The Contented Sole

Was the first we found in New Harbor, as easy to find, has a BIG parking lot and a striking view. It's an impressive building, that "didn't seem to fit" exactly, in that the grandest view upstairs level is all closed off, the restaurant being downstairs with a walk out patio. Dont let stop ya though! As I also got the sense this is a new location, and MASSIVE Upgrade from "the old". Great food, awesome server, amazing views. Enjoy.

From the time we got there until we left everything was perfect. We sat outside overlooking the ocean. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our meal consisted of drinks, appetizers, and entrees. (Fish and chips and Chix brine sandwich) Both were delicious. Don’t forget to make reservations.

Our family of five visited South Bristol for the first time and our VRBO’s previous renter mentioned the Contented Sole. We have gone twice this week! The atmosphere is causal and beautiful, with a great setting on the harbor. My daughter and I got the steak topped with lobster and it was less than $45 per person. The specials are eclectic and interesting. For example they offered a Romanian vegetable dip, Korean chicken, garlic BBQ wings, roasted maple carrots with whipped feta, and a farm fresh heirloom tomato salad. There was something for everyone. What really put it over the top was the service. We showed up without a reservation, and the hostess told us, “it might be a really long wait, like half an hour”. This didn’t seem long at all to us, and we were happy to have a seat in the bar. While waiting, one of the chef/owners came over to personally talk to us about the specials. He shared that he is from Romania and has worked in Chicago and NYC. He made sure we had drinks while waiting, and even brought our daughter a side of simple syrup to sweeten her sun tea. 2 other staff members also repeatedly checked in, and our wait ended up being less than 15 minutes. Later the owner/chef checked in again to see how we liked the food (it was delicious), and gave us recommendations for what to see and where to eat during our remaining vacation days. We highly recommend this restaurant!

Lovely coastal setting and delicious food. What more could you want for a summer restaurant? Good variety on the menu from seafood to burgers to pizza to entrees. We love the fish tacos, dirty fries and crispy Brussels. Fun cocktail menu and nice wine list. Reservations a must, as it does get busy. Indoor and outdoor seating with sloping lawn at the head of the harbor - space for kids to run around and get their energy out before sitting down to eat. And live music some nights!

Perfect in every way! Delicious food, great views & excellent location! We live in Boothbay and enjoy exploring happenings in the neighbor peninsulas. We had a delightful experience at Sole, staff was attentive and the food divine! My wife and I also appreciated the interior design and airy feel of the space throughout. Keep up the good work folks at the Contented!!!

Our first, but most assuredly not our last, visit. We were seated next to the window overlooking a foggy waterfront. To say the “Sole” is upscale bar does not truly describe the food and atmosphere. Our server, Eleanor, was very polite and efficient! The tuna crudo appetizer was absolutely delicious (perhaps the best sushi tuna we’ve ever eaten!)!! The smash burger and fish tacos entrees were generous and delicious! Congrats to Chef Florin (sp?) and the owners for hitting a home run and creating a must stop establishment.

Maybe an end of an era for us here. We have been coming once a month through every summer for years to the Sole, from days back by the fort, to the new location which is great for our kids with the amazing lawn. This year, something is different though. At check in we have been told every time to "get our orders in fast", to earlier this week being told "we aren't taking any food orders for the next 30 minutes". One of the pricier restaurants in the area, which was worth it given the level of service and food, but this summer our food as been cold and has never been served together (for a party of 2 as well as a party of 8). This step down from previous years has been consistently average. Hoping something fundamental can be addressed to get it back on track. We loved this place, and want to continue to make it a staple of our summers in New Harbor.

We stopped here on a beautiful, sunny June day after a 1.5 ride on the Hardy Boat Cruise line to see the puffins. We were hungry and heard from a woman who worked at the Hardy Boat dock that the food was good, and that her son was a waiter there. What a great spot! We arrived about 1:30pm, and walked right in. My husband and I had an Allagash White, and he had a cup of clam chowder & grilled haddock sandwich, and I had the fresh haddock tacos. Wow. All were delicious, and so fresh and healthy. It was exactly what we needed after being out on the water - a relaxing spot with delicious food and beverage - and a clean restroom as well. The service was great, and we'd definitely come back next time we are on the Pemaquid Peninsula.

the food was very good. I got the smash burger and pizza and they were both amazing. they also gave us free ap's and super fat shots.

