must try maine restaurants outside of portland
Krista’s Restaurant, Cornish Village
Krista’s is a favorite spot for locals and visitors. It is in Cornish Village surrounded by small shops including fun antique spots and a unique local jeweler. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming with colorful lanterns, a beautiful patio, and a view of the river. Regulars will tell you that the staff truly makes the experience. The service is consistently superb. Krista has done something right with her staff. It feels good to patron a restaurant with employees that appear happy and invested in their jobs.
Onto the food! The portion sizes are quite generous with large sandwiches and salads. We have never finished without a box of leftovers! The prime rib dinner is definitely a favorite. The specials are in season and do not disappoint. They have refreshing house cocktails. I favor the Zesty Grapefruit Margarita but the Maine blueberry cocktail is also a popular local choice. The restaurant and food are family friendly with plenty of options for kids. My daughter’s favorite part of the meal is when they bring over the dessert tray (and searching the restaurant for hidden trinkets and toys). Call it nostalgia but that dessert tray makes everyone happy. The desserts are made in-house and must not be missed. We have been frequenting Krista’s for almost 20 years and after trying hundreds of restaurants they are still at the top of our list!
Le Mu Eats, Bethel
If you find yourself traveling to Bethel please try this restaurant! They offer modern American cuisine with South East Asian inspiration. We have tried most of the menu at this point and have enjoyed every meal. The cocktail menu is diverse with options for every palate. The Head Chef and co-owner is passionate about creating a unique culinary experience and has created a delightful menu. Consistent with the other two recommendations the staff at Le Mu provide excellent service. They are enthusiastic about the menu and are eager to offer advice. We are so pleased to have stumbled upon this culinary gem in downtown Bethel.
Pacifico, Biddeford
Pacifico is a new favorite of ours. The décor is bright and refreshing which matches the food and drinks perfectly! They have a nice selection of ceviche appetizers and a delicious guacamole. Their cocktails are balanced and pair well with the food options. The staff is outgoing and our bartender was happy to discuss the origin of the drink specials. This is a great place to start off an evening with fresh appetizers and sensational cocktails or mocktails!