51 Wharf Restaurant & Ultra Lounge Indulge in the chef’s avant-garde cuisine, w/exceptionally creative courses, local ingredients done from-scratch in our kitchen & the freshest seafood. We serve local Maine lobster, a menu w/savory chicken, steak & pasta. Available for private parties & events. 51 Wharf St., Portland’s Old Port, 774-1151, 51wharf.com. *

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

Boda is a “Very Thai” kitchen & lounge. Delicious selections of Thai home-style entrees, street-vendor inspired grilled skewers, tapas, & a full bar. Vegetarian options available. Come experience an eating culture of Thailand! No reservations & parking available. Late-night menu served until 1am. Open Tu-Su from 5pm-1am. 671 Congress St., Portland, 347-7557.

Brea Lu Cafe has been serving up breakfast & lunch for 23 years! Favorite menu choices include 12 specialty omelets, build-your-own breakfast burritos, Belgian waffles w/ fruit, eggs Benedict & homemade corned beef hash. Lunch features homemade chili, fresh made-to-order sandwiches, burgers & wraps. Open daily, 7am-2pm. 428 Forest Ave., Portland, 772-9202.

Bull Feeney’s Authentic Irish pub & restaurant, serving delicious scratch-made sandwiches, steaks, seafood & hearty Irish fare, pouring local craft & premium imported brews, as well as Maine’s most extensive selection of single malt Scotch & Irish whiskies. Live music five nights. Open 7 days 11:30am-1am. Kitchen closes at 10pm weekdays, 11pm weekends. 375 Fore St., Old Port, 773-7210, bullfeeneys.com.

Clementine Restaurant 44 Maine St., Brunswick. Chef-Owner Dana Robicheaw offers the culinary expertise he acquired at Johnson & Wales & other Portland fine dining establishments. Exquisite food & fine wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for a three-course, prix fixe menu for only $25. Tu-Sa 5-9pm. 721-9800, clementinemaine.com.

DiMillo’s On the Water serves the freshest lobster, seafood, Black Angus cuts of beef, Italian fare & more. DiMillo’s offers fabulous views of the water in Portland Harbor from every table, Famous Lobster Rolls, clam chowder, haddock chowder, lobster stew & delicious salads. Serving from 11am. Commercial St., Old Port, 772-2216, dimillos.com.

Eve’s at the Garden takes a fresh and local approach to food. Chef Jeff Landry uses ingredients from Maine’s coastal waters and farms: jumbo scallops, naturally raised pork and beef, sustainably raised fish and shellfish and Maine lobster prepared Mediterranean style. Free dinner valet. Lunch 11:30-2, dinner 5-9:30. 468 Fore St., Portland. 523-2040, portlandharborhotel.com.

Fish Bones American Grill A casual upscale restaurant offering creative American cuisine. Specialties include grilled thin crust flatbreads, unique entrée salads & creative dinner offerings. Located in the heart of Lewiston in the historic Bates Mill complex with off-street parking. Come get hooked! Lunch & dinner Tu-F; dinner only Sa; seasonal brunch Su. 333-3663 fishbonesmaine.com. *

The Good Table “Honest, good food.” Made-from-scratch brunch, lunch & dinner. A well-rounded menu w/choices to please every palate. W/inspired blackboard specials, the kitchen always takes advantage of locally-grown produce & seafood. Full bar w/seasonal cocktails. Seasonal hours.
527 Ocean House Rd., Rte. 77, Cape Elizabeth, 799-4663, thegoodtablerestaurant.net.

Grace A 160-year-old Methodist church engulfed by huge cathedral ceilings & beautiful stained-glass windows. Our eclectic menu & house-infused cocktails provide a perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Reservations are recommended w/ample seating at our circular 30-seat bar, or in our comfortable cocktail lounge. Open Tu-Sa evenings at 5pm. 15 Chestnut St., Portland, 828-4422.

The Great Impasta, a long-standing restaurant located on Maine St., serves Mediterranean-inspired food w/ a concentration on Italian dishes. This restaurant is a favorite of both locals & those from away. Incredible, fragrant aromas from the open kitchen hit you the moment you walk through the door. Vegan & gluten-free menus available. 42 Maine St., historic Brunswick, 729-5858, thegreatimpasta.com.

Hurricane Restaurant Menus change daily to reflect the finest locally grown produce, ingredients, ice cream, and locally caught fresh seafood. Our locally grown staff serves Maine dining the way it should be. Discover our award-winning wine list, house-made pastries, signature cocktails and extraordinary five-star New England Cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. Dock Square, Kennebunkport, 207-967-9111, hurricanerestaurant.com.*

Jacqueline’s Tea Room & Gift Shop Authentic afternoon tea in an exquisite English setting. Over 70  of the finest quality loose-leaf teas to accompany your four-course luncheon of scones, finger sandwiches of all kinds & desserts. Great for intimate conversations & parties. Reservations only (not required for shopping). 10:30am-3pm. Tu-F & alternating weekends. 201 Main St., Freeport, 865-2123, jacquelinestearoom.com.