The Contented Sole is our favorite place to eat in New Harbor, Maine. The mahi tacos were on point, and the lobster club didn't disappoint either. The outdoor patio and live music created the perfect Thursday night vibe with the best harbor view. The staff are always friendly, welcoming, and accommodating.

Know before you go ..: very pricey. Server Annalie was very pleasant, but perhaps oversold the fish'n chips. Likewise, the refill on the soda was not free. Another upcharge. The lobster roll was more bread than meat ... and it's a shame as the only comparison thus far was from Reds Eats (which is overflowing with meat and flavor and simply amazing!). Bldg is beautiful and the view outstanding. Probably a great place for a special occasion - but casual lunch - keep on looking! Won't be returning.

I'm sorry to say that Contented Sole's new incarnation just isn't the worthy destination its predecessor was. Things are just a little off. One recent visit was the night of a private event on the patio which will certainly have an impact on service but we got all of our food (apps and entrees) within 15 minutes of ordering which hardly fit on the table. And we weren't warned about it. Presumably they were trying to feed us before the private party, but if they can't accommodate normal service on the night of an event they should just close to the public entirely. On this night, they also weren't taking walk ins and didn't post about it online... so definitely do not recommend showing up unless you have a reservation. The new location has easier parking and a lovely view. But it gets really warm in there, even when it's pleasant outside. The menu is solid though consistency is unreliable. For what it's worth, they do have a changing table in the bathroom which I appreciate.

The Sole has a new location as their old one was basically destroyed by a coastal storm. At first we were bummed out because the old location was a local landmark of sorts and we had been there many times over the years. I am glad to report that their new location is actually much better in just about every respect. Larger, beautiful views of the sea, huge outside patio area, nice grassy area for frolicking. The inside is nicely decorated. Cool bar area. Big windows. The food was also a 10. They catered to a gluten and dairy allergy. Lobster was fantastic and my fish and chips were golden, flaky, and delicious. Great drink menu and friendly service. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Nice job to staff and management.

Loved the old location (previously gave it 5 stars), the new one has potential but not quite there. Ate outside - views are pretty, but restaurant needs to add a bit of decor. Was rather plain...not even enough lighting as it started to get dark. Felt a bit like a roadside clam shack. Doesn't need much - maybe some flowers, better lighting, etc. Food was good but guests were a bit disappointed with menu options. Figured with the word "sole" in the name, you could get some good, non-fried fish. But no sole, or halibut/swordfish/snapper/etc. we ended up with pizza and mussels (I think?). Both were good, but would've liked more "seafood restaurant" options.

The food was delicious. But the service was rather slow. My brother never got his Pepsi. There wasn't much decorations. But the bathroom was nice.

As with many touristy seaside places, the view and atmosphere really is the star and if you can get outside seating here you have that in spades. The food was also very solid with all the typical things you would expect including good fish tacos. Service wasn't amazing but it usually isn't when you rely mostly on seasonal help. Overall it's worth a return visit, especially if it's at sunset.

We've been trying to get out to the Contented Sole for a while and were finally able to get there this past Sunday for dinner. We couldn't have been happier! The food was excellent, and the staff even better. Everyone from the time we walked in the door was engaging, friendly, helpful and attentive. Just the nicest people. We had a variety of offerings from the menu, including some appetizers and specials. Everything was just perfect. The view of the water is just icing on the cake. You won't be disappointed. Just a great place to gather with family or friends.

Visited at the new location and loved it! (We had been to the former location many times in previous years and enjoyed dining there). There is still a view of the water at this location. The food is delicious and there is more seating now (inside and outside) to accommodate guests. The chef was accommodating to my gluten and dairy allergies and staff were friendly. We'll be back!

