Must-Try Maine Restaurants Perfect for Your Next Road Trip

Exploring Maine's Best Dining Establishments

One of my favorite pastimes is exploring new dining establishments across Maine. My wife and I love to travel for hours, driven by a glowing review, an intriguing article, a local tip, or a post on social media. It's a thrilling adventure that always leads to satisfying our taste buds.

Throughout our travels in Maine, we've had the pleasure of dining at iconic diners, cozy pubs, outstanding sandwich shops, and top-notch pizza parlors. The Pine Tree State is brimming with fantastic places to enjoy a delicious meal, no matter the type of cuisine.

Discovering the Vibrant Maine Restaurant Scene

We spend hours discussing every detail of the Maine restaurant scene, from Portland and its vibrant food scene to Bar Harbor, the Midcoast, Downeast, the Western Foothills, and the Southern Coast. Maine is a true dining paradise for food lovers, and we’re fortunate to explore it all.

As Mainers, it's easy to find our go-to favorites. Even if they’re not around the corner, the drive is always worth it when the food is this good. Many of these incredible spots are located in places that require a bit of a journey. My wife and I are always on the lookout for both new gems and beloved favorites, and we're not the only ones willing to make the trip.

Maine Restaurants Worth the Drive: Locals' Favorite Food Spots

To share the love, we reached out to our listener community through social media to discover which Maine restaurants locals are willing to travel an hour (or more!) to visit. Thanks to the input we received, we've compiled a list of the most recommended places.

Below, you'll find a list of these standout Maine restaurants. They range from small, intimate spots to larger establishments, and each one offers a unique dining experience. Some are new to the scene, while others have been local favorites for years. Regardless of their age or size, they are all true Maine originals.

I hope you enjoy the journey to your next unforgettable meal.