This time of year, it might seem like the only thing Maine is good for is freezing cold temps and some solid snowfall. As much as we sometimes agree, the ACTUAL truth is that Maine is pretty great for a lot of things. Swimming, fishing, boating and...eating! One of the best things about spending time in Vacationland is being able to eat your way throughout the state and never get bored. Here's a list of the best Maine restaurants to try in 2018. All of these picks are Maine institutions. While we love some of the new culinary sensations that are popping up across the state, we wanted this list to take you back to your roots! The best part? You can keep yourself busy all year with these suggestions!
1. Pizza Villa, Portland
You can't have a solid list of restaurants to try without including a pizza joint! While there are lots in Maine, this little unassuming spot in Portland is one of our favorites. This cozy restaurant opened in 1965 and has been owned and operated by brothers Phil, Tony and Andy Regios since their dad retired in 1975. The three brothers grew up working in the pizzeria, and they really know their stuff.
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
2. The Rangeley Inn, Rangeley
This wonderful spot is located off-the-beaten-path, but with history going back to the turn of the 20th century, it's worth finding! Plan the trip to this spot around autumn to get the beautiful foliage around Haley Pond.
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
3. McLoons Lobster Shack, South Thomaston
McLoons rates high on our readers' list of favorite lobster shacks in Maine. So, when the season picks up again you might want to make it your first stop! Great seafood, small town and water views. What could be more Maine than that?
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
4. Rockland Cafe, Rockland
Rockland Cafe celebrated its 25th year anniversary in 2017. It's been serving up delicious comfort food since 1992. All the menu items here are homemade, and served in heaping portions. The seafood chowder is rich and creamy and stuffed with haddock, scallops, shrimp and claims.
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
5. Big G's, Winslow
The story behind the creation of Big G's is ALMOST as good as the monster sandwiches they serve up! Stop in for their daily specials, and then do some asking around to hear the history of the place! Or, of course, you could just click the below link for their entire story.
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
6. Graze at Pineland Farms, New Gloucester
Graze at Pineland Farms is an ongoing dinner event that features a variety of local growers and producers. These dinners are Maine's only farm-to-table dining event working to highlight the importance of recognizing and preserving community heritage, the farm, and other local producers.
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
7. Grammy's Country Inn, Linneus
If you're searching for comfort food, you'll find it at Grammy's! From chicken pot pie to fries and gravy, all the portions are huge and absolutely delicious!
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
8. Crosby's Drive-In, Bucksport
Crosby's is another veritable institution on this list! They've been in operation for more than 70 years. They might be best known for their famous fried clams, but they also serve up wonderful chicken sandwiches and ice cream concoctions you'll love!
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
9. Canterbury Royale, Fort Fairfield
This secluded restaurant is the most unique on this list. With set seating times and a pre-set meal that's fully planned before you arrive the details here are unbeatable! Once you've enjoyed your meal, you'll be treated to dessert, which is what really sets this restaurant apart from others!
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
10. The Red Barn, Augusta
Three words: The Crustacean Elation. This monstrosity of a lobster roll can only be found at this beloved Augusta establishment. Not into a lobster roll that could take four people to finish? They've got plenty of other seafood and landlubber delights on the menu. And, they love giving back to the community. That's enough of a reason for us to be on the list of 2018 must-visits!
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
11. Moody's Diner, Waldoboro
Moody's Diner could be our favorite diner in Maine! They've been around for what seems like forever and there isn't any quintessential diner item that's not on the menu. We could have included a photo of their awesome pancakes or perfect mashed potatoes, but we can't miss an opportunity to share photos of the perfect Maine whoopie pie!
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
12. Spinney's Restaurant, Phippsburg
Another summer weekend, another wonderful seafood shack. Spinney's offer a wide array of seafood options, from lobster to clams to haddock. The views out the back are incredible AND they offer rooms to make your trip an overnight one.
Click here for more information, including hours and location.
For more things to tackle in 2018, check out these 12 places to visit throughout the state of Maine!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!