This Maine Italian Restaurant Is Amazing but You Won’t Find It in Portland

Ever since Portland, Maine, became known as one of the best cities in the country for dining, some excellent restaurants elsewhere in Maine have been overlooked. However, if you look outside the city, you'll find fantastic restaurants with plenty of free parking spaces, so you won't have to pay the costly parking rates in Portland's garages and parking lots.

One of those restaurants is a favorite of mine for so many reasons.

Rose's Italian Restaurant

As you enter North Windham on Route 302 traveling west and look to your left, you'll find Rose's Italian Restaurant which has been around for decades. If you want Italian cuisine, Rose's has got you covered.

The kitchen is in plain view of guests who are dining, so they can get a good look at how the meals are prepared. You can also see the large wood-fired oven which is used to bake their delicious thin-crust pizzas.

A Little Something For Everyone

Rose's has a kid's menu and I bet your kids will order the pizza. They also have more adult dishes like the Shrimp and Scallop Primavera seen being served in the video above. There's also lobster ravioli, Rose's Oso Bucco, Baked Haddock Florentine, Lemon Chicken, and lots of other pasta dishes, one of which is my favorite.

READ MORE: 20 Places in Maine to Get the Best French Fries Ever

The Best Lasagna

The lasagna looks like it's the size of my head, and it is delicious! It's a giant portion that I shouldn't be able to finish, but most of the time, I do and don't regret it one bit.

Rose's takes reservations for parties of six or more, so if you are coming with a large group, they can set up a table for you when you arrive. During the warmer seasons, they also offer outdoor dining and to-go orders, and the full menu is available for takeout.

If you have never been to Rose's, it's worth a visit. You'll love it!