The Maine Food Map is a guide to the broader restaurant and food scene of Maine. Over the last couple years we’ve road-tripped through all of Maine’s sixteen counties to see the state and explore Maine’s food and dining. While there’s still so much more to do in that regard, we’re pleased to share this growing list of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and other food and dining businesses.
From Kittery to Houlton and from Rangeley to Eastport notable eateries can be found (and always have been) all across the state. We hope you use this list to plan your own Maine adventures and that it makes the task of finding new favorites or rediscovering a few that much easier.
The Maine Food Map is a work-in-progress—just like the Maine restaurant scene itself—it will continue to grow as the new establishments come to light and as we work through an extensive backlog of businesses to write-up. The list currently has 81 entries representing nearly 60 communities from all of Maine’s sixteen counties.
Check the Maine Food & Dining column each week for a list of new additions, and please keep sending in your recommendations for places we should visit, share on social media and add to the list.
Food Writers & Journalists If you’re writing about Maine (and why wouldn’t you be?) feel free to reach out and we’d be happy to help orient you within the Maine food and dining landscape and suggest some people, places and businesses that you may want to contact and learn more about for your article. |
Androscoggin County – 111,139 people, 497 square miles – county seat: Auburn
- Bon Vivant, Lewiston – A new restaurant from the owners of Sonder & Dram. Bon Vivant serves a French-inspired menu in a modern downtown Lewiston space. Stop in for a cocktail or to enjoy a their 3-course prix fixe or a la carte menu. bonvivantmaine.com
- Flux, Lisbon Falls – Owned and operated by brothers Tyson and Jason La Verdiere, Located in the small town of Lisbon Falls, this hidden gem offers creative fermentation-forward contemporary cuisine. When you’re there take note of the Ryan Adams mural on the left side of the dining room. fluxnomnom.com
- Forage Market, Lewiston – Best known for their bagels—Food & Wine named Forage one of the best bagel shops in America and Saveur seems to agree—they also produce breakfast pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Forage has a second location on Washington Ave in Portland. foragemarket.com
- The Italian Bakery, Lewiston – In business since 1960, this multi-generational Italian bakery sells breads and baked goods, as well as breakfast and lunch to go…but they’re beloved for their wide selection of donuts. theitalianbakeryme.com
- Simones’ Hot Dogs, Lewiston – Simones’ has been going strong since James Simones first opened the business as a sidewalk hot dog stand in 1908. Now a brick and mortar restaurant, it’s run by the 3rd and fourth generations of the family serving breakfast and lunch. Simone’s on facebook.com
Aroostook County – 67,431 people, 6,828 square miles – county seat: Houlton
- Brookside Inn, Smyrna Mills – This stand-out diner serves our favorite meal so far in Aroostook County. The homey cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sits in the Brookside Inn just outside of Houlton off Route 95. It’s a convenient place to stop on your way to or from the Houlton. Don’t pass-up the cinnamon swirl toast if it’s on the specials menu during your visit. thebrooksideinn.com
Nearby: On Route 2 is Pioneer Place, an Amish-run market where you can pick-up local produce including a wide range of Maine potato varieties like Santina and Caribou Russet. - Rosie’s The Country Bakery & Grill, Mars Hill – Named for owner Rosemary Lavway’s grandmother Rose Willette, Rosie’s is situated in an unassuming building just off Route 1 in Mars Hill. The donuts were a standout that will make this a must-stop location on a trip to The County. www.facebook.com/p/The-County-Bakery
- The Vault, Houlton – Located in downtown Houlton, The aptly named Vault occupies the former Farmers National Bank building. Chef David Wells serves American bistro fare, such as seared scallops over risotto or aged angus ribeye. A few global food notes, like an Ahi tuna poke bowl, also grace the menu. thevaultrestaurant.net
Cumberland County – 305,231 people, 1,217 square miles – county seat: Portland
- Bresca and the Honey Bee, New Gloucester – A lakeside shack serving truly spectacular ice cream. Vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options abound among the dozens of specialty flavors available. Having a hard time deciding what to get? Try the Artichoke with Candied Citrus and Toasted Pistachios, or the Burnt Honey and Pear with Rosemary. brescaandthehoneybee.com
- Dog Bar Jim, Brunswick – Owner Ben Gatchell effortlessly staffs the espresso machine, converses with customers all while running the register and plating bostocks and bagels. The 90s era coffee house vibe, Gatchell’s positive energy and the coffee make this a favorite spot in Brunswick. dogbarjim.com
- Iris Eats, Harpswell – Contemporary coastal charm and creative soups, salads and sandwiches await you at this dockside cafe. iriseatsmaine.com
- Standard Gastropub, Bridgton – A strong selection of craft beers to enjoy with a meal or to take home and a craft approach to comfort food makes this a popular spot for anyone living in or traveling to the Bridgton area. standardgastropub.com
- The Abbey, Brunswick – One of a cohort of new establishments that are changing the restaurant scene in Brunswick. The Abbey is a creative cocktail bar at night and a coffee shop by day. The bar serves small plates and an ever changing line-up of specialty drinks. theabbeymaine.com
- For ideas on where to eat in Portland and the immediate area…see the longstanding Portland Food Map directory.
