10 Must-Try Maine Restaurants That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
Maine’s food scene is legendary, but enjoying it doesn’t mean spending a fortune.
From lobster rolls that overflow with sweet meat to hearty diner breakfasts that fuel your day, the state offers incredible meals at prices that feel refreshingly fair.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite or a visitor eager to taste authentic Maine flavors, these ten restaurants prove that memorable dining experiences come without the hefty price tag.
1. Becky’s Diner
Portland’s waterfront comes alive at this beloved diner where locals and visitors mingle over plates piled high with comfort food.
Located at 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, this spot has been serving generous portions since it opened its doors.
The menu covers all the breakfast classics – fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, and eggs cooked exactly how you like them – plus lunch and dinner options that satisfy without the sticker shock.
Mornings tend to draw the biggest crowds, especially on weekends when the line can stretch out the door, but the wait moves quickly and the waterfront views make it worthwhile.
The staff keeps coffee cups full and the atmosphere buzzing with friendly energy.
Prices hover in the $10-20 range per person, making it easy to enjoy a filling meal while watching boats drift by in the harbor.
2. Moody’s Diner
Time seems to slow down at this roadside treasure that’s been feeding travelers and locals since 1927.
Situated at 1885 Atlantic Hwy, Waldoboro, ME 04572, the diner maintains its old-school charm with counter seating, cozy booths, and a pie case that stops people in their tracks.
The menu focuses on honest American cooking – meatloaf, pot roast, hearty soups, and breakfast served all day – with most dishes priced under twelve dollars.
What really steals the show is the homemade pie, baked fresh daily in flavors that rotate with the seasons.
The blueberry and walnut pies have earned particular devotion from regulars who plan road trips around a slice and a cup of coffee.
Service feels warm and unhurried, the kind of place where conversation flows easily between strangers at the counter, and nobody rushes you through your meal or judges you for ordering pie before noon.
3. Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro
Plant-based eating reaches new heights at this Thai-inspired bistro where vegetables become the stars of deeply flavorful dishes.
The restaurant sits at 608 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, tucked into Portland’s arts district among galleries and theaters.
Curries arrive fragrant with lemongrass and coconut milk, noodle dishes tangle with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, and everything gets seasoned with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes.
Even devoted meat-eaters find themselves satisfied by the creative menu that proves vegetarian food can be bold and exciting.
Prices range from $20-30 per person, reasonable for the generous portions and quality ingredients.
The atmosphere blends calm and casual, with soft lighting and simple decor that lets the food take center stage.
Lunch specials offer particularly good value, and the staff happily guides diners through spice levels and dietary accommodations with genuine patience and knowledge.
4. Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen
Freeport’s shopping district offers more than outlet stores – it’s also home to a seafood spot that delivers authentic Maine flavors without pretension.
Located at 88 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032, this restaurant sits conveniently near the famous L.L.Bean flagship store, making it an easy stop during a shopping adventure.
The lobster roll has built a loyal following for its generous portion of sweet meat tucked into a buttery, griddled bun.
Beyond lobster, the menu explores other coastal classics like clam chowder, fish and chips, and crab cakes that arrive golden and crispy.
Portions lean toward hearty, ensuring nobody leaves hungry, and prices stay reasonable enough for families to enjoy a proper seafood meal together.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, with casual seating and a pace that accommodates both quick lunches and leisurely dinners.
Service tends to be friendly and efficient, understanding that some guests want to get back to browsing the shops.
5. Silly’s Restaurant
Walking into this Portland gem feels like stepping into a friend’s wildly creative kitchen where anything goes and everything somehow works.
The restaurant occupies 131 Ossipee Trail W, Standish, ME 04084, in a neighborhood spot decorated with vibrant murals, vintage toys, and an energy that’s purely Portland.
The menu wanders fearlessly across cuisines – Thai peanut pizza, Caribbean jerk chicken wraps, loaded nachos, and milkshakes so thick and inventive they qualify as dessert art.
Vegetarians and vegans find plenty of options clearly marked and thoughtfully prepared, not just afterthoughts tacked onto the menu.
Portions are generous, prices stay in the budget-friendly zone, and the whole vibe encourages lingering over your meal and soaking up the funky atmosphere.
Families appreciate the relaxed attitude toward kids, while adults enjoy the creative cocktails and craft beer selection.
