About Clay Hill Farm:

About Us

Originally built in 1780 as a working farm, Clay Hill Farm is now a 220-seat restaurant and special occasion venue nestled amidst 11+ acres of rolling lawns, protected woodlands, and colorful gardens.  Tranquility waterfall brooks, a pond, two generous garden-view decks and a picture-perfect gazebo, now accent the traditional Maine beauty of the Farm. With modern cuisine in a classic setting, Clay Hill Farm has become a popular dining destination in a country escape just 2 miles West of Ogunquit village. Clay Hill Farm has won numerous local, regional and national awards for food, ambiance and service. Voted #1 for weddings & romantic dining.

Escape to Clay Hill Farm

Surrounded by eleven private acres of rolling lawns, colorful gardens and our tree farm's protected woodlands, let the stress of everyday life slip away and find yourself enveloped in tranquility.  Get peace of mind in a calm retreat while enjoying award-winning food and service exemplifying the lavishness of New England.

Meet the Chef:


Chef Matt Cox is a New England native who literally grew up in the restaurant business. Classically trained in French-style cooking, Matt's culinarian Mother and Front of the House Father, taught him everything they knew, and Chef Matt took over his first kitchen at 27. Having worked with top restauranteurs in Boston and Key West, his passion for coastal food and locally-sourced menus brought him to Clay Hill Farm. His flair for seasonal edible art has been 'wowing' our diners and events with positive reviews abound.

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 & 2011 First Place in Ogunquit's Chowder Fest: Lobster Bisque
• 2011 & 2012 BEST OF WEDDINGS The Knot
  
• 2011 & 2012 Diner's Choice from Open Table
  
• 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