Restaurants & Pubs

From meaty lobster tails swathed in butter to crisp apples and wild blueberries, Mainers know that the best flavors are hand-harvested right here, picked fresh from our fields or pulled straight from our pristine waters. Feast on this bounty of the earth at one of the many casual and fine-dining restaurants in Maine, where creative chefs showcase the freshest ingredients in unforgettable dishes.

Start your culinary journey in Portland (named the “Best Restaurant City of the Year” in 2018 by Bon Appetit magazine), home to four of the state’s six winners of the coveted James Beard Award. Take your pick from award-winning restaurants, where you can sample creative takes on Maine classics, such as the untraditionally delicious brown butter lobster served on a steamed bun at Eventide, or comforting farm-to-table fare, like hearty pastas made with local ingredients at Primo.

For a taste of real local charm, try one of the many classic diners in Maine. From retro lunch cars to roadside truck stops, these casual eateries serve up traditional diner dishes along with regional favorites like chowders, lobster dishes and whoopie pies.

Can’t decide what to try first? Visit during Maine Restaurant Week, typically held in March, where restaurants throughout the state offer specially priced multi-course menus that allow you to taste your way through the menu. It’s a great way to support small, local businesses and experience a variety of fresh flavors.