Nina June
The fantasy vacationland restaurant where Maine meets the Mediterranean.
GO HERE: for a quintessential lazy Sunday lunch, looking out over picturesque Rockport Harbor. Sara Jenkins (of NYC’s much-loved Porchetta and Porsena) took over the gorgeous Salt Water Farm space, devoting the menu to her signature farm-to-table Italian cooking.
ORDER THE: pastas—all of them. Tagliatelle with slow-cooked lamb neck ragù, risotto with Beth’s Farm Market asparagus, ravioli with herbs and ricotta…Jenkins doesn’t mess around. Round it out with whatever’s coming out of the local waters (e.g., Pemaquid oysters).
THE VIBE IS: Nancy Meyers’ movie–level aspirational. The stunning kitchen, farmhouse tables, and open shelves lined with cookbooks—you don’t just want to eat here; you want to live here.
GETTING IN: is no problem inside, but the most coveted seats are on the patio overlooking the water, and they can go fast.
SIGN UP: for one of Jenkins’ cooking classes during the off-season, where hands-on lessons are followed by a three-course meal.
