14 Best Italian Spots In Maine You Simply Must Visit
Maine might be famous for lobster rolls and clam chowder, but the Pine Tree State harbors some extraordinary Italian treasures too.
I’ve spent years exploring Maine’s culinary landscape, discovering authentic pasta havens and pizza paradises that rival anything you’d find in Boston or New York.
From Portland’s bustling food scene to hidden gems along the rocky coast, these 14 Italian spots offer flavors that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean without leaving New England.
1. Solo Italiano: Northern Italy’s Soul in Portland
Last summer, I stumbled upon Chef Paolo Laboa’s magical Portland kitchen and haven’t stopped dreaming about it since. The handmade pasta here isn’t just food, it’s poetry on a plate!
Their signature pesto, made with a traditional mortar and pestle, won the World Pesto Championship in Genoa. That’s right, world champions serving you dinner in Maine!
The crudo selections change daily based on what’s fresh from the harbor, and the Neapolitan pizzas emerge perfectly blistered from wood-fired ovens. For a truly spectacular experience, try the trofie al pesto, silky handmade pasta twists that capture sauce in every crevice.
2. Via Vecchia: Old World Charm in Portland’s Old Port
Tucked away on Dana Street, Via Vecchia feels like stepping into a Venetian backstreet. I’ll never forget my first bite of their cicchetti, those delightful little Italian snacks that pair perfectly with conversation.
The atmosphere here absolutely transports you with exposed brick walls, intimate lighting, and a marble bar that beckons for lingering. Their small plates philosophy encourages sharing and sampling, which is exactly how Italian food should be enjoyed.
My personal favorite? The house-made ricotta with local honey and herbs. The creamy cheese melts on warm bread and creates a flavor combination that’s hauntingly simple yet impossible to replicate at home.
3. Isa Bistro: Portland’s Seasonal Italian Marvel
Walking into Isa feels like being welcomed into someone’s stylish yet comfortable home. The James Beard–nominated chef works magic with Maine’s seasonal bounty, creating Italian dishes that honor tradition while embracing New England.
Their eggplant lasagna changed my entire perspective on this classic dish. Layers of paper-thin eggplant replace pasta sheets, creating a light yet satisfying experience that’s completely gluten-free without even trying to be.
The halibut, when in season, comes perfectly seared with whatever vegetables are peaking that week. The dining room’s large windows flood the space with natural light during early dinner service, making those gorgeous plates look even more inviting.
4. Benny’s: Nostalgic Italian-American Comfort in Portland
Remember those family-style Italian restaurants from childhood? Benny’s captures that nostalgia but elevates it with quality ingredients that would make any nonna proud. My birthday dinner here last year featured meatballs that brought tears to my eyes, they were that good!
The chicken parm arrives bubbling hot with house-made marinara that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. What surprised me most was their thoughtful vegetarian options, including a mushroom ‘meatball’ that carnivores regularly order by mistake and still love.
The dining room buzzes with celebration energy. Somehow they’ve mastered the art of feeling special occasion-worthy while still being approachable enough for a random Wednesday dinner.
5. Ribollita: Portland’s Unassuming Italian Treasure
Don’t let the modest exterior fool you, Ribollita houses some of Portland’s most authentic Italian cooking. The first time I tried their gnocchi, I actually closed my eyes to fully absorb the cloud-like texture and brown butter sage sauce.
This laid-back Middle Street spot has zero pretension but 100% heart. The fish dishes shine particularly bright, often featuring local catch prepared with Mediterranean simplicity, good olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
As one Reddit user perfectly put it: “Ribollita is my favorite. It’s pretty low key and old school…” That’s exactly its charm! The small, warm dining room fills quickly with regulars who know they’ve found something special that doesn’t need flashy marketing or trendy decor.
6. Roma Cafe: Congress Street’s Pasta Paradise
Roma Cafe feels like Portland’s best-kept secret, though locals have treasured this intimate Congress Street spot for years. I stumbled in during a rainstorm and found shelter not just from the weather but from ordinary pasta experiences.
Their pumpkin ravioli haunts my dreams, pillowy pockets filled with sweetly savory squash, dressed in brown butter and crispy sage leaves. The legendary Bolognese simmers for hours, developing the kind of depth that can’t be rushed.
What makes Roma special is how the small dining room creates natural conversation between tables. I’ve exchanged restaurant recommendations with neighboring diners and even shared bites of dessert with newfound friends. That’s the true Italian dining experience, food bringing people together.
7. Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Deep-Dish Delights in South Portland
Sometimes you just need that deep-dish pizza experience, and Uno delivers it perfectly in South Portland. My family’s post-shopping mall tradition always includes their signature pie, that buttery, cornmeal-dusted crust holding up layers of cheese and toppings like an edible bowl of happiness.
While technically a chain, this location nails the execution with consistent quality and friendly service. Their thin-crust options surprise many first-timers who only know Uno for deep-dish.
The casual atmosphere makes this spot perfect for families, sports nights, or anytime you want Italian-American classics without fuss. My nephew always orders the same thing, cheese pizza with a side of pasta marinara, proving some comfort foods transcend generations and never lose their appeal.
