Seafood, especially lobster rolls and fried haddock, is served everywhere in Maine, but there is a lot of other good food to be had too. For my friends and those who might be traveling to this coast, here are some of the places we’ve most enjoyed in the greater Boothbay region.
Harborside Tavern (Boothbay Harbor)
A familiar location with new owners and chef, this second floor space with its maple tables and chairs has outside seating on the screened porch overlooking the water and inside tables and a large square bar. The quesadilla was one of the best I’ve ever had and their ribs and cole slaw also from the tavern menu were also very good. From the entree listing, the halibut with steamed spinach on a bed of tomato risotto was both pretty and tasty.
Ports of Italy (Boothbay Harbor)
For something other than pizza, this longtime Italian favorite delivers consistently delicious fare. Many of the pastas are homemade and their veal piccata served with julienned vegetables is an excellent rendition. Located on the second floor, there are tables both inside and on their screened porch. No view so either seating is acceptable.
Thistle Inn (Boothbay Harbor)
Up the hill from the waterfront, the Thistle Inn (dating from 1861) might at first seem more appropriate for winter than summer with its dim interior and cozy bar area. But, they have lovely tables on their side porch and, in good weather, this is the place to be! My favorites here include their butter poached lobster in pastry appetizer and the salmon entree. In my experience, you won’t go wrong whatever you choose. And you can even arrange to stay overnight!
Newagen Seaside Inn (Southport Island)
This longtime resort is the scene of many weekend weddings, but also has a most attractive dining room–bar area, semi-circular porch and outside deck, all overlooking a broad lawn sloping down to the water. The menu is nicely varied and includes everything from beef sliders to stuffed halibut to lobster and lobster rolls, chicken, and flatbreads. I’m partial to their firecracker shrimp appetizer and recently, an herb crusted swordfish with mushroom risotto. It’s open for lunch and dinner and can accommodate families with kids.
Squire Tarbox Inn (Wiscasset)
This historic inn (originally built in 1763 with an 1820 addition) is in the country on Westport Island outside Wiscasset. It would be a cozy place in the cold weather with its fireplaces and dark wood. In the summer, their screened porch is the place to be with a view out to the garden. The chef and co-owner is Swiss and his veal in a mushroom cream sauce served over rosti potatoes is tasty comfort food, no matter what the season. The house salad is fresh greens and includes a tangle of julienned celariac in a mustardy mayonnaise. Other entrees include lamb, duck breast, halibut and a seductive vichyssoise. This is relaxed fine dining!
Francine (Camden)
This small mainly French restaurant just off the main drag is cozy and comfortable with very good food. The halibut I had was perfectly cooked and attractively served with spinach and a few walnuts. Others in our group raved about the corn soup and the lamb.
Hot Suppa (Portland)
Beyond the art museum and in an area less frequented by tourists, this little place is a haven for breakfast and lunch, although they also serve dinner. We went for lunch and were surprised that it was packed so we had a 20 minute wait for a booth. Definitely worth the wait! Everything was delicious from the French egg scramble with cheese (and other additions you choose) to the corned beef hash to the eggs Benedict and the cole slaw. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are available at lunchtime, hence cole slaw with my eggs!
Header photo by JWFarrington (some rights reserved)
