We are, without question, a state fiercely loyal to our traditions. Case in point: Whether you actually like the taste of Moxie or not, you probably are still going to defend the stuff. You might even shake up a cheeky summer party cocktail in honor of it. And it’s exactly that past-is-prologue pluck—that dovetailing of history and innovation—that manifests itself in the very best of what Maine has to offer every year—and is also exactly what makes discovering all of it such a joy.
In selecting this year’s picks, we’re spotlighting some entirely new categories (see: all-day eateries and arts venues), and lauding still-worthy giants alongside mighty newcomers and gutsy revivals giving even their former selves (or merely tradition) a run for their money. Which is, one could argue, the definition of real moxie.
Eat/Drink
General Excellence
This is it: The ne plus ultra of dining accolades we offer. That means we require the whole package: impeccable but unpretentious service from beginning to end; an original and utterly delicious menu; a wine and spirits program that inspires; and an environment designed to delight in every detail.
- FORE STREET
- PRIMO
- SLATE
- TWELVE
- WHITE BARN INN
New Restaurant
A sexy French boîte that’ll knock your chaussettes off. A historic island landmark with a chefs-in-residence program. An izakaya run by an impossibly cool culinary family. Buckle up for the latest Maine entries.
- AOMORI
- THE ARK
- ELIZABETH
- LADYFISH
- THE ROOTING PIG
Fine Seafood
Our ocean, rivers, and lakes yield some of the cleanest and most succulent seafood in the world, and these kitchens take those flavors to soaring heights—from rich lobster ravioli and smoked mussels to roast oysters with bone marrow.
- 18 CENTRAL
- ARAGOSTA
- NATALIE’S
- SCALES
- STREET AND CO.
Al Fresco Dining
From awe-inspiring harborside patios to serene farmland gazebos, these settings (excluding seafood shacks—a category unto itself, coming later) are as delicious as the menus.
- THE CAUSEWAY
- CROWN JEWEL
- DAHLIA’S
- NINA JUNE
- THE WELL AT JORDAN’S FARM
Bar/Lounge
By all means, let’s raise a glass to the explosion of top-shelf watering holes across Maine. Our top five picks are disparate in character but share a few key traits: a creative cocktail program, a unique atmosphere, and a commitment to community.(Oh, and a lively happy hour didn’t hurt.)
- FIVE OF CLUBS
- THE JEWEL BOX
- LEMON BAR
- MISTER’S PUB
- PAPI
All-Day Eatery
A national (and oh-so practical) trend that’s been heartily embraced locally, the breakfast-through-dinner restaurant was actually predated by classic diners everywhere—as well as by some fantastic Portland staples.
- THE ABBEY
- BREAD & FRIENDS
- CENTRAL PROVISIONS
- EVENTIDE OYSTER CO.
- LENORA
Casual
We made a Venn diagram of establishments that are cool, relaxed, family-friendly, reasonably priced, good for date nights, and serve insanely great food. In Maine, that meant at least 100 places. So we argued endlessly, and finally (finally) came up with these five gems.
- FON’S KITCHEN
- IZAKAYA MINATO
- LEEWARD
- SAMMY’S DELUXE
- WAYSIDE TAVERN
Seafood Shack
Yup, we know. This category will never be completely agreed upon—at least not in Maine, where our deluge of glorious temples to fried sea critters is an endless source of pride—and also personal bias. So for this year, at least, here are the top five.
- BAGADUCE LUNCH
- CHAUNCEY CREEK LOBSTER PIER
- MCLAUGHLIN’S LOBSTER SHACK
- MCLOON’S LOBSTER SHACK
- THE LOBSTER SHACK ATTWO LIGHTS
Pizza
Crackly crust vs. puffy. High-char vs. gooey and bubbly. Even triangular vs. rectangular. The highest-quality pies around here are the subject of much debate (and the object of much affection) among za lovers. These five never let us down.
- IL LEONE
- MONTE’S FINE FOODS
- OXBOW BEER GARDEN
- PENG’S PIZZA PIES
- TINDER HEARTH
Breakfast/Brunch
The world’s best wild blueberries in everything? Count on them. Deep-flavored real maple syrup? It’s just to your left. But beyond those heroic staples you’ll find morning delights veering from shiitake congee with chestnut confit to grilled, sweet banana bread, glistening with browned butter and salt.
