Anneke Jans Menu

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  • Salads
  • Entrees
  • To Finish
  • Coffee, Tea

Healthy Meal suggestions for Anneke Jans

  • To Start
  • Salads
  • Entrees
  • To Finish
  • Coffee, Tea

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  • Debra j.

    We have been wanting to try this restaurant for awhile. We went there this past weekend while on our weekend away in Kittery. We had high expectations based on the reviews so we went in expecting a lot. Overall I think it was average. We had a reservation at 7 PM and we were seated right away. We were at a corner table. The restaurant was very dark, in fact I had to use my light on my iPhone to be able to read the menu. My husband got the crab cake for an appetizer and it was OK. I had the plate with all the different samples of meats and chutneys since there was nothing else on the menu that worked for my lactose intolerance and they were not able to accommodate me with this at all. The waiter was not helpful with this at all and appeared a bit annoyed when I asked him to go talk to the Chef. I was able to get salmon with vegetables. My husband got the sirloin and said it was good. However it was just a sirloin, with vegetable and a bucket of string fries. I have to say the string fries where the best thing of the entire meal....oh and the cocktail too. We left there still wanting something special which is what we expected to get by eating here. We left and went to Black Birch (our favorite) for my husband to get one of their wonderful doughnuts for dessert and me an "snack." It just was not magical and we most likely not go back.

    (3)
  • L T.

    One of our favorite places on the Seacoast. Sit at the bar, ask Gavin or Ben to mix a drink for you (trust me, just ask them to mix you something- ignore the drink menu & let them surprise you...), try the specials of the night if they appeal to you & enjoy. Anneke Jans has atmosphere to spare. The people are wonderful, the food is fantastic, & you'll leave with a happy belly every time. When in doubt get their famous mussels & fries- it's a favorite for a reason. Sometimes, you just need their fries at the end of the day no matter what you're eating. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it....

    (5)
  • G D.

    I love this restaurant! This is one of our families favorites. If I could eat here every night I would, well, maybe not every night.......

    (5)
  • Huw E.

    Phenomenal food. Totally unexpected- a bistro worthy of NYC or SF at this tiny town in Maine. You can eat at the bar which is super cool (or just have some extra drinks at the bar after dinner). Best steak tartare my wife and I have ever tried (and we've tried a lot and are picky). Wonderful seafood. Tasty desserts and we don't usually have a sweet tooth. A must visit if you're in Kittery, ME.

    (5)
  • Mark F.

    I have now visited Anneke Jans a couple times with customers of ours. This is quickly becoming one of our places to go. The atmosphere is just perfect, a small bistro that serves wonderful food. The PEI mussels for a starter in blue cheese are just the best around and how can you beat the fried olives. We always seem to order the fish dishes and last night our table of seven order 3 swordfish and three salmon. All seven had smiles on thier faces after the first bite. Bread pudding for desert....what can you say about this other than Wonderful ! I You must give it a try, you will not be dissapointed.

    (5)
  • Nadia A.

    I ordered an expensive cod. It had no flavor. I felt like I was chewing on air. I had to dump hot sauce all over my meal to give it some flavor. I've often been told "you get what you pay for" ...but not so at Anneke Jans . The one positive is that the atmosphere is nice. Service= so-so. I will also say that I had a really really terrific glass of water;)

    (1)
  • Tamar O.

    Anneke Jans is housed in a sleek, dark and contemporary space. Unfortunately, we were seated at an extremely tight table for two right by the hostess station where I was bumped into severaltimes throughout the meal. For whatever reason, parties of two who arrived after us where all given four tops and I noted that none of them seemed to have reservations (we did). In addition to the discomfort of the incredibly tight seating, the room is uncomfortably loud. It was nearly impossible to make conversation or be heard. As for the food I will say it is slightly above average with a few missteps. I ordered the fried olive appetizer which made me realize that what is so sexy about an olive is its texture and the fact it is served at room temperature. Frying removed all of those qualities resulting in a crunchy hot salty mess. I barely ate any which the waitress did not bother to comment on. We also ordered pasta which came without seasoning and the steak tartare which was so seasoned it was difficult to taste the flavor of the meat. For entrees we both ordered the aged sirloin which although extremely flavorful (and perhaps just a tad overcooked) was also chewy and quite difficult to cut through. Neither of us could finish and again, the waitress said nothing. Because the environment was so physically uncomfortable, we decided not to stay for dessert.

    (2)
  • FoodLover Z.

    The fried olives appetizer is the main reason to visit this place. Not that you couldn't make this dish at home, but it is delicious. The oysters were good too, but then this is Portsmouth NH where it isn't hard to find good oysters. Rest of the fare, including the short rib croquettes, veal chops and cocktails were average at best.

    (3)
  • Kayla C.

    My boyfriend and I came here for restaurant week this year and really enjoyed our meal. Service was very friendly (and complimented me quite a lot, always a way to make my day better!) and the food was, of course, delicious. We arrived right before opening time, and they were more than happy to seat us and start things off for us. We both had the pumpkin soup. I had the pollock and my boyfriend the duck confit. To finish, the cranberry bread pudding for me and maple creme caramel for him. All was wonderfully prepared and especially tasty. My only complaint would be that the pumpkin soup could have been warmer and a little more dimensional in taste, but hey, I was still happy.

    (4)
  • Kimber C.

    I ate here last night with a couple of my girlfriends. I had never known this place existed until a friend suggested I eat here. It is always great to eat at a place that is locally sourced. They even have a small herb garden that can be seen from the window. Starters: The table ordered the fried olives. I love olives, so I figured I would love fried olives as well.. I did and do. I have yet to meet an olive I haven't liked. Soup/ Salads: Two of us ordered the white bean soup with pickled oysters and flowers. We both appreciated the soup. I especially like the bitterness the pickled flavor brought to the smooth soup. It wasn't overpowering at all. It was also my first time having pickled oysters. My friend ordered the yellow and red beet salad and was very happy with it. The presentation was like a color explosion, with a light dressing on top and a yogurt based dressing on the side. She said "this is a perfect summer salad". Entrees: I had the Rabbit with potatoes, apples, greens, and a mustard puree. It was really delicious. The rabbit was well cooked and seasoned. I like to put all of the flavors together for a flavor explosion in my mouth. My friend had the Duck with daikon, greens, and a carb (don't remember what it was and didn't eat it, so cannot recall). She stated that it was really good with only one other place that made it better in Louisiana. The third friend had the muscles and liked them a lot. She said if the executive chef didn't come over when she was down to just the cream sauce, she would have soaked it all up with bread to consumer it. We all joked about picking up the pot and drinking it. Yes folks, it was that good. Desserts: Come from a local bakery. I had a delicious creme brûlée, one had the bread pudding, and the other had a white chocolate butter pecan? desert. These are not made at this location, so I will not comment on the deserts, only that they have chosen their source wisely. We had sparking water and wine. I had a pinot noir, St. Helena, CA. I'm usually not a fan of pinot noir, but this one was particularly smooth and complimented the rabbit perfectly. Staff: The executive chef came over to our table and introduced himself. It was nice to have that personal element brought to the table. I personally love when the executive chef comes out to see how everything was. It a rare occurrence at most places (unfortunately), so it's always extra special when I find a place that it happens. Waitstaff: I could see them working fully as a team. They were informative and pleasant. I chose my wine based off of the waitress' recommendations for the rabbit. I have lived with a fine dining waitress before and know how important it is to know the food items. It is clear to me that this staff was very familiar with menu and the pairings. If it weren't for her, I would have ordered a much heavier/ bolder wine that would have distracted from my meal. I also like the layout of the dining room. I like that I could see the executive chef and sous chef working. I also like the decor, it appeared to encompass recycled materials/ materials that would keep the noise down. I could be wrong about the recycled material thing.

    (5)
  • Kaley S.

    The Good: Upscale atmosphere, perfect for dressing up & splurging on date night. The (rather short) menu changes frequently due to seasonal ingredients and the chef's whimsy. Food and cocktails were classy but simple, not overdone or fussy, done well without a sense of them trying TOO hard. We appreciated their emphasis on local foods, and at one point heard our bartender Zach say "I'll be right back, I have to cut mint from the garden" for a lady's cocktail. Yay fresh herbs! It was a rainy Monday night, and we expected it to be a very slow night -- we were only one of two couples in the restaurant at first, but it filled up with folks of all ages, from 20s to middle aged and older! They offer a Sunday brunch from 11-2 and Zach let us check out the menu, which looked awesome! It was a short menu but had a great variety, including green eggs and ham, market salad (they do go to the Farmer's Market every week!), a BLT, bread pudding French toast and even Croque Madame -- it all sounded yummy and made me want to try it out! The Bad: Nothing really! It's obviously on the pricey side, that's what you expect when dressing up for a nice meal at a nice restaurant! The Food: Mussels in a cream & white wine sauce with bacon & onions was simple, fresh, and tasty. We added blue cheese for an extra dollar, which came in a small dollop on top but unfortunately got lost in the creamy sauce. We got the appetizer version, but they also offer an entree version with pommes frites (French fries!) They don't make their own bread but get it from local bakery Beach Pea, and it was fresh, soft, chewy and perfect for dipping in the mussels' cream sauce. We got the cheese board, which had four cheeses, crostinis, a spicy mustard, gherkins and a fig mostarda, which was more like a sweet & tangy fig jelly. The accoutrements were so strong they can overwhelm the (rather mild) cheeses if you use more than a tiny bit. The cheeses were approachable and enjoyable, but I wouldn't have minded one with a little more funk ;) There was a blue goat's milk cheese and one from cows that graze in the Swiss Alps, and it was great to try new cheeses that aren't easy to find at the store! We also enjoyed the seared scallops dish, which came on creamed corn with pea shoots. The menu called it polenta, but Zach explained that rather than polenta out of a bag, the chefs actually grated the corn! It was sweet, creamy, and absolutely lovely, especially with the fresh pea shoots. The Service: We sat at the bar and had great service from bartender Zach. He told us that twenty years ago, Anneke Jans was the only restaurant on the block which now houses several great restaurants from noodles to pizza and burgers, a coffee shop and juice stand, and that several of the chefs from those restaurants got their start working at Anneke Jans, so it is a true local standby. Zach made great drinks, was professional and knowledgeable, and handled the (Monday night!) rush like a pro, making drinks quickly without seeming stressed. Overall: We had a fantastic evening at this locals' favorite. Recommended for date night or anytime you want to dress up a little and splurge! The cocktails, sangria, and all the food was delicious, and I look forward to going back for dinner, drinks, appetizers, and brunch!

    (4)
  • Michael E.

    One of my best meals in Maine this trip! The restaurant is charming service by Eric was excellent and the food was well thought out and beautifully prepared. My father had the pork flat iron steak which was delicious and I had the house made fettuccine with seasonal vegetables that was excellent. The Caramell trio for dessert was the perfect ending to a beautiful meal.

    (5)
  • Gwen H.

    Was so disappointed with the experience at Anneke Jans. After hearing WONDERFUL things about this place from family and friends...decided to go out to dinner last Saturday. Service was very nice, look of the restaurant was great, but the food was horrible! Two of us had the sirloin, that was so tough it was inedible. Two of us had the salmon, and it tasted as if it had been frozen and re-heated. Not a single one of us finished all of our food...and none of us wanted to take it home. The dinner was over $400, and I've had better food at $20 places. How could this happen? If everyone was recommending? Apparently they recently changed their kitchen staff and it has been horrible since. I hope they fix whatever issues are going on because if all dinners are like mine was from now on- they'll be out of business fast. It was awful.

    (2)
  • Alan T.

    Be careful when paying with your debit card or credit card here? They will over charge you by 20% after you gave already paid your bill! Why I was told to cover the bill that you already paid for!! The illegally take 20% after the fact!! When I called I was also told that the correct amount would be reflected in two days!!! No the correct amount should have been taken out in the first place, this happened to everyone only party there were six of us!! This also happens to you!!! He collects the interest on your money for two days!! This money was illegally taken out, be carefull check your credit cards after eating there!!!

    (1)
  • Deborah M.

