10 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Maine Before You Die
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Michelle
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I know we’ve been focusing quite a bit on food lately, but once you open the delicious floodgates it’s hard to resist. Often overlooked due to its upper-right location and the overall perception of being all moose and plaid shirts, Maine has one of the best food scenes in the entire country. We’ll continue to give you focused articles on where to get the best specific type of food (like this one that dishes on Italian food), but for now we present to you: The Ultimate List! Here, for the first time on Only in Maine, is a list of the 10 restaurants you have to visit in Maine! From award winners to absolute secrets, you won’t want to miss these!
Central Provisions has been humming in the Old Port since 2014. The historic building is home to the restaurant and provides the perfect, cozy feel to this small plates and cocktail-focused establishment. If you can't get a table, try showing up for a bar seat. Then, make sure to order enough to share including the spicy beef salad and lobster toast. The suckling pig gets rave reviews as well. Visit them at: 414 Fore Street, Portland / 207-805-1085
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It doesn't get much cozier than Francine, in Camden. The little restaurant is tucked away and can be found at night by following the twinkle of the outdoor patio lights. Enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine and any of the constantly changing, fresh dishes. The Pemaquid Oysters and Steak Frites are constantly mentioned to be outstanding. Visit them at: 55 Chestnut Street, Camden / 207- 230-0083
Whether you're vegetarian or vegan or a total meat lover, you won't regret a trip to this Belfast mainstay. The family-owned farm provides the organic produce included in the dishes and you can even bring home some freshies from their market. Get there early if you plan to enjoy brunch - its deliciousness is no secret and it is often packed on the weekends. Visit them at: 96 Main Street, Belfast / 207-338-0555
It's been on our site in the past and it will continue to make appearances as long as it exists. It's no secret that we love this place. Hidden away in the Rangeley Lakes region AND open during the off-season, if you love BBQ this is just about the best place to get it. It's simple, casual and won't make you feel like you're under-dressed. If you go there now, you can get yourself a cajun pork loin sandwich. Go! Now! Visit them at: 2647 Main Street, Rangeley / 207-864-2219
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This local, organic restaurant in the heart of Portland serves up unique combinations of foods and flavors. In addition to incredible breakfasts, lunches and dinners they have an always-changing cocktail menu and often host live-performers. If its local, casual vibe you're after this is the place. Our favorite is the Moon Burger, which comes with an awesome tahini! Visit them at: 649 Congress Street, Portland / 207-899-3529
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As sushi places go, Suzuki's just might be one of the most special. Owner, Keiko Suzuki Steinberger, also acts as chef and is dedicated to including fresh Maine seafood in her menu. Make sure you try the Special Omakase Assortment, which is consistently raved about! Visit them at: 419 Main Street, Rockland / 207-596-7447
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Crosby's is everything you hope for in a walk-up "drive-in" place in Maine. Huge portions and all the fried seafood you can imagine. The lobster roll is pretty incredible as well. Put it on your summer list as, unfortunately, it's closed for the season until the spring. Visit them then at: 30 Route 46, Bucksport / 207-469-3640
Yes, Bagaduce is included in another "must-do" article on Only in Maine! Our only complaint about this place is that they aren't open when we have a craving in March! Luckily, there's just one more month (or so) to wait until we can visit again. This waterfront wonder is a must-stop-at if you're en route to Deer Isle. Open since 1946, they know exactly how to do seafood right. Order anything off the menu, grab a seat outside and enjoy! Visit them at: 145 Franks Flat, Penobscot / 207-326-4197
We recognize that not everyone is in Maine wining and dining. Sometimes, you're just passing through on your way through one of the toughest hikes of your life. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure to stop at this AT meeting point. Once you've finished the hardest 100-miles, you'll have earned yourself the "trail burger." Dig into the quarter pound burger topped with onion rings, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese and don't let ANYONE make you feel bad about it! Visit them at: 210 Penobscot Avenue, Millinocket / 207-723-6720
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Oh, Grace. Our love for you will never waver. From the outside, this Portland establishment looks like a place to worship. And, once inside you'll feel like you're in heaven. The converted church offers two bars and two levels of seating all with a view of the incredibly high ceilings. You'll enjoy anything off the menu (including this grilled steak atop bone marrow,) but if you sit in the bar area the smaller meals are more than enough. If you love cocktails, be sure to sit at the bar. The bartenders are chatty and more than willing to whip-up something unique! They get quite busy, which cane make it hard to get a bartender's attention, so don't be shy about flagging one down. Visit them at: 15 Chestnut Street, Portland / 207-828-4422
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