There’s so much more to Maine cuisine than lobster, clams and mussels, although they are pretty delicious! Portland is a well-known foodie destination, and the rest of the state is quickly catching up. Be sure to check each restaurant’s website for pandemic protocols, seasonal schedules and to make reservations. Here are our top five restaurants in Maine in alphabetical order. Try them all!
Dolphin Marina Restaurant, Harpswell
Enjoy amazing views of the water as well as great food as the Dolphin is situated out on Basin Point in Pott’s Harbor at the tip of Harpswell. This family-owned and operated spot serves up fresh, local seafood, hand-cut steaks and more. Customer favorite menu items include their famous fish chowder, lobster roll, seafood risotto and lobster stew. Be sure to order the blueberry muffins or a slice of blueberry pie!
Fore Street, Portland
Serving up a farm-to-table menu since 1996, Fore Street has been there from the start of the whole Portland foodie scene and is one of the best Maine restaurant recommendations. Award-winning chef Hayward’s menu is complemented by the restaurant’s interior of brick with the open kitchen and wood-burning oven visible as you dine. Order the Wood Oven Roasted Maine Mussels with sticky toffee pudding for dessert!
Local 188, Portland
Another farm-to-table dining spot, Local 188 has been offering Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired tapas and entrees using local farmers, foragers and fishermen for over twenty years. Popular dishes at this casually elegant restaurant include the risotto, Shrimp Pinchos and any of their paella selections.
Primo Restaurant, Rockland
Primo’s takes farm-to-table as far as it can go, using super fresh ingredients from their on-site farm. And they raise their own pigs too. Chef Melissa Kelly is a two-time James Beard Award winner and is doing amazing things with the wood-fired oven and local ingredients. Located in an old Victorian house, there’s plenty of charm served along with a unique menu at one of the best restaurants in Maine. Try the tagliatelle with crab, house-made Gemelli, or anything of the pork choices. Be sure to also get one of their specialty cocktails like the customer favorite Cat’s Paw.
Street & Company, Portland
This Mediterranean, all seafood restaurant has been serving Portland for over thirty years. Order from their full menu, or just enjoy fresh oysters and seasonal shellfish from their raw bar. Customer favorites at this bistro-style spot include the Sole Francaise, Scallops in Pernod, and any of their lobster selections.