51 Wharf Indulge in Chef Tom Johnson’s avant-garde cuisine, featuring exceptionally creative courses, local ingredients in a from-scratch kitchen, the freshest seafood including local Maine lobster, and a menu with savory chicken, steak, and pasta. Available for private parties and events. 51 Wharf Street in Portland’s Old Port. 51wharf.com, 774-1151 *

Anthony’s Italian Kitchen, 151 Middle Street, lower level, Portland. Voted “Best in Portland” three years in a row. Pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. All homemade recipes, including lasagna, chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and Italian sausages. Variety of hot and cold sandwiches. Beer and wine. Catering available. 774-8668 *

Beale Street Barbeque continues a tradition of eclectic American cuisine at their new location in South Portland. Still serving the best hardwood-smoked and grilled meats, poultry, fish, and seafood, as well as tasty appetizers, specialty sandwiches, salads, and creative daily lunch and dinner specials. Full bar featuring Maine microbrews on tap. No reservations needed, children welcome. Open all day, every day at 725 Broadway in South Portland. mainebbq.com or 767-0130

Becky’s at 390 Commercial Street, featured in Esquire and recommended by Rachael Ray, is “a slice of diner heaven,” according to Gourmet. Serving classic diner fare within the call of gulls, it’s Maine’s best family-friendly place to keep it real. Open 4 a.m.-9 p.m., 7 days a week. 773-7070

BiBo’s Madd Apple Café is located at 23 Forest Avenue, Portland, in the heart of the Arts District. Focusing on creative, affordable cuisine with an eclectic wine list to match, served in a bright casual atmosphere. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30-2, brunch Saturday and Sunday 11-2 and dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5:30-close. Menus change with the local growing season. bibosportland.com, 774-9698 *

Billy’s Chowder House makes seafood dreams come true, serving the freshest seafood around, whether you like it fried, grilled, broiled, stuffed, or over pasta. The chowders are all homemade and the lobster rolls have been featured in Bon Appétit. Located at 216 Mile Road in Wells, and surrounded by the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. billyschowderhouse.com, 646-7558

The Black Tie Market and Bistro will satisfy anyone’s craving for great food served with flair and fun. Now serving light breakfasts and lunches, and everything you need to entertain at home. Made-to-order paninis and wraps, soups, home-baked desserts and fresh salads. Try our candy bar, gelato, or a great bottle of wine. Now hosting wine tastings! theblacktieco.com, 756-6230

Clementine Restaurant located at 44 Maine Street in Brunswick. Chef-Owner Dana Robicheaw offers the culinary expertise that he acquired at Johnson and Wales and other Portland fine dining establishments. Clementine offers exquisite food and fine wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for a multi-course tasting menu for parties of two: $45 /person or $60/person with paired wines. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5-9 p.m. 721-9800, clementinemaine.com

Cleonice Chef Richard Hanson presents the cuisine of the Mediterranean prepared from the finest local ingredients. Cleonice offers both delicious cuisine and affordable selections for lunch and dinner in the casually sophisticated atmosphere of the landmark Lucini Building. Nominated for the James Beard Award two years in a row. 112 Main Street in Ellsworth. Visit cleonice.com or call 664-7554.

DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant at 25 Long Wharf off Commercial Street. You can’t beat the location for fabulous water views of Portland Harbor. Escape the hustle & bustle of the city. Enjoy fresh Maine lobster year-round, steak, seafood dishes, & more. Serving 7 days from 11:00 a.m. Children’s menu available. For drinks & a lighter menu, try our Portside Lounge. dimillos.com, 772-2216

The Dogfish Bar & Grille, 128 Free Street, Portland, 772-5483, and The Dogfish Cafe, 953 Congress Street, Portland, 253-5400. “Great food, drink, and service in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere.” The Cafe (Monday-Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday Brunch) offers a more intimate setting while the Bar & Grille (open daily at 11:30 a.m.) offers live music Wednesday-Saturday nights. For a real local feel, reasonable prices, and great food, check out either one or both! thedogfishcompany.com

