Top 10 Best Restaurants in Maine: A Culinary Journey Through the Pine Tree State

Maine’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from its coastal heritage, fertile farmlands, and innovative chefs who elevate local ingredients into unforgettable dishes. Known for its lobster rolls, wild blueberries, and farm-to-table ethos, Maine offers a dining experience that blends rustic charm with sophisticated flavors. Whether you’re booking a table through OpenTable Portland Maine, seeking the best places to eat in Maine, or exploring the best new restaurants in Maine, this guide highlights the top 10 best restaurants in Maine for 2025.

From iconic Portland establishments to hidden gems across the state, we’ll cover signature dishes, ambiance, and why each spot is a must-visit Maine restaurant. We’ll also touch on the legacy of Maine Table Restaurant and celebrate the state’s evolving food scene, drawing from recent reviews on platforms like OpenTable, Eater, and Yelp.
Maine’s dining culture is rooted in its natural bounty—Atlantic seafood, organic produce, and foraged ingredients—paired with a commitment to sustainability. Portland, the state’s culinary epicenter, boasts a per-capita restaurant density rivaling major cities, with 544 eateries for a population of 68,000.

Beyond Portland, rural spots like The Alna Store shine, earning James Beard nominations for their innovative approach. Whether you’re after a waterfront seafood feast or a cozy bistro, this guide to the best places to eat in Maine will inspire your next culinary adventure.

Maine’s Culinary Evolution

Maine’s food scene has deep roots, from Native American traditions to the lobster industry that supplies 90% of the U.S. catch. The farm-to-table movement took hold in the 1990s, with pioneers like Fore Street’s Sam Hayward setting the standard for local sourcing. By 2025, Maine’s restaurants have earned national acclaim, with Portland’s Fore Street and Eventide Oyster Co. consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. The best new restaurants in Maine, like Pomelia in Brunswick, reflect global influences, blending Sicilian recipes with Maine seafood.

While Maine Table Restaurant in South Portland closed recently, its focus on local ingredients like lobster stew lives on in similar establishments. OpenTable’s 2025 data highlights Portland’s top spots, with restaurants like Scales and Isa Bistro earning 4.5+ stars for their innovative menus and ambiance.

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Maine

Curated from 2025 reviews on OpenTable, Eater, TripAdvisor, and local sources like Portland Food Map, here are the top 10 best restaurants in Maine. This list balances Portland’s culinary giants with statewide gems, ensuring variety in cuisine, price, and location. Each entry includes what to order, average check, and why it’s a standout Maine restaurant.

1. Fore Street (Portland)

Fore Street, a Portland institution since 1996, is a cornerstone of the best places to eat in Maine. Known for its wood-fired oven and farm-to-table ethos, this James Beard-winning restaurant (Best Chef: Northeast, 2004) features a daily-changing menu sourced from Maine’s fishermen and farmers. The open kitchen, with its brick and soapstone hearth, creates a lively atmosphere, bookable via OpenTable Portland Maine with a 4.7-star rating. Andrew Zimmern calls it one of his favorite U.S. restaurants, praising its “Viking poetry” mussels.

What to Order: Wood-roasted mussels with garlic-almond butter or turnspit-roasted pork loin. Finish with maple black-walnut crème brûlée.
Average Check: $50-80/person.
Why Visit: A Maine restaurant that defines farm-to-table dining, perfect for special occasions or a taste of Portland’s culinary heritage.

Pro Tip: Reservations open two months in advance on OpenTable; book early for peak summer months.

2. Central Provisions (Portland)

Central Provisions is a small-plates haven in Portland’s Old Port, celebrated as one of the best places to eat in Maine for its creative dishes and rustic-chic vibe. This 2015 James Beard finalist offers spicy beef tartare and smoked carrots, with a bar serving inventive cocktails. Its two-level space is ideal for groups, bookable via OpenTable Portland Maine with a 4.6-star rating.

What to Order: Fried oyster sliders or bone marrow toast. Pair with a “Middle Child” cocktail (mezcal, shochu, cucumber).
Average Check: $40-70/person.
Why Visit: A vibrant Maine restaurant for sharing plates and craft drinks, perfect for a lively night out.

