dining
Eating out when you are on vacation can sometimes seem like an impossible task, especially when you are in unfamiliar territory. So we’ve made some picks of locally run places from throughout the region that regularly get good reviews and are popular with locals. But don’t simply trust the reviewers; go with your gut and you just might discover your new favorite place.
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains have great places to eat around every turn. You’ll always be able to find exactly what you’re craving; whether it’s iconic Maine lobster with drawn butter, or an espresso coupled with a chocolate croissant. Go upscale and hit a fine dining establishment and indulge in culinary excellence. If casual is more your speed, there are plenty of pubs, steakhouses, and family restaurants. Burgers to filet mignon, pizza to elaborate salads, Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is sure to please every palate.
Below are a few suggestions to get you started on your dining adventure.
A sampling of restaurants & Pubs
SEBAGO LAKES AREA
The Beacon
Raymond
Deck House Tavern
Windham
Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern
Naples
Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg
Sebago
Stockhouse Restaurant & Sandbar Pub
Windham
GREATER BRIDGTON AREA
302 West Smokehouse & Tavern
Fryeburg
Campfire Grille
Bridgton
Ebenezer’s Pub
Lovell
Mack’s Place
Bridgton
Oxford House Inn
Fryeburg
MOUNTAIN TOWNS
Crossroads Diner
Bethel
Hug’s Italian Restaurant
Carrabassett Valley
Le Mu Eats
Bethel
Longfellow’s Restaurant
Kingfield
Loon Lodge Inn & Restaurant
Rangeley
Modern Barn
Bethel
Portage Tap House
Oquossoc
Parkside & Main
Rangeley
Spirits Café Bar & Grill
Rangeley
Steam Mill Brewing
Bethel
Trails End Steakhouse & Tavern
Eustis
White Wolf Inn & Restaurant
Stratton
RIVER VALLEY AREA
Calzolaio
Wilton
Chuck Wagon Restaurant
Livermore Falls
Dutch Treat Ice Cream
Wilton
Homestead
Farmington
La Fleurs
Jay
Thai Smile & Sushi
Farmington
Chamberlain’s Tap & Table
Rumford
Hotel Rumford Restaurant & Bar
Rumford
Gatch’s Food & Spirits
Rumford
The Lure
Rumford
LEWISTON-AUBURN AREA
DaVinici’s Eatery
Lewiston
Fish Bones American Grill
Lewiston
Flux
(James Beard Foundation Chef Award Semifinalist) Lisbon Falls
Mac’s Grill
Auburn
Sonder & Dram
Lewiston
OXFORD HILLS AREA
Café Nomad
Norway
Maurice Restaurant
South Paris
Olde Mill Tavern
Harrison
Oxford Grill & Bar
Oxford
Ways to Adventure
On the trail
hiking
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is filled with spectacular ways to hit the trail. Whether it is remote backcountry hiking, hoofing it up to the summit of Jockey Cap for the views, or just a leisurely walk in the woods, we’ve got a trail for you.
On the trail
Mountain Biking
Though you do not have to be in the mountains to enjoy this sport, the Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region offers the perfect setup for bikers looking for the challenge of single-track.
On the trail
fat Biking
If you love mountain biking and winter, fat biking might be your new favorite sport. Fat bikes use huge, grippy tires that allow riders to take to trails typically used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
On the trail
Nordic Skiing
On a crisp, sparkling winter day, one of the best ways to take in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains snowy landscape is to venture out on cross-country skis.
On the trail
snowshoeing
Snowshoeing enthusiasts have options lots of options here. With over 250-miles of groomed trails across the region
On the trail
ATV Riding
Take on terrain from rocky climbs up a mountain, to smooth cruises through open plains as you explore extensive miles of ATV trails spanning mountains, forests, and meadows.
On the trail
snowmobiling
With over near-endless miles of groomed trails maintained by local riding clubs, you’ll always find new places to explore amid the incredible scenery, fragrant pine forests, and wide-open plains.
Nature and Wildlife
Moose Spotting
You can spot moose throughout most of Maine, but their population is most significant in more secluded areas, including much of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains.
Nature and Wildlife
birding
The forests, fields, and wetlands of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains are the ideal setting to experience the thrill of birdwatching. Many highly coveted species can be found in the area’s boreal forests, including woodpeckers and Bicknell’s Thrush.
Plan Your Trip
Find the resources you need to plan your visit to Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, from our Adventure Guide app and travel guides to local events and maps.
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains offers a variety of resources to help you plan your next visit, including an annual visitor’s guide, stand alone map, and the new Adventure Guide App.
Calendar of Events
Our Event Calendar highlights festivals, concerts, outdoor events, and seasonal celebrations happening year-round across Maine’s Lakes and Mountains.
Adventure Guide App
The App will point the way to all kinds of adventures, experiences and destinations in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains with GPS location maps and alerts.
Visitor's Guide
Our Free Visitor's Guide will help inspire your next adventure along our mountain trails, lakes, scenic byways, bustling towns and more.
Map of the Region
Companion to the Visitor Guide, our dual-sided planning map will help you find your way to adventure in every season throughout the region.