Franklin County – 29,456 people, 1,743 square miles – county seat: Farmington
- Homestead, Farmington – A stone’s throw from the UMaine Farmington campus, Homestead offers upscale comfort food to college town students, faculty and parents as well as visitors passing through on the way to Rangeley Lake. homesteadbakery.com
- Portage Tap House, Oquossoc – A newcomer to the Rangeley area, Portage provides access to a wide range of Maine craft beer along with wood-fired pizza and casual bistro fare. portagetaphouse.com
- Rolling Fatties, Kingfield – Initially launched as a food truck, Rolling Fatties has gone full brick-and-mortar with their Snikibar (snack + tiki) in downtown Kingfield. The bar serves burritos, bowls, and drinks in a fun backyard location. rollingfatties.com
Hancock County – 56,192 people, 2,351 square miles – county seat: Ellsworth
- 44 North Coffee, Stonington – 44 North is the go to place for specialty coffee and espresso-based drinks on Deer Isle. They offer pour overs and locally produced baked goods from two locations on the Stonington waterfront and on Main Street. 44northcoffee.com
- Aragosta, Stonington – Exceptional farm-to-table fine dining on the rocky coast of Deer Isle. Led by chef/owner Devin Finigan, the kitchen serves a nightly multi-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal ingredients. Spend the night in one of their private cabins and try the la carte Sunday brunch. Chef Finigan was a 2020 Beard Awards semifinalist in the Best Chef Northeast category aragostamaine.com
- Additional Recommendations – There are many more restaurants on the Blue Hill peninsula that will likely get added here in the future. In the meantime read this Travel and Leisure article for some additional recommendations.
Kennebec County – 123,642 people, 951 square miles – county seat: Augusta
- Absolem Cider, Winthrop – Opening in 2022 Absolem launched with a really strong line-up of dry and ice ciders as well as some exceptional co-fermentations. Their tasting room menu has since expanded to include an interesting selection of wine, beer and house-designed cocktails. The farmhouse cidery is a popular weekend destination and community gathering spot. Check their website for a schedule of food trucks and pop-up events. absolemcider.com
- Scapes Cafe, Mount Vernon – A new bakery and cafe overlooking Minnehonk Lake in the charming town of Mount Vernon. Scapes serves breakfast and lunch with their fresh baked breads and baked goods. @scapes_cafe
- Sidereal Farm Brewery, Vassalboro – This combination farm/brewery/kitchen also cultures brewing yeast and has a small coffee roasting operation. Sidereal produces beer, cider, and wine, and serves an eclectic menu ranging from a charcuterie and cheese plate, to baked ziti, to ostrich smash burgers. siderealfarm.me
- Table Bar, Gardiner – A hip hangout spot and wine bar that’s brought a new level of energy to Main Street in Gardiner. Wine and vinyl plus a seasonal dinner menu prepared by chef Jimmy Leftis on Wednesday through Saturday nights. tablebar207.com
- The Village Inn, Belgrade – Located on the water in Belgrade (you can boat and dock there for dinner), The Village Inn is famous for their 12-hour roast duck. An old timey Maine dining room and menu that includes filet mignon with mushroom and cognac cream sauce, cedar plank salmon and chicken pot pies. villageinnandtavern.com.