- THE ALNA STORE
- OCOTILLO
- PALACE DINER
- UGLY DUCKLING
- WOODFORD FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bakery
So many sublime carbs churned out every day in Maine, so few elastic waistbands. In choosing the best, we were partial to those that marry artistic and structural European pastry tradition with a boisterous swipe of big global flavors and joyful sweetness.
- BELLEVILLE
- LITTLE NOTCH BAKERY
- NORIMOTO BAKERY
- RITUAL BAKEHOUSE AND PATISSERIE
- STANDARD BAKING CO.
Specialty Food Shop
Much of the rest of the country—nay, the globe—recognizes the vision of Maine’s food artisans, farmers, and fisherfolk. But our ability to access it all on neighborhood shelves, cleverly curated by shopkeepers with equal vision, is a lucky double whammy.
- BLUE HILL WINE SHOP
- MORSE’S SAUERKRAUT
- NIBBLESFORD
- ONGGI
- SISSLE & DAUGHTERS
SHOPPING
Interior Design Store
Like any beautiful home, it’s the mix of elements that matters. In this category, these standouts offer a wide variety of exceptional furnishings and accessories along with inspired and highly professional design services.
- HOME REMEDIES
- HURLBUTT DESIGNS
- LE MARCHANDE
- MÉLANGE HOME
- RUSTICATOR
Home Good Shop
Uniformly impressing the staff of a home design glossy with a selection of home products is no small feat, but when it comes to these boutiques—where discoveries range from the discerning to the delightful—consider us hooked.
- FITZ & BENNETT HOME
- NEST
- THE POST SUPPLY
- VIAND MERCANTILE
- WIDENER & CO.
Antique Shop
Treasure hunting is a time-honored art form in these parts, thanks to Maine’s myriad old estates and the treasures they routinely yield. When we’re looking to unearth a gem or two, these five are excellent bets.
- ART OF ANTIQUING
- BIG CHICKEN BARN
- BONNIE READ
- CORNISH TRADING CO.
- MARSTON HOUSE
Gift Shop
Some people are known as natural-born gift givers. Usually, their secret is simply knowing exactly where to shop—where the curation has already been done for them. We won’t tell if you don’t
- BLACK PARROT
- EMBER
- HANDWORKS GALLERY
- PMA STORE AT PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART
- SWALLOWFIELD
Bookstore
Maine’s historic independence is rearing its head more than ever in the bookstore realm lately—not only are our old favorites holding strong, but new entries and fringe favorites are bringing strong ideas and communities together.
- ARCTIC TERN BOOKS
- BACK COVE BOOKS
- BARNSWALLOW BOOKS
- COMPASS ROSE BOOKS
- OCTOPUS BOOKSTORE
Garden Center
Beyond peddling exquisite plants, these greenhouses make gardening a delight for green and brown thumbs alike—dispensing priceless horticultural wisdom and stocking their boutiques with irresistible accessories, from hand-thrown pots and artsy wind chimes to birding paraphernalia.
- ESTABROOKS
- LONGFELLOW’S GREENHOUSE
- MAINESCAPE NURSERY AND GARDEN CENTER
- O’DONAL’S NURSERY
- SNUG HARBOR FARM
EVERYTHING ELSE
Arts Space/Venue
Maine has supported its artists and their exhibitions for ages (even the Center for Maine Contemporary Art has been around since 1952). Now, creatives are gaining access to more spaces that blend theater, dance, film, and live music.
- CHOCOLATE CHURCH ARTS CENTER
- KINONIK
- MAYO STREET ARTS
- MEETINGHOUSE ARTS
- SPACE GALLERY
Spa
Let’s be real: sometimes even being in Vacationland isn’t enough. A few hours off (even from, yes, a vacation) can be crucial. And these exemplary day spas have entered the luxury-laden wellness conversation.
- ABURA
- ADELINE
- ASTRAEA WELLNESS SPA
- NINE STONES SPA
- TREE SPA AT HIDDEN POND