    We were in Kittery, Maine last weekend, visiting from Los Angeles, where we certainly have our share of great restaurants. We expected everything in Kittery to be quaint and about seafood. And pretty much, it is. What a surprise to find a very sophisticated, great spot with a decidedly urban feel! We tried to get in on Saturday night and it was out of the question. What?? A night scene in Kittery?? We ended up coming very early Sunday evening, with our 1 1/2 year old grandson in tow, who is not very quiet in restaurants, as we found out. Maybe wouldn't do that again, but they handled it beautifully. And the food was incredibly good. We had homemade pasta and great salads...one was kale and the other wonderful beet with gorgonzola. I loved the design, I loved the food, I loved the service. Definitely changed my mind about little Kittery! I can't wait to return. It was also lovely to watch the snow fall as we had our meal."

    (5)
  • Claire G.

    By far the best food in the Kittery region. My boyfriend and I found this gem a few years ago after the restaurant we had been trying to go to was unexpectedly closed. BEST TURN OF EVENTS EVER. The food is phenomenal. The menu is always changing, although I wish the lobster salad on a fried tomato was there to stay! Don't skimp on deserts here, they are lick the plate good! A must-visit every time we're in Maine--we've even been twice in one weekend!

    (5)
  • Amy N.

    Such a bummer... the Black Birch had a line out the door so I convinced my husband to give it a try, for his birthday dinner. I'd been with family and had a great meal. Tonight, we sat at the bar (it was empty). The bartender was a jackass. I specifically requested dessert with a candle, while my husband was in the washroom. I can't recall him even asking if our steaks / burgers were cooked OK (mine was not). Needless to say, dessert never appeared and made for an awkward moment, when the check arrived. Note to bartender, you work in Kittery, ME... Not Manhattan. Get over yourself.

    (1)
  • Lynette R.

    We were excited to have our special meal at this high end gourmet restaurant. The wait staff is spectacular and really sold us on the Wild Boar. Being we've never had it before, we thought we would try it. We started with the Oysters and found they were small and Brackish, as they had brown water in the shell. I had two oysters that were filled with broken shells and had to spit them out. The tomatoes were Beefsteak and were about 2 days past their ripe days and were soft and over ripe leaving them a bit slimy. When I listened to the description of the Mushroom soup, I did not hear the waitstaff mention that there were no solid mushrooms, therefore a puree. The taste was mellow and pleasant but when described, the Shitake Mushroom and Button Mushrooms were something to look forward to when described. Then the waitstaff suggested the Wild Boar. We never had this delicacy before. The Wild Boar was tough and difficult to chew. What we didn't know is that the serving was no more than 2 ounces. Two little slices that would fit in a tablespoon. Then there was about a tablespoon of corn mixed with 3 little miniature asparagus. My husband looked at me with disappointment. If we'd known that the dinner would be about 3 tablespoons, we would have ordered something that would be appropriate for dining. We generally have one meal a day and had to come back to our hotel and have oatmeal. Our bill came to $84 and $105 with tip as we do not drink alcohol.

    (1)
  • Deborah S.

    It has been some time since we have dined at Anneke Jans and we can not imagine why. Our next time back will be much sooner. This was our first brunch here. We have always been for wonderful dinners in the past. We of course could not resist ordering the fried olives, the only problem was that we wished we ordered two. They are delicious. The brunch menu has a wide variety of items. Something for everyone. We started with salads, yogurt with berries, and homemade granola. For our main course we enjoyed the salmon, vegetable scramble, and the crab benedict. We would order any one of them again. The creme brûlée and chocolate pot topped off our meal. The espresso martini was very well made and the local beer selection was good. Our server Ken was pleasant, attentive, and offered exceptional service. We can not wait to return.

    (5)
  • Larry M.

    Went for restaurant week. Nice atmosphere, but so-so service, and bland food. Had the Pork Meatball with Mascarpone Polenta to start. Meatball was average, but the polenta was more red sauce than anything. Entree was the Seared Salmon with Herb Risotto and Tomato Fondue. Salmon was cooked nicely, but had no flavor. Risotto? You mean runny watered rice? The tomato "fondue" was the only flavor on the plate, but I'm not sure what made it fondue. Dessert was tasty. Had the Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwich on an Oat Cookie with Lemon Curd. We had two servers. I couldn't tell if our primary waiter was trying to be funny and endearing by not knowing how to describe the ingredients in our meals, but it was certainly not professional. He described the Bananas Foster as "You know, bananas in some kind of syrup sauce." Not what I was expecting for $29 during restaurant week. I will not return. Also, watch your step when leaving the restaurant. Two feet outside the door is a step up to a curb. I tripped over this an broke my toenail off.

    (2)
  • Sherri M.

    We decided to go here after reading all of the great reviews here on yelp and I have to say Anneke Jans did not disappoint. The dining room was very warm and inviting, but unfortunately our table was near the door so every time the door open we got a cold breeze our way. Our waitress was absolutely lovely with lots of great recommendations. When I asked her for a drink they did not typically make she had the bartender come over to our table to ask what I liked/ didn't like and make a drink just for me. It was phenomenal. Our waitress was well versed on the menu and how everything was prepared which helped in making our selections from the impressive menu. We each got a salad to start and went with the sole and one of the specials, braised buffalo, for our main courses. The buffalo was cooked to perfection and just fell off the bone! The sole was great too, but the "creamy polenta" was anything but creamy. It was more like paste and lacked in flavor. The cherry tomatoes and olives were strange accompaniments to the dish, but didn't take away from the flavor of the fish and the way it was prepared. Our waitress also recommended the bread pudding for dessert. I have never been a fan of bread pudding but I am now. Wow Overall a very pleasant dining experience with a few minor areas for improvement. Definitely worth a try. We will certainly be returning.

    (4)
  • Kay M.

    Six of us dined last night...we started with the wedge salad, which we all shared as it is substantial. We appreciated that the kitchen separated the salads. It always amuses me if we split a salad and the server comes with two plates for the diner to deal with...they made the right choice. 3 of us had the duck which I think was the top choice of the evening. Very moist and tender...one had the fettuccine and two had the mussels. The comment on the mussels was that they were plentiful but on the small size. We had a very attentive waiter. We were greeted very warmly at the front door. All in all a very positive experience. Parking is an issue as there is only on street parking. Do give yourself extra time to find a space. We look forward to dining again at this very well run restaurant.

    (4)
  • Matt K.

    Every course was superb. The ambiance was relaxed and elegant. The wait staff went above and beyond to cater to your every need. The highlights were the PEI mussels with savory bleu cheese (optional) and fried olive appetizers, and the vanilla bread pudding with caramel and cinnamon whipped cream. A heartfelt thanks to our server Joel.

    (5)
  • Michael M.

    This used to be a favorite place of ours -- always hard to get a table but well worth it because of the great food, service and ambience. Booked a table (that morning on Open Table) for 7:00 Friday night and was surprised to find that they had redesigned and expanded the space so that it was no longer intimate and special (and half empty on a Friday night). The food was really unremarkable and the service was inattentive at best. Really wish someone/anyone would have checked in with us and asked about our experience. So disappointing on every level ... and so sad that they ruined a really good thing.

    (2)
  • Jo L.

    I have always wanted to eat here but never planned ahead which I thought you had to have a reservation to get a table. Black Birch had a two hour wait so we checked in here and were seated promptly. That was the end of the good experience. Our sever was clueless. I asked what she liked on the menu. She said the mussel have been on the menu for ever because they were popular. That was about it. There was steak tartar on the menu. I asked where the meat came from. She said "somewhere in the mid-west. I forget what state but I will ask for you". Huh? She also had know idea about the cocktail menu. I asked if a few of the drinks were served in a martini glass. She didn't know. She left for about 5 minutes - came back and told me both drinks I had asked about were not served in a martini glass and that if that was what I wanted I should just order a Manhattan. It was a bizarre exchange. I order the Manhattan just to get a drink order in. It was delicious but one of the drinks I asked about was indeed served the way I had wanted it. After we got our drink order in she delivered each one (of four) one at a time even though we were 10 feet from the bar. Very bizarre. We finally were able to order dinner 40 minutes after we sat down. Dinner was extremely unimpressive. My boyfriends mushroom tortellini (which the deliverer of the food called "the vegetarian special") was a complete rip off. He was starving after dinner. My mussels were $21. They came with "frittes". Both were tasteless. Our friends dinners were just ok. But the lamb short ribs were $31. Why? No of us mind spending good money on a nice dinner at a nice restaurant. We expect decent service from a server that knows the menu. Our sever was truly on Planet Claire. The food was unexceptional. Not quality. Maybe they just shop at Market Basket and Bj's for their supplies?That is fine but not for the prices they charge.

    (1)
  • Ted K.

    This is my second time to the Anneke's ver. 2.0. They've clearly put in a concerted effort to fix dings in the armor. The acoustics are considerably better. The menu has been spruced up from fairly standard to really really good with a dash of homage to old favorites. The new bar side of the restaurant is outstanding. Definitely a fun flavor going on between the restaurant and the bar scene. That said there's still something lacking. I want to see AJ's survive. I love Kittery and want to see this as a staple restaurant for years to come. Service was pretty lousy even though we were one table of only about five filling the restaurant. Food was tasty and looks outstanding On the menu (nice protein and plenty of well designed sides), but they still came out just a little flat. I had a clear view of the kitchen and the chefs were sitting around waiting to do work but our server was just sitting on his hands. The environment, scene, decor, ease of parking, neighborhood, menu, and ambiance are all really nice... I'm just still left waiting for a little something more. Maybe a third trip to version 2.0 will have me leaning more strongly one way or the other. Definitely a vast improvement over the first iteration of AJ's. If you haven't been back since, give it a try.

    (4)
  • Saffron M.

    Beautiful space since they renovated. Everything we had on our last visit for dinner was fresh, delectable, perfectly presented. Lovely server.

    (4)
  • Scott M.

    What a great little gem in Kittery, ME. We were meeting very old friends for dinner who had become newly engaged. We wanted to celebrate with a nice meal and wine list and we were happily rewarded. Scheduled for a Friday night and we were able to be seated early. The menu is fresh and creative. Started with a Pollock Ceviche and went onto a fried quail with corn pudding. My better half enjoyed a luscious short rib over very creamy risotto. Our friends equally shared in a hanger steak with homemade tater tots that had a bit of zing and a broiled salmon that was extremely delicious. We topped of the night with the exploration of caramel, an arrangement of 4 ways to enjoy caramel. Very creative with caramel brulee, a shake, crisp cookie drizzled in caramel and homemade caramel chew. The venue is charming and modern, the staff is very courteous and the ambiance was just right for the occasion. I would highly recommend the restaurant and look forward to going there again.

    (4)
  • Steve G.

    Rhee

    (4)
  • Kevin L.

    What do -you- know about Anneke Jans? Did you realise that her spawn were systematically swindled out of their money by dirty grubby New York lawyers? Or that the descendants are prohibited from suing the state into perpetuity? Fascinating stuff. [ bit.ly/pwcUrA] How does this all relate to Anneke Jans, the restaurant? Um... no idea. What I -do- know, is that the boy organised an absolutely lovely meal for us in a classy space, I was introduced to a fantastic new-to-me Belgian quadrupel*, and Gavin is one of the few bartenders I've met in life who I'd trust to make me any drink he wanted. As many other reviews recommended, start off with the fried olives. Honestly, the other starters (Bibb lettuce salad, calamari and grilled romaine) were less than inspiring. If you spot scallops on the menu, snag those! They're designed to be enjoyed with a bite of each ingredient in the bowl - the crunchy, savoury bacon bits really made it shine. Our swordfish special was also exceptional - served up on a bed of polenta with yellow tomatoes and capers, each bite exploded with a symphony of flavours and textures in my mouth. Superb. And the drinks? The ones on the menu didn't particularly strike my fancy, but the boy did choose this restaurant because of its vaunted bartenders. As I mentioned, Gavin did me no wrong. My only requirements: coloured liquor, not sweet. What arrived at our table was a rye concoction with parts Campari and parts Fernet**. Needless to say, it was -all- parts delightful and precisely what I was hoping for. Our dinner was rounded out with the mixed berry trifle (an utter win) and a solid take on Boston cream pie. Waddling out of a joint never felt so satisfying! -- * Straffe Hendrik - if you're a fan of Delirium Nocturnum, I expect you'll go gaga over this shiz. ** I wish I had a name for this delightful beverage, but unfortunately I failed to ask Gavin before leaving. For posterity's sake, I'm pretty sure it was 1/2 parts Campari and Fernet, 1 part sweet vermouth and rye.

