There's been a remarkable transformation in Greater Portland since the turn of the century.

What was once a fine coastal destination has evolved into one of the East Coast's premier tourism hubs, thanks to its outstanding hotels, thriving shopping districts, countless attractions, and vibrant culture.

But above all else, it's the food scene that continues to steal the spotlight—and somehow, it just keeps getting better.

But what about the rest of the state? Shouldn't it be garnering similar respect? Of course it should.

How Great is the Food Scene Across the State of Maine?

We love spending countless hours discussing and dissecting every detail of the Maine restaurant scene. Whether it's Central Maine, Bar Harbor, the Midcoast, the Western Foothills, or the Southern Coast, this state is an absolute gold mine.

Oxbow Beer Garden via Facebook
Oxbow Beer Garden via Facebook
Oxbow Beer Garden via Facebook

So, with summer in full swing, I thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of the state’s best restaurants outside of Greater Portland for outdoor seating—the spots that not only serve great food but also offer beautiful views of Maine’s charming towns and stunning landscapes.

Outdoor dining has absolutely blown up in Maine since 2020, with countless restaurants making use of any available outside space. It’s been a huge hit with both locals and tourists.

We put out the call for the joints Mainers say have the best outdoor dining away from Greater Portland—the restaurants that help shape a community and keep our stomachs full.

The Dolphin Marina via Facebook
The Dolphin Marina via Facebook
The Dolphin Marina via Facebook

Now, thanks to our stations' social media, we can finally put some names to those establishments.

What are the Best Maine Restaurants for Outdoor Dining Outside of Greater Portland?

Below is a list of many of the restaurants that were suggested to us. They vary in size, concept, and location. Some have opened recently, while others have been community staples for years. But they’re all true Maine originals and not in Greater Portland.

READ MOREThis Portland Taco Joint Was Just Named the Best in Maine

You can check out the full list below. Hope you’re hungry—I know I am.

20 Maine Restaurants with the Best Outdoor Dining Outside of Greater Portland

Thanks to our great listeners we were able to compile a list of many of Maine's restaurants with the best outdoor dining outside of Greater Portland.

These great spots can be found across the state and waiting for you to give them a try.

How many have you been to? How many would you like to try for the first time?

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

LOOK: 20 Discontinued McDonald's Menu Items You'll Never See Again

Discontinued McDonald's items tell the story of eight decades of quiet experiments, from a pizza that took too long to cook to a lobster roll that never made financial sense. Some disappeared overnight with no explanation, others were cut to streamline operations, and a few became cultural phenomena long after they were gone.

Gallery Credit: Stacker