Weekend brunch draws particularly devoted crowds who come for the creative egg dishes and those famous milkshakes that blur the line between breakfast and celebration.
6. The Lobster Shack At Two Lights
Perched on rocky ledges where waves crash and spray, this weathered shack delivers the quintessential Maine lobster experience.
You’ll discover it at 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, where two historic lighthouses stand sentinel over the rugged coastline.
Order at the window, grab your number, and claim a picnic table on the rocks to wait for your meal while watching the Atlantic stretch to the horizon.
Whole lobster dinners come with drawn butter, corn on the cob, and coleslaw – simple preparations that let the sweet lobster meat shine.
The setting makes the meal magical, with salt air, seabird calls, and stunning views creating memories that outlast the food itself.
Prices reflect current market rates but remain far more affordable than fancy restaurants offering similar quality.
Bringing cash helps speed things along, and arriving before peak dinner hours means shorter waits and better chances at the prime tables closest to the water’s edge.
7. The Pilot House
Perched along the waterfront, a tiny red building has become a pilgrimage site for fried seafood lovers from across New England.
Standing at ME-9, Kennebunk, ME 04043, this seasonal shack opens when weather permits and closes when supplies run out.
The specialty is whole-belly fried clams – sweet, tender, and encased in a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor underneath.
Lobster rolls also earn rave reviews, served either with mayo or warm butter depending on your preference.
There’s no indoor seating, just a handful of picnic tables and the option to eat standing up while watching boats navigate the narrow waterway below.
Lines form quickly during peak summer hours, but they move steadily as the efficient crew works through orders.
Prices remain reasonable considering the prime location and quality, making it possible to enjoy a proper Maine seafood feast without the country club prices charged at fancier Kennebunkport establishments nearby.
8. Dysart’s Restaurant
This sprawling truck stop restaurant proves that some of Maine’s best food happens at places travelers might initially overlook.
Located at 530 Coldbrook Rd, Hermon, ME 04401, the restaurant operates twenty-four hours a day, serving everyone from long-haul truckers to families on road trips.
The menu is massive, covering breakfast all day, hearty sandwiches, comfort food dinners, and a bakery case filled with pies, muffins, and cookies baked on-site.
Portions lean toward generous – this is a place that understands hunger – and prices stay remarkably low for the quality and quantity.
The atmosphere buzzes with activity at all hours, creating a uniquely democratic dining space where business travelers sit beside construction workers and vacationing families.
Service is brisk and friendly, with servers who’ve mastered the art of keeping coffee cups full while navigating a packed dining room.
The truck stop location also means clean restrooms, fuel, and a convenience store for road trip necessities all in one efficient stop.
9. Bagel Central
Bangor mornings start right at this bustling bagel shop where the smell of fresh-baked dough greets customers before they even reach the door.
The shop operates at 33 Central St, Bangor, ME 04401, in a convenient downtown location that catches both the breakfast rush and the lunch crowd.
Bagels come in traditional and creative flavors, all boiled and baked properly to achieve that perfect chewy texture with a golden crust.
The sandwich menu builds on that foundation with eggs, bacon, smoked salmon, and creative vegetarian combinations that work equally well for breakfast or lunch.
Prices stay wonderfully affordable – it’s entirely possible to get a satisfying breakfast sandwich and coffee without spending more than ten dollars.
The atmosphere is casual and quick-moving, ideal for grabbing food to go or settling into one of the small tables with a newspaper and a second cup of coffee.
Local students, downtown workers, and travelers all converge here, creating a morning energy that feels authentically Maine – friendly, efficient, and refreshingly unpretentious.
10. Red’s Eats
A tiny red shack in Wiscasset has earned a massive reputation for one thing: lobster rolls that barely contain all the sweet, tender meat stuffed inside.
You’ll find this iconic spot at 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578, where the line often snakes down the sidewalk during peak season.
What makes the wait bearable is knowing that each roll arrives absolutely loaded – no skimping here – with nothing but lobster, a light coating of mayo or butter, and a perfectly toasted bun.
The outdoor seating area overlooks the water, creating a quintessential Maine moment as seagulls circle overhead and boats bob nearby.
Prices fall in the $30-50 range, which might seem steep until you see the portion size.
Visiting on a weekday or arriving early can help avoid the longest waits, and the experience captures everything wonderful about Maine’s seafood culture in one unforgettable sandwich.
