The 18 Must-Try Restaurants in Maine

Located in a converted government building in Kittery, this noodle bar offers a unique take on Asian cuisine. Be sure to try the okonomiyaki, pork buns, or ramen made with a rich 14-hour broth using meat from the butcher next door. Insider tip: Head through the back of Anju to its sister cocktail bar, the Wallingford Dram, for a refreshing drink before or after your meal.

Oxbow Brewing’s third location, a farmhouse brewery, quickly became a favorite after opening in the former site of a cross-country ski center. Beer enthusiasts flock to this Western Maine outpost for its 15 taps, wood-fired pizzas, and nearby bottle shop. Ideal for groups of friends and families, the beer garden is a fantastic destination throughout the year.

The young talents behind this vintage diner car should definitely have a key to the city. They’re arguably Biddeford’s best ambassadors: from fluffy pancakes and egg sandwiches to tuna melts and crispy fried chicken, the portions are just right—large enough to share, but too tasty to leave behind. If the diner is packed, Palace Diner also offers takeout, perfect for enjoying in nearby Mechanics Park overlooking the Saco River.

Chef Ben Jackson, who previously worked at Drifters Wife, has taken over Magnus on Water following its pandemic transformation. He teamed up with former Elda bartender Brian Catapang, general manager Brittany Saliwanchik, and partners Julia Russell and Carmen Harris to offer unique cocktails and small dishes like sherry-steamed clams and sugar snap peas with goat cheese, mint, and country ham. Be sure to grab a spot on the outdoor patio, which provides a view of the Saco River.

No trip to Maine is truly complete without indulging in a lobster roll. All of Bite Into Maine’s spots offer some of the finest lobster rolls in the state, with the seasonal stand at Fort Williams boasting the most picturesque setting. Besides five varieties of lobster roll, you can enjoy chowder, various grilled cheeses, and whoopie pies, all while soaking in the stunning views of the Maine coast.

This neighborhood Mytoury boasts a nostalgic diner vibe, filling a vital gap in Woodfords Corner's dining scene. Chef Courtney Loreg, a Fore Street alum, serves up brasserie staples such as mussels and fries, an impressive cheeseburger, and delectable Maine crab cakes. Classic cocktails from the bar make this an appealing off-peninsula spot.

Recently recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, Leeward has successfully navigated its first two years of operation. Owners Raquel and Jake Stevens present Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pasta and a rotating array of small plates made with seasonal, local ingredients. Popular starters include chicken liver mousse and burrata.

With a dynamic menu, impressive drink offerings, and exceptional service, Central Provisions continues to impress six years after opening. Located in the beautifully renovated Old Port, Chris and Paige Gould serve globally inspired small plates such as smoked halibut dip, lobster and chorizo roll, and cauliflower-feta agnolotti.

This “boutique barbecue” restaurant offers an inviting outdoor dining experience in Portland’s East End. With a menu featuring house-smoked meats and Caribbean-inspired dishes, Terlingua caters to all tastes, including vegetarians. A great selection of craft beers and tequilas enhances the meal.

Founded by Tandem Coffee co-founders Vien Dobui and Jessica Sheahan, this vibrant café opened in 2017 after making a name for itself with popular noodle pop-up dinners. Nestled on Washington Avenue, the restaurant features standout dishes like bun cha, goi cai bap, and pho.

From the start, Eventide’s striking blue raw bar captured attention. It gained acclaim for its impressive selection of fresh oysters served in a granite trough, creative cocktails, and a diverse menu that includes crudo, ceviche, fried chicken, and what might be Maine's most inventive lobster roll.

With a wide-open kitchen and a wood-fired hearth, chef Sam Hayward’s award-winning restaurant has significantly elevated Portland’s culinary reputation. Although farm-to-table dining has become prevalent, Hayward was the pioneer in sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and foragers. His menu, featuring rustic and seasonal dishes, is updated daily.

Sam Hayward and Dana Street, the culinary duo behind this waterfront gem, serve a classic seafood menu with a twist. Chef Fred Eliot enhances the offerings with French-inspired specials such as head cheese and bone marrow onion soup pies. The expansive windows in the dining room provide stunning views of Portland’s bustling waterfront.

Nestled on Great Diamond Island, this cozy bistro offers a delightful escape with its tropical ambiance and neon flamingo. Crafted by seasoned Portland chef Jef Wright and owner Alex Wight, the menu boasts seafood delights like mussels escabeche, seared scallops, and lobster arancini. To reach the island, hop on the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Diamond Cove or book a private water taxi.

This Italian trattoria, helmed by former New York chef Sara Jenkins, presents a menu filled with classic and seasonal dishes in downtown Rockport. Housed in the former Salt Water Farm location, the restaurant offers lovely harbor views to accompany your pork ragu. A fun fact: The name Nina June is pronounced NINE-a June, inspired by the chef’s childhood nickname.

A beloved spot that has gained national recognition, Long Grain crafts innovative pan-Asian dishes using the freshest local ingredients. Chef Ravin Nakjaroen delights diners with spicy night market noodle soup, stir-fried ginger chicken, and Maine crab fried rice.

Nestled on the tranquil side of Mount Desert Island, this waterfront tavern features a menu blending Maine seafood with southern delights. Highlights include crab cakes, fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and an impressively large fried fish sandwich, all crafted by Georgia-native chef Ryan Lamon. The bar offers a full range of drinks, including wine and an extensive selection of canned Maine beers.

A cherished spot for both locals and tourists, Havana is an ideal choice for a memorable evening in Bar Harbor. Chef Cassady Pappas and owner Michael Boland have crafted a menu that fuses Continental cuisine with vibrant Central and South American influences. Under the guidance of local favorite Mark “Duffy” Dyer, the bar features a vast wine selection and expertly crafted mojitos.