This noodle bar in a repurposed government building in Kittery serves “free-style” Asian fare. Don’t miss the okonomiyaki, pork buns, or ramen fortified by a 14-hour broth made with meat from the butcher next door. Insider’s tip: Pass through the back of Anju into its sister cocktail bar, the Wallingford Dram, for a drink before or after dinner.

Farmhouse brewery Oxbow Brewing’s third location became an instant classic as soon as it opened in the former home of a cross-country ski center. Yeast lovers flock to the outpost in Western Maine for the tasting room’s 15 taps, wood-fired pizzas, and adjacent bottle shop. Perfect for groups of friends and families, the beer garden is a worthwhile destination all year long.

If the young geniuses who run this old-school diner car don’t yet have a key to the city, it’s time. They’re probably Biddeford’s most effective ambassadors: From the pancakes and egg sandwich to the tuna melt and fried chicken, portions are just large enough that you probably shouldn’t finish, but they’re too delicious to set aside. If seats aren’t available, Palace Diner also offers takeout, which can be enjoyed in nearby Mechanics Park overlooking the Saco River.

No visit to Maine is complete without a lobster roll. All of Bite Into Maine’s locations serve some of the best lobster rolls in the state, but the seasonal location at Fort Williams is the most scenic. In addition to five styles of lobster roll, you’ll find chowder, a variety of grilled cheeses, and whoopie pies, plus a beautiful view of the Maine coast.

This neighborhood eatery with a retro diner feel provides a much-needed dining option in Woodfords Corner. A Fore Street alum, chef Courtney Loreg delivers brasserie classics like mussels and fries, an epic cheeseburger, and Maine crab cakes. Classic cocktails from the bar make this spot an off-peninsula destination.

With an ever-changing menu, an impressive drinks program, and fantastic service, Central continues to make waves six years after it started turning heads. At their beautifully renovated Old Port spot, Chris and Paige Gould serve small plates of globally inspired cuisine like smoked halibut dip, a lobster and chorizo roll, and cauliflower-feta agnolotti.

The outdoor dining setup makes this “boutique barbecue” restaurant a worthy destination in Portland’s East End. With a menu of house-smoked meats and dishes with Caribbean flair, Terlingua has something for everyone (including vegetarians). A solid craft beer and tequila selection ties it all together.

Tandem Coffee co-founders Vien Dobui and Jessica Sheahan made waves years ago with their noodle pop-up dinners before opening this casual, brightly colored cafe in 2017. Tucked into a corner of Washington Avenue, the restaurant serves standouts like bun cha, goi cai bap, and pho.

James Beard Award-winning chef Sam Hayward’s spacious restaurant, with its wide-open kitchen and wood-fired hearth, helped put Portland’s dining scene on the national map. Though farm-to-table has become the norm in the area, Hayward was the first in Portland to incorporate ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and foragers. His rustic, seasonal menu changes daily.

Portland restaurant duo Sam Hayward and Dana Street have another success in this waterfront stunner with a classic seafood menu. Chef Fred Eliot adds his signature French touches with specials like head cheese and bone marrow onion soup pies. The dining room’s huge windows offer expansive views of Portland’s working waterfront.

This small bistro on Great Diamond Island provides an escape with its tropical decor and neon flamingo. The menu, designed by longtime Portland chef Jef Wright and owner Alex Wight, features seafood dishes like mussels escabeche, seared scallops, and lobster arancini. To get to the island, take the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Diamond Cove or arrange for a private water taxi.

A local favorite that has received national praise, Long Grain uses the freshest local ingredients to prepare inspired pan-Asian dishes. Chef Ravin Nakjaroen doesn’t disappoint with spicy night market noodle soup, stir-fried ginger chicken, and Maine crab fried rice.

On the so-called quiet side of Mount Desert Island, this waterfront tavern serves a menu of Maine seafood and southern fare. Crab cakes, fried chicken, tender biscuits, and a comically large fried fish sandwich are highlights from Georgia-born chef Ryan Lamon. Beverage options include a full bar, wine, and a wide-ranging selection of canned Maine beers.