Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Maine

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Maine? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

4.9 (1517)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

INDOOR DINING - Reservations accepted up to 30 days out, for 1-8 guests. Large parties cannot be separated into multiple tables. **Indoor reservations cannot be moved outside upon arrival.** Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation/no show fee will apply.
OUTDOOR DINING - Reservations are available DAY OF only for 1-6 guests as our private patio is weather permitting (not dog friendly).
Friday lunch 11:30-4pm. Dinner daily 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays.
Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving an eclectic and seasonally driven menu. A husband and wife duo! A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling.

Top review

Ryan-James

Dined 2 days ago

First bite to last this was a great experience. Service was great and the food delightful.

Magnus on Water

4.9

4.9 (323)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Biddeford

About the restaurant

Magnus on Water is a cocktail bar and restaurant that features Peruvian-inspired comfort food from Chef Rafael Zimmerman. Bar Director Brian Catapang helms the Pinnacle Award winning cocktail program at Magnus, with rotating, seasonal drinks to compliment the big flavors of Raf's food. Sustainability is paramount to us, and we work with farmers & fisherman who are respectful of Mother Earth, while working diligently to minimize waste.

Our space is polished, but still intimate and cozy, and in the summer Magnus on Water has a large outdoor patio, complete with gardens and fire pits. We also have a private dining room for large parties and are available for full or partial event rentals.

Top review

colleen

Dined 3 days ago

Absolutely amazing- service, food, drink- every bit of it was perfection.

David's 388

4.8

4.8 (1428)

$31 to $50

Bistro

South Portland

About the restaurant

From the owner of David's (Portland, ME), 388 is a comfortable and casual neighborhood nook where diners can enjoy a range of bold flavors. Both restaurants share the signature of Chef/Owner David Turin, and David's 388 is built "by the Chef, for the Chef." Every week, David's 388 thrills the palette with new dishes that have both creative and traditional influences spanning the width of the globe. The restaurant seats 42 including seating at a Chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen.

Top review

DeborahVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

It was a very enjoyable date night!! We love David’s.

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Popular dish

Seafood pappardelle GF+

Popular dish

Crème Brulee

Popular dish

Beef carpaccio & crispy polenta GF

Frannys Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1692)

$50 and over

American

Camden

About the restaurant

Open Wednesday-Saturday Opening @ 5 pm
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

kenneth

Dined 6 days ago

We always have a wonderful meal and experience at Franny’s Restaurant in Camden, Maine. That’s why we always return.

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4.8

4.8 (317)

$30 and under

Mexican

Portland

About the restaurant

We are a neighborhood Taco and Margarita bar. We would love to feed you. Located in the middle of Woodfords Corner, tucked away on the Corner of Deering Ave. and Revere St. Our creative tacos and margaritas use the freshest ingredients and we have something on the menu for everyone.

You deserve Tacos.

Top review

Stephen

Dined 2 days ago

Parking was a little difficult with road construction but once found parking great spot! We sat inside and ambiance was vibing with the bar and seating areas. Service was excellent, along with food and drinks. Can’t wait to go again

The Foreside Tavern

4.7

4.7 (363)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Falmouth

About the restaurant

The Foreside Tavern, located in Falmouth, Maine, is a neighborhood restaurant and sports bar where everyone can join over a great meal featuring fine American cuisine along with a few Asian fusion and French-inspired dishes. The chef at Foreside Tavern is dedicated to providing a menu that everyone will enjoy.

For a casual night of watching the game and enjoying a drink, diners can try the Foreside nachos, and deep fried wings. Quick lunches on the Foreside Tavern menu include fish and chips, Classic Reubens and an amazing Cobb Salad. Finally, head in for an elegant dinner with the Hanger Steak, Pan Fried Haddock or Cavatelli.
Curbside Pickup is always an option!

Top review

Terrance

Dined 3 days ago

I need to go more often, because every time I do go I am pleasantly surprised. Good service, good food and good value.

Magissa

4.7

4.7 (106)

$30 and under

Greek

Portland

About the restaurant

A taverna style Greek restaurant combining traditional preparations with local ingredients to create dishes that are authentically Greek and uniquely Portland, Maine.

Top review

Lee

Dined 2 days ago

Great drinks and excellent food. Superb service. The lamb burger special on Mondays was awesome

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Experience

Lamb Burger Mondays

Experience

Souvlaki Fried Chicken Thursdays

Experience

Brunch

McKay's Public House

4.6

4.6 (658)

$31 to $50

American

Bar Harbor

About the restaurant

McKay's Public House serves savory pub fare in a quaint space—complete with a lovely outdoor garden. The menu offers a fine balance of classic American, English, and Irish pub fare in conjunction with fine-dining and casual favorites. Try some of the restaurant's special seafood risotto or spoil yourself with a Maine lobster and bone-in ribeye. McKay's Public House also offers a tidy list of comfort grub, including burgers, fish 'n chips and simple but elegant salads and soups. A popular neighborhood haunt, McKay's is a nice spot for socializing or enjoying a leisurely bite. The dining area includes an intimate bar, where guests can enjoy a drink. McKay's also boast a serene garden and a second-floor dining room that is ideal for quiet conversations. Come find us right in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor!

Top review

Dan

Dined 3 days ago

Don’t let the name dissuade you- they had excellent food, a great atmosphere and attentive service.

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Popular dish

Fish & Chips

Popular dish

Truffled Seafood Risotto

Popular dish

Brussels Sprouts

Little Tap House

4.6

4.6 (406)

$30 and under

Bistro

Portland

About the restaurant

A neighborhood gastropub featuring 14 local beverages on tap and scratch-kitchen fare. Menu features shares, entrees and house-made desserts. Reservations available in our dining room; our bar and high-top area is almost always dedicated to walk-ins. For reservations for seven or more, email us at littletaphouse@gmail.com.

Steps away from popular venues such as the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena, and the State Theater. A welcoming dining experience for locals and visitors-alike!

Top review

Benjamin

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Fantastic beer, food and service. Apps were great. Burger was fantastic. Lobster roll, deviled eggs, steak frites…all great!

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