These Are the Best Holiday Restaurants in Maine, According to Locals

One of the best holiday traditions is enjoying time with family and friends at the table, swapping stories and filling our stomachs.

Not all of these meals are home-cooked, though, and that's why it's wonderful to live in a state with such a fantastic culinary reputation.

Maine Has One of the Best Food Scenes in America

Maine's food scene has so much to offer—from cozy diners and lively pubs to exceptional sandwich shops and exquisite fine dining. Many of these local spots truly embrace the holiday season, offering festive menus and capturing the spirit of Christmas.

It's fun to get wrapped up in spending massive amounts of time discussing and dissecting every little aspect of Maine's restaurant scene. Quite frankly, it deserves it. Whether it's the busy southern coast, the western foothills, the Midcoast, or Bar Harbor, it doesn’t matter—wherever you go, you will find excellent food.

With this being the case, it's easy for us Mainers to have our favorites. This includes our former neighbors and family who have moved out of state.

However, once a Mainer, always a Mainer. We all have those true staples you never forget. And when you're back in Maine, they’re a must-visit, especially during the holidays. There's nothing like stopping by your favorite spot during the most festive time of year.

What are the Best Maine Restaurants for the Holiday Season?

So, we put out the call for the state's best holiday spots—the ones worth the drive. These joints aren't just about the food, but also the experience.

Now, thanks to our stations' social media, we can put some names to these establishments.

READ MORE: Popular Portland Neighborhood Named Best in Maine for Foodies

Below is a list of many of the restaurants, bars, and breweries that were suggested to us. They vary in size, concept, and location. However, they are all true holiday wonders.

Happy holidays, folks. Hope you're hungry.