Maine Restaurant and Dining Guide

Lighthouses guarding rocky shores, tall pines, and the tangy scent of salty sea breeze. Yep, that’s Maine for ya. But did you know, amidst this scenic backdrop, lies a culinary world that’s straight-up fire? Back in the day, Maine was a prime fishing spot for Native American tribes. Fast forward to today, and that seafood legacy is more alive than ever, just jazzed up with modern flair.

Now, if you're hankering for some no-frills seafood, Portland’s Lobster Company is where it's at. Thinking of getting a bit fancy? Swing by Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor. And hey, ever heard of a joint with killer lobster, a dash of rum punch, and a sprinkle of celeb glamour? Yup, that’s Barnacle Billy's in Ogunquit. But Maine isn’t just about seafood. Augusta’s got this BBQ spot, Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, that’ll make you rethink everything you knew about ribs. And for my brunch lovers, Erica's in Waterville is legit the dream wake-up call.

Portland Plates: Lobster and Donuts

With cobblestone streets and waterfront parks giving those postcard-perfect views, it's no wonder this city has become the go-to for many. But let's cut to the chase – Portland's real game-changer? Its food. I mean, what's more iconic than biting into a fresh lobster roll while soaking in that Casco Bay view? And if that's the kind of scene you're craving, you've got to check out Bite Into Maine. Their lobster rolls? Straight-up legit. Choose from six styles, all featuring that fresh Maine lobster, cozied up in a buttery bun. Wash it down with some Allagash beer, and you're golden.

Now, for the times you're vibing with the classic New England seafood experience, the Portland Lobster Company is where you'll wanna be. Their Fried Haddock Sandwich? A thing of beauty. And if you're feeling adventurous, get your hands on those Prince Edward Island Mussels, drenched in white wine and a symphony of lemon, herbs, garlic, and butter. I mean, come on, who can resist?

Speaking of irresistible, have you heard of potato donuts? Yeah, you read that right. The Holy Donut is serving up these bad boys, and let me tell ya, they're the talk of the town. From the Dark Chocolate Coconut Donut to the Apple Cider Donut (with real apples, mind you), your sweet tooth will thank you.

But hey, between mouthfuls, take a breather and steep in some culture. Swing by the Victoria Mansion for a taste of 19th-century glam, or mosey over to the Eastern Promenade for a view that'll knock your socks off.

Bar Harbor Bites: Pancakes, Peaks, and Popovers

Known for its breathtaking granite peaks and historic charm, Bar Harbor's true MVP might just be its food scene. Case in point, Jordan's Restaurant. Their wild Maine blueberry pancakes are totally on point. And if you've got a hankering for something a bit more savory, their Cheesesteak Sub – think grilled peppers, onions, and a side of homemade goodness – will do the trick.

Want to mix it up a bit? Hit up Side Street Cafe. Whether you're munching on their Cadillac Fries loaded with the works (queso, buffalo, bacon – need I say more?) or dipping into the Garden Variety with roasted red pepper hummus, you're in for a treat.

Now, no trip to Bar Harbor is complete without diving into some local specialties. Over at The Stadium, they're whipping up a dreamy Lobster mac & cheese. But let's chat about their Popover, shall we? Light, airy, and downright delicious, especially when paired with that house-made blueberry jam. Talk about nailing it.

Between all that indulging, why not soak in some scenic views at Acadia National Park? Or immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Wabanaki people at the Abbe Museum.

Ogunquit: Lobster Rolls, Art, and Coastal Strolls

Once a humble fishing village, this spot soon found itself as the go-to haven for artists, inspired by its picturesque surroundings. Isn't it cool to think that the very paths they walked, like the scenic Marginal Way, could lead you straight to a plate of drool-worthy grub?

Now, if you've got a craving for something truly American with a splash of pizzazz, swing by The Front Porch. With tunes floating from the festive piano bar upstairs, your taste buds will jam to the rhythm of their Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna - a blend of Thai spice and red jasmine rice, finished off with that kick of wasabi aioli and sriracha.

Of course, when in Ogunquit, seafood's the name of the game. And no one serves it up quite like The Lobster Shack. Their Pounder Sandwich is, no joke, stacked with a full pound of lobster meat. It's LEGENDARY. For something a tad simpler but equally satisfying, Barnacle Billy's hits the spot. Amidst its lobster and rum punch, the Barbecue Chicken Plate is a definite sleeper hit.