    (5)
  • Don W.

    Hmmm, 4 or 5 stars... Okay, nothing went wrong. Everything was good. But it was our first time there and it wasn't so overwhelming that I want to give it 5 stars after one visit. The restaurant is small and feels very warm and inviting. There's a bar that at first looks like it's a bit too much in the dining room, but we didn't hear it and forgot that it was there so I guess it really isn't too close. The menu was good and creative, but there were no specials when we were there. Service was very good: friendly, pleasant, and not intrusive. And it seemed really clean. We're going to have to try Anneke Jans again. If it's always like it was the other night, it would be a 5 star restaurant. Not for being fancy, but for doing a really good job with good, basic ingredients. Since I'm not sure about the consistency and I haven't tried a special, I'm going with four stars for now.

    (4)
  • carol a.

    I've been wanting to try this place forever and finally got around to it. Thanks Living Social! We sat in the back near the kitchen so it was very noisy, but the good service and food made up for it. For appetizer we had the house made chartcuterie, which had several lovely cheese, meats, chutney, etc. The variety was great and all of the components worked together. I can't remember what entrees we had but they were very good. Drinks were solid as well. This place could stand to get a bit more creative, but overall it was a very good meal and we will go back.

    (4)
  • Marlene M.

    This was our second time at this restaurant. This time was so much better than the first. The food was excellent both times, but now the dining room is slightly more open so that diners are not sitting on top of each other. A much more relaxed experience. Again, the food was excellent. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Jay S.

    Dinner for two and a babysitter: $170. Worth it? Not really. I don't consider myself a foodie so maybe I'm missing something essential about appreciating $30 entrees. Other reviewers hit on the high and low points of our evening. Highs: Friendly hosts and wait staff; Ambiance; Fried Olives; Pommes Frites; Steak (my friend ordered - "cooked to perfection" he said). Lows: Noisy; Somewhat cramped; Duck and tuna dishes were bland; expensive drinks. Next time I want to eat out in Kittery, I'll go to Black Birch. More creative and tasteful food at a lower price point, with a killer beer selection.

    (3)
  • John D.

    I like the ambience, but did not like the Monkfish special.

    (3)
  • Erik S.

    Well...it's good. But not great. I mean, if you're paying $30 an entree, the food should be great. Right? The bar is wonderful, and the bartender is great. I often stop here for a nightcap. But rarely dinner.

    (3)
  • Paul D.

    Gem of a place, tucked away on a dark corner, in the sleep little downtown area of Kittery (who knew there even was a downtown Kittery) Anneke is a great restaurant. From the moment you walk in the front door, you are greeted by a dimly lit, beautifully minimal, romantic spot that is a perfect little bistro. Hostess was friendly and waiting for us to arrive (reservations are nearly required with so few tables), and we were promptly seated and met by our server. They have a great wine list, and the cocktails (prepared by some truly creative mixologist) are outstanding. My GF ordered a dirty martini and as someone here suggested, I let the bartender (Ben) select my drink. Told him something with gin - and the rest was his choice. What I received was not one, but two cocktails - as Ben could not decided on his favorite Gin drink, so he made me both of his favs. They were both delicious old school cocktails make with quality ingredients and perfect proportions. We skipped apps, in favor of dinner and desert this time - and that proved to be a good choice. Had the Tuna special with mango salsa - and the combination of spicy and sweet was just perfect. As for the deserts - I had a Vanilla Bread Pudding with caramel sauce and brown sugar cream - which was out of this universe. My GF had a lemon tart with fresh blueberries and home made whipped cream which was equally outstanding. Bill was considerably less than you might expect for food and service of this quality and the atmosphere was truly exceptional. I would like to welcome Anneke Jans - to my top 5. By far the best meal I have had in Maine - and rivals any bistro in Boston, NYC and beyond. I will be back soon.

    (5)
  • Shannon M.

    Food is great, during the summer the desserts are AMAZING, winter time they are just a-ok. GET THE BLEU CHEESE MUSSELS!!! That is all.

    (5)
  • Leslie D.

    Service was prompt and friendly and food was fantastic; between the two of us we had the fried olives, the iceburg wedge salad, the bibb salad, and the mussels & fries entree (with bleu cheese of course!). My only suggestion for improvement would be offering one or two dipping sauces for the fries (perhaps an aioli?) since the mussel sauce is better sopped up with a piece of bread. We also each ordered a blood & sand cocktail, with whiskey instead of scotch, a request that was granted and remembered for our second round. Brava!

    (4)
  • James T.

    YUM!! Delicious drinks and food WE love this place its in our top 5 in the seacoast..great place for a special dinner..

    (5)
  • Jordan R.

    Last night was my first time at the restaurant even though I've always lived in the area and everyone I know who has ever been there has raved wildly about it. I had heard it was upscale, so I was incorrectly picturing fine dining before arriving. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the atmosphere was actually quite laid back and upbeat, while still maintaining touches of an upscale feel. That requires a very delicate balance; good work. The food was every bit as delightful as everyone says it is. We started off with the mussels, which were out of this world. For an entree, I had the chicken plate, which was very traditional (chicken, mashed potatoes, baby onions (what's the name for those things?!), baby carrots and brussels sprouts) but more delicious than anything I've had like it. Needless to say, this was an enjoyable experience, and I will definitely return. I'd recommend this place to anyone.

    (5)
  • Catherine O.

    Excellent service. Prices no different than Portland. Vegetarian option was so tasty. They were great about my husbands allergies. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Kyle S.

    One of my favorite restaurants on the seacoast. When I want to go out for an enjoyable, semi-upscale, dinner here is where I go. The food is very good, service is always timely and friendly, and the overall vibe of the place is positive. Atmosphere is bistro style. It can be a little loud in here but not unbearable. In the summer they have a wall of windows in the front of the restaurant that open. Food would be new American with my personal favorite the muscles with bacon and blue cheese. They are served as an appetizer portion or a full portion and are delicious with the crunchy baguette they have. Service is pleasant and prompt. We go there a lot so we know a lot of the staff.

    (5)
  • Peter K.

    Anneke Jans - a hidden jewel. My family was visiting the area and was invited to join relatives there for a special night out. What a delight. The mussels were outstanding; the bruschetta was unique. I particularly loved the fried olives and how they were served - a real dining treat. The wine went well with everything we ate. And portions were generous enough that we wound up sharing desserts. I hope we can go again when up in the area.

    (5)
  • Linda P.

    I was able to get a late reservation for Saturday night with some girlfriends and were seated at the "chef's table". It was a fantastic evening of great food, great company and excellent service. Even though we were right near the kitchen, they barely made any noise or were any distraction from our evening. The food was amazing! Two of us enjoyed the restaurant week menu and the other woman had misc items from their main menu. We all shared the fried olives and the chive gnocchi with peas, bacon, crab and a light sauce as apps. Both were so delicious and I would recommend them! We had 3 desserts that we all shared and again, delicious! Our server had a great balance of being attentive and having the knowledge to deliver a relaxing dining experience. Run, don't walk......Enjoy!!

    (5)
  • Sue M.

    I live in Kittery close to Anneka Jans and have eaten at there but not recently. I occasionally have stopped in the bar to have a drink and appetizers with friends visiting. Every time I do the bartenders have been very rude. The times I've been there I've told myself not to go back, but after a while I have tried it again. One time I was there with two girlfriends who were visiting from out of state. We ordered drinks and wanted desserts. We asked the bartender what he would recommend and he scowled and said he had no idea he didn't eat dessert. He was cold to us the entire time we were there. Last night I was in with my daughter and her boyfriend. I was distraught over a personal matter and discussing it with them. None of us heard my phone ring, but when we got the bill the bartender said, "Why don't you answer your darn phone". That is my last time in Anneka Jans, and I will certainly spread the word that if you want to be rudely treated by a bartender Anneka Jans is the place to go.

    (1)
  • Brian S.

    Very nice spot in downtown Kittery. Delicious menu. Very romantic. Valet parking on the weekends makes it an easy choice. Will definitely be back

    (5)
  • Barbara P.

    Our waiter Joel was perfect! The local cod was fresh and delicious. Our whole gang enjoyed their meals. The blueberry martini was different and tasty.

    (4)
  • Greg T.

    Fantastic restaurant with great service, ambiance, food and wine. Ordered several small plates as we usally do and all were excellent. We particularly liked the charcuterie plate with cheeses and the flat bread. Mussels were fresh and delicious and the bread was outstanding. WIne selection from Italy was reasonable and very good. Loved the setting in an old buidling. The acoustics were fine and we were able to converse the entire time without having to talk too loudly. The help was great and very accomodating. Worth a side trip to eat here.

    (5)
  • Tim W.

    Went there on Monday night, so the place was a little slow. Server was a bit over enthusiastic, refilled water every time we took a sip interrupting our conversation way too frequently. Also gave me a very condescending pat on the back and said "you're like a full adult!" after checking my id and finding I was older than I looked. Food was very good, displayed well on the plate, portions not overwhelming, which left us room for desert which was also good. Beer selection very small and all from bottles and cans. Overall good experience, but not great. Probably won't go back.

    (3)
  • Dan B.

    This stellar rating is for the food and atmosphere, but not the service. Seeing as the former two carry a lot of weight with me the rating remains high. I love the selection of food as it allowed for a good long dining experience. There were higher end items, but the pomme frites and fried olives allowed for snacking while we conversed for hours. The menu was riddled with fish options and salads were reasonably large. Everything was perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious. The wine list was good, but somewhat difficult to navigate (see tiny font). The bottles we chose were stellar and versatile, pairing well with dinner and dessert. We had a group of 7 and although the floor plan is small, they do not pack in more tables than they should. The room is dark, but one could still see their food on the plate and the bustling kitchen provided a nice ambiance. The room did get loud at times, but that is nice on a busy Saturday night. Still nice enough for date night though! The only grievance we had was with our service. Our waiter managed the table poorly and was a bit brash (see unprofessional) in his interactions with some of our party. He decided to yell a conversation about substitutions rather than coming over to his seat. He also attended to the people he determined to be more 'seasoned' diners and ignored most of the others. We also had a gin martini take about 20 minutes from ordering to delivery. I am not sure if this was the bar or the waiter forgetting to put in the order. Because he was just one waiter in a sea of waitstaff, I assume this is a controlled issue and should not keep anyone from taking in this incredible meal.

    (5)
  • abby l.

    I have only been once, and I actually feel that I need another trip to give Anneke Jans a full, well-researched review. Reason #1: the first appetizer I ordered had been 86-ed while our server was taking our order. Reason #2: the exact same thing happened to the first entree I ordered, which was a special and involved lobster. Neither was the server's fault, as it was a very busy night, however she was very apologetic and made suggestions for substitutions that they could do for me based on another entree. It was no problem at all, except that I was sad not to try my first choices on the menu. Anyway, overall there is a great atmosphere at AJ's - though I think if they took a few tables out of the cramped dining room it would be even ore pleasant. On the other hand, every table was filled - it was good that we had a reservation for our party of 8. Otherwise it was classy, yet upbeat rather than subdued. For appetizers, we ended up sharing a few at the table. One was the fried olives, which were creatively served in a little dish atop the olive can itself, though I personally found them just OK in taste. The other was the Bang Island Mussels which were delicious, perfectly cooked and just rich enough without being over-powering. We skipped out on the bacon in these, which was fine by me but my dinner mates claimed it would have been much better with it. Both apps were a steal at $4 and $9, respectively. There was an array of choices at our table for entrees, and I heard no complaints from anyone. As for mine, I ended up with an organic greens salad ($9) which was splendid and the trout, which was unbelievable, and totally worth the $23. I really loved the whole dish, accompaniments included, as risotto is tricky and is hardly every REALLY done properly. Not here! The trout was the perfect texture and temperature, the sauce was light and lovely - not overpowering, the risotto was fantastic and the beans were a refreshing touch. Loved it. Overall, great place and I can't wait to go back.

