Located in Kennebunk’s Lower Village, Via Sophia by the Sea presents a modern Italian dining experience emphasizing fresh Maine seafood and house-made pastas. The menu features signature dishes like Arancini, Baked Burrata, Grilled Calamari, Lobster Agnolotti, and Fettuccine Bolognese, all crafted in-house using the freshest ingredients. The restaurant’s lively, sophisticated setting with a modern osteria design offers a memorable, European-inspired experience. Open year-round, Via Sophia by the Sea is an ideal destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Italian cuisine in a coastal Maine setting.
Courtney Jones
We enjoyed a lovely dinner and flavorful food.
They have a nice selection of cocktails and a few mocktail options. The service was good and our food came out in a timely fashion.
Overall, we had a great experience and would recommend!
… moreSteve X
My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful dinner here on a Thursday night in mid August 2023. Great food and huge portions. The fried calamari app was very tasty, as was the complimentary bread. The grilled swordfish entree was perfectly done, the veal saltimbocca with risotto was wonderful, and the lemon sorbet for dessert was one of the best we’ve had.
Parking can be tight, but I did manage to find a spot. The noise level in the restaurant was moderate, but we could hear ourselves talk. Service was good, and the atmosphere was very pleasant. Definitely a fine dining restaurant, with a nice outside deck (which we couldn’t use because it was raining). However there are no scenic views despite the name “by the Sea.” You cannot see the ocean or any other body of water.
We had an excellent dining experience and plan to go back the next time we vacation in the area. 100% recommend this restaurant for a wonderful fine dining experience.
… moreM J
One of the best meals I have had in recent memory. The Halibut Gnocchi Clam Chowder was incredible. It was creative and an absolutely incredible take on a classic clam chowder. Our waitress, Chris (sorry for SP?) was super friendly and quick. Bottle of wine paired well with everything we ordered from the octopus appetizer, which may have been a daily special to the mains which were the Halibut and the duck. Recommend 10/10 in the area.
… moreBill Dorr
Via Sophia is an incredible new restaurant in Kennebunkport. Easy to book on Open Table. What a great redesign of the space. It got a little loud, but something they could fix. The decor was elegant and rustic, with an attractive bar flanked by a nice outdoor deck for dining and then the oversized fireplace back inside. The decor set the tone for a warm, comfortable high-end dining experience. That’s what we had. We enjoyed selections off their craft cocktail list and had 6 menu items with appetizers, secondi and entrees. We overate a tad, but we’re excited to try more. We were greeted immediately, the host accommodated us being a little early, our server (I think Ann) rocked and made it a very smooth dinner. Always checked back and gave us a little space between courses. The supporting cast were attentive filling water, clearing etc… They were on their game. We had a lot of highlights like the tuna, arranchini, burrata and lobster entrée. It’s a lovely atmosphere with a very tasty Italian style menu.
… moreCatherine Mathieu
We went to Via Sophia by the sea and it was delicious! Everything was perfect. The appetizers were tasty, best brushettas we have ever had. The entrees were great and so were the desserts. The ambiance was perfect! It is a bit of a pricier restaurant but it is well worth it! I strongly recommend!
… moreMichael Pitcher
Our party of 4 was greeted at the door by a very friendly and professional woman. We were seated immediately, please get a reservation.
Starters: Cauliflower and Calamari were incredible! Fresh Focaccia bread service was good.
We had a Chef’s Tasting of the Bolognese which is the crowd pleaser and we agreed %!
Entrees: Cutler Cove Salmon and Shrimp Scampi which were Divine! The Duck Breast and Lobster Ravioli were delicious.
Wine: Italian Pinot Grigio, Tiefenbrunner
Dessert: Coffee Gelato and Affogato
Server: Emily, such an amazing young person who had several tables and gave every one amazing service and recommendations.
… moreJackie Levine
Via Sophia is wonderful. First off, the restaurant itself is absolutely gorgeous to be in. Every detail inside the space (and on the outdoor patio) is beautiful. The food was delicious — our favorite was the mussels and the very unique (and incredibly tasty) broth! The arancini was also really good and the pesto gave it a unique feel. We dine out quite often and Via Sophia is a new favorite for sure!
… moreToby Bear
The food was okay but not worth the extravagant prices especially since the service was not up to par for the price. We felt like we were afterthoughts all night and the overall impression of the people working there was cold shouldered…except for the bar tender who was friendly and helpful when we were trying some of their drinks.
We ate an plenty of other restaurants in the area and we were greeted by super friendly people right away, had even better food, and paid less money compared to this restaurant.
The ambiance of the physical facility was ruggedly elegant. There is a lot of potential for an upscale dining experience but we simply didn’t get that when we went…again, except for the bar tender.
I will say, the carpaccio was bright and delicious. Also, their “Pink Houses” and “Everything Nice” mixed drinks were uniquely yummy. We would go back, sit at the bar and snack on carpaccio and drink Everything Nice drinks.
… moreBob Williams
Our first time here was a perfect date night. We didn’t have reservations, which is recommended, but we’re able to sit at the comfortable bar. We enjoyed company of fellow patrons and Keith the bartender who made fabulous drinks. The food from beginning to end was AMAZING! We’ve told all our friends and can’t wait to go back again.
… moreOlympia Panagopoulos
My husband and I come here every year for our anniversary.
We love sitting at the bar and getting to talk to Keith – the bartender. He not only makes our experience, but he makes the best martinis!
The food here is very delicious!
5/5 over all here at Via Sophia!
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