Jameson Tavern is one of the oldest historic taverns in Maine and is said to be the site of the signing of the papers separating Maine from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Tavern has a bar and dining room and serving seafood, Maine lobster, steaks, pasta, and award-winning clam chowder. Our lobster stew was featured on FoodNation with Bobby Flay as a “fine Maine Restaurant.” 115 Main St., Freeport, 865-4196, jamesontavern.com. *

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

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

Maria’s Restaurant and Catering Neapolitan Italian Cooking at its finest. Maine Sunday Telegram four-star restaurant. Homemade Cavitelli Pasta, think Veal Chops Milanese-Style, Zuppa Di Pesce Fradiavolo, New England’s  best Eggplant Parmigiana, Pistachio Gelato, Italian-Style  Cakes, Neapolitan five-star wine list. Came in and see Tony  and Gregorio; they’ll take excellent care of you. Prices starting  at $10 for entrées. Open Tu–Sa. 337 Cumberland Ave, Portland, 772-9232, 233-9232, mariasrestaurant.com.

Miss Portland Diner, a Portland original. Visit the famous 1949 Worcester diner car serving breakfast all day & homemade diner classics. Beer, wine & liquor. Open daily from 7am-9pm. Located at 140 Marginal Way, Portland, 210-6673, missportlanddiner.com.

One Dock Creative, contemporary New England Cuisine & 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 & a lobster & chipotle cheddar macaroni & cheese, proving to be fan favorites. W-Sa 6-9pm. Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport, 967-2621, onedock.com.

Palace Diner Come in for a unique dining experience in Maine’s oldest diner car, a part of Maine’s history since 1927. Deliciously buttery blueberry pancakes, crisp on the outside. Hash with chunks of tender corned beef, sautéed onions, and red potatoes with perfectly poached eggs. Daily lunchspecials. Hidden on a quiet side street, you won’t be sorry you sought usout. 18 Franklin Street, Biddeford. www.palacedinerme.com

Pat’s Pizza offers a full bar & family dining experience in the heart of Portland’s Historic District. Pat’s offers a full menu of appetizers, entrees, desserts & of course, pizza! We also have a large selection of salads & sandwiches for lunch. Large parties welcome, please call ahead. Located at 30 Market St., Old Port, 699-4455, patspizzaoldport.com.

Pedro’s focuses on simple yet full-flavored Mexican and  Latino food. Offering tacos, burritos and an impressive array of margaritas, sangria, beer and wine. Especiales de la semana (specials of the week) keep the menu varied and fresh and showcase different Latino cultures. Seasonal outdoor dining available. Open daily, 12-10. 181 Port Road, Kennebunk. 967-5544, pedrosmaine.com.

The Pepperclub/Good Egg Café Two favorites, same location! The Pepperclub (“Best Vegetarian” & “Best Value” in Frommer’s Guide to New England) has 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. Pepperclub, daily from 5pm; Good Egg Café, Tu-F 7-11am, Sa-Su 8am-1pm. 78 Middle St., 772-0531, pepperclubrestaurant.com.

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

Rivalries Sports Pub & Grill An upscale sports bar serving creative pub food in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Known for some of Portland’s best casual food, Rivalries’ menu has something for everyone. And with 30+ HD TVs and every major pro and college sports package, you won’t miss a game! Conveniently located in Portland’s Historic Old Port District. 774-6044, rivalriesportland.com.

The Salt Exchange Contemporary “small plate” cuisine using local, organic, & sustainable ingredients. Fresh local fish daily. Full bar with Happy Hour weekdays 5:30-7pm. Open for lunch Tu-Sa 11:30am-3pm & dinner 5:30-9pm, (10pm Fri & Sat). Free Parking in the evening. 245 Commercial St., Portland, 347-5687, thesaltexchange.net. *

Stonyfield Cafe (formerly O’Naturals) serves natural & organic flatbread sandwiches, tossed salads, rice & noodle bowls, soups, kids, meals, organic tart frozen yogurt & Sunday Brunch. Quick service for people on the go…but our leather couches, wireless internet & comfortable atmosphere will entice you to stay. Chicken, roast beef, wild bison meatloaf, wild Alaskan salmon & many vegetarian items–there’s something for everyone. Route1, Falmouth, 781-8889, stonyfieldcafe.com.

Twenty Milk St. U.S.D.A. prime & choice steaks & the freshest seafood, combining award-winning classic American cuisine w/fine wines in a warm & inviting atmosphere. Crab cakes w/lemon shallot mayonnaise, baked escargot, charbroiled chili-lime scallops & sumptuous desserts. Complimentary valet parking. Dinner daily; also breakfast, lunch & brunch. Portland Regency Hotel, 774-4200, theregency.com.

Vaughan Street offers breakfast and lunch. Soups, salads, baked goods, tortilla rollups, traditional sandwiches and our specialty: fresh-baked focaccia sandwiches. Daily we make sandwiches that promise a unique and delicious experience. You’ve gotta try it! Conveniently located across from Maine Medical Center. 235 Vaughan St., Portland, 277-8993, vaughanst.com.

Walter’s Chef Owner Jeff Buerhaus is inspired by global influences. Seasonal menus are accented by creative daily specials. Bar Manager Steven Lovenguths’ extensive wine list and inventive cocktail creations complement menu offerings. Lunch M-Sa 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner seven days a week, 5pm-CL (except Jan-April, closed Sundays). Bar menu 2:30pm-CL. Two Portland Square on Union Street, 871-9258, waltersportland.com.

Yosaku Authentic Japanese culinary experience, designed by owner/chef Sato Takahiro. Premium sushi, sashimi & rolls, plus traditionally cooked Japanese cuisine for the sushi-shy. Best deck dining overlooking our tranquil Japanese garden & waterfall. Lunch M-F 11:30am-2pm, Sa-Su noon-3pm. Dinner 5-9:30pm, F-Sa 5-10:30pm. 1 Danforth St., 780-0880.

*reservations recommended