Every year we talk about how great the food is in Maine and we make a mental note to get out and try some new spots. While we certainly have a robust list of places we want to visit, we frequently just go back to the same spots over and over again. Eventually that can get boring. But, not this year! To help us all get out to areas of the state we might overlook, we’ve put together a list of restaurants to try in Maine. And, to make the list more fun to follow we’ve assigned each one a month. Instead of simply winging it this year, use this as a guide for eating your way through all 12 months and you’ll be able to say you’ve tasted some of the best food in the state!

1. January: River Drivers Restaurant, Millinocket
River Driver's Restaurant & Pub, 30 Twin Pines Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
River Drivers Restaurant / Facebook
While there are certainly plenty of restaurants with astounding views here in Maine, this one might be one of the best. Sitting right on Millinocket Lake, the winter views of Mount Katahdin are incredible making it a great way to start the new year! Because you'll need to make plans in advance, learn more about visiting River Drivers Restaurant.
2. February: Schulte & Herr, Portland
Schulte & Herr, 349 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Schulte & Herr / Facebook
Winter in Maine is an altogether great time for comfort food and some of the best can be found at this authentic German restaurant just outside the Old Port. Equally as great is that the restaurant is family owned! You can learn more about it and other family-owned restaurants in Maine in this article.
3. March: Bogusha's Polish Restaurant & Deli, Portland
Bogusha's Polish Restaurant & Deli, 825 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA
Dustin Bonk / Google
Another great family owned spot is on the horizon for March! This time of year means more winter here in Maine, and that calls for even more comforting food. Luckily, this Polish spot serves food just like your mom might. Of course, that assumes your mom is from Poland and can make the best pierogis in the state! Learn more about Bogusha's Polish Restaurant & Deli and plan your trip!
4. April: Poponovers, Pittsfield
PopOnOvers, 119 Main St, Pittsfield, ME 04967, USA
Poponovers / Facebook
As spring draws closer we find ourselves with a bit more pep in our step. Basically that means waking up earlier and venturing to places in the state we've never been. If you feel the same way, make your way to Pittsfield to try this fantastic eatery that's great for muffins, sandwiches, and (of course!) popovers. It's a vital addition to your Maine bucket list of restaurants and you can learn more about Poponovers in this article.
5. May: Marriner's Restaurant, Camden
Marriner’s Restaurant, 35 Main St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Frank Stanczyc/Google Local
Generally considered the season we all wait for, Spring brings about a lovely thaw in Maine which is why we look forward to May every year. This is also a great time to visit this beautiful restaurant overlooking a waterfall. With snow melt leading to heavier water this time of year, you'll love the views and the huge menu. Instead of wishing you could be there, start planning your visit to Marriner's Restaurant ASAP!
6. June: The Chebeague Island Inn, Chebeague Island
Chebeague Island Inn, 61 S Rd, Chebeague Island, ME 04017, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
Summertime in Maine means getting further outside whenever possible. Bonus points for outdoor adventures that include food and the waterfront views we're famous for. Visiting this restaurant just off the coast of Yarmouth includes both of these things. Open seasonally, June is a great time for a visit. It's not part of the mainland, however you can get there by ferry, which you can learn more about The Chebeague Island Inn in this article.

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7. July: Loons Nest Restaurant, Lovell
Loons Nest Restaurant, 219 W Lovell Rd, Lovell, ME 04051, USA
Mike Fung / Google
When it comes to water views many people immediately think of the coast, but here in Maine the inland certainly offers waterfront views that are just as fantastic. We especially love the scenic lakefront spot that this restaurant occupies. First enjoy a great meal and afterwards make time to rent a kayak for the afternoon. You can learn more about Loons Nest Restaurant in this article.
8. August: MC Perkins Cove, Ogunquit
M.C. Perkins Cove, 111 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, USA
MC Perkins Cove / Facebook
While we like to believe the summer is still in full-swing in August, by now we're slowly becoming aware that fall is on the way. With that in mind it's time to eat as much seasonal seafood on the water as we can! This spot, located on the water in Ogunquit, is great for both. You can learn more about MC Perkins Cove in this article.
9. September: StressFree Moose Pub & Cafe, Greenville
Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe, 65 Pritham Ave, Greenville, ME 04441, USA
StressFree Moose Pub/Cafe / Facebook
Summer is on its way out and fall is undoubtedly on the way in. However, we couldn't be more excited to make our way inland for a meal at this spot. This time of year is great for sitting outside and as a result, this place gets packed. However, you'll love the outdoor dining area here regardless of how many people share it with you. You can learn more about StressFree Moose Pub & Cafe here!
10. October: The Blair Hill Inn, Greenville
Blair Hill Inn, Moosehead Lake, 351 Lily Bay Rd, Greenville, ME 04441, USA
Blair Hill Inn / Facebook
We couldn't resist adding another restaurant in Greenville to the list simply because we can't get enough of those autumn views. Check it out any time, but especially in the fall you can bank on catching some incredible foliage surrounding Moosehead Lake. You can learn all about The Blair Hill Inn here.
11. November: The Muddy Rudder, Yarmouth
Muddy Rudder, 1335 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096, USA
Brian Bartlett / Google
This spot in Yarmouth is right along the river and conveniently close to I-295. While it's great year-round, their annual Thanksgiving buffet in November is something you won't want to miss! You can learn more about The Muddy Rudder here.
12. December: Helen's Restaurant, Machias
Helen's Restaurant of Ellsworth, 55 Downeast Hwy, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Helen's Restaurant, 111 Main St, Machias, ME 04654, USA
L Blair / Google
December is certainly a great time to be thankful for all the great places to eat throughout the state of Maine. We particularly love this one during the holidays because they make homemade pies from scratch that you won't be able to get enough of. First enjoy one at the restaurant and then take one to go for your Christmas dinner. You can learn more about Helen's Restaurant in this article.

Now, what are some of your favorite restaurants to try in Maine? While we love the tried-and-true spots, your recommendations don’t necessarily need to be the most well-known or highly rated. Instead, give us your hometown spots. Instead of keeping them to yourself, let us know in the comments so we can check them out.

Undoubtedly, there are so many culinary options here that it can be hard to narrow down a favorite. Hence why we love the most delicious Maine road trip that takes you to 7 hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurants.

 

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More to Explore

Restaurants To Try In Maine

Michelle S. | November 29, 2022

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Maine?

The best hidden gem restaurants in Maine can be be found in any corner of the state. Here are some of our favorites:

 

After you've enjoyed these, consider visiting some other hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maine.

What are the best mom & pop restaurants in Maine?

There are plenty of fantastic mom & pop restaurants in Maine. No matter where you are, you're bound to find one you'll love. The next time you're in Sabbatus, be sure to check out Uncle Moe's. It's been around for over 40 years and still has the same casual, comforting feeling it had on day one. No matter where you are we recommend a trip to Hallowell to visit Bolley's Famous Franks! They've been in the same location since 1972 where they serve casual, easy-to-love meals. And this is just the beginning! There are tons of legendary family-owned restaurants in Maine you'll want to try.

Are there any waterfront restaurants in Maine?

With more coastline than California there's no shortage of waterfront restaurants in Maine! From the ocean to lakes and rivers, here are some great spots to try:

 

If you prefer your waterfront dining to include ocean views, check out these amazing restaurants along the Maine coast.

 

 

 

 

 

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