poor. Won't be back.

Cool little place. Came here about 2 hours ago. Tried to get in but no available seating. Didn't know we needed a reservation. The manager or owner allowed us to do take out. I don't think they usually do takeout. Food was very good but very limited menu. I don't fault them for a limited menu as keeping things fresh on a super small island must be difficult. Had the burger and wife had the crab fried rice. She absolutely loved the rice. My burger was good as were theme fries. Side note...people walking out were raving about the food as well. Nice little gem. Just be sure to make reservations so you can get a table. Sorry for no photos. We were starving

If you are anywhere near Great Diamond Island make sure to stop by Diamond Cove and try Crown Jewel (I suggest making a reservation) for the restaurant. They are an oasis of hospitality, in a sea of mediocrity. The culinarians practicing their craft there are serious about food. Whether is the Deviled Eggs, Lobster Arancini , Seared Scallops or the Smash Burger they will deliver deliciousness to your table with style. It's all Macdaddylicious! Enjoy!

Now this is a great restaurant! Open for mere weeks but already expertly designed and managed, Crown Jewel is easily my top pick for dining on any of the Casco Bay islands. Its biggest flaw is actually that it's seasonal, when it would do very well in the Old Port. I would highly recommend reservations, as all 36 seats were filled at 6:30 on a beautiful Sunday evening. While there unfortunately is no outdoor dining, the atmosphere still radiates an island theme, with neon pink lighting and a giant flamingo mascot (curiously named Don). There's a full bar, chef's bar (where we sat) and plenty of regular tables. The Crown Jewel Punch ($13) transports you to a Caribbean island. Boozy with a heavy hand on the rum, it's still sweet and refreshing and the best recent island drink I've had. The numerous options for wine and local beers are thoughtful and fairly priced. The food menu is small plates meant for sharing, which quickly add up in price, but it feels more acceptable on an island than at many other similar restaurants (such as Lio). The Fried Green Things ($8), an ample portion of primarily brussels sprouts, was an ideal starter. Shrimp Toast ($14) was buttery perfection, though only hinted of shrimp. But the bacon and lemon aioli starred on this filling dish. So, you like bacon? Thick cut local bacon on a skewer with a chili rub and onion and tomato jam (too expensive at $9 for three) was some of the best I've had. The Pan Seared White Fish ($19) from the larger plate section was good, but less flavorful than the other dishes and far too small for the price. From the chef's bar we could tell that the most popular item was easily the cheese burger ($14 with fries). It's the best value on the menu and something to look forward to next time. But I did hear that they charge extra for lettuce, onion and tomato. This is petty and, frankly, ridiculous. I hope Crown Jewell rises above nickel and diming. Four food dishes and four drinks was extremely filling for two people (with a really solid buzz) and came to $90 after tip. For the high quality food and atmosphere, this is reasonable and better than many mainland restaurants. Plan an outing to Diamond Cove while you still can, before closing day in October sneakily approaches.

First of all, the fact that Crown Jewel is out at Diamond Cove Island makes it special. You get to take a nice 40-minute ferry ride from Casco Bay Lines in Portland to get out there, and after a long day at work, it is quite relaxing. The restaurant is very close to where the ferry docks, so no worries about walking a long distance (or needing to rent a golf cart). I can't tell what the building used to be, but it's brick with barred windows on the outside. It doesn't look like much, but upon entrance, everything changes. The first thing you'll spot is a large neon pink flamingo hanging on the wall. The decor is tropical-themed with gold pineapples on the tables and floral green pillows. Even the tile floor coordinates with its green and white pattern. The space is small overall, but it is very clean and cute. Well-decorated for sure. You feel like you are living your best island life by dining here. Personally, I ordered a rose to drink, and it was delicious. To eat, I tried the French Fries with aioli, Fried Green Things, and Gnocci Verde entree. They were all unique and rich in flavor, but my one complaint is just that the portions are so small. The Gnocci Verde is listed on the menu as a "Large Plate" but it is anything but. In fact, I think the Fried Green Things portion was bigger. Aside from that, though, everything was amazing. I didn't try it for myself, but they do serve the Impossible Burger as a vegan alternative for their regular menu burger. Definitely ask about it if you're vegetarian or vegan! Also, one other cool thing to note is that all of their plates and utensils are compostable! A great kudos to the environment.

Great burgers, sweet service, delicious dessert. Fun little island spot. Fries are delicious! Some of the other items are a little small so if you are hungry, order a few plates.

The drinks are fantastic. The staff were great. We loved the mescal granita for the oysters - highly recommend

The service was outstanding and the food was delicious! Our favs were the coconut shrimp, mussels and tuna crudo. Very unique dining experience!

