Jeff’s Top 5 Maine Restaurants That Aren’t in Portland

By now, Mainers know that Portland is the restaurant capital of not only the state, but the whole country. The choices for places to eat in Portland are endless, and the rest of the world has taken notice, with Bon Appetit naming it their 2018 Restaurant City of the Year.

However, there are plenty of other places in the state to get great meals while getting away from the tourists. These may not all meet your tastes, but here are my top five restaurants that I'd pick over any in Portland.

5. Ox Pub - Oxford

You'll find the Ox Pub at the Oxford Casino Hotel, and the food is amazing. My favorites are the chicken parm, lollipop chicken wings, and Alfredo. I do need to try the grilled salmon though. It's on my list for next time.

4. Maurice Restaurant Francais - South Paris

Maurice's restaurant has been on Main Street in South Paris for decades, and it can compete with any of the fancy restaurants in Portland. There's something for everyone, from escargots to baked stuffed clams and veal flambe. They even do wine dinners with several courses. This is a gem tucked away in Oxford Hills.

3. Governor's - Lewiston

I go to Governor's for my comfort food fix. They have several locations in Maine, but the Lewiston location is the only one south of Waterville. Guests can enjoy turkey dinners, meatloaf, shepard's pie, and a great kid's menu. You can even watch the model train circle the restaurant as you eat. This is where you go to eat the food grandma used to make.

2. The Gridiron - Lewiston

Gridiron has been a favorite of mine ever since they were opened by Schan and Kim Martin. It's just a fun place to eat, with big screens on every wall and small ones in booths. They serve up pub favorites like steak, ribs, burgers, and some amazing seafood. If you want to watch the game with friends in an almost party-like atmosphere, the Gridiron is the place to go.

1.  Rose's Italian Restaurant -  Windham

I love Italian food, and my absolute favorite place to have it is at Rose's in Windham. Their meat lasagna is to die for. You'll need a box to take it home, because even I have a hard time finishing it all. They have amazing pizza, too, cooked in their brick oven. Everything on the menu is available for carryout if you don't want to wait for a table on a busy night. It's pretty much our go-to restaurant when we go out with friends in Windham.

Got a recommendation for a great restaurant that's not on my list and is not in Portland? I'd love to hear it. Leave it in the comments or on our Facebook page.