Earth Restaurant at Hidden Pond

Farm to Fork Dining in Kennebunkport

One of the best restaurants in Kennebunkport is a feast for all of your senses. From the tucked away setting that feels like you’re leaving the world behind to the elegant décor that brings the outdoors in, Earth offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Open year-round, every meal at Earth features fresh produce and flower garnishes picked daily from our two on-site organic gardens. In addition to locally-sourced specialties like lobster risotto, swordfish and haddock, Chef Joe Schafer regularly updates his menu to feature ingredients that are only available for a few weeks or even days. To ensure every guest finds a dish to match their craving, we offer hand-made pastas, wood oven-fired entrees, salads and vegetarian dishes all thoughtfully prepared and certain to amaze. Behind the bar stands an awe-inspiring, floor-to-ceiling selection of spirits to complement our expansive wine list and craft beer offerings. Be sure to try one of our signature cocktails made with freshly muddled fruits that celebrate the season. 

As you wait for your food to arrive, let your eyes wander around the intimate dining room with its vaulted ceilings and log-covered walls that create the feeling of being in an enchanted forest. The apple tree suspended from the ceiling and wrapped with twinkling lights is mesmerizing and on cool evenings, a fire blazes in our large hearth and enhances the glow of candles strategically placed throughout the space.

For an enhanced dining experience, book dinner reservations in one of our two private dining sheds.

Fine food and exceptional service in a setting that’s simply magical…welcome to Earth.

Dining at Earth

Open nightly, 5-9pm

Visit the Earth Website

Earth Restaurant
Executive Chef Image

Chef Joe Schafer’s personal culinary journey has taken him to Vermont, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York as well as Paris and Milan. One of his favorite experiences was the time he spent at The White Barn Inn & Spa, Maine’s only 5-star restaurant located in Kennebunk. In June 2017, Chef Schafer was thrilled to return to Maine to lead the team here at Earth.

Since then, Chef Schafer has maintained Earth’s tradition of accentuating fresh, local ingredients in creative dishes while adding his own style and personality to the menu. You’ll find Chef Schafer positioned in front of the serving line where he personally inspects every dish before approving it for service. “Coming back to Maine has been amazing for my family while enabling me to have the most fun I’ve ever had in my career,” Schafer explains. “As a seasonal restaurant, we only have six months to shine so we want every dish to matter. My team and I take that responsibility very seriously and I believe it’s reflected in the quality of the service as well as the food.”

Originally from upstate New York, Executive Chef Schafer is a graduate of the accelerated Advanced Placement program at the New England Culinary Institute in Burlington, Vermont, where he earned his degree in 2003. From there, he trained at prestigious Relais & Chateaux properties including Blantyre, The Lodge at Glendorn, White Barn Inn & Spa in Kennebunk, ME, Triple Creek Ranch, and Lake Placid Lodge. Chef Schafer also spent time in restaurants in Europe, including the Michelin 2-star Restaurant Hélène Darroze in Paris and Trattoria Magafula in Milan.

Chef Schafer lives in Kennebunk with his wife and their two children.

Private Dining Image

When a special occasion calls for intimacy, the absence of distractions and the undivided attention of your server, we offer two remarkable private dining experiences.

The Potting Shed

If you’re looking to dazzle someone special or bring up to six close friends or family members together for an unforgettable meal, this whimsical space is the perfect setting. With hurricane lanterns and vintage gardening tools hanging from the walls and plants and birdhouses sprinkled around the room, you and your guests will feel like you’re in your own fairy tale.

The Painting Shed

This larger space comfortably accommodates private parties up to 12 and redefines “going out for dinner”. Perfectly positioned on Hidden Pond, you and your guests will enjoy a panoramic view of the water and gardens. Inside, the vaulted ceiling is adorned with unique artwork and a vintage chandelier that creates the perfect atmosphere for gathering with friends and family.

Please email dining@hiddenpondmaine.com to learn about our private dining availability and confirm a reservation.

The Farm & Gardens Image

Much of Earth’s produce comes from a breathtaking onsite garden called The Farm. Here, fresh herbs, heirloom vegetables and edible flowers are picked just hours before they are prepared and served. Located on the right near the main entrance, this 3,200 square foot space was designed by Gina Marianacci of Flora Creative Designs and Partner & Creative Director Tim Harrington. Every summer yields a bounty of beets, squash, Swiss chard, lettuces, peppers and tomatoes as well as Lemon Balm, Thai Basil, Lavender, and Vietnamese Cilantro.

There are many edible flowers as well, including Nasturtium, Calendula, Sweet William and Pansies. Guests of Hidden Pond are encouraged to pick anything they’d like for accenting their own meals, adding color to their cottages or even as a breakfast cereal topper. Our onsite gardener lovingly tends the gardens on a daily basis and is available for questions or guidance. Be sure to ask her about the artichokes we grow on site that more than a few people told us would never work here in Maine. The Farm begs to differ…

Meetings and Events Image

With advance notice, Earth at Hidden Pond is the perfect setting for groups of 12 or more. Depending on your needs we can reserve the outdoor porch, the indoor dining room or the entire restaurant for your large family gathering or corporate event.  

To inquire about group reservations and availability, please call us at 207-967-6550.

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