Maine Best Restaurants 2010
Best Thin-Crust Pizza
GRISSINI TRATTORIA, Kennebunk
The crispy pies emerging from the wood-burning ovens here deliver big flavors without gobs of cheese. They’re delicate yet bold, familiar yet creative. The pancetta is topped with tomato sauce, smoked bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese. 27 Western Ave. 207-967-2211; restaurantgrissini.com
Best Vegetarian Dining
GREEN ELEPHANT, Portland
There’s barely a shred of real meat or cheese on the Asian-inspired menu, but with the wild and intriguing infusion of flavors, you shouldn’t miss them. Begin with the green-leaves wrap with mango, herbs, and tamarind dipping sauce, or perhaps the king-oyster mushroom tempura; then move on to pineapple brown rice, a watercress veggie-duck, or “Siamese Dream” curry noodle. 608 Congress St. 207-347-3111; greenelephantmaine.com
Best Taste of Europe
MORSE’S ‘KRAUT HAUS, North Waldoboro
What began in 1918 as a business selling farm-fresh sauerkraut has morphed into a cafe serving Old World favorites and comfort foods (such as pierogi, sauerbraten, borscht, and blintzes), plus a market jam-packed with hard-to-find European meats, cheeses, and specialty foods, local artisanal breads, and Morse’s own products. 3856 Washington Road (Route 220). 866-832-5569, 207-832-5569; morsessauerkraut.com
Best Feel-Good Chocolate
SAFE HARBOR CONFECTIONS, Waldoboro
The company donates 5 percent of gross income to animal-welfare causes. Its raspberry- and wild-blueberry-filled chocolates, salt caramels, and other flavors are found in stores statewide. 207-832-6026; safeharborconfections.com
Best Place To Un-Wine-D
IN GOOD COMPANY, Rockland
Equal parts chic and cozy, friendly and comfy, it’s a must for wine aficionados and tapas fiends. Chef/owner Melody Wolfertz stages a one-woman show in the open kitchen, preparing small and large plates and desserts to ease conversation from evening into the night. 415 Main St. 207-593-9110; ingoodcompanymaine.com
Best Tapas & Brew
THREE TIDES, LB, MARSHALL WHARF BREWING CO., Belfast
Snag a seat on harborfront deck, order from Three Tides’ tapas menu or a lobster from its pound and accompany it with Marshall’s ales and beers. Afterwards, work it all off with some bocce ball. 2 Pinchy Lane, Marshall Wharf. 207-338-1707; 3tides.com
Best Place to Call It a Wrap
BAY WRAP, Belfast
Intriguing possibilities, such as an Asian-influenced samurai salmon, go far beyond the usual meat-and-veggie wraps. Don’t miss the baked goods and John’s homemade ice cream. 20 Beaver St. 207-338-9757; baywrap.com
Best Breakfast with a View
LOOKING GLASS RESTAURANT, Bar Harbor
Even if you didn’t rise to catch the real event, you can feast on the classic “Cadillac Sunrise” (two eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries, toast), along with panoramic views over Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands from the glass-walled almost-hilltop restaurant at the Wonder View Inn. 50 Eden St. 207-288-3358; wonderviewinn.com
Best !Ole!
THE MEXICAN RESTAURANT, Hancock
Everything’s authentic and made from scratch at this unpretentious spot run by three generations of Central American immigrants. Go hungry: The portions are big, the prices low, and homemade tortilla chips are addictive. 1166 Route 1. 207-422-6200
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