Knox County – 41,084 people, 1,142 square miles – county seat: Rockland
- Alsace, Union – Jennifer and chef Fabrice Roux launched Alsace in 2023 with a menu featuring dishes from its namesake region of France. Alsace specialities include choucoute garnie and tarte flambé. The bistro also serves entrees with origins closer to home like the seafood chowder and grilled lobster. The wine list leans Old World, with most originating from France. alsacemaine.com
- Black Goat Test Kitchen + Supper Club, Warren – Black Goat serves creative multi-course communal dinners prepared by Derek Ronspies. The restaurant was founded by Cat Biggar and Ronspies launched Black Goat in 2023 and the restaurant was selected by USA Today as one of the 2024 Restaurants of the Year. Visit the Black Goat website to score a ticket for one of their upcoming dinners. blackgoatsupperclub.com
- Honey’s, Thomaston – This is the second restaurant from chef/owner Malcolm Bedell. It features the superlative-worthy fried chicken sandwiches that were part of Ancho Honey’s claim to fame. gethoneys.com
- Long Grain, Camden – Everyone’s favorite Camden restaurant. Established in 2010—and now located in a more spacious spot on Washington Street—Long Grain has a well-earned reputation for delicious dishes inspired by Southeast and Central Asia. Chef Ravin Nakjaroen has been a James Beard Award semifinalist five times. longgraincamden.com
- Lucky Betty’s, Camden –A quirky and delightful garage bar located in Camden’s otherwise traditional downtown. Lucky Betty’s serves wine, beer, and house cocktail specials along with bar bites like soft pretzels and deviled eggs. @lucky_bettys.
- Nina June, Rockport – Chef/owner Sara Jenkins worked in Boston, Tuscany, and New York where she founded restaurants Porchetta and Porsenna before returning to the place of her birth to open Nina June. Jenkins’ menu is the intersection of Mediterranean food traditions and the bounty of Maine farms and seas. Be sure to check out the occasional prix fixe dinners. ninajunerestaurant.com
- Primo, Rockland – Chef/owner Melissa Kelly taps into an on-site farm for produce and meats to drive her farm-to-table cuisine. Primo opened for its 25th season in 2024. Kelly is a two-time Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Northeast and her restaurant is a leading light in the farm-to-table movement. primorestaurant.com
- Seafolk Coffee, Rockport – Overlooking the majestic Rockport Harbor, Seafolk Coffee is a coffee shop with breakfast sandwiches and beautiful house made baked goods. @seafolkcoffee
- The Place Bakery, Camden – A charming little takeout micro-bakery located just outside downtown Camden. The Place has a wide selection of sweet and savory Danish, croissants and other baked goods. Be sure to get the roast beet and goat cheese Danish if it’s available. thisistheplace.me
- Uproot Pie Company, Thomaston – Newly opened in a carriage house just off Route 1, Uproot is open Thursdays for pizza night and Saturdays for wood-fired bialys, pastries, and midday pizza, salads, and drinks. Check their online calendar for events and workshops. theuprootpieco.com
Lincoln County – 35,237 people, 700 square miles – county seat: Wiscasset
- Ida’s, Waldoboro – A rustic wine bar located in the carriage house of The Waldoboro Inn. Fashion designer turned innkeeper Alexa Stark has established Ida’s as a off-the-beaten-path hip gathering spot that hosts knitting circles, forward leaning food pop-ups and the occasional musical performance. thewaldoboroinn.com
- In a Silent Way, Wiscasset – Look a little past the line at Red’s Eats and on down Water Street and you’ll find this delightful wine bar and retail shop run by Chandler Sowden and Zack Goodwin. In a Silent Way offers a concise glass and bottle list, a small menu of precise dishes, and, in a side room, the couple’s pocket-sized wine retail shop. inasilentwaymaine.com
- Jolie Rogers, Wiscasset – A new waterfront raw bar serving beautifully plated and prepared oysters, ceviche, other seafood dishes, and snacks along with wine, beer, and cocktails. Andy Rogers and Ryan Jolie source from their own oyster farm as well as other leading Midcoast oyster farmers. jolierogersrawbar.com
- Moody’s Diner, Waldoboro – Owned and operated by the same family for 90+ years, Moody’s serves diner classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to save room for a slice of their famous blueberry pie…Midcoast friends also swear by their meatloaf. moodysdiner.com
- Salt + Pepper Social, Newcastle – A restaurant, market and catering business that specializes in plant-based food. They serve dinners Fridays and Mondays and the cafe/market is open for breakfast and lunch during the week. sp-foods.com