So other night we went to the contented sole, this is our second time there since they opened. We went opening night and the service was horrible but the was ok. So looking for to a place to eat the other night without going to Scotty. We got there at 730 and were told 15 minutes for a table, so we got a drink at the bar. At 815 I went into see how much longer and was told they were waiting for a table to clear and I was like can we eat inside if it's quicker. She was like sure, and the kitchen staff came out to confirm there was no more table and the hostess said we were the last one. Our shrimp was great, that was the last thing good about this meal. Firstly we asked about the specials and what the cut of the day was. Was told about them zero pricing at all, second I ordered the steak which was suppose to be a ribeye, pretty sure it wasn't. Wasn't given a steak knife and it wasn't brought out by our server but the bus boy instead. (This happened last time and the bus boy asked me if it was my food or not). The steak had absolutely zero seasoning on it, two lobster claws and two pieces of knuckle meat. The broccoli was so hard I thought I was gonna break the plate. We got the ice cream sandwich hoping they would redeem themselves but the cookie was harder than the parking lot outside and very little ice cream. The fish sandwich was ok but not worth the wait. There is no reason to complain to the staff because they are to busy on their phones or having conversations with each other to talk to the customers. also at no point did anyone check on us and I had to flag down someone for a steak knife. Only reason this gets two stars is for the view. They have an awful long ways to go before I'll ever step back in There.

No lobster?!?! What a buzz kill! Imagine a nice dockside seafood restaurant in Maine with dining outside on a pier over the water, that doesn't offer lobster on its menu! Defies logic. We drove 25 minutes down the peninsula to get here eager for a traditional lobster dinner (you know, accompanied with corn on the cob, some clams, blueberry muffins, etc) but wound up eating overpriced, mediocre fish tacos. Service was detached, distracted and otherwise terrible. Skip this place.

My husband and I went to the Contented Sole for dinner tonight. We had eaten at their previous location. This new location has good scenic views, but that's really where it ended for us. Their patio has wooden picnic tables. Inside also has church pews, benches and more picnic tables. Needless to say, no comfortable seating. The inside was humid, so we ate outside. We both got their famous clam chowder. Consistency like milk, with very little clams. It was barely warm. We sent it back. I got fish tacos. Cold corn taco, only two tacos, no sides. Very little fish in them too. It was also barely warm. I ate it because I was so hungry. They do have a great selection of wine and beer. My husband's got the tuna special. The tuna was brown??? The succotash was slices of cold soggy vegetables. He didn't really eat it. Short story, we spent $150 and left hungry. Nothing special about this restaurant. Barely anything on the walls, no nice lighting or landscaping, no music, horrible old wooden tables. Not a fan.

We ordered our appetizers and entrees at the same time, and after one bite of the appetizer, the entrees came. The runner said he would take them back, but that meant that they would just under the heat lamp and dry out. When paying the bill, the server said we indicate the tip on the hand-held register. We had planned to leave cash, but she still asked to leave the tip on her machine. Food was fine, service had a lot to be desired.

We have been coming here off and on for several years, when in the area. I did love the old location but think they made the most of their new space. We sat in the bar for drinks and apps one night and came back for dinner the next night. Both nights service was great, they gave us a table outside for dinner with a beautiful view. We all enjoyed our meals and drinks. We will be back next year!

My husband and i have been going to the contented sole for 12 years. Always loved it. Something happened though at the new location 2024. The staff is different and so is the food and drinks. The blueberry mojito no longer has the muddled blueberry simple syrup and now it sucks. The lobster club and dirty fries are not the same either. Huge dissapointment.

We made reservations a day prior for dinner, and luckily snagged one of the last available at the end of the dinner service. When we arrived the place was bustling & waited a few minutes to be seated out on the dock. Our waitress on this visit was sweet, just a bit on the quiet side, and the service moved along nicely. It was getting dark but watching the sunset was far better than snagging snaps of all the food. For years I've wanted to experience dirty fries from the appetizer menu. I mean dressed up french fries, how could you go wrong. Sadly they fell a little flat, I assumed they'd be akin to the duck fat pizza, but on fries. The dipping sauce and picked onions green were perfect though. Not sure I'd spend $12 on this app again without asking questions about how it was served. Don't get me wrong it was good, just not what I expected! I always get the fish and chips here. Two decent size filets of fish served with fries. My fiancé ordered the Red Hook Battered shrimp from the appetizer menu and paired it with. Cesar salad. I snuck a shrimp and it was delicious. To drink, I had some blueberry concoction cocktail - when it Maine, right?! I've come here for years, but sadly didn't make it last year or maybe even the year before. I love giving this place my business, and this place deserves to be recognized! There's plenty of "Maine dishes" on the menu and the views are perfect. Even if you sit inside you get to experience the water with the expansive windows and rustic seaside seating & decor.

