Presenting Maine's updated Eater 18, your answer to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant ?" This highly elite group (note: elite doesn't necessarily mean expensive or high-end) covers the entire state, spans myriad cuisines, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs. Every few months, we'll be adding pertinent restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months), or have stepped up their game.

New to this update: Five Fifty-Five, Hugo's and Street and Co..

Maine is a big state, and with this list limited to 18, there are absolutely a number of worthy restaurants not included here. For those of you readying the pitchforks because your favorite isn't on the list, wouldn't it just be more productive to leave your thoughts in the comments? Or hit us up via the tipline.

10/10/12 Added: Duckfat, Eventide, Mache Bistro, Natalie's, Street and Co., Zapoteca.
1/8/2013 Added: Local 188, Chase's Daily, The Lost Kitchen, Long Grain, The White Barn Inn.
7/9/2013 Added: Five Fifty-Five, Hugo's, Street and Co.
by Tom Minervino and Susan Axelrod