Visiting Maine for the first time and coming from the mid south, Elda was the most spectacular opener.The food was incredibly exciting. I’ve had the privilege of splurging on many fine dining foods both nationally and internationally. I do believe this was the most creative tasting menu I’ve had without relying on any bells and whistles. I mean, extracted oil from foraged cherrywood?! The staff were wonderful. The chef and his wife frequently came to the table to present their uniquely crafted dishes. She even provided us a mini list of recommendations for stopovers on our vacation. If anything, the only negative to this experience is that it may have spoiled us a little too early on in our vacation as nothing else will compare. Look forward to coming back as it seems from the review photos that their menu frequently changes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katrina Inscore
Lovely experience! Ambiance, food, and staff were exceptional!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Jenson
Not worth $600. The food was actually very nice. The service was excellent. It's a good restaurant. It's just not worth $600 (for 2). I'm not a penny pincher, I've spent that much at places like the French Laundry. The difference is the French Laundry is worth it, this is not. The food is overly fussy, relying on layering so many flavors that things get lost, e.g. there was a kelp oil drizzled over my tuna with roe (and three other ingredients) It was tasty but the kelp oil was just lost.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Russell Caron
The most elevated dining experience in Maine is probably not where you're thinking. It's here, at Elda. Elda, its service, professionalism, imagination, creativity, artistry, and delectable food defies description. Every moment, every taste, every course, every sip is elevated beyond all possible expectation. It's every best thing about Maine, including things previously unknown and unexpected. In a world filled with mediocrity being "good enough", nothing could be further from that than Elda. For sure for special occasions, Elda is case in point that you get what you pay for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
calwinemd
While there certainly are a lot of courses 14 in all, the experience does not match the $180 pp price. That does not include the mandatory 22% service charge or any drinks. No higher end ingredients and not even a lobster course - we are in Maine after all. Despite expressing an aversion to certain proteins,those very items appeared for one in our party multiple times. Service was very perfunctory and no one seemed to be interested as to what we thought about the cuisine. Sorry to say because I was really looking forward to this meal but was disappointed.
Mollie
We found elda quite by accident, and wow are we glad we did. Every single part of the experience was incredible. They are very straightforward with what to expect in terms of the dining experience, and even with that primer, we weren't fully prepared for the surprises and delights of the food, drinks, and service.It is abundantly clear that everyone who works here deeply loves food and Maine. Each course was so thoughtfully made and presented and, most importantly, was delicious. We each got a beverage pairing—one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic (ft. creative juices, infusions, and teas)—which was well worth the extra price and served to only enhance every bite.We were beaming the whole time. And as an added bonus, we enjoyed chatting about the food and the restaurant's story with the extremely knowledgeable and kind wait staff. We can't wait to come here again and are already planning our return.elda is a destination dining experience. If you love Maine or love food (and even better if you love both!), you really need to give it a try. And while it carries a steep price tag that's usually out of our budget, we didn't regret a single dollar spent. It was so worth it.Thank you, Bowman and Anna (and all the other wonderful chefs and staff), for an unforgettable evening!
beth hemenway
Perfection! The food, the beverage pairing, the service - all perfect! If you are at all an adventurous eater, go and enjoy!!!
takemeaway2
WOW - one of the best meals of our lives (and we are foodies!). I know it sounds trite, but each bite was a symphony of different flavors and textures. And the pacing of the courses was perfect. Kudos to the chef - and the excellent servers. We’ll be back and are bringing friends with us next time.
Mark Edge
I had dinner here last Thursday with my family. It is a transcendent experience (and for the food, compared to San Fran, NYC, etc a relative bargain). I was blown away by the simplicity of food that belied an amazing depth of flavor. The broths (mushroom and duck our night) were worth the price of admission alone. Literally NONE of the seafood dishes were overcooked or over-fussed-over (when was the last time that happened?) It is not a restaurant for the faint of heart given the time and mental commitment, but is immensely rewarding. I also recommend the wine pairing - they weren't overly indulgent, and I didn't leave unable to remember the last 5 courses (that happens a lot with wine pouring). If the smoky scallop, or razor clam with pine nut, or mussel toast were in front of me right now, I would not share with anyone. Take friends that you really like, and GO NOW!
