Maine Best Restaurants 2012

BEST SURF-ON-TURF VIEW
Cape Arundel Inn,Kennebunkport
White-tablecloth dining with a knockout view of crashing surf and the Bush estate at Walker’s Point combines with well-prepared classic fare, such as sauteed seafood medley and pan-seared prime sirloin, make the splurge worthwhile. Entrées from $28. 208 Ocean Ave. 207-967-2125; capearundelinn.com

BEST WINE BAR
Old Vines Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant,Kennebunk
Mike Farrell renovated an old barn into an Old World-meets-New World European-style wine bar. Complementing the wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails are nibbles, snacks, and small plates with choices such as lobster panini, broiled Maine shrimp and chorizo, and a white gazpacho that will more than satisfy garlic lovers. Entrées: from $7. 173 Port Road, Lower Village. 207-967-2310; oldvineswinebar.com

BEST PORTLAND NIBBLES
Maine Foodie Tours, Portland
Graze through America’s foodiest small city on a guided culinary walking tour ($45) or trolley tour ($47). Tours begin at Old Port Wine Shop, 223 Commercial St. 800-595-4849, 207-233-7485; mainefoodietours.com

BEST GREEK CUISINE
Emilitsa,Portland
Chef/co-owner Demos Regas prepares the rustic Greek fare of his youth for a menu of small and large plates, created with an emphasis on fresh and local. The spanakopita, lamb chops, and whole fish earn raves. Entrées: from $21. 547 Congress St. 207-221-0245, emilitsa.com

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
Primo,Rockland
James Beard Award-winning chef Melissa Kelly invites diners to tour the gardens and pastures where much of the restaurant’s produce is grown and chickens and pigs are raised, before dining on her Mediterranean-accented fare. Entrées: from $27. 2 South Main St. 207-596-0770; primorestaurant.com

BEST TAVERN-STYLE FARE
Hatchet Mountain Publick House,Hope
It’s well worth noodling through the rolling countryside to have dinner at this meticulously renovated post-and-beam barn, infused with light and accented with antiques. Expect well-executed comfort foods, including what may be Maine’s best fish-and-chips. Entrées: from $14. 42 Hatchet Mountain Road. 207-763-4565; hatchetmountain.com

BEST MEXI-CALI-MAINE
El El Frijoles, Sargentville
That’s “L.L. Beans” to you gringos. This take-out restaurant, with outdoor dining area, prepares made-from-scratch California-style empanadas, burritos, and tacos with a Maine accent. Try the spicy lobster burritos. Entrées: from $5. 41 Caterpillar Road (Route 15). 207-359-2486; elelfrijoles.com

BEST TRIPLE-HEADER
Scotty’s Lobster Pound,Oquossoc
Part seafood market, part butcher shop, part restaurant, Scotty’s is a triple find. The restaurant (Tall Tales Tavern) serves market-fresh fish, lobster, and meats as well as salads made from greens grown in the front garden. Entrées: from $12. 17 Rumford Road. 207-864-9737 (Tavern), 207-864-2493 (lobster pound & meat market)

BEST COUNTRY COOKIN’
Grammy’s Country Inn,Linneus
Locals know that Grammy’s dishes out humongous portions of mighty fine downhome fare, such as hand-cut potatoes, fried everything (including lobster), and two-fisted whoopie pies. Nothing fussy, nothing fancy, and almost everything is less than $12. Entrées: from $8.99. 1687 Bangor Road. 207-532-7808

BEST FOOD & WINE PAIRING
The Fiddlehead Restaurant,Bangor
Chef Melissa Chaiken’s menu changes regularly, but her creative offerings blend Maine and worldly flavors. Co-owner Laura Albin manages the casual dining room. She knows wine and enjoys introducing diners to lesser-known varietals and vintners. Entrées: from $14. 84 Hammond St. 207-942-3336; thefiddleheadrestaurant.com

BEST DOWN EAST JAMAICAN JERK
Kitchen Garden Restaurant, Steuben
Drawing from their gardens and local, mostly organic, sources, Jessie King and Alva Lowe create authentic Jamaican fare, such as jerk chicken and curried goat, as well as seafood and vegetarian dishes. BYOB. Entrées: from $24. 335 Village Road. 207-546-4269; thekitchengardenrestaurant.com

BEST LAKESIDE LOBSTER BAKE
Migis Lodge,South Casco
Get a peek at this exclusive resort by splurging on its Friday-night lobster bake (June-August), available to non-guests by reservation. The all-you-can-eat cookout includes lobster, chowder, corn, steamers, salads, ribs, steak, hot dogs, and dessert. Price: $45. 30 Migis Lodge Road (off Route 302). 207-655-4524; migis.com