Absolutely worth the ferry ride to this gem! I ordered the Rum Punch (which packs a real punch!) and 6 deviled eggs with spanish chorizo, castelvetrano olives and smoked olive oil to start. The eggs were AMAZING and I quickly gobbled them down with the stout punch. Then came the Incredible Burger (not on the menu as I recall but I just asked for a veggie option). I got mine with truffle aioli on it and more for the fries! So so good. I ordered another punch before the first one kicked and aaaand that was a mistake, sort of. Wish I had more time to enjoy a dessert and see the island but the last ferry leaves pretty early. What a beautiful 1920s Havana-esq Art Deco feel the restaurant has, very unique.

The Carrot Lox was yummy and the fries are a MUST. Deviled Eggs were delicious as was the burger. It feels cozy and tropical inside. I loved it. The interior is unparalleled to anything I've ever seen. Staff was friendly, food was great, and most everything is recyclable. Your food will arrive on a recycled material, but don't think that that is any indication of quality. This food is tasty. Tapas style menu with a couple of larger options. Menu was small but making a decision was still nearly impossible as everything sounded good. Take a day and come to the island to see this place for yourself-truly a 'jewel'

Don't go hungry! It's great but it's a family style and the portions are small. Think Tapas to share. There were two of us and we ordered 4 things, plus dessert and a bottle of wine. It's a bit pricey but you are getting good quality food, amazing ambience, and good drinks. Overall this is not just dinner but an experience. We'll definitely go back!

We luckily hit their soft opening Sunday, July 9th. It was recommended by another chef that knows and loves Rocky, owner and chef of Crown Jewel. Wow! Is the best word to describe this lovely little spot. The staff, the setting, the bar, and the food. A fabulous small plate menu with a slight twist on so many favorites. The flavor combinations were fabulous. Everything was a favorite. The Fried Green Things. Gnocchi. Bacon Skewers. Grilled Oysters. Shrimp Toast. Yes we tried it all and we loved everything. This is a must do for locals and visitors alike.

The summer tomato salad was very good, and the service was excellent. It goes downhill from there. The fried green things were greasy and not very good. The burger was not great. It was not cooked to my specification, and while they offered some unusual toppings, the brioche bun seemed either stale or over toasted. The fries were okay, but nothing special. The gnocchi was like a big bowl of mashed potatoes. While it wasn't "spit it out and wipe your tongue" awful, it wasn't good. The reason for the one-star review is that for the price, (party of 4, over $250) it should have been better. Everything is served on paper plates with bamboo cutlery, so it felt like picnic food at 5-star prices. If you want the island experience, go to Diamond's edge where the cocktail list is better, and you will have more choices. It will be served on china, and you will be given cloth napkins. And it is no more expensive than the Crown Jewel + you will have views of the water. The Inn at Diamond Cove also has better food. I hate writing bad reviews, but this place is very expensive and absolutely not worth the money.

Fun experience to get to the Crown Jewel, but otherwise my experience was lacking. We were a party of 6 and the waitress was not friendly from the start. I asked where the shrimp on the "shrimp toast" was from and didn't receive a response, although it was heard me. The mixed drinks are strong, and expensive, much like the food offerings. Very limited menu, tapas style so you'll pay a lot and leave hungry (I sure did!). I had 3 devilled eggs to start and the cauliflower gnocchi as an entree. I regret getting what I did and wished I had just gone with the shrimp toast and a burger or something. The gnocchi was a vegetarian dish and as an avid meat eater, I wasn't satiated. We were rushed out as we had to catch the last ferry. The photos look cool, the pink vibe is fun, some of the dishes sound good, but they could improve the customer experience by being more friendly and having more menu options.

Any place that is on an island and has a huge light up flamingo as its decor gets 5 stars no matter how the rest of it went! While on a recent trip to Portland we were told by several people that we had to hit up the Crown Jewel. The only thing was that we had to get there by boat. Did you say boat? SIGN ME UP! We worked our way downtown to the ferry (Casco Bay Ferry) and purchased our tickets ($10 round trip) and took the 5:15 on over. It was a bit cool out but was still a very enjoyable and scenic ride. Once we got to the cove, we got off and walked our way up the street. The Crown Jewel was on our left. What a gorgeous space. They did such an amazing job with the decor! I am in love with it. Every detail! We got 2 rum punches (and boy do these do just that... PUNCH YOU FLAT IN THE FACE!) they are delicious and well, just about 1/2 way thru my second one, I completely felt it! We also got the bacon, fries and fried green things. All delicious! The staff (two ladies upfront) could not have been any nicer. We chatted about local restaurants and they told us all about the owner, her vision and why they serve everything in compostable, single serve glassware and dishes. (they have to conserve water usage on the island and dishwashers would blow thru that) This is a must try, if the boat ride and decor alone don't cut it. Get a few rum punches and then ask yourself that again. Thanks for a fun adventure!

