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Central Provisions

#1 in Maine

Eclectic restaurant serving small plates & cocktails in a rustic, brick-walled setting.

Known for their small plates and craft cocktails, Central Provisions continues to be a popular lunch and dinner destination for those visiting Portland Maine. In the 1800’s, this historic building was the exact location where The East India Company would unload goods. Current owners, Paige and Christopher Gould have worked to preserve the historic details of this gorgeous building. There is no doubt that the food and drinks are as intricately thought through as the beautifully-designed interiors.

Address:414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Phone:(207) 805-1085

Anju Noodle Bar

#2 in MAINE

Contemporary kitchen serving innovative Asian-style fare such as roasted eggplant or duck yakisoba.

This noodle bar in a repurposed government building in Kittery serves “free-style” Asian fare. Don’t miss the okonomiyaki, pork buns, or ramen fortified by a 14-hour broth made with meat from the butcher next door. Insider’s tip: Pass through the back of Anju into its sister cocktail bar, the Wallingford Dram, for a drink before or after dinner.

Address:7 Wallingford Square #102, Kittery, ME 03904

Phone:(207) 703-4298

Palace Diner

#3 in Maine

American Breakfast/Lunch Diner

If the young geniuses who run this old-school diner car don’t yet have a key to the city, it’s time. They’re probably the most effective ambassadors Biddeford has. From the pancakes and egg sandwich to the tuna melt and fried chicken, portions are just large enough that you probably shouldn’t finish, but too delicious to set aside. Palace Diner is arguably one of the greatest diners in all of America, and absolutely the third best place to eat in the entire state of Maine.

Address:18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005

Phone:(207) 284-0015

Magnus on Water

#4 in Maine

Magnus on Water is an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant serving nature-inspired cocktails, and crave-worthy American comfort foods.

Chef Ben Jackson, formerly of Drifters Wife, moved to Magnus on Water after a pandemic reboot. There he joined former Elda bartender Brian Catapang and general manager Brittany Saliwanchik, along with partners Julia Russell and Carmen Harris, to serve up original cocktails and small plates like sherry-steamed clams and sugar snap peas with goat cheese, mint, and country ham. Find a seat on the adjoining outdoor patio, which overlooks the nearby Saco River.

Address:12 Water St, Biddeford, ME 04005

Phone:(207) 494-9052

Chaval

#5 in Maine

This West End bistro from chef-owners Damian Sansonetti and Ilma Lopez has become a neighborhood favorite thanks to its homey vibe and leaf-covered back deck. The menu includes Spanish staples like jamon iberico and blistered Padron peppers, as well as French dishes like coq au vin. The bar program, run by Central Provisions alum Patrick McDonald, delivers updated classics and originals.

Address:58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102

Phone Number:(207) 772-1110