Niti M
Apparently this restaurant is closed or seasonal. We visited Biddeford while vacationing in ME. Yelp says they're on 140 Main Street. But we couldn't find them and the phone number is out of service. I looked at their actual website and called the number but no answer.
As many have noted, Elda is located in an old mill a bit off the beaten path. That said, it is totally worth a journey as the food preparation, creativity and quality is at a level rarely experienced. The multi course menu, which is provided at the end, is seafood focused as that is what is freshest and local. The service was also outstanding, we were fortunate to be served by the chef’s wife, who not only did a great job describing the food but also the history of the building. So in sum, a great foodie destination, even for someone who has been to some of the most well known foodie temples in the world.
Martha Kleinman
The food is delicious, imaginative, and artfully presented. The staff couldn’t have been nicer and the space is beautiful. The printed menu handout at the end of our meal was a nice touch.
Michael D.
This is a 5 plus restaurant. I was a great restaurant in the old space. It's upped its game 10 fold. It's a fixed price. It's expensive. It's 12 courses. Most are one or two bites/mouthfuls. Every single thing was over the top. The whole experience is 3 hours. So be prepared. They don't turn tables, so your table, whatever time you make it, is yours for the nite. Last night it was all seafood except for the 2 desserts. The chef is a forager. So he goes out and forages and then creates the menu. I can cook well and this was things I could not imagine. The presentation was amazing. The service was extremely good and multiple people taking care of you but extremely coordinated and professional but friendly. It was more of a European type presentation you would get at a two star Michelin in Europe. The best meal I have had in the US in a really long time and we go out a lot. You don't get a menu until you leave. Every course is a surprise. The staff does a beautiful job explaining. Things made from costal trees and plants. Who knew that beach rose hips are edible! And delicious. I would share the menu but likely this will change before you have a chance to go. This is a special place.
Ron B.
Very good. Would return. Standout dishes were lobster with black cherries and the beet salad. Wine pairing was solid but might check out their cocktails if I return.
Kirk Ditzler
Simply amazing. We went for a 70th birthday and it was a present to remember. The staff was amazing. Very knowledgeable of the cuisine of the evening. The sommelier was excellent and the pairings were perfect for each setting. Truly enjoyed the evening. Complements to the chef and staff.
Visiting Maine for the first time and coming from the mid south, Elda was the most spectacular opener.The food was incredibly exciting. I’ve had the privilege of splurging on many fine dining foods both nationally and internationally. I do believe this was the most creative tasting menu I’ve had without relying on any bells and whistles. I mean, extracted oil from foraged cherrywood?! The staff were wonderful. The chef and his wife frequently came to the table to present their uniquely crafted dishes. She even provided us a mini list of recommendations for stopovers on our vacation. If anything, the only negative to this experience is that it may have spoiled us a little too early on in our vacation as nothing else will compare. Look forward to coming back as it seems from the review photos that their menu frequently changes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely experience! Ambiance, food, and staff were exceptional!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not worth $600. The food was actually very nice. The service was excellent. It's a good restaurant. It's just not worth $600 (for 2). I'm not a penny pincher, I've spent that much at places like the French Laundry. The difference is the French Laundry is worth it, this is not. The food is overly fussy, relying on layering so many flavors that things get lost, e.g. there was a kelp oil drizzled over my tuna with roe (and three other ingredients) It was tasty but the kelp oil was just lost.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The most elevated dining experience in Maine is probably not where you're thinking. It's here, at Elda. Elda, its service, professionalism, imagination, creativity, artistry, and delectable food defies description. Every moment, every taste, every course, every sip is elevated beyond all possible expectation. It's every best thing about Maine, including things previously unknown and unexpected. In a world filled with mediocrity being "good enough", nothing could be further from that than Elda. For sure for special occasions, Elda is case in point that you get what you pay for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While there certainly are a lot of courses 14 in all, the experience does not match the $180 pp price. That does not include the mandatory 22% service charge or any drinks. No higher end ingredients and not even a lobster course - we are in Maine after all. Despite expressing an aversion to certain proteins,those very items appeared for one in our party multiple times. Service was very perfunctory and no one seemed to be interested as to what we thought about the cuisine. Sorry to say because I was really looking forward to this meal but was disappointed.