Truly is a found jewel, I've never heard of it until my friend invited me for her birthday- I'm so happy that she did! We took a boat over from Portland and it was just a short walk, located right off the shore. Their vibes were just what I was looking being very hip and eccentric. The only reason I took a star off is because they didn't have a wide range of options for drinks and everything is pretty overpriced. But I do recommend going at least once, I know I'll be going back! Great place for a special occasion.

Finally got to checking this place out this summer with some friends and I am so glad I did! A bunch of us decided to head over on the ferry to Diamond Cove on a beautiful summer to have dinner at the Crown Jewel. The space itself is very light and airy. It's on the smaller side, but it's worth the wait in my opinion. I started with the Rum Punch. I will tell you something about this rum punch...GET IT. Get it now. Holy cow is this drink good. I was warned to only get one, but I got two...and I was definitely feeling good! Their menu, while small, had something for everyone. We had a few vegetarians in the group and they were all able to get something to suit their tastes. The menu has small bites and dinner entrees. Others chose to have "full dinners," which I will admit were very small and not worth the price they paid (very tasty, however suuuuuper small portions). I, on the other hand, got a few small plates for my dinner. I tried the deviled eggs, which I absolutely loved. You can get 3, 6, or 9 eggs as an option (I chose 6). I also got the truffle fries with a side of the truffle aoili, which was SO good, but they only give you like a quarter sized dollop, which lets face it, is not enough. I also got the candied bacon, which you could get as a trio, or 6/9/12 pieces (I got 3). All of the items I tried were very flavorful and pretty well priced, to be honest. I feel the small plates are appropriately priced whereas the dinner options are overpriced for what you get. Overall, my entire bill wasn't too expensive for what I purchased, I feel it was fair given the quality and quantity of food I received. I'd really like to come back for brunch sometime soon!

Upon arrival it's just a quick trip up the hill from the Dock (3rd stop on the Casco Bay Ferry), where one is greeted with bright colors and pink flamingos. A huge step up from what I have experienced on many other Maine islands. It really nice to see someone invest in making something special and new rather than leaving a structure to rot in the name of tradition or running a tourist trap. The menu is made up of mostly small plates, and raw bites with a few larger options and desserts. Of course being located on an island they make wonderful cocktails and wines. You can even get a personal bottle of rosé with a paper straw in it. It's all very well done and beautiful! Especially since the Island has special codes that limit the amount of non-compostable waste the restaurant can generate and how much fresh water they can use. So be patient, reducing waste is the mantra of this spot. Along similar lines, although this is not a vegetarian restaurant, it should be noted that the chef Rocky Hunter formerly of David's Opus 10 is a vegan in his personal life, which I am sure was helpful in keeping this spot as ecologically responsible as possible. We really enjoyed everything oysters with local rose mignonettes are a must, sliders were good,the punch potent and delicious. However, I loved the carrot Lox! So many familiar flavors , but put together in a way that was completely new to me. Equally fantastic was the shrimp toast. So rich, with just enough acidity from the lemon aioli to make it it perfect! So joyful! A modern update that works. Similarly the Gnocchi Verde was so vibrant so full of beautifully bright summer flavor that balanced the savory yet almost creamy pasta! So very good and uniquely done. We finished with the brown bread dessert. Sort a cross between brown bread and bread pudding, if you ever enjoyed brown bread growing up, it really is a must have. Equal part nostalgia and yum! This restaurant does take some planning to get, but really is delightful. Put it together with spending at least part of the day out on the water and it makes for a very memorable occasion.

Despite the paper products the food and signature drinks were stellar only wish they had wif

Crown Jewel is such a cool spot. We took Foggs Water Taxi out to the island which was fun. While we waited for our table we had cocktails on the deck. The food was really good - the crab fried rice was my favorite. The Heather Vacation tequila cocktail was so good. Also their playlist was fire - they were playing bangers. Overall such a fun and unique experience going there.

Required dining if in Portland! There are few restaurants experiences (maybe none?) quite like the Crown Jewel. The food, cocktails, staff and ambience were all sublime.

This place rocks! Nothing is like it on the islands. Small plate-style with exciting flavors, quick service and just an all around fun atmosphere. Trip out was a lot easier than I expected. Also the house punch is incredible! My wife and I got their early and had a drink on the deck before we sat which was really nice. Highly highly recommend for lunch or dinner. Saturday nights can be busy so make a reservation. You'll be happy you did. Oh yeah and they will give you a complementary bag of house popcorn with lobster/lime butter on your way out to really seal the deal!

