Robert's Maine Grill: Seafood Done Right, Outlet Shopping Done After

I recently found myself in Kittery, Maine, not for the scenic views this time, but on a mission to replace some worn-out gear at the Kittery Premium Outlets. After a few hours of dedicated shopping, I realized I'd worked up quite an appetite. I wanted something solid, something that felt like Maine, and Robert's Maine Grill seemed like the perfect spot to recharge.

Robert's Maine Grill bills itself as a contemporary take on the classic Maine-seafood eatery, and I'd say that's a fair assessment. The menu is broad enough to offer something for everyone, from classic seafood preparations to dishes with a bit more flair. The vibe is comfortable, not stuffy, the kind of place where you can relax after a day of bargain hunting.

I started with the griddled cornbread ($6). It was moist, slightly sweet, and a great way to kick things off. For my main course, I was torn between the Jambalaya ($36) and the Brown Butter Halibut ($42). I eventually settled on the halibut, and I wasn't disappointed. The fish was perfectly cooked, flaky and moist, and the brown butter sauce had a lovely nutty flavor that complemented the halibut without overpowering it. The corn, spinach, and crispy potato provided a nice textural contrast.

My friend opted for the classic Baked Haddock ($28). The haddock had a light, lemon herb crumb, which he enjoyed.

Other dishes that caught my eye were the Grilled Scallops ($38) with corn, spinach, crispy potato, and bacon cream sauce and the Seafood Newburg ($38) – shrimp, scallop, lobster, mushroom, sherry cream sauce.

They also have some very tempting steaks, like the Ribeye ($45) and New York Strip ($42). You can "surf it up" by adding a Lobster tail ($12). I also liked that they offered side dishes like Mac 'n' Cheese ($12), Creamed Spinach ($12), and Glazed Carrots ($7), giving you a good range of options to customize your meal.

Before heading back home, I considered a quick detour to Fort Foster, a place I enjoy for a peaceful walk along the coast. But the comfortable full feeling won, and I decided to head straight home.

Robert's Maine Grill isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, but they're doing a solid job of serving well-prepared seafood in a comfortable setting. If you're in Kittery and looking for a reliable and satisfying meal, especially after a day of shopping or exploring the nearby coast, I'd definitely recommend giving them a try.