    (4)
  • Nev H.

    Anneke Jans has been our go to restaurant since the day they opened. We have been there probably 20 times or more. It's one of the best restaurants in the entire seacoast area. Can be a bit loud on busy nights, and I miss Ben the bartender, but other than that fantastic place. The PEI mussels (I don't like it with the blue cheese personally...) are consistently delicious. Pork Belly appetizer is one of the best plates I've ever had in my life...out of this world. They occasionally have a miss or two and the desserts are on the simple side, but overall you will not be disappointed by the atmosphere, service, cocktails or food. Ask for Kellie to be your server and sit near the open air windows on a warm Summer evening! Enjoy.

    (5)
  • Steve M.

    We haven't been to AJ in a few years even though we really enjoyed it back when Andy owned it ( we live in an area with an over-abundance of fabulous eateries. Tonight we were impressed with their expansion and renovation; they now have a very large bar (we always dine at places where we can sit up at the bar) and a very nice variety of seating options from high tops to traditional tables. The staff was exceptional! Our bartenders Steve and Kelly were personable, engaging, and truly professional and delivered exceptional service. Although neither my wife or I had an entree, we had apps and salads that were very good; of course we had the fried olives that have been a signature item sine AJ's opened and they were excellent. The remodel/expansion was obviously done with considerable consideration to the warmth and comfortable feeling that guests yearn for. I may seem to be gushing, but my wife and I are Virgo foodies which means we are VERY hard to impress. Tonight we were struck by the attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant from the design to the food and it's staff. We highly recommend this restaurant and am confident that it will continue to thrive (the place was packed-luckily we got there early on a Saturday night). Bravo to the staff and management at Anneke Jans! P.S. I have a real problem with background noise and being able to hear in a noisy environment; despite the fact that the place was packed it was not an issue at all, which is a rarity for me!

    (4)
  • Beth M.

    Had a fabulous Prohibition-era cocktail - the Bees Knees - definitely my drink for the summer! The fried olives are like crack, the ahi tuna was perfect, the calamari was very peppery (in a good way), the only criticism with apps would be the dice on the steak tartare was a bit big. Entrees were great - 3 aged sirloins, the lamb racks and a seafood risotto special...no complaints, everyone cleaned their plates. Desserts...the bread pudding was good but a bit dense, the lime tart was fantastic. All in all, a great night with great food and wonderful service.!

    (5)
  • Robin D.

    A little gem of a bistro in the sleepy (ok, asleep) downtown of Kittery, just over the bridge from Portsmouth. Total bistro feel: warm, dark, casual but elegant. Service was friendly, knowledgable, and smiling. Food was out of this world, from bread to dessert. Wine list is not cheap, but really extensive and well-selected. If you want a special night out in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, this is the place the foodie locals will recommend, and it's for good reason. Loved it!

    (5)
  • Stephanie P.

    wonderful restaurant with friendly and professional waitstaff. The food is delicious. Try the fried olives appetizer and if you are a steak tartare fan don't miss it!

    (4)
  • Mario T.

    Very nice, sort of upscale place. As others have said the food is expensive but is usually worth it, (though I have been underwhelemd once or twice by seafood, I still dine here). Drinks are great, as is the bar. Very friendly staff. If you can afford it, try checking it out if you're in Kittery, or even Portsmouth (there are more places in Portsmouth however)

    (4)
  • Debra j.

    We have been wanting to try this restaurant for awhile. We went there this past weekend while on our weekend away in Kittery. We had high expectations based on the reviews so we went in expecting a lot. Overall I think it was average. We had a reservation at 7 PM and we were seated right away. We were at a corner table. The restaurant was very dark, in fact I had to use my light on my iPhone to be able to read the menu. My husband got the crab cake for an appetizer and it was OK. I had the plate with all the different samples of meats and chutneys since there was nothing else on the menu that worked for my lactose intolerance and they were not able to accommodate me with this at all. The waiter was not helpful with this at all and appeared a bit annoyed when I asked him to go talk to the Chef. I was able to get salmon with vegetables. My husband got the sirloin and said it was good. However it was just a sirloin, with vegetable and a bucket of string fries. I have to say the string fries where the best thing of the entire meal....oh and the cocktail too. We left there still wanting something special which is what we expected to get by eating here. We left and went to Black Birch (our favorite) for my husband to get one of their wonderful doughnuts for dessert and me an "snack." It just was not magical and we most likely not go back.

    (3)
  • Mark F.

    I have now visited Anneke Jans a couple times with customers of ours. This is quickly becoming one of our places to go. The atmosphere is just perfect, a small bistro that serves wonderful food. The PEI mussels for a starter in blue cheese are just the best around and how can you beat the fried olives. We always seem to order the fish dishes and last night our table of seven order 3 swordfish and three salmon. All seven had smiles on thier faces after the first bite. Bread pudding for desert....what can you say about this other than Wonderful ! I You must give it a try, you will not be dissapointed.

    (5)
  • Megan S.

    Anneke Jans was recommended to us by a friend, so we decided to to try it out I called ahead and made a reservation, which I highly recommend! The place was packed and although we had a reservation ,we still needed to wait 10 mins or so to be seated, no big deal, it was packed. The atmosphere is wonderful, very cute and cozy, our waitress was delightful although we really didn't see much of her and it did take a while to get refills on drinks. The drink from the bar were way, way to strong. I am all for a strong drink, but both our drinks was undrinkable. There is not a lot on the menu to choose from. The food was good and fresh. I went to Anneke Jans expecting to be "wowed" and my overall experience was good but not "wow"

    (3)
  • albert g.

    I agree with most of the other reviewers that the food is delicious, and the interior is charming. The mussels in cream were excellent, with yummy bread to soak up the broth. Last time I also had a pan roasted cod which was very tasty. The only problem was that it was advertised as coming with fava beans and pureed potato. These two accompaniments were very pleasing except for the fact that there were only about 6 beans and approx. 3 teaspoonfuls of potato hidden under the cod. Why do otherwise nice restaurants do this? The portion of cod was adequate, so why skimp on the vegetables-the cheapest part of the meal? Beats me.

    (4)
  • L T.

    One of our favorite places on the Seacoast. Sit at the bar, ask Gavin or Ben to mix a drink for you (trust me, just ask them to mix you something- ignore the drink menu & let them surprise you...), try the specials of the night if they appeal to you & enjoy. Anneke Jans has atmosphere to spare. The people are wonderful, the food is fantastic, & you'll leave with a happy belly every time. When in doubt get their famous mussels & fries- it's a favorite for a reason. Sometimes, you just need their fries at the end of the day no matter what you're eating. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it....

    (5)
  • G D.

    I love this restaurant! This is one of our families favorites. If I could eat here every night I would, well, maybe not every night.......

    (5)
  • Huw E.

    Phenomenal food. Totally unexpected- a bistro worthy of NYC or SF at this tiny town in Maine. You can eat at the bar which is super cool (or just have some extra drinks at the bar after dinner). Best steak tartare my wife and I have ever tried (and we've tried a lot and are picky). Wonderful seafood. Tasty desserts and we don't usually have a sweet tooth. A must visit if you're in Kittery, ME.

    (5)
  • Nadia A.

    I ordered an expensive cod. It had no flavor. I felt like I was chewing on air. I had to dump hot sauce all over my meal to give it some flavor. I've often been told "you get what you pay for" ...but not so at Anneke Jans . The one positive is that the atmosphere is nice. Service= so-so. I will also say that I had a really really terrific glass of water;)

    (1)
  • Bill C.

    Dined there last evening. Though pricey, the food was exceptional and the portions larger than expected. I had a mixed green salad with mandarin orange slices, sweetened walnuts topped with house made lime vinegarette dressing as did my wife. My entree were the PEI mussels and they were exquisite. Steamed in a light cream broth (incredible) with bacon, carmelized onions and garlic, the mussels were the finest I've tasted and I've had many. My wife chose a pepper encrusted sushi grade tuna with a wasabe aioli. Though expensive ($32), it was excellently pan seared and flavorful. Topped off with a shared piece of mousse cake, the entire meal made for a memorable evening. We would return without hesitation.

    (4)
  • Ned S.

    Anneke Jans is one of my all time favorites. It doesn't hurt that it's steps from my house, either. My wife and I go consistently, and are never disappointed. My favorite is to sit at the bar where you are treated like a king by the bar staff. Henri and the whole kitchen team do a great job with unique twists on the freshest ingredients available. Love the way they do their salmon. Wish they had a pasta dish back on the menu (hint hint). If you are looking for a table I would definitely recommend getting a reservation, but we usually are able to sneak into seats at the bar. If you like Mussels, their's are killer, and get extra bread to soak up the goodness. Desserts here are killer as well, so save some room. Moira and Jason have done a fantastic job with this icon, and they have an awesome staff. Some may say it's noisy, but I love the feel and energy. Couldn't recommend Anneke Jans more highly.

    (5)
  • Jay N.

    I was having trouble getting a reservation because they were booked full so I called. I spoke to Moira and she could not have been more accommodating. Giving my time as 10 minutes away she reserved me a seat at the bar. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by her and shown to my seat. From that moment on, perfection. Excellent food from appetizer to dessert, wonderful cocktails, and top-notch service from Rose and Jess. The atmosphere was alive and upbeat and the other diners I talked to could not say enough nice things about the place. Before I knew it two hours had passed. I look forward to returning here. Jason and Moira, thank you for a wonderful Bastille Day Celebration.

    (5)
  • Thomas S.

    Outstanding, thisplacenaiks it at every level, great food, wine, service and atmosphere. Went with a group of 4 were seated immediately upon arrival (it got packed quickly), onto the appetizers. Definitely try the mussels in blue cheese, this could have been an entree. Definitely on s list for anyone coming to visit and want to move beyond the tourist traps.

    (5)
  • m k.

    Our local fav .....we'll return again and again. Food is amazing, the staff remembers people and the atmosphere is perfectly buzzing.

    (5)
  • Carla C.

    Every experience that I've had at this restaurant has been phenomenal- so I'm truly surprised the restaurant has only been given two reviews. The first thing that comes to mind: service. The waiters here are fantastic: great conversationalists that put you at ease with just the right amount of talking, impeccable timing and thoughtful suggestions. I've gone with or without reservations and had equal success. The bar side is usually busy, but a good place to have a drink or two while you wait for your table. Nice wine list and I hear the mixed drinks are up to par (I usually stick with wine for dinner, so I've never had them myself.) The food has been amazing, absolutely delicious with a decent variety to satisfy all palates. (It may sound weird, but I ADORE their liver with onions and mashed potatoes- you hardly ever see this on menus, but it is wonderful.) I've also had great experiences with the calamari, wedge salad and the salmon. And if you're as much of a carnivore as I am- get the sirloin strip and you won't be sorry.

    (5)
  • J P.

    The food was terrific and this was our first visit. I would go back again. Having said that, the service by our waitress was embarraingly neglegent. I made the reservation online and stated it was a 50th Birthday. Not expecting lavish treament, just, even maybe some acknowledgement. We had to flag our wairess each time we wanted something because she was eating over in the corner. She would take a drink order and then go help put silevrware away and our wine came after we finished a course. I heard "Ken" the waiter behind us talking w/ his cutomers asking if it was "a special occasion". Not us we got very poor service. Finally, I would order a bottle of wine next time rather than by the glass. We tried two differnt BTG wines and both were cooked. One we sent back. Let me repeat, the food was terrific. We'll try it again though and ask for Ken. He seemed to be in the game.

    (3)
  • Matt M.

