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

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

Barnacle Billy’s, known for luxury lobster, steamed clams, large lusty drinks, barbecued chicken, homemade clam chowder & of course, the lobster roll & lobster stew. Features an extensive indoor & sundeck seating where guests can enjoy both the beauty of the harbor & the ocean beyond. Perkins Cove. barnbilly.com, 646-5575

Beale St. Barbeque Eclectic American cuisine The best hardwood-smoked & grilled meats, poultry, fish & seafood, as well as tasty appetizers, specialty sandwiches, salads & creative daily lunch & dinner specials. Full bar w/ Maine microbrews on tap. No reservations needed, children welcome. Open all day, every day. 725 Broadway, S. Ptld. mainebbq.com, 767-0130

BiBo’s Madd Apple Café is located at 23 Forest Avenue, Ptld, 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 W-F 11:30-2, brunch Sa & Su 11-2 & dinner W-Sa 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 fried, grilled, broiled, stuffed, or over pasta. The chowders are all homemade & the lobster rolls have been featured in Bon Appétit. 216 Mile Road in Wells & surrounded by the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. billyschowderhouse.com, 646-7558

The Black Tie Market & Bistro will satisfy anyone’s craving for great food served with 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! theblacktieco.com, 756-6230

Boda “Very Thai” kitchen & lounge. Delicious selections of Thai home-style entrees, street-vendor inspired grilled skewers & tapas & a full bar. Late-night menu served until 1 a.m. Open Tu-Su from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. 671 Congress St. in Ptld, parking avail, vegetarian options avail, no reservations. Come experience an eating culture of Thailand! 347-7557

Brea Lu Cafe has been serving up breakfast & lunch for 22 years! Favorite menu choices include 12 specialty omelets, build-your-own breakfast burritos, Belgian waffles with fruit, eggs Benedict & homemade corned beef hash. Lunch features homemade chili & fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, burgers & wraps. Open daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 428 Forest Avenue, Ptld. 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, 11:30 a.m. - 1 a.m. Kitchen closes at 10 p.m. weekdays, 11 p.m. weekends. 375 Fore in the Old Port, 773-7210, bullfeeneys.com

Clementine Restaurant 44 Maine St. in 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 multi-course tasting menu for parties of two: $45/person or $60/person with paired wines. Tu-Su 5-9 p.m. 721-9800, clementinemaine.com

DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant Freshest lobster, seafood, Black Angus cuts of beef, Italian fare & more. Commercial St. in the Old Port, DiMillo’s offers fabulous water views of Ptld Harbor from every table. Famous clam or haddock chowder, lobster stew, or delicious salads. Serving from 11 a.m. Famous Lobster Roll. dimillos.com or call 772-2216.

The Dogfish Bar & Grille, 128 Free St., 772-5483, and The Dogfish Cafe, 953 Congress St., Ptld, 253-5400. “Great food, drink & service in a casual & unpretentious atmosphere.” The Cafe (M-Sa lunch & dinner & Su Brunch) offers a more intimate setting while the Bar & Grille (open daily at 11:30 a.m.) offers live music W-Sa nights. Real local feel, reasonable prices & great food. thedogfishcompany.com

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

Fish Bones American Grill Casual upscale restaurant offering American cuisine with a multi-national flair. Techniques include light grilling, sautéing & use of homemade food paints to further enhance our plated creations. Located in the heart of Lewiston in the historic Bates Mill complex. Dinner Tu through Sat & Su brunch. Come get hooked! fishbonesmaine.com, 333-3663 *

G & R DiMillo’s Bayside 118 Preble St., Ptld. You’ll find a comfortable sports bar with excellent food! Catch the season’s most exciting games on multiple wide screen flat panel TVs. W/ homemade pasta & bread, classic appetizers, soups, sandwiches, burgers; & homemade, hand-tossed dough for fantastic pizza. M–Sa 11 a.m.-11.p.m., Su noon-8 p.m. grdimillos.com, 699-5959

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

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. Located at 15 Chestnut St., Ptld, we are open Tu–Sa evenings at 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended with ample seating at our circular 30-seat bar or in our comfortable cocktail lounge. 828-4422

The Great Impasta, long-standing restaurant located on Maine St., serves Mediterranean-inspired food with 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

Great Lost Bear, 540 Forest Avenue in the Woodfords area of Portland. A full bar with 70 beer taps w/ Maine & American Craft breweries & a large Belgian selection. Menu features salads, burgers, a large vegetarian selection & 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

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. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tu-F & alternating weekends. 201 Main St., Freeport. Reservations only (not required for shopping). 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 St., Freeport. 865-4196 *

JP Thornton’s Bar & Grille 740 Broadway, S. Ptld, offers upscale, fresh cuisine in a casual pub setting. Known in the Ptld 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 with a great selection of microbrews & specialty cocktails. 799-3100