Don’t forget about the culture. Dive deep into the heart of American art at the Ogunquit Museum, where canvases echo tales of the historic Ogunquit arts colony.

Augusta: BBQ Ribs, Parks, and Politics

The heart of Maine, Augusta, steeped in political hustle and history, surprisingly packs a flavorful culinary punch. Originally a trading post back in the 1600s, who'd have thought Augusta would evolve into a treat for taste seekers? Dotted with lush parks and, of course, the iconic Capitol Building, there's a little extra zing in the air. Ever felt that?

Right by the scenic Viles Arboretum, a place of tranquility with its array of trees and native plants, you'll find the aroma of Riverfront Barbeque & Grille tough to resist. Their Memphis-style, dry-rub ribs? Pure magic! And if you fancy a tangy twist, dive into the Key West Chicken Salad. With that lime-marinated chicken and Mandarin oranges, it’s a refreshing pit stop for sure.

But if you’re craving something different after a serene walk through Capitol Park, the Cloud 9 Restaurant & Lounge has got the goods. Their brick-oven pizzas are fire, but don't sleep on the Cloud 9 Alfredo – a killer combo of fettuccine, grilled chicken, and prosciutto. Oh, and for those who roll the veggie way? Their Black Bean Burger is no joke, with a smoky chipotle aioli that's the real MVP.

Waterville Whims: Art, Opera, and Edibles

Stepping into Waterville feels like flipping through the pages of a vibrant history book. And as you're about to discover, it's more than just Colby College and the Waterville Opera House. Yet, who can resist the pull of the Opera House's enchanting performances or the Colby College Museum of Art with its rich tapestry of contemporary marvels? But hey, what's a day of art and drama without a plateful of grub?

Got the morning blues? Slide into Erica's for that caffeine fix and a hearty breakfast. Their Jambalaya? A spicy, zesty dance of flavors with prawns and andouille leading the waltz. Or, if you're feeling a tad fancy, the Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken is an absolute winner - trust me, the mixed berry coulis brings the party.

For those with a soft spot for the ocean's bounty, 18 Below Raw Bar is your jam. Those Savory Roasted Pork & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms? Total game-changer. But the star? Maine Crab Stuffed Fresh Local Haddock Filet, paired perfectly with a zesty lemon-butter sauce. Dive in, why don’t ya?

So, whether you're here for the culture or the food (or a delightful mix of both), Waterville has the vibes, the views, and the victuals to keep you coming back.

Maine Moments: Sips, Bites, and Coastal Sights

As we’ve cruised from Portland’s bustling wharves to Bar Harbor’s quiet shores, then down to Ogunquit’s sandy beaches and through the heart of Augusta and Waterville, one thing’s clear: Maine isn’t just about lobster rolls, though they're seriously delish. It’s a full-on sensory delight, blending vibrant history with every mouthful. Remember that macadamia nut chicken in Waterville or the dry-rub ribs in Augusta? Yeah, still dreaming about those.

This isn't just about food, though. It’s also about those postcard-perfect views you munch alongside. Imagine savoring fresh seafood as the sun sets over Bar Harbor? Pure magic, right? And Portland? That city's a mix of old-school charm and modern mojo.

So, you're into tasty bites and dreamy sights? Why aren’t you in Maine yet? The table’s set, the coast is beckoning, and trust me, you won't want to miss out. Ready to dig in and drink it all in? Because Maine, with its charming towns and killer grub, is waiting to wow you. It’s a whole world of flavor and fun rolled into one sweet, scenic state. Let's eat!

Must-Try Restaurants in Maine

Bite into Maine

Allagash Brewing Co, 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103

This is in regards to the bite into Maine inside the allagash brewing location. I live in Georgia and do not get the luxury of having lobster rolls all t...

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Superb53 Reviews4.8

The Stadium, Bar Harbor - Lobster Rolls, Popovers,Coffee

62 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

We were treated with great customer service at our first stop in Bar Harbor. We ordered lattes and a walnut and chocolate chip cookie. Both were excellen...

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Superb182 Reviews4.4

The Holy Donut

194 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102

Best donuts I’ve ever had, it’s months later and I’m still thinking about them!