Pro Tip: Arrive early for bar seating if reservations are full.

3. Scales (Portland)

Scales, located on Maine Wharf, is a seafood-centric gem among the top 10 best restaurants in Maine. With waterfront views and a menu showcasing Gulf of Maine catches, this upscale spot (part of the Fore Street family) offers dishes like lobster risotto and Jonah crab fritters. It’s a top pick on OpenTable Portland Maine with a 4.8-star rating.

What to Order: Seared scallops with bacon or whole roasted branzino. The raw bar is a must.
Average Check: $60-90/person.
Why Visit: A best place to eat in Maine for seafood lovers seeking elegance and harbor views.

Pro Tip: Request a window table for the best views.

4. Twelve (Portland)

Twelve, a relatively new addition to Portland’s waterfront, is among the best new restaurants in Maine, earning praise for its bold, landscape-inspired dishes. Chef Colin Wyatt, an Eleven Madison Park alum, crafts tasting menus with local ingredients like Nantucket Bay scallops and hot buttered lobster croissants. Book via OpenTable Portland Maine for its 4.7-star experience.

What to Order: Tasting menu with Maine lobster or venison. Pair with the Coastline Martini (sugar kelp, dill).
Average Check: $80-120/person.
Why Visit: A Maine restaurant for upscale, experiential dining with a modern New England twist.

Pro Tip: Reserve the chef’s counter for a front-row view of the open kitchen.

5. Leeward (Portland)

Leeward is a pasta lover’s dream, ranking among the best places to eat in Maine for its handmade noodles and seasonal ingredients. This cozy Old Port bistro, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist, serves dishes like bucatini with clams in a minimalist setting. It’s highly rated on OpenTable Portland Maine at 4.6 stars.

What to Order: Sheep’s milk gnudi or pork and beef bolognese. Finish with tiramisu.
Average Check: $45-75/person.
Why Visit: A Maine restaurant ideal for romantic dinners and Italian-inspired comfort food.

Pro Tip: Bar seats are walk-in only, perfect for spontaneous visits.

6. Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland)

Eventide Oyster Co. is a seafood icon, renowned for its oyster bar and brown butter lobster roll, making it one of the top 10 best restaurants in Maine. This James Beard-winning spot (Best Chef: Northeast, 2017) in the Old Port offers 20 types of bivalves and a casual, nautical vibe.

What to Order: Brown butter lobster roll or oyster sampler with mignonette.
Average Check: $35-60/person.
Why Visit: A best place to eat in Maine for fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.

Pro Tip: No reservations, so arrive at opening to avoid long waits.

7. Duckfat (Portland)

Duckfat is a casual favorite among the best places to eat in Maine, famous for its Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fat and indulgent panini. This Old Port bistro, part of the Fore Street family, offers a playful menu and a sea-salted duck fat caramel milkshake that’s a local legend.

What to Order: Poutine with duck gravy or porchetta panini. Try the milkshake.
Average Check: $20-40/person.
Why Visit: A Maine restaurant for affordable, comfort-food cravings.

Pro Tip: Great for lunch; expect a short wait during peak hours.

8. Pomelia (Brunswick)

Pomelia, opened in January 2025, is one of the best new restaurants in Maine, bringing Sicilian flair to Brunswick’s growing food scene. Family-run by Tony and Chelsea Bickford, this cozy spot serves handmade pastas and pizzas with local seafood, earning raves from Down East Magazine.

What to Order: Marsala porcini pasta or Palermo-style sfincione pizza.
Average Check: $30-50/person.
Why Visit: A Maine restaurant showcasing global flavors with local ingredients, perfect for a coastal road trip.

Pro Tip: Reservations recommended; check their website for seasonal hours.

9. The Alna Store (Alna)

The Alna Store, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, is a rural gem among the top 10 best restaurants in Maine. This converted general store in Alna serves inventive dishes like lamb tartare and cod Wellington, sourced from nearby farms. Its remote location adds to the charm.