We found elda quite by accident, and wow are we glad we did. Every single part of the experience was incredible. They are very straightforward with what to expect in terms of the dining experience, and even with that primer, we weren't fully prepared for the surprises and delights of the food, drinks, and service.It is abundantly clear that everyone who works here deeply loves food and Maine. Each course was so thoughtfully made and presented and, most importantly, was delicious. We each got a beverage pairing—one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic (ft. creative juices, infusions, and teas)—which was well worth the extra price and served to only enhance every bite.We were beaming the whole time. And as an added bonus, we enjoyed chatting about the food and the restaurant's story with the extremely knowledgeable and kind wait staff. We can't wait to come here again and are already planning our return.elda is a destination dining experience. If you love Maine or love food (and even better if you love both!), you really need to give it a try. And while it carries a steep price tag that's usually out of our budget, we didn't regret a single dollar spent. It was so worth it.Thank you, Bowman and Anna (and all the other wonderful chefs and staff), for an unforgettable evening!
Perfection! The food, the beverage pairing, the service - all perfect! If you are at all an adventurous eater, go and enjoy!!!
WOW - one of the best meals of our lives (and we are foodies!). I know it sounds trite, but each bite was a symphony of different flavors and textures. And the pacing of the courses was perfect. Kudos to the chef - and the excellent servers. We’ll be back and are bringing friends with us next time.
I had dinner here last Thursday with my family. It is a transcendent experience (and for the food, compared to San Fran, NYC, etc a relative bargain). I was blown away by the simplicity of food that belied an amazing depth of flavor. The broths (mushroom and duck our night) were worth the price of admission alone. Literally NONE of the seafood dishes were overcooked or over-fussed-over (when was the last time that happened?) It is not a restaurant for the faint of heart given the time and mental commitment, but is immensely rewarding. I also recommend the wine pairing - they weren't overly indulgent, and I didn't leave unable to remember the last 5 courses (that happens a lot with wine pouring). If the smoky scallop, or razor clam with pine nut, or mussel toast were in front of me right now, I would not share with anyone. Take friends that you really like, and GO NOW!
Apparently this restaurant is closed or seasonal. We visited Biddeford while vacationing in ME. Yelp says they're on 140 Main Street. But we couldn't find them and the phone number is out of service. I looked at their actual website and called the number but no answer.
Restaurantji Recommends
As many have noted, Elda is located in an old mill a bit off the beaten path. That said, it is totally worth a journey as the food preparation, creativity and quality is at a level rarely experienced. The multi course menu, which is provided at the end, is seafood focused as that is what is freshest and local. The service was also outstanding, we were fortunate to be served by the chef’s wife, who not only did a great job describing the food but also the history of the building. So in sum, a great foodie destination, even for someone who has been to some of the most well known foodie temples in the world.
The food is delicious, imaginative, and artfully presented. The staff couldn’t have been nicer and the space is beautiful. The printed menu handout at the end of our meal was a nice touch.
This is a 5 plus restaurant. I was a great restaurant in the old space. It's upped its game 10 fold. It's a fixed price. It's expensive. It's 12 courses. Most are one or two bites/mouthfuls. Every single thing was over the top. The whole experience is 3 hours. So be prepared. They don't turn tables, so your table, whatever time you make it, is yours for the nite. Last night it was all seafood except for the 2 desserts. The chef is a forager. So he goes out and forages and then creates the menu. I can cook well and this was things I could not imagine. The presentation was amazing. The service was extremely good and multiple people taking care of you but extremely coordinated and professional but friendly. It was more of a European type presentation you would get at a two star Michelin in Europe. The best meal I have had in the US in a really long time and we go out a lot. You don't get a menu until you leave. Every course is a surprise. The staff does a beautiful job explaining. Things made from costal trees and plants. Who knew that beach rose hips are edible! And delicious. I would share the menu but likely this will change before you have a chance to go. This is a special place.
Very good. Would return. Standout dishes were lobster with black cherries and the beet salad. Wine pairing was solid but might check out their cocktails if I return.
Simply amazing. We went for a 70th birthday and it was a present to remember. The staff was amazing. Very knowledgeable of the cuisine of the evening. The sommelier was excellent and the pairings were perfect for each setting. Truly enjoyed the evening. Complements to the chef and staff.