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Good230 Reviews4.2

Riverfront Barbeque & Grille

300 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330

Food was excellent. Very generous portions, so you get real value for your money. Atmosphere is great. The people are absolutely fantastic, very personab...

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Good78 Reviews4.2

Cloud 9 Restaurant

284 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330

Delicious crab cake Benny and unique Maine baked beans for breakfast. Friendly service and comfy booths watching the world go by outside

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Good40 Reviews3.8

18 below

18 Silver St, Waterville, ME 04901

We had a Saturday evening reservation for 7:00pm. We were looking forward to a nice evening, but we were very rushed the entire time we were there. We ...

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Good69 Reviews3.9

Portland Lobster Company

180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

It's October wonderful day sitting outside by the water having New England Clam Chowder and a crab patty. If you're in the area please stop it ...

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Good268 Reviews4

The Lobster Shack

110 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907

It's a lobster shack. No frills. Does serve beer. The whole lobsters were great!

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Superb217 Reviews4.6

Barnacle Billy's

70 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907

What has happened to Barnacle Billy's? We have frequented Bernacle Billy's annually or more since the late 1970s and, early on, we even chatted...

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Good187 Reviews4.1

The Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant

9 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907

Our waiter, Tyler, was very attentive. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was perfect.

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Good217 Reviews4.1

Side Street Cafe

49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Be prepared for a wait, we walked in and we're quoted 20-25 minutes. After 50 minutes of waiting we asked about our place in the queue and the staf...

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Good447 Reviews4.2

Erica's

105 College Ave, Waterville, ME 04901

What a wonderful restaurant!!! The place was packed, and people were in line waiting. You can see why. Breakfast was delicious. Our server, Rachael, was...

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Good110 Reviews4

Jordan's Restaurant - Breakfast - Lobster Rolls - Burgers - Pancakes - Sandwiches

80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Wonderful family owned and operated spot. Very friendly and amazing muffins! We enjoyed our stop out on way home early that morning!

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Superb310 Reviews4.5

Recently Opened Restaurants

Liberty Pizza

493 Gardiner Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578

Superb2 Reviews5

Cushnoc Cantina

150 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901

Great atmosphere! The menu has a good variety of food selections and the customer service is top notch!

Good51 Reviews3.8

Ninja Sushi Asian Bistro

179 Main St Ste 1, South Paris, ME 04281

Love the sushi pizza. Clean, decent array of adult beverages, pleasant wait staff, lights to bright.

Superb63 Reviews4.5

Second Rodeo Coffee

124 Sawyer St, South Portland, ME 04106

I’ve been waiting for a long time for a decent mocha that’s not just sweet milk. 🍫☕️ I hope Second Rodeo kills it and Ferry Village continues to be recog...

Superb13 Reviews5

Roasty's

642 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Great sandwiches and fun space! We tried out the Chicago and Los Angeles sandwiches with cheese fries -- all were delicious. I would definitely recommend...

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Superb35 Reviews4.9

Bbs Lobster Trap

Steuben, ME 04680

Great crew. Loaded pretty quick for live lobster load. Wasn't hard docking either.

Poor0 Reviews0

Seacoast Catering & Lobster Bakes

44a I62, Nobleboro, ME 04555

I work for Lurie she is exceptional at what she does and has years of experience. I help manage her lobster bakes services and we rarely have a dissatisf...

Superb1 Reviews5

Hog Heaven Bar & Grill

1032a Rangeley Rd, Avon, ME 04966

The steak bomb wrap is delicious, far beyond expectations!
I am writing this review in Chinese to show that this little shop is very tasteful.&l...

Superb8 Reviews5

Farmer Bills Frozen Custard

150 Dow Hwy, Eliot, ME 03903

HOLY MACKEREL! Farmer Bill sure knows how to whip up some absolutely fire frozen custard. 10/10, no notes. Will be coming again….

Superb4 Reviews5

Bubble Bliss

23 Temple St, Portland, ME 04101

I really like Bubble Bliss! It's a cute and bright space with a central location near The Works/The Scandinavian Store/The Nickelodeon. I've on...