Espo’s Trattoria has been owned by the same family for over thirty years and will become your first choice for fine Italian dining. Menu items include homemade sauces, lasagna, fresh local seafood, and tender steaks. Generous portion sizes are served by personable, professional staff in a family-friendly atmosphere. Lunch specials served daily from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Takeout and catering are available. espostrattoria.com

The Farmer’s Table American bistro supports the local farming and fishing community. Specialties include locally-raised Angus beef, fresh Maine lobster roll, “right-off-the-boat” beer-battered haddock, and fresh-roasted turkey club, all prepared by chef Jeff Landry. Open Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 205 Commercial Street, Portland. 841-9114

Fish Bones American Grill is a casual upscale restaurant offering American cuisine with a multi-national flair. Techniques include light grilling, sautéing, and use of homemade food paints to further enhance our plated creations. Located in the heart of Lewiston in the historic Bates Mill complex, Fish Bones offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch. Come get hooked! fishbonesmaine.com, 333-3663 *

G & R DiMillo’s Bayside is nestled between downtown Portland and Back Cove at 118 Preble Street. You’ll find a comfortable atmosphere, excellent food, and fine dining during lunch and dinner. Featuring creatively prepared and classic appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizza, and delectable Italian entrees. Full bar. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday noon-8 p.m. grdimillos.com, 699-5959

The Great Impasta, premier Italian Restaurant in Brunswick, recognized as one of the “top 25 Italian restaurants in all of New England.” Intimate dining room setting, fun and varied wine list, and creative Italian & Mediterranean-inspired dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. 42 Maine Street, Brunswick. thegreatimpasta.com, 729-5858

Great Lost Bear, 540 Forest Avenue in the Woodfords area of Portland. A full bar with over 60 draught beers from local micro-breweries and imported specialties. Our menu features salads, sandwiches, steaks, a large vegetarian selection, and the best nachos & buffalo wings in town. Discover where the natives go when they’re restless! Every day 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. greatlostbear.com, 772-0300

The Good Table lives by its motto, “honest food, honest prices” offering made-from-scratch meals with brunch, lunch, and dinner. A well-rounded menu with choices to please every palate. Featuring inspired blackboard specials, the kitchen always takes advantage of locally-grown produce and seafood. Full bar with seasonal cocktails. 527 Ocean House Road on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth. [Check for seasonal hours] thegoodtablerestaurant.net, 799-4663

In Good Company offers an Old World atmosphere of unhurried dining, coupled with a compelling wine selection and limited bar. The ever-changing menu of light tapas to full entrees utilizes locally-produced cheeses, sausages, meats, wild-harvested seafood, mushrooms, and greens. The daily dessert offerings are decadent yet sublime. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 4:30. 415 Main Street, Rockland. ingoodcompanymaine.com, 593-9110

Jacqueline’s Tea Room and Gift Shop, experience authentic afternoon tea in an exquisite English setting. Select from over 70 of the finest quality loose-leaf teas to accompany your four-course luncheon of scones, finger sandwiches of all kinds, and desserts. Great for intimate conversations and parties. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and alternating weekends. 201 Main Street, Freeport. Reservations only. jacquelinestearoom.com, 865-2123 *

Jameson Tavern, with a casual bar, lounge & dining room. The building is the site of the signing of the Constitution for the state of Maine when it broke away from Massachusetts. Classic preparations served in a graceful & elegant setting make this a fine retreat from frenzied outlet shopping. 115 Main Street, Freeport. 865-4196 *

KON Asian Bistro and Hibachi Bar is inspired by the senses. Décor and music will invigorate the international essence of taking you to a different land. Thursday-Sunday evening a DJ will transform the bar into an Asian night club. Experience the world-class New York chefs prepare you a fresh, succulent dish. 1140 Brighton Avenue, Portland.
konasianbistro.com, 874-0000

Lotus Chinese and Japanese Restaurant, 251 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, Maine (Falmouth Shopping Plaza). We feature full-service bar and lounge area, sushi bar, Chinese traditional food not available outside of Boston, friendly atmosphere and courteous service. 781-3453

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants & Watering Hole! Two locations in Portland, others in Lewiston, Augusta, Orono, and Portsmouth. Always free hot chips & salsa, legendary margaritas, & the house specialty, the sizzling fajita. Happy hour Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., free hot appetizers. In Portland at 242 St. John Street, Union Station Plaza, 874-6444, and 11 Brown Street near the Civic Center, 774-9398.

