The 18 Essential Maine Restaurants

From a lobster and chorizo roll by Portland’s Old Port to wood-fired pizzas at a farmhouse brewery, here’s where to eat all across Maine

Food in Maine is about far more than just lobster rolls. A farm-to-table ethos is the norm in many parts, while Portland, the state’s largest city, has become a destination for diners, punching well above its weight in worthwhile culinary experiences. As tourism rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic and even exceeds pre-pandemic levels in some places, Maine restaurants are busy serving travelers and locals again. Pandemic restrictions have lifted and Mainers have achieved one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country, but many establishments continue to struggle with staffing and closures; travelers should plan their visits in advance and pack plenty of patience as they dine up and down the coast this summer.

There’s certainly plenty of lobster to be had, but also a diverse selection of thoughtfully prepared cuisine available across the Pine Tree State. This list of 18 Maine restaurants is a diverse group, ranging from special-occasion spots to food trailers, united by their enduring hospitality and, of course, great food.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

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