    When people ask me for a recommendation for a nice restaurant around the Seacoast of NH - Anneke Jans and Cava are always the two restaurants I recommend. AJ's is by far one of the best restaurants in the NH Seacoast area, even though it's technically in Kittery, ME. The menu isn't overly fancy (read: pretentious) and they stick to relatively simple dishes that are done extremely well. Always ask for specials as those are usually better than anything on the menu, by far. The menu is still pretty darn good, though. One of the constants on the menu is the pan-roasted chicken. A great dish to try if it's your first time at AJ's. Oh, and you can't leave without having an order of the fried olives. My favorite part of AJ's is the bar. The bartenders are top-notch (especially Gavin and Ben), they love what they do and it shows. I suggest sitting at the bar sometime, talking to them, and asking what they'd suggest. You can give them a liquor that you want to base your drink off of, and a few other flavors, and they'll make you something different and amazing. The written drink menu is pretty good, too :) The atmosphere is also very relaxing. It's a small, intimate space and it's great for a romantic dinner, or even to bring a small group of friends to relax and have dinner and drinks.

    (5)
  • Alison T.

    I've been here several times. I have to say it is my favorite restaurant around the Portsmouth area. Fresh products, exquisitely prepared in an open kitchen (always a plus). I highly recommend the mussels, amazing with or with out the blue cheese. The oysters with the champagne tobikko mingonette are phenominal. They change the menu a little more than I would like while keeping classics some things that I loved are gone. The carb cakes are great, with hardly any filler. The gazpacho was wonderful, made with heirloom tomatoes with the perfect amouth acidity, I think that is no longer on the menu? I could be wrong. They used to do a gnocchi with a lobster/sun dried tomato/split pea sauce, I could have had every day and not been upset at all. I had the hallibut that last time I was there. It was great, the slightest bit dry, but I managed with the wonderful sauce that was with it. Salads are always interesting, tomato and watermelon was one of my favorites, served over argula with an aged sweet balsamic. So good. My dinner partner had the duck with a raspberry sauce that was cooked to perfection. I had perviously had the duck but with a blueberry glaze. Wine was excellent although I don't recall what I had, my server actully bought me a glass. Totally unnessecary, but a lovely gesture. (That got a great tip). Cocktails are original and creative, the wine list is extensive and reasonable. Coffee is strong and tasty, in a french press I don't think I have been on any other restaurants that serve coffee in this manner. The atmosphere is nice. It's quiet, contemporary setting is perfect for a date or small party. They have a round table at the back that is the chef's table probably my favorite seat in the house. I would not suggest bringing children, unless they are silent. It's small and comfortable yet still sophisticated. Informal dress, but obviously not too casual. Enjoy.

    (5)
  • Brian E.

    The food was excellent and the atmosphere was cozy (although on the verge of being a little too cramped). The one negative was my cocktail was unforgettable (not worth the premium price... I should note it was a special that night). Oddly enough, while the food was excellent, I was really amazed with the coffee at the end. This isn't your average restaurant coffee and has been chosen by a coffee professional (served in a french press... nice touch). Service was excellent.

    (4)
  • bella c.

    anneke jans is worth checking out, the food is really good, great atmosphere too, the chef does an amazing job!.

    (4)
  • Tamar O.

    Anneke Jans is housed in a sleek, dark and contemporary space. Unfortunately, we were seated at an extremely tight table for two right by the hostess station where I was bumped into severaltimes throughout the meal. For whatever reason, parties of two who arrived after us where all given four tops and I noted that none of them seemed to have reservations (we did). In addition to the discomfort of the incredibly tight seating, the room is uncomfortably loud. It was nearly impossible to make conversation or be heard. As for the food I will say it is slightly above average with a few missteps. I ordered the fried olive appetizer which made me realize that what is so sexy about an olive is its texture and the fact it is served at room temperature. Frying removed all of those qualities resulting in a crunchy hot salty mess. I barely ate any which the waitress did not bother to comment on. We also ordered pasta which came without seasoning and the steak tartare which was so seasoned it was difficult to taste the flavor of the meat. For entrees we both ordered the aged sirloin which although extremely flavorful (and perhaps just a tad overcooked) was also chewy and quite difficult to cut through. Neither of us could finish and again, the waitress said nothing. Because the environment was so physically uncomfortable, we decided not to stay for dessert.

    (2)
  • Richard B.

    A wonderful dining experience. Not a single complaint of any aspect. If we get back to this area we will certainly be eating here again. Rich & Wendy Baker Norwalk, CT

    (5)
  • D J.

    Great atmosphere, wonderful service, and delicious food offerings. I really like the wine list here too. The owner's couldn't be nicer. Very attentive to customer satisfaction.

    (5)
  • FoodLover Z.

    The fried olives appetizer is the main reason to visit this place. Not that you couldn't make this dish at home, but it is delicious. The oysters were good too, but then this is Portsmouth NH where it isn't hard to find good oysters. Rest of the fare, including the short rib croquettes, veal chops and cocktails were average at best.

    (3)
  • Kayla C.

    My boyfriend and I came here for restaurant week this year and really enjoyed our meal. Service was very friendly (and complimented me quite a lot, always a way to make my day better!) and the food was, of course, delicious. We arrived right before opening time, and they were more than happy to seat us and start things off for us. We both had the pumpkin soup. I had the pollock and my boyfriend the duck confit. To finish, the cranberry bread pudding for me and maple creme caramel for him. All was wonderfully prepared and especially tasty. My only complaint would be that the pumpkin soup could have been warmer and a little more dimensional in taste, but hey, I was still happy.

    (4)
  • Kimber C.

    I ate here last night with a couple of my girlfriends. I had never known this place existed until a friend suggested I eat here. It is always great to eat at a place that is locally sourced. They even have a small herb garden that can be seen from the window. Starters: The table ordered the fried olives. I love olives, so I figured I would love fried olives as well.. I did and do. I have yet to meet an olive I haven't liked. Soup/ Salads: Two of us ordered the white bean soup with pickled oysters and flowers. We both appreciated the soup. I especially like the bitterness the pickled flavor brought to the smooth soup. It wasn't overpowering at all. It was also my first time having pickled oysters. My friend ordered the yellow and red beet salad and was very happy with it. The presentation was like a color explosion, with a light dressing on top and a yogurt based dressing on the side. She said "this is a perfect summer salad". Entrees: I had the Rabbit with potatoes, apples, greens, and a mustard puree. It was really delicious. The rabbit was well cooked and seasoned. I like to put all of the flavors together for a flavor explosion in my mouth. My friend had the Duck with daikon, greens, and a carb (don't remember what it was and didn't eat it, so cannot recall). She stated that it was really good with only one other place that made it better in Louisiana. The third friend had the muscles and liked them a lot. She said if the executive chef didn't come over when she was down to just the cream sauce, she would have soaked it all up with bread to consumer it. We all joked about picking up the pot and drinking it. Yes folks, it was that good. Desserts: Come from a local bakery. I had a delicious creme brûlée, one had the bread pudding, and the other had a white chocolate butter pecan? desert. These are not made at this location, so I will not comment on the deserts, only that they have chosen their source wisely. We had sparking water and wine. I had a pinot noir, St. Helena, CA. I'm usually not a fan of pinot noir, but this one was particularly smooth and complimented the rabbit perfectly. Staff: The executive chef came over to our table and introduced himself. It was nice to have that personal element brought to the table. I personally love when the executive chef comes out to see how everything was. It a rare occurrence at most places (unfortunately), so it's always extra special when I find a place that it happens. Waitstaff: I could see them working fully as a team. They were informative and pleasant. I chose my wine based off of the waitress' recommendations for the rabbit. I have lived with a fine dining waitress before and know how important it is to know the food items. It is clear to me that this staff was very familiar with menu and the pairings. If it weren't for her, I would have ordered a much heavier/ bolder wine that would have distracted from my meal. I also like the layout of the dining room. I like that I could see the executive chef and sous chef working. I also like the decor, it appeared to encompass recycled materials/ materials that would keep the noise down. I could be wrong about the recycled material thing.

    (5)
  • Kaley S.

    The Good: Upscale atmosphere, perfect for dressing up & splurging on date night. The (rather short) menu changes frequently due to seasonal ingredients and the chef's whimsy. Food and cocktails were classy but simple, not overdone or fussy, done well without a sense of them trying TOO hard. We appreciated their emphasis on local foods, and at one point heard our bartender Zach say "I'll be right back, I have to cut mint from the garden" for a lady's cocktail. Yay fresh herbs! It was a rainy Monday night, and we expected it to be a very slow night -- we were only one of two couples in the restaurant at first, but it filled up with folks of all ages, from 20s to middle aged and older! They offer a Sunday brunch from 11-2 and Zach let us check out the menu, which looked awesome! It was a short menu but had a great variety, including green eggs and ham, market salad (they do go to the Farmer's Market every week!), a BLT, bread pudding French toast and even Croque Madame -- it all sounded yummy and made me want to try it out! The Bad: Nothing really! It's obviously on the pricey side, that's what you expect when dressing up for a nice meal at a nice restaurant! The Food: Mussels in a cream & white wine sauce with bacon & onions was simple, fresh, and tasty. We added blue cheese for an extra dollar, which came in a small dollop on top but unfortunately got lost in the creamy sauce. We got the appetizer version, but they also offer an entree version with pommes frites (French fries!) They don't make their own bread but get it from local bakery Beach Pea, and it was fresh, soft, chewy and perfect for dipping in the mussels' cream sauce. We got the cheese board, which had four cheeses, crostinis, a spicy mustard, gherkins and a fig mostarda, which was more like a sweet & tangy fig jelly. The accoutrements were so strong they can overwhelm the (rather mild) cheeses if you use more than a tiny bit. The cheeses were approachable and enjoyable, but I wouldn't have minded one with a little more funk ;) There was a blue goat's milk cheese and one from cows that graze in the Swiss Alps, and it was great to try new cheeses that aren't easy to find at the store! We also enjoyed the seared scallops dish, which came on creamed corn with pea shoots. The menu called it polenta, but Zach explained that rather than polenta out of a bag, the chefs actually grated the corn! It was sweet, creamy, and absolutely lovely, especially with the fresh pea shoots. The Service: We sat at the bar and had great service from bartender Zach. He told us that twenty years ago, Anneke Jans was the only restaurant on the block which now houses several great restaurants from noodles to pizza and burgers, a coffee shop and juice stand, and that several of the chefs from those restaurants got their start working at Anneke Jans, so it is a true local standby. Zach made great drinks, was professional and knowledgeable, and handled the (Monday night!) rush like a pro, making drinks quickly without seeming stressed. Overall: We had a fantastic evening at this locals' favorite. Recommended for date night or anytime you want to dress up a little and splurge! The cocktails, sangria, and all the food was delicious, and I look forward to going back for dinner, drinks, appetizers, and brunch!

    (4)
  • Michael E.

    One of my best meals in Maine this trip! The restaurant is charming service by Eric was excellent and the food was well thought out and beautifully prepared. My father had the pork flat iron steak which was delicious and I had the house made fettuccine with seasonal vegetables that was excellent. The Caramell trio for dessert was the perfect ending to a beautiful meal.

    (5)
  • Gwen H.

    Was so disappointed with the experience at Anneke Jans. After hearing WONDERFUL things about this place from family and friends...decided to go out to dinner last Saturday. Service was very nice, look of the restaurant was great, but the food was horrible! Two of us had the sirloin, that was so tough it was inedible. Two of us had the salmon, and it tasted as if it had been frozen and re-heated. Not a single one of us finished all of our food...and none of us wanted to take it home. The dinner was over $400, and I've had better food at $20 places. How could this happen? If everyone was recommending? Apparently they recently changed their kitchen staff and it has been horrible since. I hope they fix whatever issues are going on because if all dinners are like mine was from now on- they'll be out of business fast. It was awful.

    (2)
  • Alan T.

    Be careful when paying with your debit card or credit card here? They will over charge you by 20% after you gave already paid your bill! Why I was told to cover the bill that you already paid for!! The illegally take 20% after the fact!! When I called I was also told that the correct amount would be reflected in two days!!! No the correct amount should have been taken out in the first place, this happened to everyone only party there were six of us!! This also happens to you!!! He collects the interest on your money for two days!! This money was illegally taken out, be carefull check your credit cards after eating there!!!

    (1)
  • Deborah M.

