Nina June Restaurant in Rockport

Apr 3

Nina June Restaurant in Rockport, Maine, beautifully combines the fresh, local ingredients of Maine with the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean. Chef Sara Jenkins opened the restaurant in 2016 after moving from New York City to be closer to family and the slower pace of Maine. Her extensive time spent in Italy heavily influences her cooking, bringing Mediterranean flair to the local fare.

The restaurant occupies a space that once housed Saltwater Farm, maintaining its original layout but infused with Jenkins’ personal touch. The atmosphere is both open and cozy, creating a welcoming environment that brightens anyone's mood. It’s a place that feels immediately warm and inviting, reflecting the straightforward elegance of Jenkins' food.

The menu at Nina June keeps things exciting and fresh, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and changing offerings like the freshly caught scallops in their prime season. Pasta, a staple here, showcases Jenkins' knack for combining the best of Maine and the Mediterranean on a plate. Whether it’s the oysters sourced from nearby waters or the ever-changing pasta dishes, there’s always something new to try.

Jenkins also curates an excellent selection of wines and innovative cocktails, with a strong Italian influence. These can be enjoyed at the bar or on the charming deck in the warmer months. Nina June strikes a perfect balance of casual fine dining, offering sophistication without pretension, making both locals and visitors feel right at home.

In her commitment to quality, Jenkins insists on making her own sourdough bread and using only freshly squeezed juices for the cocktails, ensuring every sip is as good as it gets. A fun fact about Nina June is that olive trees grow inside the restaurant, a small echo of Jenkins' own olive oil farm in Italy, bringing her global experiences right to the heart of Maine.

FAMOUS FOR:
Their olive oil that comes straight from Sara’s estate in Italy.

ADDRESS:
24 Central St, Rockport, ME

WEBSITE:
ninajunerestaurant.com

Photos by Peter Logue