Fin and Fern
Chef Andrew Chappell cooked for prominent families in Bermuda, Australia, and Europe before he first saw Maine from a yacht off Bar Harbor and decided to stay. Since 2019, he's been running a small restaurant on Stonington's working waterfront where the homemade pasta and locally sourced seafood make it clear you're not just eating at a harbor-view fish shack.
Andrew Chappell's résumé reads like someone who spent a decade testing different versions of their career. He worked as a private chef — Bermuda, Australia, Europe, several summers on yachts cruising the Maine coast. He saw Stonington from the water before he ever saw it from land. That view, and what the island offered in terms of local seafood and community, brought him back.
In 2019, Chappell opened Fin & Fern at 25 Seabreeze Avenue — on the working waterfront, walking distance from downtown inns and the Stonington ferry. The menu centers on what he does best: all pasta and sauces made in-house, locally sourced seafood driving the specials, seasonal salads and soups, plus sandwiches for the lighter appetite.
The restaurant and bar sit right on the harbor. The space is informal enough to feel relaxed but the cooking is not. Reviews consistently note the quality of the food alongside Chappell's presence — he's the kind of owner who's actually there and talks to his customers.
Hours are limited: Friday through Sunday, 4–7:30pm. Come on the early side; small kitchen, small room, high demand in season.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 4:00 – 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 4:00 – 7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 4:00 – 7:30 PM |
Fri–Sun 4pm–7:30pm year-round; some sources also show Wed open
What Visitors Say
"As they say, some of the best surprises come unexpectedly. I took my wife to Fin and Fern on a whim for her birthday dinner. Made a reservation online for 7pm and was promptly seated when we arrived. Fin and Fern has a cozy atmosphere and a pleasant staff, Jodi from upstairs was great. I would suggest that if you are looking to make a reservation, make it before 6:30pm. Two of the dishes I was looking forward to ordering were already sold out before we could order our meal. Took a leap of faith on the warm beet salad thanks to the staffs feedback, it was probably the best beet salad I have ever had. The lobster ravioli was also delicious, I would absolutely order it again. Unfortunately, my experience was diminished when I was served a burnt crème brûlée. My wife’s dinner and dessert came out great, which is all that really matters. Overall a great evening and one not so great dessert. 4.5/5"
"WOW! This weekend’s pop up Asian night was FANTASTIC!! It was evident how much research, preparation, and intentionality went into each dish and sauce! Highlights included complimentary wonton chips with a sweet chili sauce to start, homemade pork dumplings, general tso’s chicken, topped with orange ginger crème brûlée! So grateful they’ll be open every other weekend til April! Excellent treat and evening experience especially in the depths of winter!"
"A really exceptional local spot with delicious and fresh food. I ordered the Basil Kush pizza which did not disappoint! It was cheesy and full of flavor with a touch of prosciutto. It was one of the better pizzas I’ve had. I also sampled the Halibut and it was incredible. Really truly spectacular! Fresh halibut lightly grilled with ginger and full of flavor. I also enjoyed a lovely Pear Martini that was well balanced and truly tasted of pears. All in all, we had a lovely dinner here and it seems like they rotate items on and off the menu while offering daily specials. Compliments to the house and chef!"
Local Tips
- Make a point of the pasta. It's house-made and it shows.
- Fri–Sun only, 4–7:30pm — plan ahead if you're visiting on a weekday.
- The waterfront location makes it an easy stop before or after catching the ferry to Isle au Haut.
- Small space. Walk-ins work early in the evening; as summer peaks, arrive at 4pm or risk waiting.
Connected To
- Stonington Lobster Co-op — visible from the restaurant; the working waterfront context
- Aragosta at Goose Cove — if you want a tasting menu experience, this is the elevated version a few miles north