5 Amazing Restaurants in the Oxford Hills That Are as Good as Any in Portland, Maine

The City of Portland, Maine, has been put on the national map for its large number of excellent restaurants. There's a lot to love in Portland when it comes to dining, but eating in Maine's largest city comes with its headaches.

If you aren't familiar with Portland, it can be hard to get around and get a table during the summer months when tourists flood the city. There's also the problem of parking. Portland is a ridiculously expensive place to park. Lots and garages will cost you some big bucks depending on how long you stay for dinner.

However, there are many great restaurants in the area I grew up in, the Oxford Hills. The towns of Norway, South Paris, Oxford, and Harrison all have favorites of mine that are as good if not better than any you'll find in Portland, and the parking is free. Here's the list:

Maurice Restaurant

Maurice Restaurant has been in South Paris for as long as I can remember, serving delicious French cuisine in the cozy atmosphere of a former home. You kind of feel like you're sitting down in the family dining room to eat. If you plan to go, make sure you make a reservation by calling them at 207-743-2532.

X Vault Pub & Provisions

X-Vault in Market Square in South Paris gets its name because it's the former Maine Savings Bank location, which just so happens to be where my grandmother worked back in the '70s and '80s. The vault is still there, and the food is delicious, with a little bit of something for everyone.

290 Maine Street

290 Maine Street is the name of this Norway restaurant and pub, and also its address if you drop the E in Maine. If you like live music, you'll find it here with a lot of great beer and great food like this chicken fettuccine in a vodka sauce.

Oxbow Beer Garden

Oxbow has three locations, but the one that I visit is Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford. Not only do they serve great pizza, but you can cross-country ski or snowshoe right next door for free and then relax and have dinner. You'll never get that in Portland.

Olde Mill Tavern

The Olde Mill Tavern is another place to hear live music and get great food. The restaurant has been on Main Street in Harrison since before my time in one form or another, and is currently for sale. The owners are taking their time though to find the right buyer to keep the Old Mill Tavern the spot that everyone in the area loves to dine at.

There are plenty of other restaurants in the Oxford Hills that you'll enjoy, so take a trip to see for yourself! There's always free parking.