Maria’s Ristorante, est. 1960, 337 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, one street down from Congress Street. Portland’s finest Italian cuisine. Maine Sunday Telegram’s four-star restaurant. Homemade sausages and finest meatballs around, thick Veal Chops a la Maria, Zuppa De Pesce Fradiavolo, homemade gelato, and Italian-style cakes. Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday, $13-$25. “Preserving the authentic Italian dining experience.” mariasrestaurant.com, 772-9232

Miss Portland Diner Visit the famous 1949 Worcester diner car #818, an architectural landmark in Portland. Back in operation and serving all the diner classics, Miss Portland is open for breakfast and lunch Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday-Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Wednesday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located at 140 Marginal Way in Portland. missportlanddiner.com, 210-6673

Moussé Cafe & Bakeshop located in Monument Square serves breakfast and lunch all day and features a weekend brunch. Casual atmosphere with a full bakery, homemade ice cream, and outside dining on the patio. Favorites include huevos rancheros, eggs benedict, scones, herb focaccia paninis, and award-winning turkey meatloaf sandwich. Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. One Monument Way, Portland, 822-9955

O’Naturals serves natural and organic flatbread sandwiches, tossed salads, Asian noodles, soups, and kids’ meals. Quick service, but our leather couches, wireless internet, and comfortable atmosphere will entice you to stay. Flatbread pizza after 4 p.m. and pesto chicken, roast beef, wild bison meatloaf, wild Alaskan salmon, and many vegetarian items-something for everyone. Portland, 321-2050, and Falmouth, 781-8889

One Dock offers creative, contemporary, New England Cuisine and traditional Maine favorites in a relaxed setting overlooking the Kennebunk River. The menu offers “small plates” such as duck spring rolls, flatbread signature pizzas, pan-seared scallops in a maple glaze, and the lobster and chipotle cheddar macaroni & cheese, which are proving to be fan favorites. Wednesday-Saturday 6-9 p.m. 967-2621 
or onedock.com

The Pepperclub is a prize-winning restaurant (”Best Vegetarian” & “Best Value” in Frommer’s Guide to New England) with creative world cuisine. Blackboard menu lists five vegetarian, three fish, & three meat entrées, including an organic beef burger. Relaxed, affordable dining on the edge of the Old Port w/ free parking. Open nightly at 5 p.m. 78 Middle Street. pepperclubrestaurant.com, 772-0531

Pier 77 and The Ramp Bar and Grill are owned and managed by Kate and Chef Peter Morency. Pier 77 has a formal dining room with stunning views of Cape Porpoise Harbor and live music each weekend, while The Ramp is more casual, with its own bar menu at hard-to-beat prices. pier77restaurant.com has all the details. 967-8500

Pom’s Thai Taste Restaurant, Noodle House, and Sushi Bar at 571 Congress Street in Portland (772-7999) uses only high-quality, fresh ingredients in all of their 90+ menu selections, guaranteed to satisfy. Featuring a kids’ menu, monthly specials, made-to-order noodle soup, and $1 sushi every Monday & Tuesday. Other locations in South Portland: Pom’s Thai Restaurant at 209 Western Avenue (347-3000) and Thai Taste Restaurant at 435 Cottage Road (767-3599). thaitastemaine.com

The Run of the Mill brewpub is in a restored mill building on Saco Island, offering quality food at reasonable prices; 24 beers brewed in-house throughout the year are rotated through seven taps. Sample 3 oz. of all beers on tap for just $5. Wine list and full bar. Trivia Mondays, Open Mic Tuesdays, and live music Thursdays. 571-9648, therunofthemill.net

Saeng Thai House serves authentic Thai food at two locations in Portland. With an upbeat tempo and tantalizing dishes, zesty flavor awaits you. Entrees include house specialty seafood choo chee, pad Thai, ginger fish, and much more. Eat in, take out or delivery available. 267 St. John Street in Portland, 773-8988, or Saeng Thai House 2 at 921 Congress Street, 780-0900.

