13 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Maine

Italian food is something you crave, here are some of Maine's finest.

There's nothing quite like Italian food. It's comfort food at its best and Maine has a long-standing history of Italian culture. So, some of the best Italian is in your backyard. Now, truth be told, one New Hampshire restaurant snuck in on the list.

Wait, that's not in Maine

Okay, you caught me. One North Conway staple made its way onto the list - Vito Marcello's Italian Bistro in North Conway, NH. These recommendations all come from Mainers and if you have to cross a border to get to that Italian meal you love, I'm not gonna stop you. I bet if you asked for New Hampshire's favorite Italian spots, a Maine location would pop up too.

Family-owned Maine restaurants with ties to Italy

Most of the best spots have long-established roots in Maine and longer roots that reach Italy. Generations of recipes from Italy are the secret to many of these favorites. When so many restaurants close, some of these places have been around for decades.

Maria's in Portland has been around since the 60s and is now run by the sons of the original owners. When asked about favorite Italian restaurants in Maine, one name always pops up with longing...The Village Cafe. After 71 years, this Maine treasure closed its doors in 2007 due to rising costs and repairs to the old building it occupied.

READ MORE: Locals Remember the Highly-Missed Village Cafe in Portland, Maine

Did your favorite Italian restaurant end up on the list? Let us know if we missed any.