The New York Times Names These 5 Maine Restaurants Among the Best in the US

Maine's food scene continues to get better and better, and locals know just how wicked awesome it is.

From the off-the-beaten-path seafood shacks found along the coast to fine dining establishments in some of the busier cities, there are so many great options for a delicious meal.

In fact, more and more Pine Tree State spots are getting national recognition, including multiple mentions from The New York Times' yearly best restaurant lists. That's a major spotlight for the owners and chefs, but also for those who take pride in calling Maine home.

Let's take a look at five Maine restaurants The New York Times has praised in the past few years.

Cong Tu Bot in Portland, Maine

Cong Tu Bot in Portland made The New York Times Best Restaurant List in 2021.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the restaurant, which focuses on Vietnamese cuisine, first opened in 2017 as a noodle shop before it shifted gears as a breakfast and lunch cafe.

The Times highlights some of Cong Tu Bot's offerings such as "pho ga, bun cha and outstanding pastries like a crumb-topped, neon-green pandan coffee cake," among others.

A recent Yelp review noted: "Great food with so many flavors. Staff was very kind and the restaurant felt comfortable and organized."

Cong Tu Bot is located at 57 Washington Avenue in Portland, Maine.

Leeward in Portland, Maine

Leeward in Portland made The New York Times Best Restaurant List in 2022.

According to its website, the restaurant, which opened in 2020, offers up Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh pasta.

The Times shouts out meals like "conchiglie tossed with sweet Jonah crab, softened tomatoes and chiles and then showered with bread crumbs" and "tomato and zucchini Panzanella," which easily will make you hungry to try.

Leeward even has some James Beard nominations under its belt, including being named a semifinalist in 2024.

Leeward is located at 85 Free Street in Portland, Maine.

Twelve in Portland, Maine

Twelve in Portland was also featured on The New York Times Best Restaurant List in 2022.

According to the waterfront restaurant's website, Twelve, which opened in 2022, offers up modern New England dining with dishes that are fresh and in season.

The Times calls out the house rolls, the whey broth speckled with verdant chive oil served beneath a medallion of monkfish, and the hazelnut creme anglaise in its write-up.

A glowing review of the spot on TripAdvisor noted the top-tier food and service: "What an amazing experience. We sat at the chefs table which was fantastic to observe such a well oiled machine. It was great to watch an incredibly good humoured bunch of professionals. The food was in every way delicious and a visual feast. Service perfect."

Twelve is located at 115 Thames Street in Portland, Maine.

Tinder Hearth in Brooksville, Maine

Tinder Hearth in Brooksville was featured on The New York Times Best Restaurant List in 2023.

The restaurant and bakery, which opened in 2007, serves up delicious pizzas, according to its website.

The Times highlights the brick oven pizza and its toppings, which can include "pork meatballs, chile and garden mint, or confit cherry tomatoes, caramelized onion and ricotta with pops of fresh green coriander and honey."

This off-the-beaten-path restaurant, complete with rustic farmhouse vibe, has scored numerous positive reviews on Yelp, including this recent one: "Crazy delicious food! Always packed. Great service. Great atmosphere. I've never ordered anything that wasn't fabulous. Always have a good time."

Tinder Hearth is located at 1452 Coastal Road in Brooksville, Maine.

The Alna Store in Alna, Maine

Most recently, The Alna Store in Alna was named to The New York Times Best Restaurant List in 2024.

This small-town offering in midcoast Maine focuses on local ingredients and comforting, beautifully prepared meals, according to its website.

The Times nails home that this spot "serves a thoroughly of-the-moment, local menu that’s full of sophisticated touches without being at all pretentious."

This rural gem, which opened in 2022, received a James Beard nomination for best new restaurant in 2024.

The Alna Store is located at 2 Dock Road in Alna, Maine.

READ MORE: Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern Says These 2 Maine Restaurants Serve the Best Lobster Rolls

How many of these restaurants have you tried yet?

It's clear Maine’s culinary talent is getting the national attention it deserves in Portland and beyond. These five restaurants are just a taste of what the Pine Tree State has to offer, too.

If anything, it's just one more reminder that you don’t have to travel too far to eat well.

Makes you wonder what Maine place will find itself on The New York Times' radar next. Maybe it's one of these new ones listed below?