    We were in Kittery, Maine last weekend, visiting from Los Angeles, where we certainly have our share of great restaurants. We expected everything in Kittery to be quaint and about seafood. And pretty much, it is. What a surprise to find a very sophisticated, great spot with a decidedly urban feel! We tried to get in on Saturday night and it was out of the question. What?? A night scene in Kittery?? We ended up coming very early Sunday evening, with our 1 1/2 year old grandson in tow, who is not very quiet in restaurants, as we found out. Maybe wouldn't do that again, but they handled it beautifully. And the food was incredibly good. We had homemade pasta and great salads...one was kale and the other wonderful beet with gorgonzola. I loved the design, I loved the food, I loved the service. Definitely changed my mind about little Kittery! I can't wait to return. It was also lovely to watch the snow fall as we had our meal."

    (5)
  • Claire G.

    By far the best food in the Kittery region. My boyfriend and I found this gem a few years ago after the restaurant we had been trying to go to was unexpectedly closed. BEST TURN OF EVENTS EVER. The food is phenomenal. The menu is always changing, although I wish the lobster salad on a fried tomato was there to stay! Don't skimp on deserts here, they are lick the plate good! A must-visit every time we're in Maine--we've even been twice in one weekend!

    (5)
  • Amy N.

    Such a bummer... the Black Birch had a line out the door so I convinced my husband to give it a try, for his birthday dinner. I'd been with family and had a great meal. Tonight, we sat at the bar (it was empty). The bartender was a jackass. I specifically requested dessert with a candle, while my husband was in the washroom. I can't recall him even asking if our steaks / burgers were cooked OK (mine was not). Needless to say, dessert never appeared and made for an awkward moment, when the check arrived. Note to bartender, you work in Kittery, ME... Not Manhattan. Get over yourself.

    (1)
  • Lynette R.

    We were excited to have our special meal at this high end gourmet restaurant. The wait staff is spectacular and really sold us on the Wild Boar. Being we've never had it before, we thought we would try it. We started with the Oysters and found they were small and Brackish, as they had brown water in the shell. I had two oysters that were filled with broken shells and had to spit them out. The tomatoes were Beefsteak and were about 2 days past their ripe days and were soft and over ripe leaving them a bit slimy. When I listened to the description of the Mushroom soup, I did not hear the waitstaff mention that there were no solid mushrooms, therefore a puree. The taste was mellow and pleasant but when described, the Shitake Mushroom and Button Mushrooms were something to look forward to when described. Then the waitstaff suggested the Wild Boar. We never had this delicacy before. The Wild Boar was tough and difficult to chew. What we didn't know is that the serving was no more than 2 ounces. Two little slices that would fit in a tablespoon. Then there was about a tablespoon of corn mixed with 3 little miniature asparagus. My husband looked at me with disappointment. If we'd known that the dinner would be about 3 tablespoons, we would have ordered something that would be appropriate for dining. We generally have one meal a day and had to come back to our hotel and have oatmeal. Our bill came to $84 and $105 with tip as we do not drink alcohol.

    (1)
  • Deborah S.

    It has been some time since we have dined at Anneke Jans and we can not imagine why. Our next time back will be much sooner. This was our first brunch here. We have always been for wonderful dinners in the past. We of course could not resist ordering the fried olives, the only problem was that we wished we ordered two. They are delicious. The brunch menu has a wide variety of items. Something for everyone. We started with salads, yogurt with berries, and homemade granola. For our main course we enjoyed the salmon, vegetable scramble, and the crab benedict. We would order any one of them again. The creme brûlée and chocolate pot topped off our meal. The espresso martini was very well made and the local beer selection was good. Our server Ken was pleasant, attentive, and offered exceptional service. We can not wait to return.

    (5)
  • Larry M.

    Went for restaurant week. Nice atmosphere, but so-so service, and bland food. Had the Pork Meatball with Mascarpone Polenta to start. Meatball was average, but the polenta was more red sauce than anything. Entree was the Seared Salmon with Herb Risotto and Tomato Fondue. Salmon was cooked nicely, but had no flavor. Risotto? You mean runny watered rice? The tomato "fondue" was the only flavor on the plate, but I'm not sure what made it fondue. Dessert was tasty. Had the Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwich on an Oat Cookie with Lemon Curd. We had two servers. I couldn't tell if our primary waiter was trying to be funny and endearing by not knowing how to describe the ingredients in our meals, but it was certainly not professional. He described the Bananas Foster as "You know, bananas in some kind of syrup sauce." Not what I was expecting for $29 during restaurant week. I will not return. Also, watch your step when leaving the restaurant. Two feet outside the door is a step up to a curb. I tripped over this an broke my toenail off.

    (2)
  • Sherri M.

    We decided to go here after reading all of the great reviews here on yelp and I have to say Anneke Jans did not disappoint. The dining room was very warm and inviting, but unfortunately our table was near the door so every time the door open we got a cold breeze our way. Our waitress was absolutely lovely with lots of great recommendations. When I asked her for a drink they did not typically make she had the bartender come over to our table to ask what I liked/ didn't like and make a drink just for me. It was phenomenal. Our waitress was well versed on the menu and how everything was prepared which helped in making our selections from the impressive menu. We each got a salad to start and went with the sole and one of the specials, braised buffalo, for our main courses. The buffalo was cooked to perfection and just fell off the bone! The sole was great too, but the "creamy polenta" was anything but creamy. It was more like paste and lacked in flavor. The cherry tomatoes and olives were strange accompaniments to the dish, but didn't take away from the flavor of the fish and the way it was prepared. Our waitress also recommended the bread pudding for dessert. I have never been a fan of bread pudding but I am now. Wow Overall a very pleasant dining experience with a few minor areas for improvement. Definitely worth a try. We will certainly be returning.

    (4)
  • Kay M.

    Six of us dined last night...we started with the wedge salad, which we all shared as it is substantial. We appreciated that the kitchen separated the salads. It always amuses me if we split a salad and the server comes with two plates for the diner to deal with...they made the right choice. 3 of us had the duck which I think was the top choice of the evening. Very moist and tender...one had the fettuccine and two had the mussels. The comment on the mussels was that they were plentiful but on the small size. We had a very attentive waiter. We were greeted very warmly at the front door. All in all a very positive experience. Parking is an issue as there is only on street parking. Do give yourself extra time to find a space. We look forward to dining again at this very well run restaurant.

    (4)
  • Matt K.

    Every course was superb. The ambiance was relaxed and elegant. The wait staff went above and beyond to cater to your every need. The highlights were the PEI mussels with savory bleu cheese (optional) and fried olive appetizers, and the vanilla bread pudding with caramel and cinnamon whipped cream. A heartfelt thanks to our server Joel.

    (5)
  • Michael M.

    This used to be a favorite place of ours -- always hard to get a table but well worth it because of the great food, service and ambience. Booked a table (that morning on Open Table) for 7:00 Friday night and was surprised to find that they had redesigned and expanded the space so that it was no longer intimate and special (and half empty on a Friday night). The food was really unremarkable and the service was inattentive at best. Really wish someone/anyone would have checked in with us and asked about our experience. So disappointing on every level ... and so sad that they ruined a really good thing.

    (2)
  • Jo L.

    I have always wanted to eat here but never planned ahead which I thought you had to have a reservation to get a table. Black Birch had a two hour wait so we checked in here and were seated promptly. That was the end of the good experience. Our sever was clueless. I asked what she liked on the menu. She said the mussel have been on the menu for ever because they were popular. That was about it. There was steak tartar on the menu. I asked where the meat came from. She said "somewhere in the mid-west. I forget what state but I will ask for you". Huh? She also had know idea about the cocktail menu. I asked if a few of the drinks were served in a martini glass. She didn't know. She left for about 5 minutes - came back and told me both drinks I had asked about were not served in a martini glass and that if that was what I wanted I should just order a Manhattan. It was a bizarre exchange. I order the Manhattan just to get a drink order in. It was delicious but one of the drinks I asked about was indeed served the way I had wanted it. After we got our drink order in she delivered each one (of four) one at a time even though we were 10 feet from the bar. Very bizarre. We finally were able to order dinner 40 minutes after we sat down. Dinner was extremely unimpressive. My boyfriends mushroom tortellini (which the deliverer of the food called "the vegetarian special") was a complete rip off. He was starving after dinner. My mussels were $21. They came with "frittes". Both were tasteless. Our friends dinners were just ok. But the lamb short ribs were $31. Why? No of us mind spending good money on a nice dinner at a nice restaurant. We expect decent service from a server that knows the menu. Our sever was truly on Planet Claire. The food was unexceptional. Not quality. Maybe they just shop at Market Basket and Bj's for their supplies?That is fine but not for the prices they charge.

    (1)
  • Ted K.

    This is my second time to the Anneke's ver. 2.0. They've clearly put in a concerted effort to fix dings in the armor. The acoustics are considerably better. The menu has been spruced up from fairly standard to really really good with a dash of homage to old favorites. The new bar side of the restaurant is outstanding. Definitely a fun flavor going on between the restaurant and the bar scene. That said there's still something lacking. I want to see AJ's survive. I love Kittery and want to see this as a staple restaurant for years to come. Service was pretty lousy even though we were one table of only about five filling the restaurant. Food was tasty and looks outstanding On the menu (nice protein and plenty of well designed sides), but they still came out just a little flat. I had a clear view of the kitchen and the chefs were sitting around waiting to do work but our server was just sitting on his hands. The environment, scene, decor, ease of parking, neighborhood, menu, and ambiance are all really nice... I'm just still left waiting for a little something more. Maybe a third trip to version 2.0 will have me leaning more strongly one way or the other. Definitely a vast improvement over the first iteration of AJ's. If you haven't been back since, give it a try.

    (4)
  • Saffron M.

    Beautiful space since they renovated. Everything we had on our last visit for dinner was fresh, delectable, perfectly presented. Lovely server.

    (4)
  • Scott M.

    What a great little gem in Kittery, ME. We were meeting very old friends for dinner who had become newly engaged. We wanted to celebrate with a nice meal and wine list and we were happily rewarded. Scheduled for a Friday night and we were able to be seated early. The menu is fresh and creative. Started with a Pollock Ceviche and went onto a fried quail with corn pudding. My better half enjoyed a luscious short rib over very creamy risotto. Our friends equally shared in a hanger steak with homemade tater tots that had a bit of zing and a broiled salmon that was extremely delicious. We topped of the night with the exploration of caramel, an arrangement of 4 ways to enjoy caramel. Very creative with caramel brulee, a shake, crisp cookie drizzled in caramel and homemade caramel chew. The venue is charming and modern, the staff is very courteous and the ambiance was just right for the occasion. I would highly recommend the restaurant and look forward to going there again.

    (4)
  • Steve G.

    Rhee

    (4)
  • Kevin L.

    What do -you- know about Anneke Jans? Did you realise that her spawn were systematically swindled out of their money by dirty grubby New York lawyers? Or that the descendants are prohibited from suing the state into perpetuity? Fascinating stuff. [ bit.ly/pwcUrA] How does this all relate to Anneke Jans, the restaurant? Um... no idea. What I -do- know, is that the boy organised an absolutely lovely meal for us in a classy space, I was introduced to a fantastic new-to-me Belgian quadrupel*, and Gavin is one of the few bartenders I've met in life who I'd trust to make me any drink he wanted. As many other reviews recommended, start off with the fried olives. Honestly, the other starters (Bibb lettuce salad, calamari and grilled romaine) were less than inspiring. If you spot scallops on the menu, snag those! They're designed to be enjoyed with a bite of each ingredient in the bowl - the crunchy, savoury bacon bits really made it shine. Our swordfish special was also exceptional - served up on a bed of polenta with yellow tomatoes and capers, each bite exploded with a symphony of flavours and textures in my mouth. Superb. And the drinks? The ones on the menu didn't particularly strike my fancy, but the boy did choose this restaurant because of its vaunted bartenders. As I mentioned, Gavin did me no wrong. My only requirements: coloured liquor, not sweet. What arrived at our table was a rye concoction with parts Campari and parts Fernet**. Needless to say, it was -all- parts delightful and precisely what I was hoping for. Our dinner was rounded out with the mixed berry trifle (an utter win) and a solid take on Boston cream pie. Waddling out of a joint never felt so satisfying! -- * Straffe Hendrik - if you're a fan of Delirium Nocturnum, I expect you'll go gaga over this shiz. ** I wish I had a name for this delightful beverage, but unfortunately I failed to ask Gavin before leaving. For posterity's sake, I'm pretty sure it was 1/2 parts Campari and Fernet, 1 part sweet vermouth and rye.

