About Clay Hill Farm

Just a quick two miles from the bustle of downtown Ogunquit village, you can leave all the stress of life behind,
and...relax.

Escape to Clay Hill Farm.  The restaurant at Clay Hill Farm, surrounded by eleven private acres of rolling  lawns, colorful gardens and our tree farm's protected woodlands, provides a  tranquil retreat for those who seek award-winning food and service while enjoying the natural beauty of Maine.

Welcome to the sanctuary. A  beautiful fishpond loaded with frogs sits in the center of the sanctuary, surrounded by nature trails and over 100 birdhouses. Many of the birdhouses were built by local children, and several were memorial dedications. A brick path escorts you along the colorful front gardens and sprawling lawn, past the tranquility brook and the generous front cocktail deck...all the way to a picture-perfect gazebo. It’s Field  and Stream meets Home and Garden meets Bon Appetite.* And,  let’s not forget Seacoast Bride.

Caring for the environment. In 1991, Clay Hill Farm  became the first and only restaurant in the country to be nationally certified  as a wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary. A long history of eco-friendly land care and respect for Maine’s natural resources, earned Clay Hill Farm recognition  from the state in the Environmental Leadership program. Clay Hill Farm is one  of the first businesses in Southern Maine to be a certified Environmental Leader.  Clay Hill Farm continues to improve sustainability with ongoing initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact. 

Modern Cuisine. Our menu reflects a commitment to  fresh, local and seasonal products. Clay Hill Farm has been the recipient of  numerous local, regional and national awards for food and service, thanks to our fabulous chef and professional staff. Open year ‘round, we proudly serve  traditional Holiday family feasts on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Easter and  Mother’s Day, along with special menus for dinner parties and private affairs.

Classic setting. Clay Hill Farm is a dining spot  rich in history and tradition. A working Farm built in 1780, the 220 seat  restaurant is part of the original farmhouse, just steps from the original farm's big red barn.  Clay Hill Farm has been family owned and operated since 1986. Our children’s  programs, environmental initiatives and community involvement reflect our commitment to traditional values and modern concerns. 

Every moment a special occasion. Occasions are  indeed our specialty. We offer exclusive wedding ceremonies and Receptions for  up to 220 and off-site catering is available. We are proud to be voted #1 in  the Seacoast’s BEST of the BEST for  Wedding Receptions, Catering and Romantic Dining. Our award-winning food and  staff are at your service.

So stroll the grounds, listen to the birds, make a wish at the tranquility brook and join us for dinner. We are grateful for your  interest in Clay Hill Farm and hope to exceed your expectations.

Enjoy!
-The Lewis Family

*Clay Hill Farm acknowledged by Bon Appetit as one of  the Best Restaurants in America

Tour our Nature Trails with Gordon:   (Thanks to OGTtv)

Chef Melissa Ettinger has always had a passion for food. With a zest for travel and a knack for celebrating local cuisine, Chef Melissa creates fabulous seasonal menus to excite a wide-range of food-loving palates.

A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America, Chef Melissa joined Clay Hill Farm’s staff as the sous-chef in 1994, where she learned what the area locals and tourist trade look for in an upscale dining establishment on the coast of Maine. Having excelled in this position for four years, she took a sabbatical to Sonoma Valley in 1998 to broaden her knowledge of food and wine pairing, and to hone her culinary skills in one of the country’s most competitive food meccas. Chef Melissa returned to Clay Hill Farm as the Executive Chef in 1999, with new ideas and a passion for coastal cuisine, garnering numerous national, regional and local awards. Her love of food and keen skill of matching cuisine to customer, has turned many an intrigued diner into a loyal Clay Hill customer. Widely known as a special occasion restaurant, Chef Melissa creates an every moment a special occasion vibe at Clay Hill Farm, offering nightly diners delicious, affordable food with a flair.

Having left Clay Hill Farm in 2005 to start her own restaurant in mid-Maine, Chef Melissa returned to Clay Hill Farm in the Fall of 2008 as Executive Chef, currently exploring and displaying her new passion for whole foods. Chef Melissa’s new Spring menu proudly features all-natural meats & poultry, a daily catch and local farm products that compliment the restaurant at Clay Hill Farm’s environmental commitment.

The original small farmhouse on the site of what is now Clay Hill Farm was built in 1780. The working family farm changed hands many times over the years, each new owner probably adding a room here and an outbuilding there.

In 1975, the gracious renovations complete, The Tavern at Clay Hill Farm opened its doors. People quickly heard of this jewel tucked away in the woods, and the restaurant was an instant hit. Expansion followed with the Veranda Room being added in 1977, and what is now the Foyer and Lounge enclosed in 1978. When the property was sold in 1983, new owners added the cozy Fireside Room.

Nestled on a portion of what has developed over the years into a 30-acre tree farm, Clay Hill Farm is the first restaurant, ever, to be cited for its conservation efforts by the National Wildlife Federation as a bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge.

As we begin our 24th year of ownership, our goal is to continue the tradition of fine food and service in the most elegant country setting in the seacoast area.

• 2008, 2009 & 2010 First Place in Ogunquit's Chowder Fest: Lobster Bisque
• National DiRoNA award
  nine-time recipient for dining excellence
• Certified wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation-First restaurant in the country 
• Maine state Environmental Leader-one of the first businesses in Southern Maine
• Wine Spectator award of excellence
• Voted #1 in York County’s BEST of the BEST
     Weddings, Catering & Romantic Dining
• Recognized as Best Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit Magazine 2008  
• One of the Five finest and reliable restaurants in Southern Maine – Down East Magazine