Don’t worry about packing a cooler or making enough peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to last your trip to Monhegan. Whereas some of the islands on the coast of Maine don’t have a lot to offer in the way of food and dining, Monhegan offers several culinary delights.

The Trailing Yew provides breakfast and dinner for their guests, but all are invited to dine family style in their dining room. Breakfast consists of homemade donuts, fruit, eggs and bacon or sausage. Marian Chioffi, chef and proprietor, cooks up one meat and one fish entrée daily using as much local, seasonal ingredients as possible. The food is delicious and the family style dining experience is one not to be missed; you will most likely not only leave the table full of food but having made a new friend.

The Fish House Fish Market on Fish Beach is open for lunch and dinner daily late June to early September. They have one of the best views on the island, a great place to eat lobster and drink beer. My friends and family go there regularly to eat fresh seafood at a good price and in a relaxed environment. One of my favorite dishes is the lobster BLT.

Carina Grocery and Deli prepares fresh soups and sandwiches daily for lunch. The clam chowder is gluten-free and gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it, the sandwiches are big enough to share but could be just enough after hiking all morning. Carina offers all sorts of grocery, snacks and cold beverages as well. Get here early if you want fresh made donuts and muffins.

The Monhegan House serves breakfast and dinner both table service. If you are here on a Wednesday, be sure to order Eggs Benedict for breakfast. Mike Cennamo, the chef, creates interesting and most important flavorful meals including his famous meatball appetizer, brined chicken small plate, and really good risotto specials.

He also offers small desserts so you can try more than one flavor, personally my favorite part. The Novelty is on the property and serves pizza and ice cream for lunch and dinner daily.

The Island Inn offers table service breakfast and dinner all season and lunch from late June to mid-September Thursday through Sunday. They have a beautiful dining room that features a new artist each year. This year the artist is Susan Gilbert. She does beautiful oils and watercolors of Monhegan landscape through all of the seasons. Her art really adds to the atmosphere.

For breakfast a buffet is available. The lobster scrambled eggs have been written up in several magazines and are delicious. The Island Inn has a nice variety of seafood on their menu but there are options for meat and veggie eaters. Definitely get one of their salads, they are fresh and seasonal. For an entree I have enjoyed the halibut and the filet mignon. The Barnacle is an Island Inn annex and serves sandwiches and chowder as well as fresh pastries daily.

The Black Duck Emporium has the best coffee on Monhegan. They offer hot and cold drinks including Italian sodas, espresso drinks, and chai. My personal favorite is double shot vanilla breve; they have an extensive menu of favorite drinks created by their 'regulars.' Pam Rollinger, baker and co-proprietor, makes rich buttery scones every morning perfect for a snack right off the boat.

You definitely won’t starve here on Monhegan, so bring your hiking shoes but don’t worry about packing a lunch, there are lots of tasty options.

For links to more information, go to www.monheganwelcome.com/.