    (5)
  • Don W.

    Hmmm, 4 or 5 stars... Okay, nothing went wrong. Everything was good. But it was our first time there and it wasn't so overwhelming that I want to give it 5 stars after one visit. The restaurant is small and feels very warm and inviting. There's a bar that at first looks like it's a bit too much in the dining room, but we didn't hear it and forgot that it was there so I guess it really isn't too close. The menu was good and creative, but there were no specials when we were there. Service was very good: friendly, pleasant, and not intrusive. And it seemed really clean. We're going to have to try Anneke Jans again. If it's always like it was the other night, it would be a 5 star restaurant. Not for being fancy, but for doing a really good job with good, basic ingredients. Since I'm not sure about the consistency and I haven't tried a special, I'm going with four stars for now.

    (4)
  • carol a.

    I've been wanting to try this place forever and finally got around to it. Thanks Living Social! We sat in the back near the kitchen so it was very noisy, but the good service and food made up for it. For appetizer we had the house made chartcuterie, which had several lovely cheese, meats, chutney, etc. The variety was great and all of the components worked together. I can't remember what entrees we had but they were very good. Drinks were solid as well. This place could stand to get a bit more creative, but overall it was a very good meal and we will go back.

    (4)
  • Marlene M.

    This was our second time at this restaurant. This time was so much better than the first. The food was excellent both times, but now the dining room is slightly more open so that diners are not sitting on top of each other. A much more relaxed experience. Again, the food was excellent. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Jay S.

    Dinner for two and a babysitter: $170. Worth it? Not really. I don't consider myself a foodie so maybe I'm missing something essential about appreciating $30 entrees. Other reviewers hit on the high and low points of our evening. Highs: Friendly hosts and wait staff; Ambiance; Fried Olives; Pommes Frites; Steak (my friend ordered - "cooked to perfection" he said). Lows: Noisy; Somewhat cramped; Duck and tuna dishes were bland; expensive drinks. Next time I want to eat out in Kittery, I'll go to Black Birch. More creative and tasteful food at a lower price point, with a killer beer selection.

    (3)
  • John D.

    I like the ambience, but did not like the Monkfish special.

    (3)
  • Erik S.

    Well...it's good. But not great. I mean, if you're paying $30 an entree, the food should be great. Right? The bar is wonderful, and the bartender is great. I often stop here for a nightcap. But rarely dinner.

    (3)
  • Paul D.

    Gem of a place, tucked away on a dark corner, in the sleep little downtown area of Kittery (who knew there even was a downtown Kittery) Anneke is a great restaurant. From the moment you walk in the front door, you are greeted by a dimly lit, beautifully minimal, romantic spot that is a perfect little bistro. Hostess was friendly and waiting for us to arrive (reservations are nearly required with so few tables), and we were promptly seated and met by our server. They have a great wine list, and the cocktails (prepared by some truly creative mixologist) are outstanding. My GF ordered a dirty martini and as someone here suggested, I let the bartender (Ben) select my drink. Told him something with gin - and the rest was his choice. What I received was not one, but two cocktails - as Ben could not decided on his favorite Gin drink, so he made me both of his favs. They were both delicious old school cocktails make with quality ingredients and perfect proportions. We skipped apps, in favor of dinner and desert this time - and that proved to be a good choice. Had the Tuna special with mango salsa - and the combination of spicy and sweet was just perfect. As for the deserts - I had a Vanilla Bread Pudding with caramel sauce and brown sugar cream - which was out of this universe. My GF had a lemon tart with fresh blueberries and home made whipped cream which was equally outstanding. Bill was considerably less than you might expect for food and service of this quality and the atmosphere was truly exceptional. I would like to welcome Anneke Jans - to my top 5. By far the best meal I have had in Maine - and rivals any bistro in Boston, NYC and beyond. I will be back soon.

    (5)
  • Shannon M.

    Food is great, during the summer the desserts are AMAZING, winter time they are just a-ok. GET THE BLEU CHEESE MUSSELS!!! That is all.

    (5)
  • Leslie D.

    Service was prompt and friendly and food was fantastic; between the two of us we had the fried olives, the iceburg wedge salad, the bibb salad, and the mussels & fries entree (with bleu cheese of course!). My only suggestion for improvement would be offering one or two dipping sauces for the fries (perhaps an aioli?) since the mussel sauce is better sopped up with a piece of bread. We also each ordered a blood & sand cocktail, with whiskey instead of scotch, a request that was granted and remembered for our second round. Brava!

    (4)
  • James T.

    YUM!! Delicious drinks and food WE love this place its in our top 5 in the seacoast..great place for a special dinner..

    (5)
  • Jordan R.

    Last night was my first time at the restaurant even though I've always lived in the area and everyone I know who has ever been there has raved wildly about it. I had heard it was upscale, so I was incorrectly picturing fine dining before arriving. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the atmosphere was actually quite laid back and upbeat, while still maintaining touches of an upscale feel. That requires a very delicate balance; good work. The food was every bit as delightful as everyone says it is. We started off with the mussels, which were out of this world. For an entree, I had the chicken plate, which was very traditional (chicken, mashed potatoes, baby onions (what's the name for those things?!), baby carrots and brussels sprouts) but more delicious than anything I've had like it. Needless to say, this was an enjoyable experience, and I will definitely return. I'd recommend this place to anyone.

    (5)
  • Megan S.

    Anneke Jans was recommended to us by a friend, so we decided to to try it out I called ahead and made a reservation, which I highly recommend! The place was packed and although we had a reservation ,we still needed to wait 10 mins or so to be seated, no big deal, it was packed. The atmosphere is wonderful, very cute and cozy, our waitress was delightful although we really didn't see much of her and it did take a while to get refills on drinks. The drink from the bar were way, way to strong. I am all for a strong drink, but both our drinks was undrinkable. There is not a lot on the menu to choose from. The food was good and fresh. I went to Anneke Jans expecting to be "wowed" and my overall experience was good but not "wow"

    (3)
  • albert g.

    I agree with most of the other reviewers that the food is delicious, and the interior is charming. The mussels in cream were excellent, with yummy bread to soak up the broth. Last time I also had a pan roasted cod which was very tasty. The only problem was that it was advertised as coming with fava beans and pureed potato. These two accompaniments were very pleasing except for the fact that there were only about 6 beans and approx. 3 teaspoonfuls of potato hidden under the cod. Why do otherwise nice restaurants do this? The portion of cod was adequate, so why skimp on the vegetables-the cheapest part of the meal? Beats me.

    (4)
  • Carla C.

    Every experience that I've had at this restaurant has been phenomenal- so I'm truly surprised the restaurant has only been given two reviews. The first thing that comes to mind: service. The waiters here are fantastic: great conversationalists that put you at ease with just the right amount of talking, impeccable timing and thoughtful suggestions. I've gone with or without reservations and had equal success. The bar side is usually busy, but a good place to have a drink or two while you wait for your table. Nice wine list and I hear the mixed drinks are up to par (I usually stick with wine for dinner, so I've never had them myself.) The food has been amazing, absolutely delicious with a decent variety to satisfy all palates. (It may sound weird, but I ADORE their liver with onions and mashed potatoes- you hardly ever see this on menus, but it is wonderful.) I've also had great experiences with the calamari, wedge salad and the salmon. And if you're as much of a carnivore as I am- get the sirloin strip and you won't be sorry.

    (5)
  • J P.

    The food was terrific and this was our first visit. I would go back again. Having said that, the service by our waitress was embarraingly neglegent. I made the reservation online and stated it was a 50th Birthday. Not expecting lavish treament, just, even maybe some acknowledgement. We had to flag our wairess each time we wanted something because she was eating over in the corner. She would take a drink order and then go help put silevrware away and our wine came after we finished a course. I heard "Ken" the waiter behind us talking w/ his cutomers asking if it was "a special occasion". Not us we got very poor service. Finally, I would order a bottle of wine next time rather than by the glass. We tried two differnt BTG wines and both were cooked. One we sent back. Let me repeat, the food was terrific. We'll try it again though and ask for Ken. He seemed to be in the game.

    (3)
  • Matt M.

    When people ask me for a recommendation for a nice restaurant around the Seacoast of NH - Anneke Jans and Cava are always the two restaurants I recommend. AJ's is by far one of the best restaurants in the NH Seacoast area, even though it's technically in Kittery, ME. The menu isn't overly fancy (read: pretentious) and they stick to relatively simple dishes that are done extremely well. Always ask for specials as those are usually better than anything on the menu, by far. The menu is still pretty darn good, though. One of the constants on the menu is the pan-roasted chicken. A great dish to try if it's your first time at AJ's. Oh, and you can't leave without having an order of the fried olives. My favorite part of AJ's is the bar. The bartenders are top-notch (especially Gavin and Ben), they love what they do and it shows. I suggest sitting at the bar sometime, talking to them, and asking what they'd suggest. You can give them a liquor that you want to base your drink off of, and a few other flavors, and they'll make you something different and amazing. The written drink menu is pretty good, too :) The atmosphere is also very relaxing. It's a small, intimate space and it's great for a romantic dinner, or even to bring a small group of friends to relax and have dinner and drinks.

    (5)
  • Bill C.

    Dined there last evening. Though pricey, the food was exceptional and the portions larger than expected. I had a mixed green salad with mandarin orange slices, sweetened walnuts topped with house made lime vinegarette dressing as did my wife. My entree were the PEI mussels and they were exquisite. Steamed in a light cream broth (incredible) with bacon, carmelized onions and garlic, the mussels were the finest I've tasted and I've had many. My wife chose a pepper encrusted sushi grade tuna with a wasabe aioli. Though expensive ($32), it was excellently pan seared and flavorful. Topped off with a shared piece of mousse cake, the entire meal made for a memorable evening. We would return without hesitation.

    (4)
  • Ned S.

    Anneke Jans is one of my all time favorites. It doesn't hurt that it's steps from my house, either. My wife and I go consistently, and are never disappointed. My favorite is to sit at the bar where you are treated like a king by the bar staff. Henri and the whole kitchen team do a great job with unique twists on the freshest ingredients available. Love the way they do their salmon. Wish they had a pasta dish back on the menu (hint hint). If you are looking for a table I would definitely recommend getting a reservation, but we usually are able to sneak into seats at the bar. If you like Mussels, their's are killer, and get extra bread to soak up the goodness. Desserts here are killer as well, so save some room. Moira and Jason have done a fantastic job with this icon, and they have an awesome staff. Some may say it's noisy, but I love the feel and energy. Couldn't recommend Anneke Jans more highly.

    (5)
  • Jay N.

    I was having trouble getting a reservation because they were booked full so I called. I spoke to Moira and she could not have been more accommodating. Giving my time as 10 minutes away she reserved me a seat at the bar. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by her and shown to my seat. From that moment on, perfection. Excellent food from appetizer to dessert, wonderful cocktails, and top-notch service from Rose and Jess. The atmosphere was alive and upbeat and the other diners I talked to could not say enough nice things about the place. Before I knew it two hours had passed. I look forward to returning here. Jason and Moira, thank you for a wonderful Bastille Day Celebration.

    (5)
  • Thomas S.

    Outstanding, thisplacenaiks it at every level, great food, wine, service and atmosphere. Went with a group of 4 were seated immediately upon arrival (it got packed quickly), onto the appetizers. Definitely try the mussels in blue cheese, this could have been an entree. Definitely on s list for anyone coming to visit and want to move beyond the tourist traps.

    (5)
  • m k.

    Our local fav .....we'll return again and again. Food is amazing, the staff remembers people and the atmosphere is perfectly buzzing.

    (5)
  • Richard B.

    A wonderful dining experience. Not a single complaint of any aspect. If we get back to this area we will certainly be eating here again. Rich & Wendy Baker Norwalk, CT

    (5)
  • D J.

    Great atmosphere, wonderful service, and delicious food offerings. I really like the wine list here too. The owner's couldn't be nicer. Very attentive to customer satisfaction.