KON Asian Bistro & Hibachi Bar Inspired by the senses. Décor & music invigorate the international essence of taking you to a different land. F–Su 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 Ave, Ptld. konasianbistro.com, 874-0000

Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll is coming to Ptld! The new location on Exchange St. will include the sweetest Maine lobster with the company of a full-service bar. Using a ¼ pound of Maine lobster fresh from her own wharves & adding her special mix of herbs earns it the right to be called “Perfect.” lindabeansperfectmaine.com

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

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants & Watering Hole! At 242 St. John St., Union Station Plaza, 874-6444 & 11 Brown St. near the Civic Center in Ptld, Lewiston, Augusta, Orono & Portsmouth. Always free hot chips & salsa, legendary margaritas & the house specialty, the sizzling fajita. Happy hour M-F, 4-7 p.m., free hot appetizers. 774-9398.

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

Miss Portland Diner A Portland original. Visit the famous 1949 Worcester diner car serving breakfast all day & homemade diner
classics. Open daily from 7am to 9pm. Beer, wine & liquor. Located at 140 Marginal Way in Ptld. missportlanddiner.com, 207-210-6673

Mousse Cafe & Bakeshop Monument Square. Breakfast & lunch all day & a weekend brunch. Casual atmosphere with a full bakery, homemade ice cream & outside dining on the patio. Favorites include huevos rancheros, eggs benedict, scones, herb focaccia paninis & award-winning turkey meatloaf sandwich. Open M-F 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sa 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; & Su 9 a.m.-2 p.m. One Monument Way, Ptld,
822-9955 moussecafebakeshop.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 & the lobster & chipotle cheddar macaroni & cheese, proving to be fan favorites. W-Sa 6-9 p.m. 967-2621 onedock.com

Pats Pizza Old Port offers a full bar & family dining experience in the heart of Ptld’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. patspizzaoldport.com, 699-4455

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, incl. 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 St. pepperclubrestaurant.com, 772-0531

Pier 77 & The Ramp Bar & Grill are owned & managed by Kate & Chef Peter Morency. Pier 77 has a formal dining room with stunning views of Cape Porpoise Harbor & 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 & Sushi Bar at 571 Congress St. in Ptld, 772-7999, voted “The Best of Portland ‘09” by Phoenix readers. W/ vegetarian, wheat-free, kid’s menu, made-to-order noodle soup, and $1 sushi every M & Tu. Also in S. Ptld: Pom’s Thai Restaurant at 209 Western Avenue, 347-3000, & 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 & full bar. Trivia Mon, Open Mic Tues & live music Thurs. 571-9648, therunofthemill.net

Saeng Thai House Authentic Thai food. With an upbeat tempo & tantalizing dishes, zesty flavor awaits you. Entrees include crispy noodle pad Thai, house specialty seafood choo chee, pad Thai, ginger fish, Sushi & much more. Eat in, take out or delivery available. 267 St. John St. in Ptld, 773-8988, Saeng Thai House 2 at 921 Congress St., 780-0900.

The Salt Exchange American-style tapas, local, organic & sustainable ingredients. Extensive beer & wine list. Wine tastings Wed 5-6:30 p.m. include complimentary canapés. Open for lunch T-Sa 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. & dinner 5:30-9 p.m. (F-Sa, until 10 p.m.) Lounge open Tu-Sa11:30 till close. 245 Commercial St., Ptld. thesaltexchange.net, 347-5687

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

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 entice you to stay. Chicken, roast beef, wild bison meatloaf, wild Alaskan salmon, many vegetarian items–something for everyone. Falmouth, 781-8889, stonyfieldcafe.com

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

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

Walter’s One of Maine’s most popular restaurants. Chef/owner Jeff Buerhaus is inspired by global influences. Seasonal menus are accented by creative daily specials. Extensive wine list & inventive cocktail creations complement menu offerings. M-Sa: lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m., bar menu 2:30 p.m.-midnight. Su: brunch 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 2 Ptld Square. waltersportland.com, 871-9258

Wells Beach Steakhouse & T-Bone Lounge serves prime & all-natural steaks, fresh seafood & delicious salads, w/ 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, 1 Danforth St. Authentic Japanese culinary experience, designed by owner Sato Takahiro & chef Matsuyama Masahiro. Premium sushi, sashimi & rolls, incl. Yosaku, Ptld Pirates & traditional cooked Japanese cuisine for the sushi-shy. Enjoy a bento box beside a tranquil Japanese waterfall. Lunch: M-Fr11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sa-Su noon-3 p.m. Dinner: 5-9:30 p.m., F-Sat 5-10:30 p.m. 780-0880

*reservations recommended