domain's Profile
Best Restaurants in Portland, ME?
Absolutely the best? Anything goes? Hugo's or Back Bay Grill. Of course, it's all subjective.
great dinner southern maine
I have to agree with Mainegal. I would put Joshua's above 50 Local. I don't think I've ever left unsatisfied.
That being said, Hugo's and White Barn Inn are both vary good too and all 3 are very different dining experiences. White Barn is much more formal and continental, Hugo's is more about surprise and flavor profiles and Joshua's is about good, fresh (not that the others are not fresh btw) ingredients done very well.
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The White Barn Inn
37 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk Beach, ME 04043
Kennebunkport area - Vegetarian/Vegan and Seafood
Joshua's in Wells usually has a seafood special in addition to what's on the menu, and there is always a vegetarian option on the menu.
Poll: one dinner in Portsmouth, too many great reviews on this board!
I can only comment on where I've been recently. Jumpin' Jays is quite informal. The seafood is nicely done and kept pretty simple as it should be.
Anyone been to Academe at the Kennebunk Inn, Maine?
I'll start by stating that this is our regular watering hole, so I'm a bit biased. That being said, they offer a wide variety of food, from burgers to higher end entrees. So in general, you can find anything on the menu that will fit your budget.
The food is very good, and sometimes it's surprising in a positive way. My favorite on the menu is citrus crab ravioli, and their specials can be outstanding. The owner/chefs are both CIA grads and are very active in the kitchen, so there are few misses coming from the kitchen. The bartender (Adrian) is great, and there is a small, but good selection of beers on tap. So I would recommend this place if you're looking for a casual meal that won't kill your budget and will likely have something for everyone.
Late dinner in Kennebunk
Sebago brewing on Rt 1 in the Hannaford's shopping plaza. Good beer, adequate food if you're just looking for sustenance. 50 Local in downtown is open late on Friday. More upscale and $$, but better food. The Kennebunk Inn closes the kitchen at about 9, so that's not an option. That's about it for Kennebunk.
Best "Farm to Table" Dining Spot in Kennebunkport
There's a new restaurant in Kennebunk, 50 Local which states that their mission is to serve locally sourced ingredients. Opening later this week, so if I get there, I'll report. Joshua's in Wells uses locally sourced ingredients, including those from their garden.
Dining in Portland and Portsmouth
Frog and Turtle in Westbrook, ME is good and casual if you want to get out of town. In Portland, the usual suspects: Caiola's, Bay Bay Grill, etc., and Hugo's for a very upscale (and not inexpensive) dinner.
If you want to travel a bit south, Joshua's in Wells is good too. I think they do the "good ingredients done well" better than Fore Street, but I'm sure opinions will differ.
Anthony Bourdain coming to Conte's 1894 and Rocklnd, Me in January??? A Conte's Introduction.
I remember some very good but strange meals there. For instance, my SIL and I ordered the same thing, but the dishes were noticeably different - but good. And the night the wait staff left in the middle of service leaving the owner to serve us. At the end, I asked for the check, he asked what we ate, then said, "How's 70 bucks sound?"
Always an adventure.
One dinner in Portland, ME: Bresca vs. Street & Co?
Not really. First Friday is mostly in the Congress/Forest St area. You could start around Longfellow Sq and work your way to the old port (Street and Co.) or down Congress to Bresca. Both are walkable from the main area for the art walk.
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Bresca
111 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04101
The Farmer's Table - Old Port Dining (Portland, ME)?
I would second Bresca. That's the best of the ones listed in my opinion. However, it's quite small and not the most romantic if that's an important consideration.
For cocktails, I've always been partial to the bar at the Armory Hotel on Milk Steet. Usually a subdued crowd and great martinis and bar snacks. Top of the East is nice too, with a great view.