    (5)
  • Dan B.

    This stellar rating is for the food and atmosphere, but not the service. Seeing as the former two carry a lot of weight with me the rating remains high. I love the selection of food as it allowed for a good long dining experience. There were higher end items, but the pomme frites and fried olives allowed for snacking while we conversed for hours. The menu was riddled with fish options and salads were reasonably large. Everything was perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious. The wine list was good, but somewhat difficult to navigate (see tiny font). The bottles we chose were stellar and versatile, pairing well with dinner and dessert. We had a group of 7 and although the floor plan is small, they do not pack in more tables than they should. The room is dark, but one could still see their food on the plate and the bustling kitchen provided a nice ambiance. The room did get loud at times, but that is nice on a busy Saturday night. Still nice enough for date night though! The only grievance we had was with our service. Our waiter managed the table poorly and was a bit brash (see unprofessional) in his interactions with some of our party. He decided to yell a conversation about substitutions rather than coming over to his seat. He also attended to the people he determined to be more 'seasoned' diners and ignored most of the others. We also had a gin martini take about 20 minutes from ordering to delivery. I am not sure if this was the bar or the waiter forgetting to put in the order. Because he was just one waiter in a sea of waitstaff, I assume this is a controlled issue and should not keep anyone from taking in this incredible meal.

    (5)
  • abby l.

    I have only been once, and I actually feel that I need another trip to give Anneke Jans a full, well-researched review. Reason #1: the first appetizer I ordered had been 86-ed while our server was taking our order. Reason #2: the exact same thing happened to the first entree I ordered, which was a special and involved lobster. Neither was the server's fault, as it was a very busy night, however she was very apologetic and made suggestions for substitutions that they could do for me based on another entree. It was no problem at all, except that I was sad not to try my first choices on the menu. Anyway, overall there is a great atmosphere at AJ's - though I think if they took a few tables out of the cramped dining room it would be even ore pleasant. On the other hand, every table was filled - it was good that we had a reservation for our party of 8. Otherwise it was classy, yet upbeat rather than subdued. For appetizers, we ended up sharing a few at the table. One was the fried olives, which were creatively served in a little dish atop the olive can itself, though I personally found them just OK in taste. The other was the Bang Island Mussels which were delicious, perfectly cooked and just rich enough without being over-powering. We skipped out on the bacon in these, which was fine by me but my dinner mates claimed it would have been much better with it. Both apps were a steal at $4 and $9, respectively. There was an array of choices at our table for entrees, and I heard no complaints from anyone. As for mine, I ended up with an organic greens salad ($9) which was splendid and the trout, which was unbelievable, and totally worth the $23. I really loved the whole dish, accompaniments included, as risotto is tricky and is hardly every REALLY done properly. Not here! The trout was the perfect texture and temperature, the sauce was light and lovely - not overpowering, the risotto was fantastic and the beans were a refreshing touch. Loved it. Overall, great place and I can't wait to go back.

    (4)
  • Linda P.

    I was able to get a late reservation for Saturday night with some girlfriends and were seated at the "chef's table". It was a fantastic evening of great food, great company and excellent service. Even though we were right near the kitchen, they barely made any noise or were any distraction from our evening. The food was amazing! Two of us enjoyed the restaurant week menu and the other woman had misc items from their main menu. We all shared the fried olives and the chive gnocchi with peas, bacon, crab and a light sauce as apps. Both were so delicious and I would recommend them! We had 3 desserts that we all shared and again, delicious! Our server had a great balance of being attentive and having the knowledge to deliver a relaxing dining experience. Run, don't walk......Enjoy!!

    (5)
  • Sue M.

    I live in Kittery close to Anneka Jans and have eaten at there but not recently. I occasionally have stopped in the bar to have a drink and appetizers with friends visiting. Every time I do the bartenders have been very rude. The times I've been there I've told myself not to go back, but after a while I have tried it again. One time I was there with two girlfriends who were visiting from out of state. We ordered drinks and wanted desserts. We asked the bartender what he would recommend and he scowled and said he had no idea he didn't eat dessert. He was cold to us the entire time we were there. Last night I was in with my daughter and her boyfriend. I was distraught over a personal matter and discussing it with them. None of us heard my phone ring, but when we got the bill the bartender said, "Why don't you answer your darn phone". That is my last time in Anneka Jans, and I will certainly spread the word that if you want to be rudely treated by a bartender Anneka Jans is the place to go.

    (1)
  • Brian S.

    Very nice spot in downtown Kittery. Delicious menu. Very romantic. Valet parking on the weekends makes it an easy choice. Will definitely be back

    (5)
  • Barbara P.

    Our waiter Joel was perfect! The local cod was fresh and delicious. Our whole gang enjoyed their meals. The blueberry martini was different and tasty.

    (4)
  • Greg T.

    Fantastic restaurant with great service, ambiance, food and wine. Ordered several small plates as we usally do and all were excellent. We particularly liked the charcuterie plate with cheeses and the flat bread. Mussels were fresh and delicious and the bread was outstanding. WIne selection from Italy was reasonable and very good. Loved the setting in an old buidling. The acoustics were fine and we were able to converse the entire time without having to talk too loudly. The help was great and very accomodating. Worth a side trip to eat here.

    (5)
  • Tim W.

    Went there on Monday night, so the place was a little slow. Server was a bit over enthusiastic, refilled water every time we took a sip interrupting our conversation way too frequently. Also gave me a very condescending pat on the back and said "you're like a full adult!" after checking my id and finding I was older than I looked. Food was very good, displayed well on the plate, portions not overwhelming, which left us room for desert which was also good. Beer selection very small and all from bottles and cans. Overall good experience, but not great. Probably won't go back.

    (3)
  • Catherine O.

    Excellent service. Prices no different than Portland. Vegetarian option was so tasty. They were great about my husbands allergies. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Kyle S.

    One of my favorite restaurants on the seacoast. When I want to go out for an enjoyable, semi-upscale, dinner here is where I go. The food is very good, service is always timely and friendly, and the overall vibe of the place is positive. Atmosphere is bistro style. It can be a little loud in here but not unbearable. In the summer they have a wall of windows in the front of the restaurant that open. Food would be new American with my personal favorite the muscles with bacon and blue cheese. They are served as an appetizer portion or a full portion and are delicious with the crunchy baguette they have. Service is pleasant and prompt. We go there a lot so we know a lot of the staff.

    (5)
  • Peter K.

    Anneke Jans - a hidden jewel. My family was visiting the area and was invited to join relatives there for a special night out. What a delight. The mussels were outstanding; the bruschetta was unique. I particularly loved the fried olives and how they were served - a real dining treat. The wine went well with everything we ate. And portions were generous enough that we wound up sharing desserts. I hope we can go again when up in the area.

    (5)
  • Steve M.

    We haven't been to AJ in a few years even though we really enjoyed it back when Andy owned it ( we live in an area with an over-abundance of fabulous eateries. Tonight we were impressed with their expansion and renovation; they now have a very large bar (we always dine at places where we can sit up at the bar) and a very nice variety of seating options from high tops to traditional tables. The staff was exceptional! Our bartenders Steve and Kelly were personable, engaging, and truly professional and delivered exceptional service. Although neither my wife or I had an entree, we had apps and salads that were very good; of course we had the fried olives that have been a signature item sine AJ's opened and they were excellent. The remodel/expansion was obviously done with considerable consideration to the warmth and comfortable feeling that guests yearn for. I may seem to be gushing, but my wife and I are Virgo foodies which means we are VERY hard to impress. Tonight we were struck by the attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant from the design to the food and it's staff. We highly recommend this restaurant and am confident that it will continue to thrive (the place was packed-luckily we got there early on a Saturday night). Bravo to the staff and management at Anneke Jans! P.S. I have a real problem with background noise and being able to hear in a noisy environment; despite the fact that the place was packed it was not an issue at all, which is a rarity for me!

    (4)
  • Beth M.

    Had a fabulous Prohibition-era cocktail - the Bees Knees - definitely my drink for the summer! The fried olives are like crack, the ahi tuna was perfect, the calamari was very peppery (in a good way), the only criticism with apps would be the dice on the steak tartare was a bit big. Entrees were great - 3 aged sirloins, the lamb racks and a seafood risotto special...no complaints, everyone cleaned their plates. Desserts...the bread pudding was good but a bit dense, the lime tart was fantastic. All in all, a great night with great food and wonderful service.!

    (5)
  • Nev H.

    Anneke Jans has been our go to restaurant since the day they opened. We have been there probably 20 times or more. It's one of the best restaurants in the entire seacoast area. Can be a bit loud on busy nights, and I miss Ben the bartender, but other than that fantastic place. The PEI mussels (I don't like it with the blue cheese personally...) are consistently delicious. Pork Belly appetizer is one of the best plates I've ever had in my life...out of this world. They occasionally have a miss or two and the desserts are on the simple side, but overall you will not be disappointed by the atmosphere, service, cocktails or food. Ask for Kellie to be your server and sit near the open air windows on a warm Summer evening! Enjoy.

    (5)
  • Robin D.

    A little gem of a bistro in the sleepy (ok, asleep) downtown of Kittery, just over the bridge from Portsmouth. Total bistro feel: warm, dark, casual but elegant. Service was friendly, knowledgable, and smiling. Food was out of this world, from bread to dessert. Wine list is not cheap, but really extensive and well-selected. If you want a special night out in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, this is the place the foodie locals will recommend, and it's for good reason. Loved it!

    (5)
  • Stephanie P.

    wonderful restaurant with friendly and professional waitstaff. The food is delicious. Try the fried olives appetizer and if you are a steak tartare fan don't miss it!

    (4)
  • Mario T.

    Very nice, sort of upscale place. As others have said the food is expensive but is usually worth it, (though I have been underwhelemd once or twice by seafood, I still dine here). Drinks are great, as is the bar. Very friendly staff. If you can afford it, try checking it out if you're in Kittery, or even Portsmouth (there are more places in Portsmouth however)

    (4)
  • Alison T.

    I've been here several times. I have to say it is my favorite restaurant around the Portsmouth area. Fresh products, exquisitely prepared in an open kitchen (always a plus). I highly recommend the mussels, amazing with or with out the blue cheese. The oysters with the champagne tobikko mingonette are phenominal. They change the menu a little more than I would like while keeping classics some things that I loved are gone. The carb cakes are great, with hardly any filler. The gazpacho was wonderful, made with heirloom tomatoes with the perfect amouth acidity, I think that is no longer on the menu? I could be wrong. They used to do a gnocchi with a lobster/sun dried tomato/split pea sauce, I could have had every day and not been upset at all. I had the hallibut that last time I was there. It was great, the slightest bit dry, but I managed with the wonderful sauce that was with it. Salads are always interesting, tomato and watermelon was one of my favorites, served over argula with an aged sweet balsamic. So good. My dinner partner had the duck with a raspberry sauce that was cooked to perfection. I had perviously had the duck but with a blueberry glaze. Wine was excellent although I don't recall what I had, my server actully bought me a glass. Totally unnessecary, but a lovely gesture. (That got a great tip). Cocktails are original and creative, the wine list is extensive and reasonable. Coffee is strong and tasty, in a french press I don't think I have been on any other restaurants that serve coffee in this manner. The atmosphere is nice. It's quiet, contemporary setting is perfect for a date or small party. They have a round table at the back that is the chef's table probably my favorite seat in the house. I would not suggest bringing children, unless they are silent. It's small and comfortable yet still sophisticated. Informal dress, but obviously not too casual. Enjoy.

    (5)
  • Brian E.

    The food was excellent and the atmosphere was cozy (although on the verge of being a little too cramped). The one negative was my cocktail was unforgettable (not worth the premium price... I should note it was a special that night). Oddly enough, while the food was excellent, I was really amazed with the coffee at the end. This isn't your average restaurant coffee and has been chosen by a coffee professional (served in a french press... nice touch). Service was excellent.

    (4)
  • bella c.

    anneke jans is worth checking out, the food is really good, great atmosphere too, the chef does an amazing job!.

    (4)

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Opening Hours

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Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes

Anneke Jans

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