The seafood is outstanding here. I ordered fish and chips and upgraded to dirty fries! And a Clam white pizza that was reminiscent of Garlic naan with clams and bechamel. Great Bissell draft beer too!

This place definitely deserves more stars than it has right now! The food is great and the views cannot be beat! I have been here many times over the past 20 years, coming to Maine every summer as a kid and into adulthood. I think the restaurant has been in different hands throughout the years, but in recent years, the food has definitely elevated. If you have been here awhile ago and have not been back - definitely give it another try. Their pizzas, brussels sprouts appetizer, and fish tacos are my go-tos. If you see complaints about service, please just consider that it is extremely hard to staff these small restaurants in rural areas. The views are perfect, so sit back and relax!

The outdoor space is expansive and the view of the ocean off the point is classic Maine. Lobster BLT was a hefty helping of lobster. The cauliflower dip was the highlight. We had been here before the move and enjoyed it then -- and enjoyed it in it's new location as well.

The food and service at the Contented Sole is always amazing. The views of New Harbor beautiful. The owners found a new amazing location after loosing the original place from January's storms.

The food was very good, but the atmosphere was lacking. Sitting outside was on crowded picnic benches, which required a reservation, even for lunch. Probably attractive to tourists who wanted to eat on a pier. We sat inside, which meant we had to listen to cranked up rock music: not great for a lunch. That said, the wait staff was friendly and efficient and the food was very tasty. I would recommend the tacos.

Today's lunch was the first service ever at the "Sole's" new restaurant in New Harbor, Maine. First day? Who could know, unless one knows. Worth the drive down the Pemaquid Peninsula. Bravo!

Excellent service now that they are up to full staff for the busy season. Georgeous, relaxing view of the harbor. The salmon and tuna were perfectly cooked and expertly complemented with veggies and starch. We highly recommend it!

A classic example of a seafood restaurant. Exceptional food and service. Tends to be pricey. Try the white clam pizza and a Pemaquid Ale.

Always a good time, delicious food and great service. The dock is alive and active, and is open okay late.

I have been to the The Contented Sole numerous times over the years and it is usually only because we are in the neighborhood during lunch. Overall the place is just ok. The location is great, but the food is not impressive at this price point. While I do understand the restaurant is tourist oriented, we haven't had a memorable meal here. This time we had the fish and chips ($23.95) and the haddock sandwich ($17.95). The portion of fish was small for both - the haddock on the fish and chips had a weird after taste, maybe cooked and heated up or the oil was not recently changed. The blackened haddock on the sandwich tasted much better in this instance. I thought both a bit pricey considering portion, but it is touristy and your options are all 20 minutes away. We had an Aligash draft ($9) and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc ($12). Nothing was terrible, but that is probably our once a summer visit for the view. Service was very good and that is despite what looks to be not enough staff. Inside is really warm, if weather permits sit outside.

We are foodie snobs and this place greatly impressed us this summer! So much so that we went twice! The pizzas are great (consider the forager). We prefer sitting outside to have the patio view of the water and it's so peaceful. Very nice wait staff too!

The service was very disappointing as a result of many mishaps for our party; not enough plates provided for the appetizer, not enough flatware, one entree was late coming out and one never made it to our table. The waitress never checked on us to see if our meals were as expected. Our drinks were left empty. The quality of the food is not worth the trouble. The bus waiter wanted to clear our plates before we finished our meals leaving us to feel that we had to rush. The hostess was not interested in our experience and the owner is extremely rude and arrogant. He refused to come to the table to listen to our concerns. Save your money for a better restaurant, this one is the worst I have ever experienced.

I have been coming to the Contented Sole (now "The Sole") for years and the food has gradually gotten worse and worse. I'm finally here to give a review to say that, while the view/location is great, the food is simply not worth the money. Flavorless, small portions, "robust farmers salad" that was honestly just mixed greens from the supermarket, and overtaxed staff. Great attitude by the staff, but unfortunately the food is average at best. Sadly this will be our last time visiting and will be taking our business elsewhere.