- Sheepscot General Store, Whitefield – This spot has everything you desire in a country general store: farm grown produce, house baked bread, wines and beer, specialty goods, locally produced goods and a CSA. Stop in for breakfast or lunch and catch up on local happenings with the oversized Lincoln County News newspaper. sheepscotgeneral.com
- The Alna Store, Alna – The Alna Store opened in late 2022 and quickly gained Midcoast and then statewide and national attention. Located in the small town of Alna (just inland from Wiscasset) the general store and restaurant earned a 4.5 star rating from the Maine Sunday Telegram and a Beard Awards nod in the Best New Restaurant category. thealnastore.com
- The Rooting Pig, Bristol – Located at the Broad Arrow Farm in Bristol just south of Damariscotta, this cafe features charcuterie and meats made from its own farm-raised pigs. Go in the summer and kick back in the outdoor wine bar. broadarrowfarm.com
- Treats, Wiscasset – An ever-popular market, bakery, and coffee shop in Wiscasset. Stop in for a bottle of wine, specialty food items, or to enjoy a treat and cup of coffee with a friend at the communal table. treatsofmaine.com
Oxford County – 58,629 people, 2,175 square miles – county seat: Paris
- Gemini Cafe and Bakery, Bethel – One of the new bright spots in the Bethel restaurant scene, Gemini launched in 2022. Owners Anna Sysko and Nicole Pellerin and their team manifested a popular community hot spot. Stop in early for coffee and a house-made bagel sandwich or later in the day for a pastrami on rye. thegeminicafe.com
Nearby: While you’re in Bethel make time to visit the Maine Gem and Mineral Museum, the second floor meteorite exhibit is especially compelling. - Le Mu Eats, Bethel –Perhaps the best known restaurant in Oxford County, Le Mu Eats got its start in a “tiny blue shanty” in South Paris before becoming a full brick and mortar restaurant at its present-day location in Bethel. Chef Sayvepen Sengsavang (aka ‘Chef Sav’) weaves his Laotian culinary heritage, Southern cooking ideas, local produce, and classical French culinary training to serve up a menu that puts gnocchi, shrimp and grits, chawanmushi, and banh mi on the same page. @lemu.eats
Oxbow Beer Garden, Oxford – The Oxford County outpost of Oxbow Brewing. In addition to their excellent beer, Oxbow also serves wood-fired pizza and calzones, as well as a small selection of appetizers and desserts. oxbowbeer.com
Nearby: The Beer Garden is located adjacent to an extensive trail system. The Portland Gear Hub has a location next to the restaurant where you can rent Nordic skis and snowshoes for a pre-/post-traipse through the woods. - Tallulah’s, Waterford – A rustic farm-to-table restaurant and bar located in the barn at The Waterford Inne. Chef Brandon Montes and owner Kember Vanderblue are taking their cues from seasonal local ingredients with a “strong focus on indigenous ingredients, sustainable wild foods, and invasive species coming from both the oceans and deep woods of Maine”. thewaterfordinne.com/tallulahs
- Additional Recommendations – Check out this Down East article on the “Restaurant Renaissance” taking place in the Oxford County town of Bethel.
Penobscot County – 152,765 people, 3,556 square miles – county seat: Bangor
- Bagel Central, Bangor – A counter-service, cafeteria-style restaurant that soups, salads, omelettes, bagel-centric sandwiches, and dishes like American Chop Suey. Grab a window seat for some downtown people watching. For some post-lunch shopping cross the street and visit The Rock and Art Shop and/or Central Street Farmhouse. bagelcentralbangor.com
- Chimera Coffee, Bangor – A multi-roaster coffee shop located in downtown Bangor. Stop in for the well-prepared specialty coffee and freshly made baked goods in the morning and then swing by in the afternoon for beer, wine, cider, and snacks. chimeracoffeeco.com
- Utopia, Bangor – A charming bistro with an Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring a number of gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options. utopiabangor.com
- Wicked Brew, Bangor – A big, comfortable coffee shop with an artsy vibe. Kate Proctor opened WIcked Brew in 2017 with help from long-time coffee industry family members. In addition to a full range of coffee drinks, Wicked Brew features breakfast and lunch options, as well as house-made baked goods. wickedbrewcafe.co
Piscataquis County – 17,165 people, 4,378 square miles – county seat: Dover-Foxcroft
- Peace, Love and Waffles, Dover-Foxcroft – A favorite locals destination for (as the name suggests) a plethora of sweet and savory waffle-based options. Potato waffles and a kids menu are available. A warm and welcoming atmosphere just a short jaunt outside of Dover-Foxcroft. @peace.love.waffles
- North & Southeats, Brownville Junction – A restaurant with “Southern Flair” and “Northern Attitude” in the tiny town of Brownville Junction. On the menu you’ll find southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and jambalaya but also dishes like prime rib and baked haddock that “speak” with a northern accent. @north_southeats
