clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Here are 18 of Maine's Most Underrated Restaurants, Nominated by the Readers

View as Map

Last week, we asked readers to let us know what they think are Maine's most underrated restaurants. Responses poured in with suggestions from Portland to Pittsfield, Brunswick to Ellsworth. We compiled all the suggestions into a map of 18 Maine restaurants that may not get a lot of hype from the press, but that you need to try out. The list is in no particular order.
Did we miss your favorite underrated restaurant? Let us know in the comments.


· All Eater Maps [~EMAINE~] Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Congress Bar & Grill

Copy Link
A reader says this "is the best place in Portland. Both bar and food are great and good prices." Try it our for comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.

BiBo's Mad Apple Cafe

Copy Link
Writes one reader: "Food is delicious (both brunch and dinner), staff is very welcoming and friendly, prices are affordable and it's a comfy atmosphere. Plus I have never needed to wait more than 10-15 minutes for a table (unlike Bintliffs!)"

The Dogfish Café

Copy Link
The little cafe may not get the attention of some other Portland spots, but it offers a diverse food and drink menu in an eclectic setting. [Photo: Corey Templeton]

East Ender

Copy Link
Says a reader, "Everything I've had there is very good, and it's frequently quiet in there. Maybe Duckfat overshadows it... and maybe I want to keep it that way, so I can continue to get a seat."

Artemisia Cafe

Copy Link
From a reader: "Artemesia--for dinner. The brunch has it nailed down with the crowds, but no one seems to want to travel down Pleasant Street after dark."
The little, oft-overlooked spot has been serving up fine sushi and other Japanese fare for years.

Ribollita

Copy Link
Overshadowed by some famous neighbors, Ribollita's rustic Italian menu has pleased diners for over a decade. Also, who doesn't love house wine served in a big, ol' rooster pitcher?

Pom's Thai Taste

Copy Link
A reader says to order "yellow noodles with crispy duck, five spice broth, peanut, and a lot of heat" at this outpost of Pom's Thai mini empire.
With affordable, authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian offerings, this family-run place has quietly been pleasing and educating Portland palates for 10 years.

Tu Casa

Copy Link
This casual Salvadoran restaurant is easy to miss as you drive by, but those who find it usually become return customers.

Pepper Club/Good Egg Café

Copy Link
It's the Good Egg for breakfast and the Pepper Club for dinner. The brightly colored interior matches with the interesting menu offerings.

JP's Bistro

Copy Link
Chef John Gagnon offers a French and Italian influenced core menu with plenty of changing nightly specials at this intimate Rosemont neighborhood spot.

Hurricane's Cafe & Deli

Copy Link
A reader says simply, "best soups ever." There's lots more good stuff, too, with a slew of salads and sandwiches to chose from.

Henry and Marty

Copy Link
Their motto is "Food is Love." They demonstrate this by offering fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in changing and creative ways, with vegetarian and gluten-free options that people actually enjoy eating.

Larson's Lunch Box

Copy Link
A reader puts it this way: "Underrated roadside shack in Damariscotta: forget Reds Eats. It's, eh, okay. Larson's Lunch Box has the best traditional lobster roll on the coast. Truly. Screw the hour-long wait at the Wiscassett Bridge and the 'whole lobster in every roll' hype. The view at Larson's on 1B isn't so hot, unless you like a little rod and gun club action, but the lobster roll transcends any bitching you thought to do on the way."

Vittles

Copy Link
"Vittles is an incredible place to eat," writes a reader. "Better than anything up this way (including) Bangor and Augusta." Nearly everything is made from scratch and the prices are very reasonable.

The Great American Grill

Copy Link
Located in the Hilton Garden Inn, a reader says here you'll find "Awesome food, great atmosphere, and unbelievable service."

Finn's Irish Pub

Copy Link
A friendly pub in Ellsworth offering a good beer selection and some food choices beyond standard bar fare. Writes one reader, "Great pub food."

Loading comments...

Congress Bar & Grill

A reader says this "is the best place in Portland. Both bar and food are great and good prices." Try it our for comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.

BiBo's Mad Apple Cafe

Writes one reader: "Food is delicious (both brunch and dinner), staff is very welcoming and friendly, prices are affordable and it's a comfy atmosphere. Plus I have never needed to wait more than 10-15 minutes for a table (unlike Bintliffs!)"

The Dogfish Café

The little cafe may not get the attention of some other Portland spots, but it offers a diverse food and drink menu in an eclectic setting. [Photo: Corey Templeton]

East Ender

Says a reader, "Everything I've had there is very good, and it's frequently quiet in there. Maybe Duckfat overshadows it... and maybe I want to keep it that way, so I can continue to get a seat."

Artemisia Cafe

From a reader: "Artemesia--for dinner. The brunch has it nailed down with the crowds, but no one seems to want to travel down Pleasant Street after dark."

Yosaku

The little, oft-overlooked spot has been serving up fine sushi and other Japanese fare for years.

Ribollita

Overshadowed by some famous neighbors, Ribollita's rustic Italian menu has pleased diners for over a decade. Also, who doesn't love house wine served in a big, ol' rooster pitcher?

Pom's Thai Taste

A reader says to order "yellow noodles with crispy duck, five spice broth, peanut, and a lot of heat" at this outpost of Pom's Thai mini empire.

Asmara

With affordable, authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian offerings, this family-run place has quietly been pleasing and educating Portland palates for 10 years.

Tu Casa

This casual Salvadoran restaurant is easy to miss as you drive by, but those who find it usually become return customers.

Pepper Club/Good Egg Café

It's the Good Egg for breakfast and the Pepper Club for dinner. The brightly colored interior matches with the interesting menu offerings.

JP's Bistro

Chef John Gagnon offers a French and Italian influenced core menu with plenty of changing nightly specials at this intimate Rosemont neighborhood spot.

Hurricane's Cafe & Deli

A reader says simply, "best soups ever." There's lots more good stuff, too, with a slew of salads and sandwiches to chose from.

Henry and Marty

Their motto is "Food is Love." They demonstrate this by offering fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in changing and creative ways, with vegetarian and gluten-free options that people actually enjoy eating.

Larson's Lunch Box

A reader puts it this way: "Underrated roadside shack in Damariscotta: forget Reds Eats. It's, eh, okay. Larson's Lunch Box has the best traditional lobster roll on the coast. Truly. Screw the hour-long wait at the Wiscassett Bridge and the 'whole lobster in every roll' hype. The view at Larson's on 1B isn't so hot, unless you like a little rod and gun club action, but the lobster roll transcends any bitching you thought to do on the way."

Vittles

"Vittles is an incredible place to eat," writes a reader. "Better than anything up this way (including) Bangor and Augusta." Nearly everything is made from scratch and the prices are very reasonable.

The Great American Grill

Located in the Hilton Garden Inn, a reader says here you'll find "Awesome food, great atmosphere, and unbelievable service."

Finn's Irish Pub

A friendly pub in Ellsworth offering a good beer selection and some food choices beyond standard bar fare. Writes one reader, "Great pub food."