Had a wonderful dinner here on the patio while we watched the sunset. It is a very cute restaurant with a hip indoor vibe and large, lively dock with seating. Started with the lobster spinach artichoke dip. Although there wasn't that much lobster in the dip (only on top) it was still delicious. The spicy marg was the perfect amount of spice and sooo fresh. The fish tacos were also fresh and filling. The food and drinks took a while, but the wait was worth it! I would definitely recommend The Contented Sole.

Awesome place! Saw some low reviews recently and was a bit skeptical to be honest. Decided to give it a shot anyway. I have to say, the ambience, service, and food was excellent. The hot lobster roll was delicious! Well worth it. Book a reservation in advance, you won't regret it.

One of my favorite places to get lunch/dinner in the area! They have fun, delicious cocktails ("Cool as a Cucumber" and the blueberry mojito are my favorites, didn't like the "Salty Dog"). Dirty fries are an absolute must as an appetizer to share with your date/table. I always go between the fish tacos and the poke bowl for my main meal. They are both delicious and have so much flavor! Everyone I have gone with has really enjoyed their food. Service is always friendly and efficient! It is a good idea to make a reservation since the outside tables fill up quickly on nice days. Great views of the water and inside is decorated very nice as well. Highly recommend!

Absolutely in love with this hidden gem and cannot believe it took me so many months to find. The outside pier dining is so much fun; right on the water and surrounded by boats and salt air. I had the Poke Bowl which was delicious and I was so excited about their menu; pizza, seafood, Asian options and local desserts. We had the most beautiful early evening and cannot wait to return. Perfect for a fun meal or even a casual stop after kayaking right there on the bay.

Super chill place with very friendly staff. I had the fish tacos, which had a very interesting combination of flavors and toppings arranged in neat layers. My one concern is that the fish on the tacos was chopped up into tiny pieces, which implies that it was lesser-grade fish rather then entree-grade. Indeed, it tasted good but not great, as if it had been flash frozen. For $15 per entree, I think they could afford to use slightly better fish.

We almost didn't try this place based on less-than-stellar star rating here. That would have been tragic! This place was awesome on every level!!! Favorite place we have eaten in the Pemaquid, New Harbor and Boothbay Harbor area, hands down! First, the location on the scenic bay is spectacular, and the way they kept it casual, funky and hip is brilliant. Second, food was inspired and delicious, with traditional ME offerings and many seafood-based others with inspired spin and flair. Kudos to the chef, who incidentally came out after our meal to make sure we enjoyed everything. Third, service was perfect--our waiter was friendly, professional and fun, and we got our drinks and food in good time. Fourth, nice selection of wine, craft beers and fun cocktails. Next time in that gorgeous area (we are from California) we will head directly to The Sole and know it will be a trip highlight. I know I'm gushing but we tried many other predictable eateries and this was such a refreshing standout. (Just checked Trip Advisor and this place has 4.3 star rating and loads of reviews--so I'm not alone!)

I'm visiting Maine for a workshop and we have a group dinner here on the 1st night. I didn't even think to take pictures because we were absolutely enjoying our time. At first I was thinking navigation was taking us to the wrong area because it's literally down small dark roads at the side of a dock with nothing else around. We ordered Crispy Brussels and Dirty Fries as appetizers but the fries weren't available. The Brussels spouts were amazing. For my dinner, orders a Lobster Roll and it was absolutely amazing. I ordered the warm version and I'm already craving it again. I haven't read the other reviews but I'm surprised it's not rated higher because our experience is a huge yes to coming back.

Over priced and over rated. I gave it 2 stars for the view. We were here yesterday. We ordered clam chowder: watery, with chopped celery and carrots. Who puts carrots in clam chowder; celery doesn't need to be there either. Clams were non existent and the thick creamy chowder described on the menu was watery. Next we ordered fish and chips. I've had better fish and chips at a chain restaurant. The only highlight was the appetizer that was a special of the day. The broth was delicious. The mussels small and overcooked. Also came with truffle fries. Which were good however the app was $22.00! Our drinks were tasty; however I don't think there was any alcohol in mine. Our bill was 105.00!. Service was just mediocre. We were really looking forward to this meal.