- Slate, Greenville – Slate is the restaurant at the Blair Hill Inn—one of only a few Relais & Châteaux properties in Maine. Enjoy the view of Moosehead Lake from the porch and then head inside the beautifully appointed dining room for a menu prepared by chef Max Snyder. slaterestaurant.com
- The Mill Cafe, Dover-Foxcroft – Located in a renovated mill building in downtown Dover-Foxcroft, the cafe provides a comfortable daytime cafe in contemporary art-forward space to where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch and plan your day. dfmillcafe.com
- The Quarry, Monson – The Quarry is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant (Outstanding Hospitality, 2023). Chef/owner Lula Ranta serves a nightly 6-course menu in the art-infused town of Monson. Dinner reservations are essential, weekend brunch is walk-in only. @thequarrymonson
Sagadahoc County – 37,071 people, 370 square miles – county seat: Bath
- Five Island Lobster, Georgetown – This classic Maine fish shack perches on the Georgetown docks with a commanding view across the Sheepscot River estuary. The lobster rolls and seaside experience are some of the state’s best. fiveislandslobster.com
- Solo Pane e Pasticceria, Bath – An Italian pastry shop and bakery operated by the same owners as the excellent Portland restaurant Solo Italiano. Devour traditional Italian baked goods all day, and aperitivo drinks and plates in the afternoon. Downtown Bath is easy miss when driving North on Route 1, but you should definitely make the detour off the main road to visit Solo bakery. solo-pane.com
- The Cabin, Bath – A mainstay located right next to Bath Iron Works that’s been in business since 1973, The Cabin serves subs, pizza, and pasta. Place your cash-only order at the front desk and settle into a knotty pine booth and admire the shipping-themed murals. cabinpizza.com
Somerset County – 50,477 people, 4,094 square miles – county seat: Skowhegan
- The Miller’s Table, Skowhegan – Skowhegan is the heart of Maine’s grain farming industry, and at its center is Maine Grains, a grist mill and industry champion led by Amber Lambke. An in-house restaurant and bakery, The Miller’s Table, uses their own flours to serve pizza, bowls, toasts and a variety of soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. millerstable.com
Waldo County – 39,607 people, 853 square miles – county seat: Belfast
- Amandine, Searsport – A bakery and cafe launched by the team from Rio’s. Amandine serves sweet and savory baked goods, pressed sandwiches, coffee and more in a bright and charming space just off Route 1. amandinebakery.com
- Aster & Rose, Lincolnville – Contemporary American restaurant occupying the charming first floor of the Youngtown Inn. Seasonal and locally sourced menu items are prepared and plated with precision and care. Enjoy a drink and dinner while warming up next to the fireplace. A Down East article encapsulates the restaurant’s vibe as “Bolognese Meets Ben Franklin,” which feels just about right. Go for chef Michael Nowak’s wonderful food and enjoy the historic accouterments and style while you’re there. asterrosemaine.com
- Chase’s Daily, Belfast – Part vegetarian diner and part farmers market, Chase’s Daily has been a landmark of the Belfast restaurant scene for nearly a quarter of a century. Their menu combines seasonal local produce from Chase’s farm and global culinary influences to produce grain bowls, salads, baked goods, and wood-fired dishes that plant-based eaters and their omnivore friends will equally enjoy. chasesdaily.me
- Dot’s Market, Lincolnville – Dot’s is a daytime cafe and retail shop selling baked goods, prepared foods to go, wines, and house goods. Grab a bottle of wine and some food to take home, or stop in with a friend for lunch and to catch-up. dotsinmaine.com
- Hey Sailor, Searsport – A design-forward and fun cocktail bar that also serves tacos, salads, and other snacks. Operated by the owners of The Hichborn, Hey Sailor was recently joined by Starboard Lounge—a performance space and pizzeria—in the adjacent space on Main Street. heysailorhey.com
- The Hichborn, Stockton Springs – Chef/owner Charlie Zorich serves a sophisticated multi-course tasting menu in an historic ship captain’s home. Zorich and partner Kirk Linder bought and renovated the property and launched The Hichborn in 2018. The restaurant is open seasonally from late spring to early fall. thehichborn.com
- The Lost Kitchen, Freedom – The acclaimed restaurant by chef/owner Erin French. The Lost Kitchen serves a chef’s tasting menu to a single seating of a packed house each evening. Reservations are usually booked for the season in early spring. Check the TLK website each year on the first day of spring for details on how to enter the random drawing.Trust us—it’s well worth the effort. findthelostkitchen.com
