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.
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 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]
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."
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."
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?
With affordable, authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian offerings, this family-run place has quietly been pleasing and educating Portland palates for 10 years.
Chef John Gagnon offers a French and Italian influenced core menu with plenty of changing nightly specials at this intimate Rosemont neighborhood spot.
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.
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 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.
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 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]
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."
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."
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?
With affordable, authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian offerings, this family-run place has quietly been pleasing and educating Portland palates for 10 years.
Chef John Gagnon offers a French and Italian influenced core menu with plenty of changing nightly specials at this intimate Rosemont neighborhood spot.
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.
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 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.
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