Wonderful view, delicious dinner (pizza, fried shrimp, and the special cioppiono (spelling?!) was particularly good! Our server was friendly and very sweet with our 3 year old. Would absolutely come here again next time I'm in the area.

Comfortable spot with a good view of the harbor below and the sunset over the hill on the other side of the water. We were a large group who showed up at the last minute and they took care of us in a friendly manner. Casual atmosphere and easy-going service (ie: slightly slow). But it gives one time to converse and enjoy the view. Seating at large picnic tables inside for us (it was a bit cool that evening in early June). Someone ordered the crispy Brussel sprouts to share around and I got the fish tacos for dinner. It was all tasty and very well cooked.

The tip is a reflection of the service. Agreed? Well... indeed. I'm glad I left no tip for a bad service because I then received a call back from the owner of the restaurant with insults, attacks and threats. And I quote " Don't ever come back to this restaurant and if you wanna come and confront me personally. Um I'd be happy to talk to you in person but um your actions are inexcusable, It is embarrassing and you should be embarrassed about yourself. Just a fucking tragedy. So anyway, don't come back to this restaurant at all time. You are persona non grata." Beautiful customer service.

The White Claim thin crust pizza is a must!! The specials are always on point. Great staff and awesome owners who are locals.

Food is good but the service is not worth the visit. Called for a reservation in the morning and was promised a table outside for my family gathering. When we arrived we were told we could not sit outside or together. Management was not accommodating and rude. We were not given plates or utensils. Some food ordered was never delivered. Waitress and bussers did the best they could but need more support. One of my favorite places to visit for many years. Disappointed

Had a fantastic dinner. The lobster tacos were very tasty. The Caesar very fresh. Washed it down with a Ricker Hill Cider Gold. Appreciated the technology for paying at the table at the end of the meal.

The dirty fries are unreal. I come back for them every summer. Our guests always add Contented Sole to their "must do" list while here. I don't eat lobster but The Lobster Club was a huge hit with the table. We went to a nearby restaurant that shall not be named and the Brussels sprouts weren't good - CS has the yummiest ones (crispy as advertised).

Had a very nice experience tonight. Lobster and artichoke dip to start. Fish tacos were on point. Delicious fresh local oysters to finish. Nice comfortable spot right on the water. Service was attentive and friendly. Great way to start a vacation

The Contented Sole is hands down one of the best restaurants and bars in the area. It has the best ambience since it is right on the water and has amazing sunset views. Chef Florin is truly a master with food, always coming up with new dishes and spectacular culinary treats. The duckfat pizza and Fisherman stew are some of my favorites but don't over look the lobster club, clam chowder or steamed lobster. They are equally amazing!! The signature cocktails are fun and I've never met one I haven't liked. The staff is kind and in typical Maine-er style I have never felt rushed. I try to visit The Contented Sole a few times while visiting in the summer and even had my wedding reception there. Owners Warren and Beth went above and beyond for the event and with very little direction from me somehow created the wedding of our dreams! A year later and guests are STILL raving about the amazing lobster bake and out of this world appetizers (and yes I sometimes dream about the clam grilled cheese and lobster mac and cheese)!

Was told we had to wait 30 minutes because they didn't have enough staff. Understandable and since I wasn't in a rush it was just okay. First time eating lobster this trip so that's what I was focusing on. I didn't even mind paying market price. Yet my first lobster had only pink slime inside the claws. I had to send it back. The second one wasn't the best either. Maybe they cook too long? Not really sure. It's just, this is Maine, home of the lobster! How are you going to not going to nail it every time?! My advice. If you can, just go to a co-op and buy your lobsters there and boil them at home. You'll be much better for it. Peace!

The ambiance here is convivial, and the crowds are mainly local. We are glad we found this gem through a local recommendation. Best frozen piña colada I've had in awhile. The oysters were from the Damariscotta River and were just right. We enjoyed a clam pie, the crispy Brussels (with a recipe we hadn't seen since a beloved restaurant in Brooklyn closed), and the ricotta donuts. We also enjoyed the wait staff. Super friendly. There's a nice pier to walk down after you eat because you will have a generously contented belly.