The Salt Exchange American-style tapas using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Extensive beer and wine list. Wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. include complimentary canapés. Open for lunch 12-2:30 p.m., and dinner Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m. Lounge open for “The Hours” Monday-Saturday 5-7 p.m. Includes heavily discounted beers, martinis, and sangria with discounted appetizers. 245 Commercial Street, Portland. thesaltexchange.net, 347-5687

SeaGrass Bistro, 30 Forest Falls Drive, Yarmouth, an intimate 40-seat dining room with an open kitchen. Chef Stephanie’s style of American bistro cuisine, with Asian, French, and Tuscan influences, uses fresh local ingredients. Music while you dine Thursdays in October & December. Open Wednesday-Saturday for dinner, reservations starting at 6 p.m. For cooking class information: seagrassbistro.com, 846-3885 *

Stockhouse Restaurant and Sports Pub is the best place to catch all of your favorite games. This fun, family-friendly atmosphere offers a game room, 21 TVs, 16 beers on tap, and large party accommodations. Daily food and drink specials and a menu featuring everything from pub-style appetizers to homemade entrees. Open daily at 11 a.m. 506 Main Street, Westbrook. 854-5600 or thestockhouserestaurant.com

Thornton’s Bar and Grille at 740 Broadway, South Portland, offers upscale, fresh cuisine in a casual pub setting. Known in the Portland area for having a “Cheers-like” atmosphere, locals and those that stumble across this hidden jewel of Foodie favorites can enjoy hand-cut grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and house appetizers with a great selection of microbrews and specialty cocktails. 799-3100

Twenty Milk Street, in the Portland Regency Hotel, serves U.S.D.A. prime and choice steaks and the freshest seafood, combining award-winning classic American cuisine with fine wines in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Featuring crab cakes with lemon shallot mayonnaise, baked escargot, charbroiled chili-lime scallops, and sumptuous desserts. Dinner seven nights a week; also serving breakfast, lunch and brunch. Complimentary valet parking. theregency.com, 774-4200

Varano’s Italian Restaurant-food so good, you may never cook again. Featuring stunning views of the coast and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, Varano’s serves the best Italian food north of Boston. The menu offers signature Italian dishes and special family recipes, and the comprehensive all-Italian wine list is a Wine Spectator award recipient since 2002. 60 Mile Road, Wells. varanos.com, 641-8550

Verrillo’s features a variety of fresh seafood and shellfish along with choice steaks and chicken dishes. Moderately priced with emphasis on quality, service, and value. If it’s not fresh, it’s not here! Open Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 155 Riverside Street, Portland. verrillos.com, 775-6536

Walter’s eclectic menu changes seasonally with popular blackboard specials. The best in casual fine dining, featuring cuisine with international influences. Bar manager Steve Lovenguth’s wine list complements chef Jeff Buerhaus’s menu selections. Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch; dinner from 5 p.m. Look for us in our new location, 2 Portland Square. Coming Soon! walterscafe.com, 871-9258

Wells Beach Steakhouse and T-Bone Lounge serves prime and all-natural steaks, fresh seafood, and delicious salads, featuring Kobe sirloin steaks, set in a plush atmosphere. Enjoy a selection from the highly allocated new world wine list, or a signature Wells Beach martini under the starry ‘sky’ of the lounge. 73 Mile Road, Wells. wellsbeachsteakhouse.com, 646-2252 *

Yosaku, at 1 Danforth Street, is an authentic Japanese culinary experience, designed by owner Sato Takahiro and lead chef Matsuyama Masahiro. Premium sushi, sashimi, and rolls, including Yosaku roll, Portland Pirates roll, and traditional cooked Japanese cuisine for the sushi-shy. Enjoy a bento box beside a tranquil Japanese waterfall. Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-3 p.m. Dinner 5-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10:30 p.m., 780-0880
*reservations recommended