The Pine Tree State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors. Read our picks for the best food & dining in Maine.
BEST SALADS
FRANKIE & JOHNNY’S,
Cape Neddick
Chef John Shaw creates vibrant, internationally seasoned fare, including options for vegans and vegetarians. His huge ultrafresh salads are works of art and come with every entrée. Entrées: from $23.
1594 Route 1. 207-363-1909; frankie-johnnys.com
BEST ITALIAN CAFE
CAFFÉ PREGO,
Ogunquit
Murano glass, Venetian Carnivale masks, and Florentine wood trays are the background for authentic Italian flavors served within steps of Ogunquit Beach. The Italian-sourced coffee is the perfect complement to the pastries, while the paninis and brick-oven thin-crust pizzas earn raves. Pizzas: from $13.
44 Shore Road. 207-646-7734; caffepregoogt.com
BEST FARMERS’ MARKET
CRYSTAL SPRING FARMERS’ MARKET,
Brunswick
Go early: That’s the best advice for visitors to this bonanza of local specialty foods, offered Saturday mornings at the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust’s 320-acre Crystal Spring Farm. Approximately 40 vendors sell produce, meats, seafood, prepared foods, baked goods, cheeses, crafts, and flowers. Live music, too.
277 Pleasant Hill Road. 207-729-7694; btlt.org
BEST BREAKFAST
CRISSY’S,
Damariscotta
Croissants reminiscent of Paris, huevos rancheros that call Mexico to mind, gluten-free rice bowls, homemade oatmeal, and breakfast classics, including French toast, homemade hash, and eggs Benedict, are served at Crissy’s bright and airy downtown cafe. Breakfasts: from $3.
212 Main St. 207-563-6400; cbandcb.com
BEST FRIED SEAFOOD
The Slipway restaurant,
Thomaston
Two words: fried oysters. Chef/owner Scott Yakovenko has a knack for seafood that’s earned him a cult-like local following. This upscale fish shack’s setting–with tables inside, on an enclosed porch, and on a dock over the tidal St. George River–weatherproofs the experience. Fried oysters: $8.50. Entrées: from $14.50.
24 Public Landing. 207-354-4155; maine-slipway.com
BEST FRENCH IMMERSION
FROMVIANDOUX,
Camden
Indulge in a taste of the French countryside. The cheese and charcuterie selections are designed to be shared, the salads are large and fresh, and the small and large plates may include sweetbreads, escargots, duck, and a burger with caramelized red onion, aioli, and frites. Also available is afternoon tea. Entrées: from $7.
20 Washington St. 207-230-7444; fromviandoux.com
BEST RESTAURANT FIND
THE LOST KITCHEN,
Belfast
Erin French’s restaurant began as a secret supper club. Word spread, popularity mushroomed, and after meticulously renovating a landmark Gothic-style flatiron building downtown, she opened to the public. Expect a daily changing menu emphasizing seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients. Entrées: from $20.
108 Main St. 207-930-2055
BEST VEGAN RESTAURANT
EDEN,
Bar Harbor–CLOSED
Even hard-core carnivores are seduced by the vibrant, internationally flavored fare served at this vegetarian café. For an explosion of flavors, try the “Eden Fix,” a four-course prix-fixe menu with aperitif for $39. A children’s menu is also available. Entrées: from $17.
321 Main St. 207-288-4422; barharborvegetarian.com