8. Ports of Italy: Coastal Italian Excellence
With locations in both Boothbay Harbor and Rockport, Ports of Italy brings Mediterranean magic to Maine’s midcoast. Taste of Home named it Maine’s top Italian restaurant in 2019, and after my first visit, I understood why instantly.
The imported branzino arrives tableside whole before being expertly filleted by servers who clearly take pride in the presentation. Owner Sante Calandri brings authentic touches from his Italian homeland, including olive oil from his family’s groves.
House-made pastas change seasonally, but the seafood-forward options particularly shine in these coastal locations. The Rockport spot offers harbor views that complement the coastal Italian menu perfectly. Reservations are essential during summer months when tourists discover what locals have always known.
9. Rustica Cucina Italiana: Rockland’s Handcrafted Haven
Strolling down Rockland’s Main Street last fall, the aroma from Rustica’s kitchen literally stopped me in my tracks. I canceled my other dinner plans on the spot and secured the last available table, a decision I’ve never regretted!
Everything here is scratch-made with reverence for tradition. The pasta dough gets rolled each morning, sauces simmer throughout the day, and desserts are crafted with the same attention as the main courses.
The inviting brick-walled dining room buzzes with conversation and clanking plates. Their carbonara achieves that perfect silky texture without cream, just eggs, cheese, pork and lots of black pepper as tradition demands. Save room for the tiramisu, which strikes the ideal balance between coffee-soaked richness and cloud-like mascarpone.
10. Franny’s Bistro: Camden’s Cozy Italian-American Gem
Franny’s feels like dining in someone’s sophisticated yet welcoming home. The first time I visited, Chef and owner Jennifer Feigenbaum stopped by our table to explain how her grandmother’s recipes influence the menu—that personal touch defines the experience here.
The linguine with locally foraged mushrooms demonstrates how Italian techniques and Maine ingredients create something truly special. Their lamb dishes showcase a perfect marriage of American and Italian culinary traditions.
Camden’s picture-perfect downtown location adds to the charm, making Franny’s ideal for special occasions or elevating an ordinary evening. The dining room only seats about 30 people, creating an intimate atmosphere where every guest feels like a regular. During summer months, scoring a table requires planning ahead.
11. Ada’s Kitchen: Rockland’s Family-Style Italian Heartbeat
Walking into Ada’s Kitchen feels like joining a lively Italian family dinner. My friends and I still talk about the pasta feast we shared last year, enormous platters passed around our table while conversations flowed as freely as the sauce.
Their commitment to local ingredients shines through in seasonal specials. The pizza dough ferments for three days, creating perfect bubbles and char in their wood-fired oven.
What I love most about Ada’s is how they balance authenticity with accessibility. Nothing feels pretentious, yet everything tastes genuinely Italian. The open kitchen concept lets you watch pasta being rolled and pizzas being stretched, adding entertainment to the experience. Their house-made drinks offers the perfect finale to any meal.
12. Nina June: Mediterranean-Italian With Rockport Harbor Views
Chef Sara Jenkins brings serious culinary credentials to this stunning harborside restaurant. Having authored cookbooks and run acclaimed NYC restaurants, she returned to her childhood summer home to create Nina June, and Maine is richer for it.
The farm-to-table ethos perfectly complements Mediterranean-Italian cuisine. Seasonal risottos showcase whatever’s fresh that day, while pasta dishes balance sophistication with soul-satisfying comfort.
I’ll never forget watching the sunset over Rockport Harbor while enjoying their seafood linguine last summer. The patio seating provides one of Maine’s most spectacular dining views. Indoor tables benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the water like living paintings. The restaurant’s name honors Chef Jenkins’ grandmother, and that multigenerational respect for food traditions comes through in every bite.
13. Tinder Hearth: Brooksville’s Pizza Pilgrimage Destination
My journey to Tinder Hearth involved narrow country roads and multiple wrong turns, but the reward was worth every navigational challenge. This bakery-turned-pizza-destination earned its spot on The New York Times’ 50 best U.S. restaurants list through pure, uncompromising quality.
The sourdough pizza crust develops complex flavors during long fermentation, then transforms in the wood-fired brick oven. Toppings celebrate Maine’s agricultural bounty, think foraged mushrooms, local cheeses, and vegetables from neighboring farms.
The rustic setting, a converted farmhouse with communal tables, enhances the experience. Pizza nights operate on a specific schedule, so check before driving out. During summer, diners bring blankets for picnic-style eating on the lawn, creating a magical community atmosphere under Maine’s starry skies.
14. Amato’s: The Birthplace of Maine’s Iconic Italian Sandwich
You can’t discuss Italian food in Maine without mentioning Amato’s, the birthplace of the legendary Maine Italian sandwich. My grandfather introduced me to these iconic sandwiches, and now I’m passing the tradition to my nieces and nephews.
Since 1902, Amato’s has been serving these distinctive creations: soft rolls filled with ham, cheese, fresh vegetables, and their signature sour pickles, all dressed with olive oil. Unlike Italian subs elsewhere, the Maine version has a unique personality all its own.
While they now offer pizzas and other Italian-American classics, the sandwich remains the star. Multiple locations throughout Maine make it easy to grab this portable feast before heading to the beach or mountains. The original Portland shop on India Street maintains its historic charm.