I'm now poor and still hungry. I felt like I was on an episode of Portlandia or PUNKED. I'm a little confused with the 4 star rating. The meal was tiny and served on compostable bowls and plates no larger than Dixie cups. If you want a good laugh, order the Carrot Lox. Roughly 4 carrot shavings with bagel seasoning on top for $12. With that being said, I do recommend going for a beverage or cocktail. Cool atmosphere, the ferry ride is beautiful, and the island is pristine with breathtaking views.

I've had delightful meals on Maui, Long Island, Dubai, Bahrain amongst others. Diamond Cove's Crown Jewel is exactly what it's name is. What a delightful island experience with well-designed tapas on plates and bamboo cutlery of the most recyclable, responsible materials to expect 2018. Thank you Crown Jewel and all your hospitable and talented staff, for on more than one occasion, Crown Jewel has charmed my high standards. This culinary experience is worth the ferry ride or perhaps the cause of it.

I don't ever rate places on Yelp, but had to rate this experience because it was so perfect. We booked a later reservation and took the ferry out and watched the sunset on the way there which was just the beginning to a great evening. Our server Alex was deeply knowledgeable of the menu, was warm, welcoming, and patient with all of our questions and comments. We had a table where we could see into the kitchen where the Chef and Sous Chef ran an immaculate service. The food was bright with acidity in the right places, savory, and undeniably outstanding. We tried most things on the menu but the standouts were by far the Shrimp Toast, the Burger, the Gnocchi, the White Fish, and the Bacon Skewers. Everything was served on compostable dinnerware which was great and the owner clearly took time designing and making an effort to put details into the aesthetic that make it a fantastic place to eat.

To be fair, I was very excited about trying this place out and had my hopes too high. The ride out is great, and the whole experience is a lot of fun! However, we made a reservation for 640pm and they did not seat us until 7pm, which was frustrating since we were on a tight scheduled for the return boat. Then the drinks were very overpriced and the amount given was a joke. I also got the "house soda" which was key lime pie flavor. The soda lacked any carbonation and was very cheep and low quality. In terms of food, the prices are high (as to be expected) and the portions are tiny and not anything special. By far the worst part IMO was plastic cups and disposable plates. The plates were compostable, but the plastic cups obviously were not. For such a cool and hip looking place, this was really a disappointment. The boat ride out was fun, and everyone working was friendly and helpful. But otherwise, I was not a fan.

What a wonderful surprise. After days of overpriced seafood in the Northeast, this "jewel" appeared out of nowhere. My friend and I ended up randomly on this Island (long story) and this restaurant was one of the best that I've eaten at. Dishes are small (so don't complain, that's part of the fun!) and every one except the dessert was delicious. I strongly recommend the burger - cooked to perfection - and the grilled oysters. Carrot lox (what a cool name) was awesome and fried greens were more interesting than the name would imply. The rum punch was good as advertised. Fantastic find.

Tacky makeover of a great little general store. Probably appeals to Tourist crowd with a neon flamingo. Authentic local island recipes with updated and innovative cuisine would have been great. Sad.

This restaurant truly lives up to its name. This jewel of a restaurant located In Diamond Cove was outstanding. Their food is smaller plates, so my husband and I ordered 7 things off the menu. They had tons to choose from but did each plate perfectly. Their clams, crab and corn fritters and slab bacon was simply amazing. The clams are in an amazing pesto sauce and the fritters are served with a wonderful gorgonzola whipped cheese. The bacon was think and incredibly delicious. If you want an experience a little different from the old port. Jump on the ferry and head to Diamond cove. It is worth it!

Fantastic atmosphere, service, and food. This is much different than most restaurants on the Casco Bay Islands. Expect fresh and fun small plates not hearty fried portions. Most of the plates, cutlery, etc. are compostable or recyclable but were sturdy. I have no idea why one would deem this a negative. Fun drinks and staff. It is a younger type hip place. Prices were reasonable in my opinion. You're on an island in Maine people what do you expect?! If coming by boat make sure to call ahead and ask about their moorings and dingy or either park on the docks and tell them you're eating at Diamond Cove. Highly recommend.

Lots of vegan options, yay! Delicious food. Creative cocktails (the mezcal smash is my favorite). And super friendly staff. The interior has a tropical vibe that makes you feel like you're not in Maine.

Best Food in Portland area! This gem of a restaurant always has fun, unique, delicious food and a great, friendly staff. Every meal we have there is one where we say "wow! That was worth every penny and we can't wait to come again." Last summer we ate in the fun interior and this year we took our food boat side to eat on our own in Casco Bay. Highly recommended!