“Eat” listings
-
Nosh Kitchen Bar
This place gives New York-style deli a twist by emphasizing fresh, local, all-natural and sustainable fare. Create a tasting plate by choosing from charcuterie, artisan cheeses, seafood and vegetables, or pray for redemption after digging into the almost-excessive Apocalypse Now burger with bacon-dusted fries. $-$$ (09/2011)
551 Congress St
207-553-2227
noshkitchenbar.com -
Sea Glass
Fifteen minutes from downtown Portland, Chef Mitchell Kaldrovich gives fresh and seasonal Maine fare an Argentine accent at this ocean-view restaurant. His Gulf of Maine Seafood and Lobster Paella is worth the trip, as well as the Grilled Gaucho Steak and Frites with Chimichurri. $$$$ (09/2011)
At The Inn By The Sea 40 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth
207-799-3134
innbythesea.com -
Pai Men Miyake
The space may be small, but this noodle bar deals in big flavors. Grab a seat at the bar for a bowl of steaming ramen and a selection of sake. Don’t miss the pork buns, made with roasted pig belly on steamed rolls. $$ (08/2011)
188 State St
207-541-9204
miyakenoodlebar.com -
Paciarino
This might just be the happiest restaurant in Maine. The sunny space is painted bright yellow and infused with the aroma of fresh garlic. Milan transplants Fabiana and Enrico make their scrumptious sauces and pastas fresh from scratch every day. $$$ (07/2011)
470 Fore St
207-774-3500
paciarino.com -
Artemisia Cafe
This cheerful breakfastand- lunch café is a hidden gem—and you’ll rarely wait for a table. Try the hearty veggie hash and eggs, or go for the pesto breakfast sandwich on buttery French peasant bread. $ (04/2011)
61 Pleasant St
207-761-0135 -
ENZO PIZZERIA
Stop in for a slice or, better yet, take a seat and enjoy the perfect pie, topped with roasted tomatoes and herbed ricotta. The narrow space, decorated with retro tin tiles and dark wood, will keep you cozy when the mercury dips. (A glass of red from the mostly Italian wine list will help, too.) $ (01/2011)
576A Congress St
207-772-9435
enzoportland.com -
THE WHITE BARN INN RESTAURANT
The 25-mile drive from Portland is more than worth it for a meal at the only AAA Five- Diamond and Forbes Five-Star restaurant north of New York City. Located in a restored barn, the dining room has a rustic yet elegant setting that’s ideal for a romantic night out. $$$$$ (08/2010)
37 Beach Ave, Kennebunk
207-967-2321
whitebarninn.com -
EL RAYO TAQUERIA
Cool twists on Tex-Mex here include burritos with portobello mushrooms and smoky potato fritters with chipotle dipping sauce. $$ (07/2010)
101 York St
207-780-8226
elrayotaqueria.com -
DAVID’S
This downtown bistro draws a loyal following for simply prepared seafood. In good weather, diners often enjoy dishes like Asian spiceencrusted tuna sushi and applewood grilled salmon on the patio. $$$ (05/2010)
22 Monument Sq
207-773-4340
davidsrestaurant.com -
THE CORNER ROOM
This affordable restaurant from Chef Harding Smith, who also runs the popular Front Room and Grill Room, focuses on light, rustic Italian food, from simply topped pizzas (prosciutto and arugula) to handmade pastas. $$$ (12/2009)
110 Exchange St
207-879-4747
www.thefron...taurant.com -
EVANGELINE
Located in Longfellow Square, Evangeline offers an authentic French brasserie experience. Chef-owner Erik Desjarlais' menu includes leek and oyster bisque, steak tartare and, for the adventurous, crispy roasted calf brain. Pair your choices with wine and an amazing dessert. $$$ (03/2009)
190 State St
207-791-2800 -
BRESCA
With just 20 seats, Bresca is tiny in size but big on flavor. Dishes include roast maple and sage pork shank and sea urchin spaghetti. Make reservations well in advance, and see why it recently garnered a nod in Food & Wine. $$$$ (03/2009)
111 Middle St
207-772-1004
www.bresca.org