- Ralph’s Cafe, Brooks – A quintessential small town gathering spot and diner with excellent food and hospitality. The blueberry pancakes were outstanding and the memorabilia-studded dining rooms make for a cozy and memorable experience. You’ll be making plans for a return visit even as you’re walking out the door from your first. @EatAtRalphs
- United Farmers Market of Maine, Belfast – This is a year-round indoor market that provides space for a range of farms, fishmongers, butchers, bakeries, crafters, and eateries—check their website for a complete list. The building also features a large seating area where you can sit down with friends to nosh on your purchases. belfastmarket.com
Washington County – 31,378 people, 3,258 square miles – county seat: Machias
- Cohill’s Inn, Lubec – Situated at the end of Water Street and overlooking the harbor, Cohill’s has a first-floor, counter-service restaurant and bar. The menu offers a wide range of options, including chowder, rib eye steaks, jambalaya, chicken and waffles, and roasted portobello ravioli. Ask co-owner Glen Charles about his kayak trip from Key West to Maine. cohillsinn.com
- Morano’s Authentic Pizza, Lubec – Ginny Morano runs this takeout pizzeria serving thin crust pizza in the style she grew up eating in her home state of New Jersey. Get your order in early to avoid the rush around dinner time. Outdoor seating is available. moranospizza.com
- Ole Hookers, Eastport – A local bar and hangout situated just off the Eastport Breakwater Pier. Beer, wine, spirits, and a small ever-changing selection of food grace the menu. Owners Mary Beth and Bruce Tolson also operated the original Ole Hookers in Lexington, Kentucky prior to opening this Eastport outpost. facebook.com/Ole-Hookers-East
- Phoenix Fine Wines, Eastport – Launched in June 2022 by owner Laura Stanczyk, Phoenix is a waterfront wine bar, bottle shop, and music performance space on Main Street. Phoenix also sells a small selection of vintage food and drink books. Stanczyk—an award-winning casting director and producer—hosts local performs in the upstairs lounge space at Phoenix. thephoenixonwater.com
- Vazquez Mexican Takeout, Milbridge – A family owned restaurant that got its start as a food truck serving Washington County farm workers. Vazquez offers tacos, burritos, quesadillas, gorditas, tamales, and other Mexican dishes as well as burgers, steak and cheese subs, and other standard diner fare. Despite the name there is some indoor and outdoor seating onsite. facebook.com/vazquezmex
- For additional information on food and dininng in Washington County see the Eat Downeast map.
York County – 206,074 people, 1,270 square miles – county seat: Alfred
- Bev’s Cafe and Market, Kennebunk – This Kennebunk was launched in 2023 by the former chef and pastry chef of the famed Zuni Cafe in San Francisco. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or for a coffee, treat and conversation with a friend anytime of the day. @bevs_cafe
- Black Birch, Kittery – Spot-on gastropub fare and drinks located away from the outlet store and in the charming old town center of town. It is always the right decision to stop in for a meal at Black Birch when you’re driving back into Maine on 95. theblackbirch.com
- Fika, Saco – a small takeout bakery specializing in Scandinavian-inspired pastries, as well as brunchy sandwiches, toasts, and grain bowls. Be sure to get a cardamom knot if they’re on the day’s baked goods menu. fika-maine.com
- Krista’s, Cornish – A mainstay in the western Maine village of Cornish serving a crossover of pub and bistro cuisine with classic cocktails, and a children’s menu. kristasrestaurant.com
- Magnus on Water, Biddeford – Outstanding cocktails, Peruvian cuisine, hip urbane atmosphere and excellent service come together to make this a very special place. magnusonwater.com
- Palace Diner, Biddeford – A 15-seat 1927 Pollard Company dining car is home to some of the best diner food to be had in Maine. Chef/owners Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley were Beard Award nominees in 2020 for the excellence of their menu of tuna melts, flap jacks, fried chicken sandwiches and bruleed French toast. palacedinerme.com
- Wandby Landing, Kennebunk – A spacious and comfortable restaurant serving handmade pasta, pizzas, chops, steaks and seafood. wandbylanding.com
To stay up to date on new restaurants, additions to this list and Maine food and dining news:
- Follow the Portland Food Map instagram account to see monthly road-trip reports.
- Read the Maine Food & Dining report for a weekly wrap-up of developments from across the state.
Portland Food Map’s statewide reporting on the food and dining scene has been produced with support from the Maine Office of Tourism. Checkout the visitmaine.com website for additional information on where to go, places to stay and things to do in the Pine Tree state. |