What to Order: Tasting menu with local lamb or foraged mushroom risotto.
Average Check: $60-100/person.
Why Visit: A best place to eat in Maine for a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Pro Tip: Book well in advance; limited seating fills quickly.

10. Primo (Rockland)

Primo, in its 26th season, is a farm-to-table pioneer in Rockland, making it one of the best places to eat in Maine. Chef Melissa Kelly’s menu highlights her on-site garden and local seafood, with dishes like lobster arancini and braised rabbit. The restored farmhouse setting is idyllic.

What to Order: Skate wing pasta or pistachio-crusted lamb rack.
Average Check: $50-80/person.
Why Visit: A Maine restaurant for sustainable dining and coastal charm.

Pro Tip: Request patio seating in summer for garden views.

Best New Restaurants in Maine

Maine’s culinary scene is dynamic, with best new restaurants in Maine pushing boundaries. Beyond Pomelia, other 2025 openings include:

Winona’s (Camden): A Midcoast standout with a 4-star rating from the Maine Sunday Telegram, known for halibut crudo with coconut milk sauce.
8 Bells (Camden): A new Irish pub offering hearty fare like shepherd’s pie, perfect for casual dining.

These spots reflect Maine’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, earning spots on Eater’s 2025 essential restaurants list.

The Legacy of Maine Table Restaurant

Maine Table Restaurant in South Portland was a beloved spot known for its specialty pizzas and lobster stew, embodying the state’s focus on local ingredients. Though it closed recently, its influence persists in places like Leluco’s, a South Portland bistro offering French-Italian classics like chicken with pea-Parmesan risotto. This legacy underscores the resilience of Maine restaurant culture, where local sourcing remains paramount.

Booking with OpenTable Portland Maine

For Portland dining, OpenTable Portland Maine is a go-to platform, offering seamless reservations for top restaurants. As of July 2025, OpenTable lists 26 Portland eateries, including:

Isa Bistro: A cozy spot with eclectic, seasonal dishes like roasted octopus, rated 4.5 stars.
Novio’s: An inspired bistro with a selective menu and extensive scotch list, perfect for intimate dinners.
Barncastle Hotel and Restaurant: A newer addition with creative comfort food, rated 4.6 stars.

OpenTable’s user reviews, analyzing nearly 2 million global diner feedback monthly, ensure reliable recommendations for the best places to eat in Maine.

Beyond Portland: Exploring Maine’s Dining Scene

While Portland dominates, the best places to eat in Maine extend statewide:

Havana (Bar Harbor): A Latin-Maine fusion spot with seafood paella and vegan options, ideal for Acadia National Park visitors.
Aragosta at Goose Cove (Deer Isle): A coastal escape with ocean views and dishes like lobster ravioli.
The Lost Kitchen (Freedom): A postcard-reservation-only gem offering emotional, forest-inspired meals.

These rural spots require a drive but reward with unique Maine restaurant experiences.

Tips for Dining in Maine

To maximize your experience at the top 10 best restaurants in Maine:

Reservations: Use OpenTable Portland Maine for Portland spots; book 1-2 months ahead for Fore Street or Twelve.
Timing: Visit in late August or early fall for fewer crowds and peak ingredient freshness.
Dietary Needs: Many restaurants, like Novio’s, offer vegetarian and gluten-free options; confirm when booking.
Explore Beyond Portland: Rent a car for detours to The Alna Store or Primo for a full Maine culinary journey.
Pair with Culture: Combine dining with visits to the Portland Museum of Art or Maine Historical Society for a well-rounded trip.

Maine’s dining scene is a testament to its natural wealth and culinary ingenuity. From the wood-fired elegance of Fore Street to the Sicilian charm of Pomelia, the top 10 best restaurants in Maine offer something for every palate. Whether you’re booking through OpenTable Portland Maine, chasing the best new restaurants in Maine, or venturing to rural gems like The Alna Store, the best places to eat in Maine promise unforgettable meals.

Pack your appetite, book early, and embark on a culinary road trip through the Pine Tree State. Your taste buds will thank you.