8 Best Restaurants in Maine!
A first-time visit to America’s northernmost state likely conjures up images of hiking through dense pine forests and maybe running into a moose or a bear. Kayaking around jagged rocks and watching fishermen in yellow slickers pulling in the day’s haul complete the dream. Certainly these expectations can be met for the most adventurous travelers, but for others the state is a lot like “the lower 48,” which is how Mainers refer to the rest of the country. When it comes to dining, there’s more to Maine than lobster rolls and whoopee pies, although certainly both local favorites are easy to find. But the “foodie” city of Portland along with many others dotting the coastline increasingly offer innovative options, with hundreds of restaurants serving spectacular cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs. The trend is local, and with so many small farms in the area it’s easy to see why organic and locally grown products are so popular on Maine’s menus. From the most expensive restaurants to the lowliest of diners, eating in “America’s Vacationland” has become a high art. Here are 8 best restaurants in Maine.
Street and Co., Portland, ME
Located on a cobblestone street across from the harbor in the heart of the city's busy Old Port district, Street and Co. is famous for its all-seafood menu. So if fish is not your thing, stay away. But if it is, the offerings here are the best you'll find anywhere, with lobster diavolo as the star and the day's freshest catch in a supporting role.
OTTO Pizza, Multiple locations
OTTO serves up pizza worth pigging out on, and that's the truth. Thin crispy crusts and special toppings like squash, cauliflower, mashed potatoes and avocado make them memorable. The traditional toppings-cheese, sausage and pepperoni - are also available, but somehow they taste like nothing you've had before. Crisp fresh salads, wine and beer can accompany the main event, but pizza is the star. While each OTTO location has its own ambiance, the two in Portland feature rich old woods and antique tin ceilings.
Empire Chinese Kitchen, Portland, ME
Get ready to share your food, since you will want to taste every last morsel that comes to the table. Featuring small plates laden with exotic and wild combinations, this is not your standard Chinese restaurant. Empire's loyal fans call it "Cantonese soul food." Make sure to get something starring eggplant. It is bound to be sublime. Packed on weekend nights with a typical 45-minute wait for a table, it's smarter to go for lunch when you can often be seated immediately.
Moody's Diner, Waldoboro, ME
If you want to feel like you've really been to Maine, Moody's is a must. Besides the good, old-fashioned diner food there are lots of souvenir items you'll want to grab and take home for friends. A great value for the money and a good stopping place on the drive to northern vacation spots, make sure to leave room for key lime pie.
Buck's Naked BBQ and Steakhouse, Multiple locations
There's more to Maine than lobster, and Buck's proves it. Start with a Bloody Mary with a giant beef or pork rib on top to get you in the mood, and keep going. Full dinners of ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and fried catfish come with your choice of sides. Opt for the memorable coleslaw, fresh corn bread and surprisingly good Caesar salad. Live music on weekends makes it noisy but fun.
2 Cats Inn and Café, Bar Harbor, ME
A good breakfast is a must if you plan to bike the carriage roads in Acadia National Park or hike up Cadillac Mountain, and this is the perfect place to fuel up for the day. The house-made biscuits, strawberry butter and organic coffee are outstanding, and the lobster omelet, wild Maine blueberry pancakes and corned-beef hash all pack enough carbs to keep you going until dinner. Expect to wait a while for a table since the dining room is small.
Five-O Shore Road, Ogunquit, ME
Five-O's James Walter was named 2016 "Chef of the Year" by the Maine Restaurant Association. That's quite a compliment in a "foodie" state crammed with dining options. Go for dinner or brunch, or possibly both. Catering to tourists sometimes may lead to rushed service, but the food here is always outstanding. By all accounts, the clam chowder is among the best you'll find anywhere. If you have to wait for a table, leave your cell phone number and the hostess will call you while you wander the town's interesting shops and galleries.
Jordan Pond House, Seal Harbor, ME
A broad menu of all the usual suspects is brightened by the famous Jordan Pond popovers that are made on the premises. They live up to the hype and you will want several. Also outstanding are the lobster stew and lobster roll. Lunch on the lawn offers fantastic views, as does a walk around the property while you are waiting for your table. Like all tourist meccas in "America's Vacationland," you likely will have a long wait, giving you time to cruise the extensive gift shop.
