Portland
Deli-style sandwiches like the avocado naan and Korean fried chicken grace the menu at this hip downtown spot, which is popular with young Portland…
Must-see restaurants in Maine
Midcoast Maine
At this high-quality pan-Asian eatery, the accomplished dishes dazzle palates with fresh flavor. Small plates range from lobster ravioli served in a rich,…
Portland
The 1lb 'hand slab' is huge – a doughy slab of focaccia topped with tomato and cheese – and perfect for ensuring the beer (there are 20 on tap) doesn't go…
Midcoast Maine
The chef-owner's menu wanders the globe at this well-received addition to the Camden scene, sampling techniques and flavors to spice up the fine local…
Midcoast Maine
The answer to the question 'More oysters?' is always yes, in case you're wondering, and as such you should get yourself seated at North Beacon Oyster…
Midcoast Maine
It's always a treat to find good Mexican food this far north, and El Ancla ('the anchor'), with a menu ranging from slow-roasted pork with achiote to…
Southern Maine Coast
Warm, inviting Northern Union emphasizes wine pairings, although its food is pretty fantastic with or without vino. To wit: try mushrooms with black…
Western Maine
A perfect little 'mountain bistro' where the emphasis is on great local, seasonal produce, delivered in creative small plates (panko-crusted fried green…
Portland
Hugo's has taken a few different turns over its lifetime and settled on this handsome, upscale incarnation, where the menu divides into 'Foraged & Farmed,…
Midcoast Maine
It feels like Maine state law requires every town in the state to have a quirky local ice-cream shack, and Lulu's is the iteration in Rockland. Brightly…
Southern Maine Coast
Local, organic and deliciously innovative, Bandaloop mains run the gamut from grilled rib-eye steak to baked tofu with hemp-seed crust. For the perfect…
Mount Desert Island
In a sprawling white cottage, this quirky eatery is the place for breakfast, with plump Maine blueberry pancakes, organic oatmeal, and eggs Benedict with…
Southern Maine Coast
We'd marry Pizza by Alex if it'd have us. It serves one size of pizza – a 10in personal pan – with a bunch of toppings (spinach, salami, anchovies etc)…
Down East
The first turnoff (on the right) after crossing the bridge, this take-out stand cooks up boiled lobster as well as clams, mussels, burgers (meat and…
Midcoast Maine
Have a date night at this smart but casual Mediterranean nook, where you can sample racks of extra virgin olive oil or indulge in dishes like halibut…
Southern Maine Coast
Solid Maine cuisine, well executed and served in an airy, attractive dining room is the name of the game here. You can't go wrong with a table-side…
Down East
This cheerfully painted cafe serves up tasty egg sandwiches, thick frittatas and granola with yogurt for breakfast. There are also sandwiches (tuna melts,…
Inland Maine
Inside this big yellow house on the main street, the crowd-pleasing menu includes crabmeat crepes, grilled pesto pizzas and beef tenderloin au poivre. At…
Midcoast Maine
This smart, romantic nook sits at the intersection of Maine and the Mediterranean. Risotto comes with a vegetarian asparagus broth, halibut is served with…
Portland
Even carnivores shouldn't miss the vegetarian fare at this Zen-chic, Thai-inspired cafe (with lots of vegan and gluten-free options too). Start with the…
Midcoast Maine
All right, this little ice cream shop isn't technically on Monhegan – it's close to the docks in Port Clyde. But if you're waiting on a boat, do yourself…
Southern Maine Coast
A super-scenic spot to crack into a whole boiled lobster with all the trimmings, right on the Chauncey Creek River. BYOB (in fact, you can bring any food…
Southern Maine Coast
In a tranquil spot overlooking the Cape Neddick River, this sunny, open dining room is popular with locals and in-the-know summer regulars. Ignore the…
Down East
A casual spot serving up the town's best lobster rolls, plus inexpensive lunch specials (avocado-bacon cheeseburger from $7), tasty fried oyster rolls and…
Midcoast Maine
We generally like to be near the water while eating fresh New England seafood, but a random parking lot works just as well. At least it does when said lot…
Portland
A satellite of Portland's renowned Miyake, Pai Men Miyake is a cheaper spot that specializes in donburi (rice bowls) and ramen. On a cold Portland night,…
Mount Desert Island
This year-round spot is a neighborhood bistro for the 21st century. Guests dine on local roast chicken, Maine crab cakes, lobster risotto, and other…
Portland
Cheap and cheerful Vietnamese is the name of the game at this lovely spot, where friendly staff crank out very solid bowls of pho, duck noodle soup, and…
Portland
Portland has a large Eritrean population, and as such it's one of the few places in the USA to sample Eritrean cuisine. Do so at Asmara, which serves…
Midcoast Maine
Small-batch ice cream is the name of the game at this cozy little ice-cream stand, where flavors run from rhubarb crumble to raspberry lime to Mexican hot…
Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Co
Midcoast Maine
Head down to the marina to feast on lobster at this iconic red-painted seafood shack. If it's nice out, grab a picnic table – or just do like the locals…
Portland
Half bar, half pizza spot, Lazzari is great for a beer, a cocktail, or a white clam pizza, all things that basically make life worth living. Other pie…
Down East
Markel's is one of the best places in town for an inexpensive breakfast or lunch. Stop in for quiches, pastries, deli sandwiches, soups (including a…
Southern Maine Coast
If you want good seafood and aren't particular about the view, this friendly, reliable joint serves lobster in all its various incarnations, from lobster…
Portland
A longtime Old Port favorite for fresh seafood – grilled, blackened, broiled, tossed with pasta. Lobster diavolo (in spicy tomato sauce, with pasta) for…
Portland
Crack into a lobster dinner, lobster roll or chowder bowl at this well-loved Cape Elizabeth seafood shack, with killer views of the crashing Atlantic from…
Down East
Set in the hotel of the same name, the Barncastle serves up wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, calzones and hearty comfort food (vegetarian chili over polenta…
Southern Maine Coast
Get your coffee and blueberry-scone fix at this teeny slip of a bakery in the heart of downtown Ogunquit. The cafe fare is good for a quick lunch, with…
Down East
This easygoing eatery has a great waterfront setting, with outdoor tables perched right out over the wharf. Stop in for filling seafood dinners (haddock,…
Midcoast Maine
Once a lobsterman co-op, this quintessentially midcoast seafood spot serves up the sea's fresh bounty and good views of the water. Order some fried clams,…
