Bandaloop: A Culinary Adventure in Arundel

Looking for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in Coastal Maine? Put down the lobster roll and head on over to Bandaloop- a dining adventure in flavorful innovation, thoughtful ambiance, and playful decor. Much more than a restaurant, an evening at Bandaloop can only be described as a feast for the belly and for the soul.

Bandaloop has been a staple in the Maine community for 20 years. Owners Bridget and Scott Lee recently moved the restaurant from its original home in tiny downtown Kennebunkport to a new space in Arundel, Maine- a massive wooden barn built in the 1700s. Conveniently located right off of Route 1, the three floors of this much larger venue allow for a broader functionality of the establishment.

Patrons can enjoy a fabulous meal in the gorgeous, wooden dining room, or relax with a signature cocktail in the bar. Visit the lovely To Go market counter for soups, cakes, or a container of the mouth watering house-made pistachio cilantro pesto (found in many of Bandaloop's dishes). The upstairs level of the barn is the more intimate space, perfect for larger gatherings and special events. A charming outdoor patio is also available when weather permits.

Bandaloop is a place where people are encouraged to linger, as I did, when I was lucky enough to enjoy a leisurely, delectable, four-course meal in this special restaurant.

Walking into Bandaloop is like entering someone’s very cool, artsy home. Thoughtfully adorned with greenery and unique decor, owner Bridget Lee has impeccably designed this lively atmosphere to feel expansive yet somehow cozy and intimate at the same time. A palpable element of mystique floats in the air at Bandaloop, like walking into a magical forest.

The friendly, upbeat host showed me to my table, a delightful spot right next to the fireplace in the main dining room. At 4:45 PM on a Tuesday, there was already a steady stream of people trickling in to eat. My waitress Renee, could not have been friendlier or more knowledgeable about the food and drink offerings, and believe me-the menu selections are extensive. Bandaloop takes pride in offering choices to all diners, happy to adapt any meal to dietary restriction or preference, including vegan, gluten-free and allergen-friendly dishes. The menus at Bandaloop are interesting and diverse, combining local Maine produce with global flavors to create some truly inspired dishes.

While signature favorites are available all the time, Bandaloop always offers something new on the menu, seasonally, weekly, even nightly. They are committed to using local and organic ingredients as much as possible while providing innovative and delicious selections.

I started off my culinary journey with a signature cocktail, the Hibiscus Sour. This dynamic drink is made with Vida Mezcal, Pisco, Hibiscus, Lemon, Agave, and Acqufaba. Fun fact, Acqufaba is a chickpea brine used in cocktails as a substitute for egg whites, so this concoction is friendly for those who don’t eat eggs. Deep purple in color with a gorgeous dried orange floating on the surface, the smoky flavor of the tequila, the sweetness of the Agave and the sour pucker of the lemon made this drink a complete knockout.