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Superb6 Reviews4.8

Fresh Maine Scallops

310 Bagaduce Rd, Brooksville, ME 04617

Superb1 Reviews5

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant

1041 Main St, Waterboro, ME 04087

Ugh I’m so upset! I’m from Mexico so I know exactly what I ordered. First time I ordered I got a salad without the ingredients listed on the menu and lik...

Good59 Reviews4.2

Kai Asian Fusion

2063 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090

I LOVE KAI ASIAN FUSION! They have the best sushi I have ever had, the chicken tempura…..SO GOOD! I can’t say enough great things about them! You should ...

Good42 Reviews3.9

Wander Pizza Co.

256 State St, Augusta, ME 04330

Our new favorite pizzia shop!

Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free pizzias

Superb82 Reviews4.9

Jaffa Mediterranean Grill

269 US-1 #101, Falmouth, ME 04105

Food was outstanding, service was terrific. Only gave four stars because I didn't care for the drink options. Would eat here again.

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Superb40 Reviews4.8

Recent Reviews

Chaos Coffee Company

430 Main St, Wilton, ME 04294

Owners and employees are very friendly. Drinks are very good. Excellent experience at this establishment.

Superb23 Reviews4.6

Moderation Brewing

103 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011

The owner of this place forced an additional income tax on Mainers but conveniently exempted herself. Then she has the audacity to call it a contributio...

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Superb21 Reviews4.7

Red City Ale House

8 Main St, Windham, ME 04062

we ate there and i ordered the mushroom burger special. It had so much stuff on it you couldn't eat it .very poorly done .prices have gone up but qu...

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Good130 Reviews4.2

The Cubbyhole Sports Pub

213 W Alna Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578

Nice friendly place. We stopped for dinner on Saturday night. Everything was lovely and tasty and met some nice people. Just realized today Thursday that...

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Superb7 Reviews4.9

Paellaseafood Restaurant

865 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04103

The seafood paella here is simply superb. I had first tried it when the restaurant was in its original, cramped space, a few doors down from its present ...

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Superb156 Reviews4.8

Kirin Asian kitchen

171 Main St, East Waterboro, ME 04030

I am gluten free and had the pad tai. Best pad Thai I have ever had. I went with friend and they loved it too . The place is so clean and staff very...

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Superb102 Reviews4.8

Train's Tavern

249 Carl Broggi Hwy, Lebanon, ME 04027

Sat at the bar at 3:30 PM and ordered beer and a plate of onion rings. There were 2 other people eating food at the time in the entire establishment. Sti...

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Good42 Reviews3.7

The Sedgley Place

54 Sedgley Rd, Greene, ME 04236

I say the experience we had last evening was OK because everything other my prime rib was really quite good. My wife and I were joined by another couple...

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Superb161 Reviews4.4

Subway

35 Bridge St, Gardiner, ME 04345

I am very disappointed in my sandwiches. I asked for extra lettuce, pickles and tomatoes and I got the bare minimum. I tipped because one time dd I didn&...

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Average36 Reviews2.7

China Rose

23 Main St 2nd floor, Freeport, ME 04032

Buffet was not impressive and limited selection. Food was cold and some was dried out, coating on fried food was very thick. Everything tasted the same ...

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Good33 Reviews3.5

Norma's Restaurant

529 US-1 Ste 105, York, ME 03909

Cybil!! You are the best! Super friendly staff. The blueberry pancakes were delicious! Hot chocolate was made with love. The scrambled eggs didn’t have a...

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Good91 Reviews4.2

Main Street Grill

268 Main St, Old Town, ME 04468

The food is the typical bar food and limited menu. The service is good but the draft beer was outrageously expensive. It cost more than the meal. Firs...

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Good6 Reviews4.2

Plant's Seafood

24 State Rd, West Bath, ME 04530

Great selection of very fresh fish. Can't beat the prices or service, and the location is just a minute off Route 1 between Ath and Brunswick.

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Superb42 Reviews4.6

Country Kitchen Bakery Outlet

50 Locust St, Lewiston, ME 04240

The last 2 boxes of plain dounuts I bought with a sell by date not for over a week and all dounuts were too hard and dry to eat. So yesterday I bought a ...

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Good9 Reviews3.3

Canton Pearl

17 Main St, Lisbon, ME 04252

Very good. Egg Fo Yong was excellent. Cashew chicken was fresh and tasty. Vegetables were a little crunchy for my liking but that is subjective. Noth...

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